Cough Medicine

Cough medicine is a drug used in the treatment and relief of a cough. The medication is produced in suspension, tablet, or topical form and contains ingredients specific to the ailment it is designed to treat; antitussives may be used for a constant dry cough, while expectorants are used for heavy, phlegm producing coughs. Cough medicines are available through prescription and over the counter, where there are a variety of brands to choose from.http://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/cold-guide/cough-syrup-cough-medicine

It is generally recommended that a cough produced from a cold should not be treated with cough medicine, as coughing up mucus can help in keeping the lungs clear. If an individual is experiencing symptoms of a cough or related illness, they should seek professional medical assistance before beginning treatment with any medication, to ensure there are not more serious conditions.http://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/cold-guide/cough-syrup-cough-medicine

Antitussives

Dextromethorphan (DM) is an antitussives drug commonly found in cough medicines. It does not have any pain relieving properties, and generally is used to treat dry cough. Antitussives relieve the cough by blocking the cough reflex.http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/otc-center/otc-medicines/858.html

Expectorants

An expectorant is a mucolytic agent used in cough medicines to thin mucus. It works by lowering the viscosity of the mucus by hydrolyzing glycosaminoglycans. An expectorant acts to clear mucus from throughout the respiratory tract.http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=24354

Topical

Camphor and menthol are the two most commonly used topical cough treatments. These anesthetic agents are rubbed over the chest and throat. The vapors of the ointments relieve the severity of the cough and help to clear congestion.http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-menthol.htm

Narcotic

Narcotic cough medicines are typically used to relieve symptoms of a cough and to relieve pain associated with the cough. Codeine is a narcotic that is commonly added to syrups to relieve pains from a cough. Cough syrup with codeine is available through prescription only.http://www.ehow.com/about_4810410_narcotics-cough-medicine.html

Extreme caution should be taken when administering cough medicine to children. It is hazardous for children to take more than the suggested dosage. On August 15, 2007, the Food and Drug Administration in the United States began to reevaluate the safety of cough medicine in children.FDA: Public Health Advisory... (August 15, 2007)

Both over the counter and prescription cough medications have been known to interact with Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors and Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors. If an individual is taking an MAOI or SSRI, it is strongly recommended that they speak with their doctor before taking any cough medicine to prevent dangerous drug interactions.

The content on this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please contact your doctor before taking any product containing cough medicine.