antitussive

An antitussive turns down the urge to cough. Coughing is a reflex controlled by a centre in the brainstem; an antitussive quietens that reflex so a dry, tickly cough that serves no useful purpose stops interrupting sleep and daily life.

Many centrally acting antitussives are mild opioids that suppress the cough centre. Codeine and dihydrocodeine do this but bring opioid drawbacks; dextromethorphan suppresses cough through related central pathways with much less abuse potential at normal doses. Other approaches act more peripherally, soothing irritated airway sensors. Soothing demulcents like simple linctus or honey also blunt a tickly cough and are first choices in children.

The key judgement is whether the cough should be suppressed at all. A productive cough clearing mucus from a chest infection is protective and should usually be left alone; antitussives suit a dry, non-productive cough. Codeine-type agents are not recommended in young children, and any persistent cough — especially with fever, breathlessness, weight loss or blood — needs proper assessment rather than continued suppression.