Opioid antitussives

Definition

Opioid antitussives are medications derived from opioids used to suppress coughing. They act on the central nervous system to reduce the cough reflex.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Opioid antitussives work by depressing the cough center in the medulla oblongata of the brain.
2. Common examples include codeine and hydrocodone.
3. These drugs are often prescribed for severe, non-productive coughs that interfere with sleep or daily activities.
4. Potential side effects include drowsiness, constipation, and risk of dependency or abuse.
5. They should be used with caution in patients with respiratory depression or those taking other CNS depressants.

Review Questions

• How do opioid antitussives affect the central nervous system to suppress coughing?
• What are two common opioid antitussive medications?
• List three potential side effects of using opioid antitussives.

Related terms

Non-opioid antitussives: Medications that suppress cough without using opioids, such as dextromethorphan.

Expectorants: Drugs that help clear mucus from the airways by increasing its production and making it easier to expel.

Mucolytics: Agents that thin mucus, making it less viscous and easier to clear from the respiratory tract.