Adult cough suppressants are divided into central cough suppressants (dextromethorphan, codeine, etc.) and peripheral cough suppressants (noscapine, benzonate, etc.).
1. Central cough suppressant: by inhibiting the cough center in the medulla oblongata, the commonly used cough suppressants are dextromethorphan, codeine, and so on.
(1) Dextromethorphan: It is used for coughs caused by various diseases, and its adverse effects can be seen as drowsiness, constipation, nausea, allergy, and so on. It is forbidden for women within 3 months of pregnancy, patients with history of mental illness and nursing mothers.
(2) Codeine: it has strong cough suppressant effect and can be used for cough caused by lung cancer and lung fungal disease. The long-term application of this drug can produce tolerance, addiction and other adverse reactions.
2. Peripheral cough suppressant: It reduces the sensitivity of respiratory sensory nerve endings (cough receptors) to stimuli and achieves cough suppressant effect. Commonly used drugs are Narcotics, benzonamide and so on.
(1) Narcotine: It is suitable for dry cough. Sometimes see a slight nausea, headache, drowsiness and other adverse reactions.
(2) Benzonamide: Blocking the afferent impulses of cough reflex so as to achieve the effect of cough suppression. Adverse reactions such as drowsiness, nausea, dizziness and rash may occur in some patients.
In addition, there are many proprietary Chinese medicines to relieve cough and resolve phlegm, such as Syrup of Acute Supporting Syrup, Compound Fresh Bamboo Leak Liquid, Cough Suppressant Pill, etc., which need to be used under the guidance of a doctor or pharmacist.
For medication safety, do not self-medicate, it is recommended to use medication under the guidance of a clinician.