Cough suppressant how does it work

If you have a severe or chronic cough that lasts longer than three weeks, it should be evaluated by your healthcare provider. Dextromethorphan and diphenhydramine, active ingredients that suppress coughing, can be found in single over-the-counter formulations or in multi-symptom cold and flu products.

Dextromethorphan is the primary over-the-counter cough suppressant. It is often the active ingredient in cough syrups, gel caps, lozenges, and combination cough and cold formulas. It is appropriate for a nonproductive cough a dry cough that doesn't bring up phlegm. However, it is questionable as to how much relief a child may get with dextromethorphan if they have a respiratory infection. Furthermore, studies have not shown that any OTC product improves acute cough significantly in children or adults.

Dextromethorphan is a synthetically manufactured chemical cousin to codeine. It is absorbed into the bloodstream and crosses into the brain where it binds to receptors in the medulla oblongata cough center, suppressing the cough reflex. If taken in high dosage, dextromethorphan has psychoactive effects, including euphoria, visual distortion, loss of coordination, nausea, and vomiting. It is a known drug of abuse , especially in younger people.

At higher than the recommended dosage, dextromethorphan has the potential for serious side effects and even death in young children. As such, it is one of the cough and cold medications that the U. Brand name products containing dextromethorphan include:.

Combination products are numerous. Often, "DM" included in a product's name indicates that it contains dextromethorphan. Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine commonly used for allergy symptoms and runny nose in colds. It is also classified by the FDA as an antitussive, but it is not considered to be the first-line choice. It acts in the medulla of the brain to suppress the cough reflex. Diphenhydramine is found in many OTC cough and cold formulas, especially those designated for nighttime use because it causes drowsiness.

These medications should not be given to children younger than 4 years old. They should only be used with caution by children under age As well, as there are concerns regarding dizziness and cognitive impairment in those who are age 65 and over, these individuals should talk to a healthcare provider before taking diphenhydramine.

Brand name products containing diphenhydramine include:. Do not give honey to children younger than 1 year of age. Elevate your head with extra pillows at night to ease a dry cough. Try a cough drop to soothe an irritated throat. Expensive medicine-flavored cough drops are not any better than inexpensive candy-flavored ones or hard candy.

Most cough drops have no effect on the cough-producing mechanism. Quit smoking. For more information, see the topic Quitting Smoking. Avoid exposure to inhaled irritants, such as smoke, dust, or other pollutants, or wear a face mask that is appropriate for the exposure. There are many kinds of face masks.

Check with your doctor or pharmacist to find out which types will give you the most benefit. Expectorants may make it easier to cough up mucus when you have a productive cough. Use an expectorant if you have a cough that produces thick mucus and you are having difficulty coughing up the mucus. Look for expectorants containing guaifenesin. Suppressants may control or suppress the cough reflex and work best for a dry, hacking cough that keeps you awake. Use cough suppressants wisely. Don't suppress a productive cough too much, unless it is keeping you from getting enough rest.

Coughing is useful, because it brings up mucus from the lungs and helps to prevent bacterial infections. If you are giving dextromethorphan or a combination product that contains dextromethorphan to a child, read the package label carefully to be sure that it is the right product for a child of that age. Do not give dextromethorphan products that are made for adults to children.

Before you give a dextromethorphan product to a child, check the package label to find out how much medication the child should receive. Give the dose that matches the child's age on the chart. Ask the child's doctor if you don't know how much medication to give the child. If you are taking the liquid, do not use a household spoon to measure your dose.

Use the measuring spoon or cup that came with the medication or use a spoon made especially for measuring medication. If you are taking the chewable tablets you can allow them to melt in your mouth or you can chew them before swallowing. If you are taking the extended-release suspension, shake the bottle well before each use to mix the medication evenly.

Stop taking dextromethorphan and call your doctor if your cough does not get better within 7 days, if your cough goes away and comes back, or if your cough occurs with a fever, rash, or headache. This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Dextromethorphan is usually taken as needed. If your doctor has told you to take dextromethorphan regularly, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it.

However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. Dextromethorphan may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you experience any unusual problems while you are taking this medication.

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. OK Cancel. Get Coupon. Where to Buy. Sign Up. Select Location and Language:. Canada English. United States of America English. Singapore English. Search Submit.