DRUG USED IN TREATMENT OF COUGH

 PHARMACOLOGY

RESPIRATORY SYSTEM

Drug used in treat of cough

Definition:-

Cough is a protective reflex, intended to remove irritants and accumulated secretions from the respiratory passages. It is the common symptom of airway diseases. 

Cough reflex arc:-

Coughing may be triggered by mechanical or chemical stimulation of throat, respiratory passages or stretch receptors in lungs. 

Causes of cough:-

Infection

Allergy

Gastro esophageal reflex disease

Pleural disease

Drug induced Cough 

Malignancy

Types of cough:-

Based on secretion:-

- Productive

- Non productive

Based on duration:-

- Acute

- Subacute

- chronic

Productive cough:-

Helps to clear the airway. Suppression of productive cough is harmful, as it may lead to infections. 

Non - productive cough:-

It should be suppressed. 

Drugs used in treatment of cough:-

1. Antitussives:-

Codeine

Pholcodine

Noscapine

Dextromethorphan

Antihistamines

Chlophedianol

2. Pharyngeal demulcents:-

Lozenges

Linctuses

Liquorice

3. Expectorants:-

Sodium and potassium citrate

Potassium iodide

Guaiphenesin

Ammonium chloride

4. Mucolytics:-

Bromhexine

Acetylcysteine

Carbocisteine

Ambroxol