Word parts
What it means
A cough suppressant. Some act on the cough center in the brain, such as dextromethorphandek-stroh-meh-THOR-fanA non-opioid cough suppressant sold without a prescription in many cough and cold products.Full entry and codeineKOH-deenA mild opioid drug taken by mouth for mild to moderate pain and sometimes for cough.Full entry ; benzonatate numbs the stretch sensors in the airways. They are used for a dry cough that keeps a client from resting. Drowsiness and dizziness are common with some of them.
For the nurse
Teach the client to swallow benzonatate capsules whole, since chewing numbs the mouth and throat and can cause choking. Avoid driving and alcohol with sedating products.
At a glance
| Drug class | antitussive |
|---|---|
| Also written | antitussives, cough suppressant, cough suppressants |
Related terms
productive cough
A cough that brings up mucus or sputum from the lungs.
codeine
A mild opioid drug taken by mouth for mild to moderate pain and sometimes for cough.
dextromethorphan
A non-opioid cough suppressant sold without a prescription in many cough and cold products.