What it does
Cough medicine helps relieve coughing and soothe the throat.
Commonly used for: cough, dry cough, productive cough
Read more in plain English ↓Plain-language summary for general understanding - not medical advice. Always follow your pharmacist/doctor.
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Sourcing - Kenya onlyRegistration & product details
Source: Pharmacy and Medicines Regulatory Authority · fetched 2026-04-21 17:37:39 · updated 2026-09-19 04:30:22
About this medicine
Cough medicine helps relieve coughing and soothe the throat.
What it treats
- cough
- dry cough
- productive cough
How it works
It works by soothing the throat and reducing the urge to cough.
Who it's for
This medicine is suitable for anyone experiencing a cough.
AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.
Clinical monograph: cough
BNF-referencedCough refers to a reflex action to clear the airways of irritants, mucus, or foreign particles. It can be acute or chronic and is often associated with respiratory conditions such as infections, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or allergies. The management of cough may involve various pharmacological agents, including cough suppressants, expectorants, and mucolytics, depending on the underlying cause and symptomatology.
Indications
- Acute cough
- Chronic cough
- Cough due to respiratory infections
- Cough associated with asthma
- Cough in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Allergic cough
- Post-nasal drip syndrome
Dosage
Children: Refer to the BNF for Children for specific dosing information based on the selected medication and age of the child.
Adults: Refer to the BNF for specific dosing information based on the selected medication and indication for cough.
Mechanism of action
Cough medications can act through various mechanisms depending on their classification. Cough suppressants (antitussives) like dextromethorphan inhibit the cough reflex in the brain, while expectorants like guaifenesin increase mucus secretion, making it easier to expel. Mucolytics, such as acetylcysteine, break down mucus structure, facilitating clearance from the airways.
Pharmacodynamics
The pharmacodynamics of cough medications vary widely. Antitussives primarily reduce the sensitivity of the cough reflex pathways in the central nervous system. Expectorants promote increased mucus production and reduce viscosity, aiding in expectoration. Mucolytics alter the physical properties of mucus, enhancing its clearance from the respiratory tract.
Pharmacokinetics
The pharmacokinetics of cough medications differ among classes. Antitussives are generally well-absorbed orally, with peak plasma concentrations occurring within 1-2 hours. They are metabolized in the liver and excreted primarily through urine. Expectorants and mucolytics also exhibit similar absorption profiles and are eliminated through renal pathways, although their metabolism may involve different enzymatic processes in the liver.
Pregnancy
Consult with a healthcare provider for advice regarding use during pregnancy.
Breast-feeding
Consult a healthcare provider before use during breastfeeding.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.
Molecular reference: cough
PubChem CID 11705476Molecular formula: C28H39NO5
Source: PubChem (NCBI) · pathways from PathBank, Reactome, WikiPathways & PharmGKB.
This drug in other countries
The same active ingredient registered across other registries we cover - including different brands.