antitussive /an′titus″iv/ [Gk, anti + L, tussive, cough] , 1. against a cough. 2. any of a large group of opioid and nonopioid drugs that act on the central and peripheral nervous systems to suppress the cough reflex. Because the cough reflex is necessary for clearing the upper respiratory tract of obstructive secretions, antitussives should not be used with a productive cough. Codeine phosphate and hydrocodone bitartrate are potent opioid antitussives. Dextromethorphan hydrobromide is an effective antitussive with no dependence liability. Antitussives are administered orally, usually in a syrup with a mucolytic or expectorant and alcohol, or, sometimes in a capsule with an antihistaminic and a mild analgesic.
