Antitussives, mucolytic agents and expectorants in clinical practice.
- Author:
Sang Hoon KIM
1
Author Information
1. Department of Internal Medicine, Eulji Hospital, Eulji University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
- Publication Type:Review ; Clinical Trial
- Keywords:
Cough;
Antitussives;
Mucolytic agent;
Expectorant
- MeSH:
Antitussive Agents;
Cough;
Expectorants;
Reflex
- From:Korean Journal of Medicine
2010;78(6):682-686
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
Cough is a protective reflex and also a common symptom of many respiratory diseases. The basic principle of management in chronic cough is treatment of its underlying cause. However, certain situations will necessitate cough suppressant therapy on a short-term basis for symptomatic relief of cough. Antitussives, expectorants and mucolytic agents are often used as the cough suppressant. Most of these drugs, however, are not consistently effective in reducing cough in adequately performed clinical trials. The aim of this brief review is to provide the list and some rationale for the currently available antitussive agents to practitioners.
