oxolamine

Oxolamine is a small molecule antitussive (cough suppressant) and antihistamine drug primarily used for the treatment of cough and upper respiratory tract inflammation, including conditions such as pharyngitis, tracheitis, bronchitis, bronchiectasis, and pertussis[1][2][3][7]. It is not approved in the USA but is marketed in several countries including New Zealand and Taiwan as a prescription medication[1][2]. Oxolamine acts mainly by suppressing the sensitivity of peripheral nerve receptors in the respiratory tract (peripheral antitussive action), reducing irritation that triggers coughing[6][8]. It also exhibits anti-inflammatory activity by decreasing irritation of nerve receptors in the airways[2], local anesthetic effects, mild analgesic-anti-inflammatory properties similar to aspirin, antispasmodic effects[6], and antihistaminic activity through histamine receptor blockade to relieve allergy symptoms such as sneezing or runny nose[5]. Its low toxicity profile makes it suitable for pediatric use. The drug’s mechanism involves both central (possibly acting on the medullary cough center) and predominantly peripheral actions on lung/bronchial receptors to suppress cough reflexes without causing tolerance or dependence seen with codeine-based products[5][6][8].

Brand names

SymphocalPerebron

Other names

oxolamine citrate