pholcodine

Pholcodine is an opioid antitussive (cough suppressant) used for the temporary relief of non-productive (dry) cough. It acts primarily on the central nervous system by depressing the cough reflex through a direct effect on the cough center in the medulla oblongata. Pholcodine has a mild sedative effect but little or no analgesic properties. It has been widely used since the 1950s and is available in various formulations such as syrups, oral solutions, capsules, and lozenges under different brand names and generics. The drug is not approved in some countries including the United States and Canada[1][2][4][5].

Brand names

DimetaneBiocalyptolBroncalene

Other names

3-o-morpholinoethylmorphine