Antitussive (drug class)

Antitussive refers to a drug class or therapeutic category of medications used to suppress or relieve cough. It is not a molecular target or receptor itself. Instead, drugs classified as antitussives achieve their therapeutic effect by interacting with multiple distinct molecular targets and pathways. These targets can include the mu-opioid receptor (e.g., codeine), NMDA receptor (e.g., dextromethorphan), voltage-gated sodium channels (e.g., benzonatate), and potentially others like kappa-opioid receptors, GABA-B receptors, tachykinin receptors, non-opioid (NOP-1) receptors, and sigma receptors. Therefore, 'Antitussive' describes a functional classification of drugs, not a specific biological entity amenable to direct targeting.

Other names

Cough suppressantTherapeutic category

Antitussives, as a drug class, exert their therapeutic effect by suppressing the cough reflex. This is achieved through various distinct molecular mechanisms and targets, which depend on the specific agent within the class. Examples include modulation of mu-opioid receptors, NMDA receptors, or voltage-gated sodium channels to reduce the frequency or severity of coughing.