Cough Remedies

Table 1: Types of cough preparations, it’s mechanism of action and examples available in Malaysia.

Types	Active ingredients	Mechanism of Action	Examples
Antitussives	Centrally acting: Dextmetorphan	A non-opioid antitussive that increases cough threshold by its activity on the medulla oblongata. Specifically decreases the sensitivity of cough receptors & interrupts cough impulse transmission by depressing the medullary cough center through sigma receptor stimulation	Tussidex® Forte Linctus, Pabron Cough, Sedilix-DM
	Centrally acting: Codeine	Antitussive agent that controls cough by depressing medullary cough center.	Duro-Tuss®Forte
	Peripherally acting: Benzonatate	Tetracaine congener with antitussive properties; suppresses cough by topical anesthetic action on the respiratory stretch receptors.	-
Expectorant	Peripherally acting: Guaifenasin	May act as an expectorant by irritating the gastric mucosa & stimulating respiratory tract secretions, thereby increasing respiratory fluid volumes & decreasing phlegm viscosity.	Mucinex
Antihistamine/anticholinergic	Diphenhydramine	H1-receptor antagonist to help alleviate symptoms associated with cough	Benadryl, Uphadyl Forte
Demulcents	Sucrose & glycerol	Suppresses cough by forming protective layer over the pharynx.	Honey, Glycerin, Medicated linctus.
Mucolytics	Bromhexine, Acetylcysteine	Dissolves thick mucous	Mucolator (Acetylcysteine)
Others	Lysozyme HCL	Anti inflammation properties & degrades pus and sputum to expectorate easily.	Leftose Tablets