We have all probably heard of or been prescribed antitussive, mucolytic and expectorant medicines at some point. Both types, among others, are used in cough treatments, so we are going to explain what each of them is used for.

Antitussives

The cough suppressants It is a therapeutic group of medications that is highly demanded by all of us when we have a cough, since they are cough suppressant or inhibitor drugs.

Coughing, when it becomes bothersome and interrupts our life, is one of the symptoms that we want to suppress first. But it is not always advisable to do so, since as we have discussed in previous content, coughing is a defense mechanism of our body that is necessary to eliminate foreign bodies from our airways, expel excess secretions produced during a respiratory infection...

There are many medications included in this group with different mechanisms of action. Some act centrally on the center that controls the cough reflex and others act peripherally on the nerve endings found in the bronchi that give rise to the cough. cough reflex.

Some of the best known are the codeine, which acts centrally and is indicated for dry or non-productive cough, and dextromethorphan, which also acts centrally with a similar efficacy to codeine, but without a sedative effect, which is why it is usually the medication of choice for children and pregnant women.

Mucolytics and expectorants

Both medications are used to help remove secretions and/or phlegm., although they act differently. Mucolytics make secretions less viscous, which, when more fluid, are easier to expel.

While expectorants increase the amount of water in secretions, making them more fluid and enhancing the action of the ciliated cells in our airways, in our bronchi, in addition to the mucus-producing cells, there are cells with “hairs” or cilia that are responsible for mobilizing these secretions, preventing them from accumulating.

This type of drugs They act on these cells by increasing their movement and, therefore, facilitating the movement of secretions towards the upper airway (trachea, pharynx, larynx, etc.) so that they can be expelled through coughing.

None of them inhibit coughing, but by removing the buildup of phlegm it can be minimized.

Some practical tips

In addition to taking medication, as long as it has been prescribed by a doctor, we can carry out a series of simple tips that will help us:

  • Keep a good hydrationIt is recommended that an adult weighing around 60 kg drink between 1.5 and 2 litres of water a day (25-30 ml/kg/day).
  • Avoid anything that may irritate the respiratory system such as:
    • The dry environments.
    • The dusty places, smoke, chemicals or strong odors, especially if they lack adequate ventilation.
    • The sudden temperature changes.

If you want to talk to our health professionals on treatments against cough contact us through the mail info@happyair.org.

Sources:
https://www.elsevier.es/es-revista-medicina-integral-63-articulo-un-paciente-con-tos-persistente-10022782
https://www.msdmanuals.com/es-es/hogar/trastornos-del-pulm%C3%B3n-y-las-v%C3%ADas-respiratorias/s%C3%ADntomas-de-los-trastornos-pulmonares/tos-en-adultos?query=goteo%20nasal%20posterior
https://www.elsevier.es/es-revista-farmacia-profesional-3-articulo-antitusigenos-alivio-descanso-13023336
https://www.elsevier.es/es-revista-farmacia-profesional-3-articulo-mucoliticos-expectorantes-X0213932417620541

Last updated on 7 March, 2026