COUGH AND ANTITUSSIVE DRUGS: MECHANISMS AND MANAGEMENT (LITERATURE REVIEW)

Abstract

The role of respiratory defense mechanisms, especially the cough reflex, is crucial in airway protection and disease modulation. Cough is a protective reflex that clears the airways of excessive secretions and foreign matter; however, it can become chronic or excessive, leading to significant patient discomfort and health burden. Cough is one of the most common symptoms prompting individuals to seek medical care. A wide array of antitussive drugs with varying mechanisms of action has been developed, but most exhibit central nervous system (CNS) side effects, limiting their tolerability and long-term use. The poor safety profile of traditional centrally acting antitussives underscores the need for new agents with better efficacy and safety. Among the newer treatments, levodropropizine, a peripherally acting antitussive, shows promise with fewer CNS side effects and comparable efficacy to traditional agents like dextromethorphan. This review summarizes the classification, mechanisms, and clinical considerations for antitussive drug therapy.