Symptom Relief

Cough Suppressants

a. Narcotic cough suppressants are the most potent which are thought to act in the “cough center” in the brainstem. The tendency of narcotic cough suppressants to cause drowsiness and constipation and their potential for addictive dependence limit their appeal for long-term use. 

Codeine: 7.5 mg to 30 mg every 4-6 hours as needed.1

Hydrocodone: 5 mg taken every 4-6 hours as needed.1

  • Maximum daily dose should not exceed 30 mg (6 tablets or 6 teaspoons of syrup) in 24 hours

b. Dextromethorphan is an over-the-counter, centrally acting cough suppressant with fewer side effects and less efficacy than the narcotic cough suppressants. Dextromethorphan is thought to have a different site of action than narcotic cough suppressants and can be used in combination with them if necessary.

Adult Dosage

Immediate-release formulations:
  • 10 to 20 mg orally every 4 hours, or
  • 30 mg orally every 6 to 8 hours
Extended-release formulations:
  • 60 mg orally every 12 hours
The maximum adult dose is 120 mg in 24 hours .2

 

Research Frontier

Novel cough suppressants without the limitations of currently available agents are greatly needed. Approaches that are being explored include the development of neurokinin receptor antagonists, TRPV1 ion channel antagonists, and novel opioid and opioid-like receptor agonists.1

References

1. https://reference.medscape.com/drug/codeine-343310 <a href="#top">Back to top</a> 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Management

Digital World Medical School
© 2025