The cough is a reflex reaction that takes place when mucus or a foreign irritant gets into your airways. The following upper and lower respiratory conditions are associated with a cough: pneumonia, lung cancer, tuberculosis, asthma and gastroesophogeal reflux disease (acid reflux). Your doctor can prescribe certain medications to either induce or suppress coughing.
Benzonatate
Benzonatate is a medication that aims to decrease the incidence of coughing. According to Drugs.com, benzonatate is a non-narcotic cough medication that actually numbs your lungs and even throat, subduing your cough reflex. Benzonatate's common side effects include a headache, drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, stomach problems and constipation. In serious cases, benzonatate can cause confusion, a sensation of choking, hallucinations and chest pain. You must swallow the capsule as your doctor prescribes. Drugs.com indicates that chewing or sucking on the capsule can make your mouth numb and induce other serious side effects.
Hydrocodone Polistirex and Chlorpheniramine Polistirex
According to the National Library of Medicine, hydrocodone polistirex and chlorpheniramine polistirex is a combination medication intended to relieve a cough in children who are older than 6 years of age. It can also treat allergy and cold symptoms in adults. Its side effect manifestations include nausea, itching, vomiting, urinary retention, chest tightness and throat dryness. Hydrocodone polistirex and chlorpheniramine polistirex can also cause drowsiness, anxiety, fear, dizziness and mood changes. This medication is a liquid (oral suspension) and you will take 5mL (1 tsp.) every 12 hours.
Codeine and Guaifenesen
Drugs.com indicates that codeine and guaifenesin is a combination drug utilized to suppress a cough and induce coughing, respectively. Codeine works on certain areas of the brain to reduce the cough reflex, while guaifenesin breaks up the mucus in your chest so that you can expel it through a cough. Both of these medications together can cause such side effects as constipation, stomach problems, nausea, vomiting, a headache, confusion,drowsiness, trouble breathing and a slow heartbeat (bradycardia). Codeine and guaifenesen is available as a liquid medication. Unfortunately, codeine can be addicting, so you should not take more of this combination drug than your doctor prescribes.
