Antitussive: meaning, definitions and examples
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antitussive
[ ˌæn.tiˈtʌs.ɪv ]
medical use
An antitussive is a type of medication that suppresses the cough reflex. It is commonly used to alleviate persistent or dry coughs, providing relief by acting on the central nervous system to decrease the urge to cough.
Synonyms
cough medicine, cough suppressant
Examples of usage
- The doctor prescribed an antitussive to help with her cough.
- Many over-the-counter medications contain antitussive agents.
- Antitussives are often used during cold and flu season.
Etymology
The term 'antitussive' comes from the prefix 'anti-', which is of Greek origin meaning 'against', and 'tussis', which is Latin for 'cough'. The word itself began to be used in the medical community in the mid-19th century as new medications began to emerge to address various ailments. The development of antitussive agents coincided with advances in understanding the human respiratory system, as well as the recognition of cough as a symptom that needed to be clinically managed rather than simply tolerated. Over the years, various chemical compounds have been developed and marketed as antitussives, ranging from natural extracts to synthetic drugs, all aimed at providing symptom relief in conditions characterized by excessive cough.