Codeine and dextrometorphan prevent coughing. Which pharmacologic class do they belong to?

Codeine and dextrometorphan prevent coughing. Which pharmacologic class do they belong to?

• A. Antipyretic
• B. Antihypertensive
• C. Antineoplastic
• D. Antitussive

Answer: (D)

Codeine and dextromethorphan are antitussives, a class of drugs that suppress the cough reflex. They work by acting on the central cough center in the medulla to reduce the urge to cough. Codeine is an opioid antitussive, providing relief through mild opioid activity, while dextromethorphan is a non-opioid antitussive that also acts on brain pathways to dampen coughing. They’re not antipyretics (fever reducers), antihypertensives (blood pressure lowering), or antineoplastics (cancer drugs), which is why this class best fits their use.

Codeine and dextromethorphan are antitussives, a class of drugs that suppress the cough reflex. They work by acting on the central cough center in the medulla to reduce the urge to cough. Codeine is an opioid antitussive, providing relief through mild opioid activity, while dextromethorphan is a non-opioid antitussive that also acts on brain pathways to dampen coughing. They’re not antipyretics (fever reducers), antihypertensives (blood pressure lowering), or antineoplastics (cancer drugs), which is why this class best fits their use.