Which pharmacologic class is used to suppress coughing?

Which pharmacologic class is used to suppress coughing?

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

Answer: (B)

Suppressing coughing is achieved with the antitussive class. Antitussives work by dampening the cough reflex, either through central action in the brain's cough center or by peripheral desensitization of airway sensors. Central agents like certain opioid-containing medications and non-opioid options such as dextromethorphan reduce the urge to cough, while peripheral agents (like benzonatate) lessen cough by numbing airway receptors. Because the question is asking which class is used to suppress coughing, antitussives are the direct therapeutic category for that purpose. The other options describe drugs that treat entirely different needs—antiulcer drugs address gastric ulcers, antipyretics lower fever, and antihypertensives reduce blood pressure—so they do not target the cough reflex.

Suppressing coughing is achieved with the antitussive class. Antitussives work by dampening the cough reflex, either through central action in the brain's cough center or by peripheral desensitization of airway sensors. Central agents like certain opioid-containing medications and non-opioid options such as dextromethorphan reduce the urge to cough, while peripheral agents (like benzonatate) lessen cough by numbing airway receptors. Because the question is asking which class is used to suppress coughing, antitussives are the direct therapeutic category for that purpose. The other options describe drugs that treat entirely different needs—antiulcer drugs address gastric ulcers, antipyretics lower fever, and antihypertensives reduce blood pressure—so they do not target the cough reflex.