$Unique_ID{BRK01932}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Codeine in Cough Medicine.  Why?}
$Subject{Codeine Cough coughing Medicine medicines preparation preparations
narcotic narcotics suppressant suppressants drug drugs medication medications
mixture mixtures non-narcotic dextromethorphan irritate irritated irritation
irritations infection infections persist persists persistent}
$Volume{}
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Copyright (c) 1993  Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Codeine in Cough Medicine.  Why?


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QUESTION:  I was suffering from a very aggravating cough, that would just not
go away.  I checked with my local pharmacist who helped me pick out a strong,
over-the-counter cough preparation that she said would do the job.  When I got
home I noticed that it contained codeine.  I would like to know why this
narcotic is in a cough medicine?  I thought its function was to kill pain, not
stop coughs.  Can you provide an explanation for me?

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ANSWER:  There are several aspects of your question that require a word of
explanation.  Let's start with the codeine.  You are right that it is a
narcotic, and that it is useful in reducing pain.  But it is also an excellent
cough suppressant, and in the case of a really annoying situation may be the
drug of choice.  Not every state permits cough mixtures containing codeine to
be sold over the counter though, perhaps because of the same concerns you seem
to have.  Another non-narcotic medication, dextromethorphan, is used as the
cough suppressant for the preparations in states prohibiting codeine.
     So the pharmacist was correct in her choice, but though you can depend on
her recommendation, reading the label is your responsibility.  That would have
provided you with the opportunity to discuss the choice of medications, and
had your reluctance about codeine been made known, another recommendation
could have been forthcoming.  And I am sure she would have offered you the
answers to any other question concerning the medication that might have been
puzzling you.
     One more comment, just for the sake of completeness.  You stated that the
cough was severe and "would just not go way".  Simple coughs, due to
irritation and minor infections, are common enough, and the availability of
effective over-the-counter preparations can be sufficient to deal with the
problem and deliver the relief you need.  But when the cough persists, and
doesn't respond to these medications, it may be time to delve a bit deeper
into the problem, and discover the exact cause.  And a cough that won't go
away is a problem that deserves that closer look, and perhaps additional
medications that could be required.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.