Antitussive drugs--past, present, and future

摘要: Cough remains a serious unmet clinical problem, both as symptom of range other conditions such asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, gastroesophageal reflux, and problem in its own right patients with cough unknown origin. This article reviews our current understanding the pathogenesis hypertussive state characterizing number diseases well reviewing evidence for different classes antitussive drug currently use. For completeness, review also discusses major often clinically used to treat but that are not generally classified drugs. We reviewed various stages development Perhaps surprising drugs common symptom, there is paucity well-controlled studies documenting use many today, particularly those available over counter. Nonetheless, has been considerable increase reflex last decade led promising new targets being identified thus giving some hope too distant future treatment this debilitating symptom.