antitussive
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: A substance or medication that suppresses, relieves, or prevents coughing.
Usage
An "antitussive" is a specific type of medicine. It is used to describe the purpose or category of a drug, not its brand name. It is a formal, medical term.
Examples
- The doctor prescribed a powerful antitussive to control her persistent cough.
- This syrup is an effective antitussive that works by calming the cough reflex.
- Over-the-counter antitussives can provide temporary relief from dry coughs.
Advanced Usage
- Central vs. Peripheral Antitussives: In pharmacology, antitussives are sometimes categorized by their mechanism of action. A (e.g., codeine) acts on the cough center in the brain, while a may soothe the throat or airways.
Variants and Related Words
- Antitussive can also function as an adjective.
- Example: The medicine has strong antitussive properties.
- Cough Suppressant: A more common synonym for "antitussive" in everyday language.
Synonyms
- Cough suppressant
- Cough medicine (though this is a broader term that may include expectorants)
Antonyms
- Expectorant (a medicine that helps bring up mucus from the lungs, often by promoting coughing)
- Tussive agent (an agent that induces coughing)
Noun
- any medicine used to suppress or relieve coughing