Antitussive Side Effects

Antitussives are a class of medication that reduce coughing by acting on the cough center in the brain. They are used to treat non-productive or dry, hacking non-productive coughs that prevent you from sleeping or resting adequately.There are two types of antitussives: narcotic and non-narcotic. Narcotic antitussives, which may contain codeine, dihydrocodeine, hydrocodone or hydromorphone, reduce coughing by suppressing your central nervous system. Some narcotic antitussives are robitussin ac and novahistine dh. Non-narcotic antitussives are dextromethorphan and benzonanate.

• Robitussin is an antitussive.

Side Effects

• Side effects of narcotic antitussives include dizziness, lightheadedness, headache, drowsiness, mood changes, nausea, vomiting, constipation, stomach pain and difficulty urinating.

Adverse Effects

• Antitussive side effects that need immediate medical attention and must be reported to your doctor immediately include difficulty breathing or swallowing, fast heartbeats, pounding heartbeats or irregular heartbeats, rashes, itching, hives, changes in vision and seizures. Adverse effects in babies are difficulty nursing, increased sleepiness, limpness and difficulty breathing.

Antitussive Overdose

• It is necessary to know what the signs of antitussive overdose are, so that you can get help in the event that it occurs. Signs of antitussive overdose include difficulty breathing, excessive drowsiness, loss of consciousness, loss of muscle tone, cold and clammy skin, fainting, dizziness and slow heartbeat.

Precaution

• Tell your doctor if you are allergic to antitussives or any other medication before you start taking an antitussive medication. Antitussives interact with certain medications such as antihistamines, sedatives and monoamine oxidase inhibitors, so tell your doctor about all the medicines you are taking before you start taking an antitussive drug.

Helpful Information

• Antitussives can make you drowsy, so it is important to know how they affect you before doing anything that requires being alert, such as driving. Alcohol can make the side effects of antitussives more pronounced, so talk to your doctor about the safe use of alcohol. Constipation is a side effect of antitussives that can be managed with a change in diet or other medications. Ask your doctor about ways to manage constipation if you experience it while taking an antitussive. Get up slowly from a lying position when you take antitussives to prevent dizziness.