Final answer:
An antitussive medication suppresses the cough reflex and is used to treat symptoms like coughing. These medications are different from expectorants, which promote mucus production. The effectiveness of antitussives is debated, especially in children, and they are not recommended for productive coughs where mucus expulsion is necessary.
Step-by-step explanation:
An antitussive medication's primary function is to suppress the cough reflex. These substances are integral in treating symptoms such as coughing due to colds, allergies, and upper respiratory infections. In contrast, other over-the-counter (OTC) medications like expectorants are designed to make coughing easier and encourage the production of mucus, thereby aiding in clearing the airways.
For conditions like allergic rhinitis, medications might have an antihistamine effect, reducing symptoms such as runny nose and watery eyes and possibly causing mild sedation. It is essential to note that the effectiveness of cough medication, particularly in children, is under scrutiny; many are no more effective than placebos for certain acute coughs.
While older drugs such as codeine were previously considered gold standards, their use, especially in children, has been questioned due to lack of efficacy and potential for harm. Modern guidelines suggest the avoidance of antitussives when a productive cough is present, such as in bronchitis, so as not to inhibit the clearance of mucus from the airways.