ANTI-TUSSIVE DRUGS

MECHANISM OF ACTION
 codeine is converted to morphine in the body. The
precise mechanism of action of codeine is not
known; however, like morphine, codeine binds to
receptors in the brain (opioid receptors) that are
important for transmitting the sensation of pain
throughout the body and brain.
 MECHANISM OF ACTION
 Dextromethorphan exhibits antitussive activity and
is devoid of analgesic or addictive property. This
agent crosses the blood-brain-barrier and activates
sigma opioid receptors on the cough center in the
central nervous system, thereby suppressing the
cough reflex.
 do not take dextromethorphan if you are taking a
monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor such as
isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), selegiline
(Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar), and tranylcypromine
(Parnate), or if you have stopped taking an MAO
inhibitor within the past 2 weeks.