n. Medicines or drugs that suppress coughing by interacting with the cough-control center in the medulla oblongata. The cough center is especially sensitive to opioids, meaning that these drugs are effective in suppressing the cough. Opioids used as antitussives include: codeine and dextromethorphan. Also called cough suppressants.
ANTITUSSIVES: “The person was prescribed antitussives in order to suppress his or her cough.”