What are differences between antitussives and expectorants? Give example.

Antitussives and expectorants are both types of medications used to treat cough, but they work in different ways and are used for different types of coughs:

1. Antitussives:
   • Antitussives are medications that suppress or inhibit coughing.
   • They are used to relieve dry, unproductive coughs that do not produce mucus.
   • Antitussives work by acting on the cough center in the brain or by numbing the throat to reduce the urge to cough.
   • Examples of antitussives include dextromethorphan, codeine, and hydrocodone.
2. Expectorants:
   • Expectorants are medications that promote the expulsion of mucus from the respiratory tract.
   • They are used to treat productive coughs, where mucus is present and needs to be cleared from the airways.
   • Expectorants work by thinning and loosening mucus, making it easier to cough up.
   • Examples of expectorants include guaifenesin and ipecacuanha.

In summary, antitussives are used to suppress coughing, particularly in dry, non-productive coughs, while expectorants are used to help clear mucus from the airways in productive coughs.