Atussan

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Atussan

Medically reviewed

Laura Arias

Last updated on 22/12/2025

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Atussan

What is Atussan? (Verified Overview)

Property Description
Active ingredient Butamirate citrate
Form Syrup, oral drops, tablets, coated tablets
Pharmacological class Antitussive Agent (Cough Suppressant)
Common use Symptomatic relief of dry, non-productive cough
Origin Synthetic compound, non-opioid

Atussan is a single-ingredient medicinal preparation primarily classified as a cough suppressant, used for providing focused relief from persistent, dry coughing. The active compound is Butamirate citrate, which is a synthetic, non-opioid antitussive agent that achieves its purpose through a central action on the nervous system.


What Type of Medicine is Atussan? (Definition & Classification)

Atussan belongs to the antitussive agent class, meaning its primary function is to suppress the reflex that causes coughing. Butamirate citrate is recognized for its non-narcotic profile, which distinguishes it from traditional opioid-derived cough medications, eliminating concerns associated with dependency. This difference in chemical structure is clinically recognized for providing effective cough management without central nervous system depression. As a synthetic compound, it is specifically manufactured as a single active substance.


What is Atussan’s General Purpose? (Indication & Mechanism Summary)

The general purpose of Atussan is the symptomatic treatment of the non-productive cough, often referred to as a dry cough, particularly when the cough is irritating or disruptive to daily activities. Butamirate achieves this through a centrally-acting mechanism, specifically by influencing the cough center located in the brainstem. This action of directly suppressing the cough center provides the benefit of effectively interrupting the repetitive cycle of coughing and offering relief from the associated irritation and fatigue, which is a key focus of its therapeutic positioning.


What Forms of Atussan are Available? (Preparation & Composition)

Atussan is prepared for oral administration and is a brand that typically focuses on versatility for various age groups, offering both liquid forms and solid tablets. These forms include liquid presentations, such as syrup and oral drops (often targeting the pediatric market), as well as solid forms like tablets or coated tablets (generally for adults). The core composition consists of Butamirate citrate as the active ingredient combined with an aqueous base (for liquid forms) or appropriate solid excipients (for tablets), confirming its single-ingredient status.

Regulatory References

  1. Butamirate Citrate UNII 67HP51L98R | FDA SRS

What side effects are possible with Atussan?

Possible side effects and safety information

The official safety profile of Butamirate citrate (Atussan) categorizes the majority of potential adverse reactions into the Rare frequency tier, according to international regulatory standards. These documented effects primarily involve the Nervous system (e.g., drowsiness and dizziness), the Gastrointestinal system (e.g., nausea and diarrhoea), and the Skin and subcutaneous tissue (e.g., urticaria).

Reactions categorized as Frequency Not Known include Hypersensitivity Reactions (Allergic Reactions). No commonly occurring severe adverse reaction is explicitly documented in the general regulatory section on undesirable effects.


Safety Constraints and Special Populations

Official labeling defines specific restrictions for use, which are central to the drug's safety profile:

  • Pregnancy and Lactation: Use is avoided during the first trimester of pregnancy. Caution is advised during the second and third trimesters. The medicine is not recommended during breastfeeding due to a lack of data on excretion.
  • Concomitant Use: Regulatory documents mandate the avoidance of co-administration with expectorants. This is a safety limitation intended to prevent mucus stagnation in the airways, which carries a risk of respiratory infections.
  • Operating Machinery: The occurrence of drowsiness or dizziness may impair the ability to operate machinery or drive, a note common to effects involving the nervous system.
  • Hereditary Disorders: Liquid formulations containing sorbitol are contraindicated for patients diagnosed with hereditary fructose intolerance, a requirement tied to specific excipients in the preparation.

This structure emphasizes adherence to label-documented constraints, particularly in defined situations, rather than managing a high incidence of common side effects.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and when to seek help

The following profile details the officially documented overdose manifestations and mandated emergency actions for Butamirate citrate (Atussan), as recorded in government regulatory prescribing information.

Property Official Regulatory Statement
Documented overdose presentations Overexposure may present with drowsiness (somnolence), dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and hypotension (low blood pressure).
Serious manifestation The potential for hypotension and the necessity of monitoring vital signs/functions implies a severity requiring urgent intervention.
Immediate required action Seek immediate medical attention/advice or contact a poison center/doctor immediately.

Official Overdose Statements:

  • Overdose is characterized by a cluster of documented symptoms affecting the central nervous system and gastrointestinal tract, including drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
  • The most serious physiological finding is hypotension (low blood pressure), which mandates the monitoring and appropriate treatment of vital signs/functions.
  • Management procedures officially described include gastric lavage, administration of activated charcoal, and use of a saline laxative.
  • Treatment is symptomatic and supportive, as regulatory documents explicitly state that no known specific antidote is available.
  • A specific caution is noted for patients with renal or hepatic impairment, who may be at greater risk for adverse effects due to potential drug accumulation.

Connection to the Overall Overdose Profile

Regulatory documents define the overdose profile of Butamirate citrate by listing specific symptoms and flagging hypotension as a key systemic risk. This profile directly triggers the mandate to seek immediate medical attention and outlines the standard supportive procedures required for management, emphasizing the lack of a specific antidote.

Therapeutic Uses of Atussan

What Atussan Treats: Main Uses and Benefits

Atussan (Butamirate citrate) is generally used to provide focused symptomatic relief across domains associated with an unproductive cough. It assists with easing the overall symptom burden and supports general well-being during acute episodes. The use of Butamirate is intended to assist with reducing cough in both adults and children.

The medicine is relevant for managing the dry, hacking, and non-productive cough in conditions like acute tracheitis, bronchitis, and cough following a viral infection. It is also applied in situations requiring temporary assistance in symptom stabilization, such as pre-operative or post-operative cough sedation.

“It helps address symptom clusters that may appear suddenly, offering short-term symptomatic assistance to support the patient during episodes of persistent, irritating coughs.”

It is used for managing symptoms related to heightened physiological activity, particularly when the cough severity and frequency are excessive, leading to significant discomfort. By contributing to easing discomfort that may interfere with rest, the medication supports patients coping more steadily with difficult episodes and assists with maintaining comfort when symptoms interfere with routine activities.


Quick Fact: Relief for Dry, Non-Productive Cough

The primary therapeutic domain is providing relief for the cough itself in cases where the cough is irritating. It provides supportive relief when symptoms interfere with routine activities.

Regulatory References

  1. Danish Medicines Agency regulatory document

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Eligibility Map: Who Can and Cannot Use Atussan

The eligibility profile for Atussan (Butamirate citrate) is defined by official regulatory documentation, establishing specific restrictions across age groups, physiological states, and pre-existing conditions.


Classification Population or Condition
Contraindicated (Must Not Use) Known hypersensitivity to Butamirate citrate or excipients.
Children under 3 years of age (liquid formulations).
First trimester of pregnancy.
Patients with rare hereditary problems of fructose intolerance (due to sorbitol).

Classification Restricted or Limited Use
Conditional Use Second and third trimesters of pregnancy (only if absolutely necessary and with caution).
Not Recommended Breastfeeding women (due to lack of data on excretion in milk).
Children under 6 years of age (in some regional guidelines).
Caution Implied Patients with renal or hepatic impairment (data is lacking, and risk of accumulation is noted).
Prohibited Concomitant Use Patients taking expectorants (to avoid mucus stagnation).

Age-Related Eligibility

Use is officially established in adults, adolescents, and children over 4 to 6 years of age, depending on the specific formulation and regulatory source. Regulatory documents note that use in the Geriatric population (older adults) is not well-established, implying caution where data is insufficient.


The regulatory profile clearly defines eligibility by employing strict classifications, ensuring that patient use is confined strictly to approved populations while absolutely excluding groups with specific sensitivities or contraindications.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

The interaction profile of Atussan (dextromethorphan) is primarily defined by the risk of serious reactions when combined with certain psychiatric medicines and the risk of increased central nervous system (CNS) depression when combined with substances that affect brain activity.


Contraindicated and Restricted Combinations

Interacting Product Category Regulatory Requirement
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) (e.g., selegiline) ABSOLUTELY CONTRAINDICATED; do not administer concurrently or within 14 days of stopping an MAOI.
Alcohol (Ethanol) Avoid consumption due to risk of enhanced CNS effects.

Use with Caution

Caution is advised when co-administering Atussan with other medications that have CNS depressant effects. This includes, but is not limited to, sedative-hypnotics, anxiolytics, and potent opioid analgesics, as these combinations may result in additive effects. Additionally, drugs that are known to significantly inhibit the enzyme CYP2D6 (which metabolizes the active component of Atussan) may increase the exposure of the medicine in the body, potentially increasing the risk of adverse reactions. Consult the full prescribing information for specific guidance on co-administration.

Mechanism of Action

Atussan operates as a highly selective agonist at the alpha-7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (alpha7-nAChR). This receptor is a ligand-gated ion channel expressed primarily on immune and neuronal cells. As an agonist, Atussan binds to the receptor’s active site, initiating a conformational change that triggers a downstream cellular signaling response. The activation of the alpha7-nAChR is the key upstream step in modulating the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway (CAP). This agonism effectively transmits a biochemical signal that shifts the activity of key immune cells, regulating their output. The primary mechanistic cascade involves the inhibition of the NF-kappaB signaling pathway within activated cells. This inhibition prevents the transcription and subsequent synthesis of pro-inflammatory messenger molecules. The consequence of this action is a reduction in the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, specifically including Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and Interleukin-6 (IL-6).

Dosage and Administration Information

Official Administration Guidelines for Atussan (Butamirate Citrate)

Atussan is an oral antitussive medicine available in liquid (syrup) and, in some jurisdictions, sustained-release tablet forms. Proper use must strictly follow the dosing and administration instructions provided in the official regulatory product information.

Dosing and Frequency

Administration is through the oral route (swallowing). The specific dose and frequency are adjusted based on age.

Age Group Dosage Form Standard Dose Frequency
Adults Syrup 15 ml Up to 4 times daily
Adolescents (Over 12 years) Syrup 15 ml 3 times daily
Children 6–12 years Syrup 5 ml or 10 ml 3 times daily
Children 3–6 years Syrup 5 ml 3 times daily

Administration Instructions

  1. Measurement: For the syrup formulation, use the measuring cup or dosing device provided with the package to ensure the exact, correct volume is administered.
  2. Timing: The syrup may generally be taken with or without food.
  3. Duration Limit: Use is intended for a short duration. If the condition persists for more than 4 to 5 days despite taking the recommended dose, consult a healthcare provider.
  4. Special Restriction: Do not use Atussan concurrently with expectorants (medicines that help clear mucus). This combination can lead to the buildup of mucus in the respiratory tract.
  5. Missed Dose: If a dose is forgotten, do not take a double or extra dose. Resume the usual dosing schedule at the next scheduled time.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research evidence / Overview of Studies for Atussan

This overview describes the types of clinical research and the patient populations that have been studied for butamirate citrate, the active compound in Atussan. It highlights what research describes regarding symptom patterns and where the evidence is limited, adhering strictly to non-advisory, scientific reporting.


Evidence for Acute Dry, Non-Productive Cough

Research explored the use of butamirate citrate primarily in populations with an acute or disruptive episode of dry, irritative cough. The compound was studied for outcomes related to physical discomfort and changes in the frequency and intensity of coughing. This was evaluated in short-term randomized trials that compared the compound against a placebo or other cough-relieving treatments.

Findings describe patterns observed in the studies over the defined, short-term treatment intervals. Some trials described patterns related to the evolution of cough frequency and severity metrics over the course of the study.

However, the follow-up durations were limited, typically lasting only one to two weeks, which is the expected duration of an acute cough. Evidence quality varies across studies due to the older nature of some foundational trials, and distinguishing any change in symptom patterns from natural recovery is often challenging in the research setting.


Research on the Suppression of the Cough Reflex

Specific research was evaluated in laboratory settings to objectively measure the compound's influence on the physiological cough reflex. These were single-dose studies conducted in healthy adult volunteers. In these controlled studies, research examined the cough reflex sensitivity by using inhaled irritants, with the outcome measured as the concentration required to elicit a response.

Findings indicate that while some studies using certain irritants (e.g., citric acid) described measured changes in cough sensitivity, more recent, objective challenge studies using other irritants (e.g., capsaicin) reported findings were mixed regarding the measurement of cough reflex changes. Results apply only to the populations studied (healthy volunteers), and comparative evidence is lacking against current standard-of-care treatments recommended in some international guidelines for cough.

Key Studies & References What is Butamirate Citrate used for? (Clinical Profile Summary)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Atussan (FAQ)


Q: What is Atussan used for?

According to the official product information, Atussan is indicated for the treatment of cough. Specifically, it is used for the symptomatic treatment of non-productive (dry) cough of various origins.


Q: Is Atussan a narcotic or does it cause addiction?

Regulatory documents state that Atussan does not contain narcotic substances. Butamirate, the active ingredient, is classified as a non-opioid antitussive agent, meaning it works differently than opioid-based drugs.


Q: Can I use Atussan if I have asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)?

Official information indicates that Atussan is authorized for use with caution in patients with breathing conditions such as asthma or COPD. This is because the active component, butamirate, might interfere with the cough reflex, which is necessary for clearing respiratory secretions. Information regarding the use of Atussan in patients with pre-existing conditions is detailed within the official package leaflet.


Q: Can Atussan be taken before driving or operating machinery?

Studies and official information indicate that Atussan may cause somnolence (drowsiness) or dizziness in some users. If these effects are experienced, regulatory documents state that individuals should use caution regarding activities such as driving or operating machinery.


Q: What happens if I miss a dose of Atussan?

Official guidance on missed doses typically advises users not to take a double dose to compensate for a missed one. Instead, the general recommendation is to continue with the next scheduled dose as planned. Adherence to the recommended dosing schedule is consistently emphasized in the product information.


Q: Can I drink alcohol while taking Atussan?

According to the official product information, concurrent use of Atussan and alcohol is not recommended. Alcohol may potentially increase the risk of side effects, particularly central nervous system effects such as dizziness or drowsiness, which are sometimes associated with this medicine.


Q: Does Atussan treat the cause of the cough or just the symptoms?

Atussan is indicated for the symptomatic treatment of non-productive cough. This means its primary function is to suppress the cough reflex, providing relief from the symptom, rather than treating the underlying medical cause of the cough itself.

How should Atussan be stored and disposed of?

Official Storage and Disposal Requirements

Atussan (Butamirate citrate) must be stored and disposed of according to specific label requirements to maintain its chemical integrity and ensure safety.

Requirement Storage Conditions
Temperature Range Store at a temperature not exceeding 30 C or 25 C (varies by formulation/region).
Protection Keep in the original container and store protected from moisture and light.
Stability For syrup formulations, the shelf life after first opening the bottle is 6 months.

The regulatory label mandates that the product must be kept out of the sight and reach of children.

Disposal Guidelines

Disposal of any unused or expired medicine must be done in accordance with local requirements for pharmaceutical waste. Safety guidelines for the active compound specify that the product should not be discharged into sewer systems to prevent environmental contamination. Community drug take-back programs are the preferred method for discarding the medicine.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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