Question

The antitussive that is present in opium but has no analgesic or addicting properties is _______

• A. \( \text{Codeine} \)
• B. \( \text{Ethyl morphine} \)
• C. \( \text{Noscapine} \)
• D. \( \text{Pholcodeine} \)

Hint:

Remember Noscapine as the opium-derived cough suppressant that doesn't come with the pain relief and addiction baggage of other opioids.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Opium contains various alkaloids, some of which have antitussive (cough-suppressing), analgesic (pain-relieving), and addicting properties. Codeine and ethyl morphine are opium alkaloids that possess antitussive and analgesic effects, and they also have the potential for addiction. Pholcodeine is a synthetic opioid derivative with antitussive properties and a lower potential for addiction compared to codeine, but it still has some opioid-like effects. Noscapine (also known as narcotine) is an opium alkaloid that exhibits antitussive activity but has minimal analgesic effects and is considered non-addictive at therapeutic doses.