Antitussive effect of moguisteine on allergic coughs in the guinea pig.

The effect of moguisteine, a novel peripherally acting non-narcotic antitussive drug, on allergic coughs was examined in guinea pigs. Male Hartley guinea pigs were actively sensitized to ovalbumin. The number of coughs elicited over 5 min following a 2-min exposure to ovalbumin was counted. Exposure of sensitized guinea pigs to 0.5% ovalbumin aerosol induced 22.0 +/- 3.2 coughs/5 min. Moguisteine at doses of 30 and 56 mg/kg, p.o., dose-dependently and significantly suppressed the number of allergic coughs. Dihydrocodeine at doses of 30 and 56 mg/kg, p.o., dose-dependently but not significantly reduced the number of allergic coughs. These results suggest that moguisteine may be of a therapeutic benefit in reducing allergic coughs.