European journal of pharmacology
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The effects of Ca2+ channel antagonists on the capsaicin-induced cough reflex in guinea pigs were studied. Intraperitoneal injection of nifedipine, verapamil and flunarizine in doses that ranged from 0.3 to 3.0 mg/kg decreased the number of coughs in a dose-dependent manner. ⋯ Pretreatment with a low dose of nifedipine (0.3 mg/kg), which by itself had no significant effect on the number of coughs, markedly increased the antitussive effects of morphine, dihydrocodeine and dextromethorphan. These data suggest that Ca2+ channels play an important role in the regulation of the cough reflex.