Can Perocet Cause Breathlessness And Coughing?

Posted on Sun, 1 Apr 2018

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 1 Apr 2018 Answered on

Fri, 12 May 2023 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi Doc, I have been wondering this for the past year. Could a pain medication Percocet cause Coughing or trigger breathing issues? My wife has neck surgery but notice theses issues. Doctors have blamed it on allergies and cats but even after we got rid of the cat and she has been on zyrtecs the attacks come and go throughout the day. She has seen many specialist and they can't find one issue. I been reading over the 3 meds she is on and only the percocet concerns me it could be the issue. could this be triggered from the percocet medication- cough and breathing issues?

Answered by Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:

Acid reflux could trigger cough.

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

Perocet, in fact, contains oxycodone which acts as a cough suppressant. It is unlikely to trigger a cough or cause breathing issues.

Rather, some allergic component is likely to trigger the cough. I understand that Zyrtec has not been or relief but then other prescription antiallergics like fexofenadine or Loratidine can be tried.

Getting a blood allergy test done can also help in designing desensitization strategies.

Another probable cause of the cough could be acid reflux and taking Prilosec (omeprazole) once daily before breakfast can help.

Hope I have answered your query.

Take care

Regards,
Dr Prof. Kunal Saha, General & Family Physician

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng