Upsides

To treat a dry, irritating cough. Numbs the throat, causing the cough to become less active.

Fast-acting. It is safe to take up to three times per day. The maximum daily dose is 600 mg.

It is not a narcotic.

In some cases, it can be used to provide oropharyngeal anesthesia for conscious intubation.

There are no specific dosage recommendations for liver or kidney disease.

There is a generic version available.