Inhaled lidocaine can be used as an antitussive (cough suppressor) acting peripherally to reduce the cough reflex.

Lidocaine has the ability to suppress the cough reflex which in turn may mitigate increased intracranial pressure.

Physical stimulation of the external acoustic meatus innervated by the auricular nerve elicits a cough, much like the other cough reflexes associated with the vagus nerve.