Cough is a sign of a problem in the respiratory system, it develops for various reasons. Cough can appear with various infections, colds, allergic reactions. You can self-medicate only in case of a cold or with a mild degree of bronchitis. For all other he alth problems, you should consult a doctor.
General recommendations for treating cough
Distinguish between dry and wet coughs. When dry, irritation of the mucous membrane occurs and a cough reflex is provoked. It evolves for the following reasons:
- inflammation of the larynx and trachea;
- acute bronchitis;
- bronchial asthma;
- smoker's cough;
- inhalation of caustic fumes;
- inhalation of foreign substances.
For the treatment of dry cough, drugs that inhibit the cough reflex are used. They can be narcotic and non-narcotic, affect different areas of the brain or directly on the receptors of the respiratory tract.
With a wet cough, expectorant and mucolytic drugs are prescribeddrugs. They increase the secretion of mucus and thin it for better removal from the respiratory tract. With a wet cough, drugs that suppress the cough reflex should not be used. An expectorant is used for coughing when it is necessary to evacuate the mucus secreted by the bronchi to the outside.
Codeine
Codeine depresses the cough center in the brain. At the same time, it reduces respiratory activity, and with prolonged use, the drug can cause drug dependence. It should not be given to children under two years of age, pregnant women. Of the side effects: constipation, drowsiness. The drug should not be combined with alcohol, sleeping pills, painkillers and psychotropic drugs.
Codeine drugs:
- Caffetin;
- Neocodion;
- Kodipront;
- "Parakodamol";
- Codeterpin;
- "Solpadein".
Codeine is often used in complex cough preparations. For example, the drug "Codelac". Expectorant syrup, tablets, drops are produced. The composition includes substances that increase the secretion of bronchial mucus and thin it, expectorants.
Dextromethorphan
Dextromethorphan is an analogue of codeine of synthetic origin. It has fewer side effects, contraindications for use, and the compatibility is the same as that of codeine.
Drugs based on dextromethorphan:
- "Akodin";
- "Mucodex";
- Coldran;
- Coldrex Night;
- "Grippeks";
- "Atussin";
- Tussin Plus.
Non-narcotic antitussives
These drugs selectively depress the cough center. Not addictive, do not affect intestinal motility. When applied, adverse reactions are possible: drowsiness, drop in blood pressure, nausea, diarrhea. These drugs should not be taken by children under three years of age and pregnant women.
- Glaucin hydrochloride (Bronholitin, Glauvent).
- Oxeladin (Tusupresque, Paxeladin).
- Butamirate citrate ("Stoptussin", "Sinekod").
Prenoxdiazine
Prenoxdiazine acts predominantly at the level of receptors in the bronchi. It slightly inhibits the cough center, has a local anesthetic effect and prevents bronchospasm from developing. Use with caution during pregnancy.
Prenoxdiazine-based drugs:
- "Libeksin".
- Glibexin.
Pills are swallowed without chewing, otherwise numbness of the tongue is possible.
With insufficient production of mucus in the bronchi for colds, expectorants are used for dry cough in combination with mucolytics and antitussives (with a strong, debilitating cough). Also, drugs that suppress the cough reflex are prescribed at night so that the cough does not interfere with the patient's sleep. In other cases, antitussive drugs are undesirable, as they will interfere with the removal of mucus from the respiratory tract.
Mostdrugs is a combination of several active substances. Many of them are available in several dosage forms: syrup, tablets, capsules.
Here are some of the most popular medicines used for the symptomatic treatment of coughs.
Ambrobene
"Ambrobene" is available in the form of syrup, solution, capsules and tablets.
The composition of the drug includes Ambroxol hydrochloride, which is an analogue of Bromhexine. It has the property of thinning bronchial mucus, stimulating the epithelium of the respiratory tract to push the mucous secret out. In the treatment of "Ambrobene" it is recommended to drink plenty of water. Do not use the drug in the first trimester of pregnancy, with fructose intolerance and galactose malabsorption.
Broncholithin
Bronholitin syrup contains glaucine and ephedrine. This drug has a combined bronchodilator and antitussive effect: it selectively suppresses the cough center, expands the bronchi, eliminates swelling of the mucous membrane. Do not prescribe to children under three years of age, pregnant and lactating women, patients with cardiac disorders. The drug is available by prescription.
Bronchicum
This product contains a liquid thyme herb extract. It has expectorant, anti-inflammatory, bronchodilator and antimicrobial action. Reduces the viscosity of sputum and accelerates its expectoration. Produced as an expectorant syrup or in the form of vegetable raw materials for the preparation of infusion. Not recommended during pregnancy, gastritis, as well aschildren under six months of age.
Coldrex
An expectorant syrup (guaifenesin). The drug stimulates the receptors of the stomach, increases the effectiveness of the cough reflex, improves the functioning of the ciliated epithelium of the bronchi. It has an enveloping and softening effect on the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract. Liquefies phlegm, facilitates its discharge. Do not prescribe for diseases of the stomach, children under three years. Overdose may cause nausea, drowsiness and dizziness, vomiting, diarrhea.
Stoptussin
"Stoptussin" is produced in the form of syrup, tablets and drops. Contains guaifenesin and butamirate dihydrocitrate. It has a local anesthetic effect on the bronchial mucosa, reduces the cough reflex, thins the sputum and enhances its release to the outside. Do not use these expectorants for dry cough during pregnancy and lactation, children under 6 months, with myasthenia gravis and in the first trimester of pregnancy.
Muk altin
Means based on herbal ingredients (marshmallow root). Forms a film on the surface of the respiratory tract, softens the mucous membrane and enhances the effect of other drugs. It is recommended for patients with diseases of the stomach and intestines (gastritis, ulcers). It is good to combine with other drugs this expectorant for bronchitis, laryngitis and other respiratory diseases (for example, with sodium bicarbonate).
Cough pills
Expectorant preparations for dry cough in the form of tablets contain grass powderthermopsis and sodium bicarbonate. Reflexively intensify cough, increase the secretion of mucus and thin it, excite the respiratory center. Overdose may cause nausea and vomiting. Not to be taken during pregnancy and lactation, children under 12.
What drugs can be given to children
Basically, all expectorants for dry cough are prescribed for children from the age of three. Until this age, only these drugs can be given:
- Bronchicum;
- Linkas;
- "Libeksin" - as prescribed by a doctor;
- "Sinekod" (drops);
- Stoptussin.
Syrups or solutions are given to young children to make it easier to comply with the dosage, in addition, flavors are often included in the composition of the medicine.
Expectorant for children under one year old:
- "Ambrobene" - as prescribed by a doctor.
- Cough syrup for children dry.
When choosing a drug for the treatment of cough, you should remember that if you have a high temperature or a prolonged chronic process, you need to see a doctor.
