Every parent has faced a situation in their life when they need to give an antitussive to their child. To figure out what exactly should be used, choosing the right one among the abundance of drugs, you should know the causes and mechanisms for the development of cough in children.
Causes of cough in children
Before you run to the pharmacy for medicines, you need to consult and see a doctor so that the specialist, based on the reason, prescribes exactly the antitussive medicine suitable for the child.
Depending on the cause, a cough can be infectious, allergic, mechanical, or neurotic in origin.
The infectious nature of the cough is the most common of all those listed. Nasopharyngeal and respiratory tract infections are caused by:
- viruses (influenza, parainfluenza, enteroviruses, adenoviruses and others),
- bacteria (staphylococcus, streptococcus, pneumococcus, mycoplasma, mycobacterium tuberculosis andothers),
- the simplest,
- fungal microflora.
These harmful microorganisms cause inflammatory reactive processes in the mucous membrane of the nasopharynx and respiratory tract of the child, which leads to diseases of these organs. As a result, children begin to cough.
Allergic cause is associated with the introduction of an allergen into the body, which causes sensitivity reactions in the mucous membranes of the respiratory system in the form of swelling, spasm and cough.
Mechanical irritation of the respiratory tract by foreign bodies that accidentally enter the child's body and are reflexively removed by coughing. It can be feathers, motes, small particles of toys, balls and so on. The condition is dangerous and can cause respiratory failure. Sometimes a bronchoscopy is needed to get what triggers the cough reflex.
The neurotic nature of the cough is confirmed only after a systematic examination of the pulmonary system and the exclusion of all other causal mechanisms.
Dry and wet cough mechanism
Cough can be divided into dry and wet, which will affect the prescription of an antitussive for a child.
The cough mechanism is associated with irritation of the receptor cells of the walls of the respiratory tract by inflammatory processes and sputum. These receptors are located unevenly, so cough occurs when the infection is localized in the epiglottis, larynx, vocal cords and below them, as well as in the trachea, the place where the bronchi branch, inpleural membrane. The smaller the airway, the fewer receptors there.
Dry cough is unproductive because it does not produce sputum. Such a cough can be with inflammation of the posterior pharyngeal wall (pharyngitis), larynx (laryngitis), pleura (pleurisy), at the initial stage of pneumonia. An infection of a viral nature is manifested precisely by a dry cough. Influenza causes a debilitating cough that "rips" the trachea and bronchi, causing pain in the chest. The parainfluenza virus often affects the larynx, which is accompanied by a barking dry cough. With inflammation of the pleural membrane without the formation of exudative effusion, the cough is not only dry, but also very painful. Pertussis pathogens also cause dry cough with bronchospasm.
When a bacterial infection produces more sputum, which, when released into the bronchi, causes a cough in order to expel it from the lungs. If the sputum is viscous, then it comes off poorly or does not separate at all, which causes an unproductive cough.
When sputum production occurs during a coughing fit, the cough is called wet and productive. After such a cough, the condition becomes better, as part of the inflammatory secret has left the body.
Children, due to the structure of narrow bronchi and weakness of the muscles of the chest, it is very difficult to cough, so their cough is often unproductive. Young children may not understand exactly how they should cough up phlegm. Therefore, an antitussive for a child should not only thin the sputum. One of the mainfunctions - to help the epithelium of the bronchi to expel it from the body.
Antitussives for dry cough for children
To alleviate the fate of a small patient suffering from diseases of the pulmonary system with a dry cough, various drugs are used. Among them are:
- Syrup for children "Panatus" refers to the central antitussives, that is, it affects the cough center in the brain tissue. The active ingredient butamirate expands the bronchi, removes phlegm, relieves inflammation.
- Cough syrup "Sinekod" (in the instructions for use for children is recommended from the age of three) also has the active ingredient butamirate. Its action will be similar to the drug described above.
- Cough syrup "Glycodin" (for children from four years old) refers to the combined means. The composition contains dextromethorphan, which blocks cough at the level of the medulla oblongata. Terpinhydrate helps to remove phlegm from the bronchi, reducing its viscosity and increasing its amount. Antispasmodic action provides levomenthol.
- "Stoptussin" is a combined medicine with butamirate and guaifenesin in the composition. The latter reduces the viscosity of sputum with an increase in its secretion, which protects the bronchial wall from injury when coughing.
- Alex plus lozenges contain dextromethorphan, which acts on cough from the central reflex side, as well as terpinhydrate, which removes sputum. The form of the drug allows you to use it with an unproductive cough due to pharyngitis. Shown from age six.
Antitussives for dry coughs for children should only be used as prescribed by a pediatrician, taking into account age, contraindications and side effects.
Antitussives for wet coughs for children
For the speedy removal of sputum with a wet cough, the list of antitussive drugs for children includes:
- "Ambroxol" in syrup for children under 12 has a mucolytic and expectorant effect, removing an increased amount of sputum, reducing its viscosity, activating bronchial epithelial cells.
- "Bromhexine" in tablets is applicable in children from the age of three and refers to mucolytics that increase the secretion and excretion of sputum from the lungs, help to form a surfactant that protects the walls of the bronchial tree.
- "ACC" in syrup and granules has been used in children's practice since the age of two and contains acetylcysteine as an active ingredient, which helps to expel sputum, thinning mucus, has an antioxidant effect on epithelial cells, which is important for combating the inflammatory process.
- Erespal syrup contains fenspiride as a base, which helps it fight bronchospasm and have an anti-inflammatory effect. Shown to children from two years old.
- "Muk altin" - a herbal tablet preparation containing marshmallow root extract, which relieves inflammation, helps sputum to be expectorated, envelops the bronchial mucosa, protecting it from damage when coughing. Approved for use from the age of two, after dissolving the tablet in water.
For babies
Antitussive drugs for children under 3 years of age are represented by the following drugs:
- "Panatus" in drops can be used from two months. It effectively removes phlegm and alleviates the condition of the child with a dry cough.
- "Sinekod" drops with a similar composition are prescribed to babies from two months to a year, 10 drops four times a day. From a year to three - 15 drops, from three years - 25 drops.
- "Stoptussin" in drops is used from 6 months, depending on the weight of the child. For children under two years old, the maximum number of drops per day should be no more than 102.
- "Ambroxol" in syrup is taken by children under 12 years of age. Up to a year, the drug can be used only after the permission of the doctor.
- "ACC" - antitussive syrup for children - is shown from the age of two. The drug thins mucus, helping to cough up.
- Syrup "Erespal" is allowed for use from two years. Relieves spasms in the bronchi of various diameters, effective for asthma and chronic lung diseases.
- Tablets "Muk altin" according to some sources can be taken by children without age restrictions, according to others - only from 12 years old. This herbal remedy has worked well for a long time. Therefore, from the age of two, you can give it, diluted immediately before taking it.
Methods of application and dosage
"Panatus" in syrup is used before taking food, the dose depends on the age category. After the age of nine15 ml is prescribed four times a day. From 6 to 9 years - three times. From three to six years, 10 ml three times a day. In the form of tablets, it is used in children after the age of six years, they are prescribed on a tablet twice a day. Children over 12 years of age should take three medications a day.
"Glycodin" in syrup for children after the age of twelve is recommended for a teaspoon up to four times. From 7 to 12 - half a teaspoon 3-4 times during the day, from four to seven years of age, a quarter teaspoon is prescribed three times during the day.
According to the instructions for use, cough syrup for children "Sinekod" is prescribed from three to six years of age, 5 ml three times a day, from 6 to 12 years - ten milliliters, from 12 years - 15 ml three times.
"Stoptussin" in tablets is used from the age of 12, half a tablet 4 times a day.
Alex Plus lozenges for children over 12 years old can take up to 12 pieces per day (an average of six). From 6 to 12 years up to eight per day (average 3). Assign to dissolve in the mouth.
Antitussive pills for children "Ambroxol" after 12 years old are taken one three times a day. When the sputum begins to move away, the dose can be reduced to two tablets. Children's syrup is prescribed at 7.5 mg twice a day until the age of six, 15 mg up to three times a day after the age of six.
Bromhexine should be taken with or without food. Children over 14 years old are allowed 1-2 tablets up to four times a day, from 6 to 14 years old - half a tablet three times a day, and from 3up to 5 years - the fourth part of the tablet three times.
"ACC" in granules is shown depending on the number of years of the child. From 6 to 14 - 100 mg three times, or 200 mg twice a day. Two to six years of age, 100 mg up to three times a day.
"Erespal" in syrup is prescribed for children from two years old, depending on their weight, at a dosage of 4 mg / kilogram per day. The dosage should be divided into 2-3 single doses.
"Muk altin" is taken up to two tablets 3-4 times a day before meals. For babies, tablets are dissolved in liquid.
Contraindications
All antitussives should be used according to the age of the child and as prescribed by the doctor. Each drug can cause allergies, so in known cases of hypersensitivity reactions to a particular cough remedy, it is no longer prescribed.
"Sinekod" contains sorbitol, so it is contraindicated for children who do not tolerate fructose.
"Glycodin" can not be used in bronchial asthma. Contains sucrose and fructose, which you should be aware of if they are intolerant.
"Alex Plus" is contraindicated for those who take furazolidone, procarbazine, selegiline, as well as for children with bronchial asthma.
"Stoptussin" is not prescribed for myasthenia gravis.
"Sinekod" is not allowed for those who cannot tolerate fructose.
"Ambroxol" is prohibited for use in phenylketonuria, galactose intolerance (effervescent tablets).
Bromhexine should not be taken in acute peptic ulcer disease.
"ACC" is prohibited for hemoptysis, pulmonarybleeding, exacerbation of ulcers.
"Erespal" in syrup contains fructose and sucrose, which should be known in case of their intolerance, as well as diabetes in a child.
Side effects of cough medicines
All of the above medicines can have undesirable effects on children's bodies.
Allergic reactions are a side effect that can occur with any antitussive for a child.
Panatus, Sinekod, Glycodin, Stoptussin, Alex Plus, Ambroxol, Bromhexine, Erespal have an effect on the nervous system in the form of dizziness and drowsiness.
Headache may occur due to taking Bromhexine, Stoptussin, Ambroxol, ACC.
Tinnitus can trigger ACC reception.
Dyspeptic manifestations in the form of stool disorders by the type of diarrhea, nausea, vomiting are characteristic of Panatus, Sinekod, Stoptussin, Alex Plus, Ambroxol, Bromhexine, ACC, Erespal.”
Pain in the abdomen may occur after taking Stoptussin, Ambroxol, Bromhexine, ACC, Erespal.
Dry mouth, dysuria and constipation are side effects of Ambroxol.
Appetite may decrease from taking Stoptussin.
Heartburn, fever and stomatitis are rarely seen with ACC.
Exacerbation of respiratory disorders in the form of shortness of breath and bronchial spasm (more often in asthmatics) can provoke the use of ACC in rare cases.
Exacerbationpeptic ulcer, as well as an increase in the blood of liver enzymes can in rare cases occur from Bromhexine.
Disturbances in the work of the heart in the form of tachycardia and a decrease in blood pressure arise from Erespal and ACC.
Forms and prices
"Panatus" is available in the form of tablets of 20 mg, approved for children from the age of six. Also in bottles with syrup of 7.5 mg per 5 ml for children from three years old. Drops 4 mg per 5 ml from two months of age. The cost in pharmacies varies from 138 to 264 rubles.
"Glycodin" in syrup in bottles of 50 and 100 ml, allowed for children from four years old. The price in the pharmacy chain is from 69 to 108 rubles.
"Sinekod" is available in syrup of 100 and 200 ml in a bottle for children from three years old, in drops of 20 ml, suitable for treating babies from two months. It costs in the pharmacy chain from 194 to 465 rubles.
"Stoptussin" in tablets 100/4 mg is indicated from the age of 12, in drops from 6 months. The price depends on the form of issue - from 75 to 399 rubles.
"Ambroxol" is produced by various manufacturers in tablets of 30 milligrams for children from 12 years old. Syrup 15 mg is allowed for children under 12 years of age. The cost, depending on the country of origin and the form of release, ranges from 13 to 463 rubles.
"Bromhexine" in tablets of 8 mg, 4 mg and in syrup 4 mg per ml in a 60 ml bottle for children from three years old. The price is from 17 to 243 rubles.
"ACC" for children is used in 100 and 200 mg granules, 200 mg effervescent tablets and 20 mg/ml syrup. The cost of the drug in the pharmacy network fluctuatesfrom 32 to 680 rubles, depending on the form of issue.
"Erespal" in syrup 2 mg / ml for children from two years old costs from 224 to 566 rubles, depending on the size of the bottle (150-250 ml).
"Muk altin" in tablets of 50 mg costs from 6 to 146 rubles for a pack of 10 to 30 tablets.
Reviews
Given the feedback of pediatricians prescribing antitussives, parents and relatives involved in the treatment of children, it is possible to rank cough remedies in descending order:
- "Muk altin" is positively evaluated by 81 to 96% due to good tolerance and effectiveness of the herbal preparation.
- “ACC” is approved by 80 to 96% of respondents, as the drug has proven itself well for coughing with difficult sputum.
- Glycodin helped 86-92% of those who used it for the treatment of pulmonary pathology.
- "Stoptussin" from dry cough for children, according to doctors and parents, is good in 76-90% of cases.
- Ambroxol is effective in 74-90% of cases for the treatment of cough with sputum that is difficult to separate.
- "Bromhexine" is positively evaluated by 70-90% of the people surveyed.
- Panatus is considered effective for coughs in children by 80-86% of those who used it.
- Sinecode is approved for use by 76-82% of people.
- Alex Plus cough drops worked 80% of the time.
- Erespal received 70–78% positive feedback from doctors and patients.
