Omnitus cough syrup is a medication used to eliminate dry cough of various origins (flu, acute respiratory diseases, whooping cough), as well as to suppress the cough reflex at the pre- and postoperative stage, during surgical intervention, in preparation for instrumental studies of the respiratory system.
Composition, dosage form and packaging
According to the instructions, Omnitus cough syrup is a clear, colorless viscous liquid with a vanilla odor. Butamirate citrate is used as the main active substance in its production. As additional components in the syrup "Omnitus" are present: glycerol, sorbitol 70% (non-crystallizing), sodium saccharinate, vanillin, benzoic acid, ethanol 96%, anise oil, sodium hydroxide, distilled water.
The syrup is packaged in dark glass bottles, in addition, there is a measuring spoon in the kit (with a risk for a volume of 2.5 ml, a total volume of 5 ml). The medicine is packed in cardboard boxes.
Pharmacological action
As the instructions indicate, Omnitus cough syrup is an antitussive medicine of the central type of action. The active element (butamirate citrate) is neither pharmacologically nor chemically related to opium alkaloids. It has a direct effect on the cough center. It also has expectorant, moderate bronchodilating and anti-inflammatory properties. Improves blood oxygenation and spirometry.
Pharmacokinetics
In accordance with the instructions for use for Omnitus cough syrup, the absorption of this medication after oral administration is quite high. The maximum level of the active substance, as well as its main metabolite (2-phenylbutyric acid) in plasma, is observed after about 1.5 hours and is equal to 6.4 μg / ml.
Butamirate citrate is hydrolyzed in plasma to its main metabolite, as well as to diethylaminoethoxyethanol. Both of these substances, which also have antitussive activity, bind to a significant extent with plasma proteins, which explains their prolonged presence in plasma. Subsequently, the main metabolite, 2-phenylbutyric acid, begins to oxidize to 14C-p-hydroxy-2-phenylbutyric acid.
The half-life of butamirate when taking Omnitus syrup is 6 hours. All threemetabolites are excreted from the body through the kidneys, and acid metabolites - mainly in the form of glucuronides. The drug is well tolerated, rarely causes adverse reactions.
Indications for prescription
According to the instructions, Omnitus cough syrup is prescribed in such cases:
- with dry cough of various etiologies (during colds, flu, whooping cough and other conditions);
- to suppress cough in the postoperative or preoperative period, during bronchoscopy, surgical interventions.
This medication is not prescribed for wet cough.
Dosing regimen
For adult patients, the medication is prescribed 6 scoops (volume - 30 ml) 3 times a day. That's what the instructions say. Omnitus cough syrup for children over 9 years old (weighing more than 40 kg) is prescribed 3 scoops (volume - 15 ml) 4 times a day. At the age of 6 to 9 years (weight - 22-30 kg) - 3 measuring spoons 3 times a day. At the age of 3-6 years (weight - 15-22 kg) - 2 measuring spoons (volume -10 ml) 3 times a day.
Side effects
What else can you learn from the instructions for Omnitus cough syrup?
Medication may cause the following symptoms:
- Digestive system: dyspeptic disorders, diarrhea.
- Other: dizziness, allergic reactions, exanthema.
List of contraindications
This medication is contraindicated in case of high sensitivity to the components present in its composition, during lactation, in the first trimester of pregnancy, at the age of less than 3 years. This must be considered before appointment.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
According to the instructions for dry cough syrup "Omnitus", at the initial stage of the gestation process, the drug is not prescribed. If it is necessary to use it during the lactation period, the issue of temporary cessation of feeding should be resolved.
Special Recommendations
As indicated by the instructions for use for Omnitus syrup for dry cough, during the period of therapy with this medication, it is not recommended to prescribe drugs that depress the central nervous system (including antipsychotics and hypnotics, tranquilizers), patients are forbidden to drink alcohol.
People with diabetes can be prescribed the drug, because the syrup contains saccharin and sorbitol as a sweetener.
In addition, 1 ml of medicated syrup contains approximately 0.003 ml of ethanol. While taking the recommended single dose in 10 ml of syrup, the patient receives 0.03 ml of ethanol. It must be taken into account that this poses some danger for people with liver diseases, epilepsy, alcoholism, brain pathologies, as well as for children and pregnant women.
Butamirate contributes to the inhibition of cough activity, so the drugsbased on this component, it is not recommended to take it simultaneously with expectorants, since this may accumulate sputum in the respiratory tract with a high probability of developing bronchospasm or infection of the respiratory system. In addition, butamirate can provoke excessive drowsiness, as a result of which, when using it, it is recommended to refuse to drive vehicles and perform activities related to complex mechanisms. How to take Omnitus cough syrup, it is important to find out in advance.
Overdose symptoms and treatment
When ingesting high doses of syrup, signs of an overdose may occur, which manifest as nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, diarrhea, dizziness, lowering blood pressure.
To eliminate such conditions, it is recommended to take saline laxatives, activated charcoal, and, if necessary, symptomatic therapy.
Analogues
Analogues of the drug "Omnitus" for the active substance have different dosage forms, bioequivalence and volume. They also differ in the list of auxiliary components. The following medicines based on butamirate are registered in Russia:
- "Codelac Neo" is a medicine that is produced in 3 forms: long-acting tablets, drops and syrup. This remedy differs from Omnitus in the dosage of the main component and the method of administration. This medical product is produced by the Russian company Pharmstandard-Medicines.”
- "Sinekod" - a cough suppressant. Produced by the Swiss pharmaceutical company Novartis Consumer He alth in the form of dragees, drops and syrup. This remedy is prescribed not only for adult patients, but also for children. The dosage of the active element - butamirate - in 5 ml of syrup is 7.5 mg.
- Panatus is a drug produced by KRKA from Slovenia. This medication is represented by tablets for adults and syrup for children and is an absolute structural analogue of Omnitus.
- "Stoptussin" - a combined medicine based on butamirate. It is produced in combination with guaifenesin in the form of tablets and oral drops. Guaifenesin stimulates the bronchial glands and reduces the viscosity of sputum. At the same time, the functionality of the ciliated epithelium is activated and mucus is evacuated from the respiratory canals. This medication is suitable for eliminating not only dry, but also wet cough. Omnitus syrup cannot boast of this.
Reviews
Omnitus cough medicine has received many positive reviews on medical websites. Medical experts note that this drug is allowed to be used only on the basis of a medical prescription, since its action is aimed at inhibiting the work of the cough center. If taken incorrectly, complications may occur. Thus, according to doctors, "Omnitus" in the form of syrup is prescribed exclusively for dry cough. Wet cough itmedication cannot be treated, because this requires expectoration of sputum, which, through its action, stops. In the future, sputum remains in the bronchi, where it causes inflammation.
Patients who have used this drug describe it as an inexpensive and effective remedy for obsessive coughs, including those that occur at night. Often such a pathological condition is observed in children, and parents in the reviews noted that Omnitus syrup helped to quickly alleviate the child's condition. Adult patients also noted its rapid action and good therapeutic effect.
With regard to side effects in the use of this medication, patients noted the frequent occurrence of weakness, drowsiness, dyspeptic conditions, which were manifested by indigestion and nausea. Often there was a violation of the intestines, diarrhea. In children, nervous overexcitation or, conversely, excessive drowsiness was a common side reaction to taking the medication.
We reviewed the instructions and reviews for Omnitus cough syrup.
