Cough is a natural reflex phenomenon that occurs when the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract is irritated by foreign bodies or vapors of certain substances. This is a kind of symptom that manifests itself as a protective reaction that allows you to rid your airways of dust, sputum and other particles.
Cough classification
There are two types of cough in nature:
Dry, i.e. without phlegm
In turn, this type of cough is divided into 2 forms:
- barking, which is accompanied by a sore throat or pain attacks, as well as a decrease in voice volume;
- paroxysmal, which is observed in patients with bronchitis or tracheitis.
Wet with expectoration
With this type of cough, the patient has severe wheezing, as well as discomfort and heaviness in the chest. Most often, this reflex phenomenon occurs with pneumonia and bronchitis.
It should also be noted that in the general classification there are other characteristics of the symptom in question. For example, persistent cough. Such a pathology can manifest itself with pneumonia, bronchitis, SARS, etc., as well as with mechanical damage to the respiratory tract through solid food, foreign bodies or dust.
How to get rid of this unpleasant phenomenon?
Most experts recommend using ivy syrup for cough. About what medicinal properties the mentioned plant has and in what preparations it is contained, we will tell further.
Common ivy
Ivy is a common indoor plant for many people. However, experts say that this is not just an ornamental plant, but a real medicine.
Ivy was known for its healing properties in ancient Greece. This plant was glorified by the well-known father of medicine - Hippocrates. He actively and quite widely used it in his practice.
Common ivy is able to easily eliminate alcohol intoxication, and also act as an anesthetic. Also, preparations with the addition of this plant were often used to reduce swelling of the brain and lower extremities. In addition, similar drugs were used to treat dysentery and hemorrhages.
As for more recent scientific studies, they have shown other properties of the plant in question.
Healing properties
The healing properties of cough syrup with ivy are provided due to the presence of saponins and flavonoids in this plant. It is these substances that give such drugs the followingeffects:
- anti-inflammatory;
- antiviral;
- expectorants;
- antioxidant;
- antimicrobial;
- antispasmodic;
- Antineoplastic.
According to experts, in many countries medicines based on ivy are actively used in the treatment of the upper respiratory tract. The antispasmodic properties of such medications help to relax muscle tissue, which reduces the frequency of attacks and improves the discharge of mucus from the bronchi. This effect is also very useful in asthma, when spasms make it difficult to breathe.
It is impossible not to say that the saponins present in ivy are good at thinning phlegm. It also makes it easier to clear it from the respiratory tract.
In the course of long studies, it was also revealed that ivy leaf extract accelerates the delivery of oxygen to the lung tissues and is an excellent decongestant and anti-inflammatory agent.
What kind of cough syrup with ivy is used in medicine? According to doctors, such drugs are especially effective for dry coughs. The leaf extract of the mentioned plant is the main active ingredient in the following medicines: Gerbion, Gedelix, Pectolvan and Prospan. The ivy cough syrups listed above have similar indications for use. However, there is still a difference between them. Which one, we will find out further.
Gerbion Ivy Cough Syrup
This medicinal product has a yellowish-brown color, as well as a characteristicsmell (the presence of opalescence in the syrup is allowed).
The active ingredient of the agent in question is a dry extract of ivy leaves. As for auxiliary ingredients, they include: liquid sorbitol, aromatic balm, glycerol, lemon oil, sodium benzoate, purified water, citric acid monohydrate, propylene glycol, Litsea cubeba citral, coriander oil, ethanol, citronella oil.
Cough syrup with ivy "Gerbion" goes on sale in dark glass bottles with a capacity of 150 ml, which are placed in cardboard boxes. Included with the drug is a dosing spoon.
Medication action
According to the instructions, Gerbion ivy cough syrup is a fairly popular and effective drug. Its therapeutic effect is due to the presence in it of such an active substance as ivy leaf extract. They contain many useful components. Among the most significant are triterpene saponins (alpha-hederin and hederacoside C).
Experts say that alpha-hederin is able to inhibit the endocytosis of beta2-adrenergic receptors, as well as increase their activity on the mucous membranes of the bronchi and in the epithelial layer of the lung tissue.
It should also be said that taking cough syrup with ivy leaves causes a decrease in the amount of Ca ions in the cells of the bronchial mucosa, thereby contributing to bronchodilation.
When beta2-adrenergic receptors are stimulated, the production of surfactant from alveolar epithelial cells of the second type increases. That is why andthe viscosity of sputum decreases, and subsequently its removal from the respiratory organs is facilitated.
Indications for prescription
Is it possible to give such a drug to children? From what cough syrup with ivy "Gerbion" is given to babies? The agent under consideration is actively used in pediatric practice. As a rule, it is used for severe and persistent dry cough, which is accompanied by infectious and inflammatory diseases of the respiratory system of an acute and chronic nature. In addition, the medication in question can be used for hepatocholecystitis, pyelonephritis, nephrolithiasis, gout, dermatitis, purulent wounds and burns.
Contraindications for prescribing
In what cases should you not use Gerbion ivy syrup for dry cough? The instructions indicate such contraindications to the use of the drug as a violation of the thyroid gland, severe pathologies of the cardiovascular system and hypersensitivity to substances. Also, the drug is not recommended during pregnancy and during breastfeeding.
Instructions
About the cough syrup with ivy "Gerbion" prescribed to patients, we found out above. It should also be noted that such a drug is taken only inside, measuring the required dosage using a special spoon.
Eating has no effect on the effect of the medication in question, so you can take it at any convenient time. During the period of treatment with this drug, it is recommended to consume more warm liquid.
The dosage of the cough syrup in question, as well as the scheme of its use, should be established only by a specialist, taking into account all the characteristics of the patient, the complexity of the disease and age.
For adults, the average daily dose of the drug is 5-7.5 ml, three times a day.
For children 6-10 years old, cough syrup with ivy is prescribed in a dose of 5 ml. As for babies 1-6 years old, they are recommended to give such a drug in the amount of 2.5 ml, 3 times a day. For children under one year old, this remedy is prescribed in extreme cases (2.5 ml, 2 r / d).
Duration of therapy with Gerbion syrup is a week. After eliminating all unwanted symptoms, the medication is recommended to be taken for another 2-3 days.
If after a week of treatment the symptoms of the disease have not disappeared, you should immediately consult a doctor.
Side Effects
What side effects can Gerbion Ivy Cough Syrup cause? Reviews of experts report that patients usually tolerate such a medication well. Although doctors still do not exclude the development of negative symptoms that affect the functioning of the digestive tract (for example, nausea, stool disorders and vomiting). In addition, while taking the medication in question, a person may experience allergic reactions such as bronchospasm, itching, swelling of the mucous membranes, rash, urticaria, etc.
The development of any adverse reactions requires immediate discontinuation of the drug and urgent referral to a specialist.
Important to know
What you need to know before taking cough syrup withivy extract? Experts say that the mentioned plant is toxic and poisonous. Therefore, in case of an overdose of Gerbion, the patient may experience nausea, diarrhea, vomiting and headaches, as well as an increase in blood pressure.
Direct contact with raw materials is likely to cause dermatitis.
It should also be noted that taking the ivy-based cough syrup in question along with other medicines with an antitussive effect is highly discouraged. This is because this combination can help reduce sputum production, making it much more difficult to cough up.
Reviews about "Gerbion"
Those who often encounter respiratory problems have long known what kind of cough syrup with ivy is used in otolaryngological practice. In such patients, the medication in question is always available in the home medicine cabinet. They explain their choice by the fact that Gerbion contains only herbal ingredients, which, in the right dosage, are not capable of harming the body.
Most of the patients taking this remedy note that after taking it, the cough becomes "softer" rather quickly. Also, against the background of its reception, the discharge of mucus improves, and soon all unwanted symptoms completely disappear. In their discussions, patients indicate that they need only 3-4 days of therapy for the final recovery.
It is impossible not to say that there are also messages on the World Wide Web in which people complain that taking Gerbion syrup only strengthened themcough. In this regard, they were forced to use other drugs, including antibiotics and inhalations with Ambrobene.
Prospan drug
Prospan ivy-based cough syrup is available as a pale brown liquid with a pronounced cherry flavor. The drug goes on sale in dark bottles with a stopper-dispenser with a capacity of 100 or 200 ml, which are placed in a pack of cardboard.
The active ingredient of the drug in question is dry ivy leaf extract. The syrup also contains an extractant 30% ethanol.
Pharmacology
According to the instructions, Prospan ivy cough syrup is a herbal preparation. Such a medication is able to have an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and wound healing effect. The saponins contained in the mentioned plant exhibit antifungal and antibacterial activity, while hederosaponins and triterpenoids alpha-hederin have mucolytic, antispasmodic and expectorant effects.
Also, ivy leaf extract includes flavonoids such as rutin and kaempferol derivatives. Due to the presence of these substances, Prospan syrup improves microcirculation and excretion of uric acid s alts, increases diuresis and has a nephro- and hepatoprotective effect.
What are they prescribed for?
The drug "Prospan" in the form of a syrup is prescribed for infectious and inflammatory diseases of the respiratory organs of an acute and chronic nature, which are accompanied by a persistent dry cough. Also mentionedthe remedy is highly effective in the presence of diseases such as pyelonephritis, hepatocholecystitis, nephrolithiasis, dermatitis, gout, burns and purulent wounds.
When is it prohibited?
According to the instructions, Prospan cough syrup with ivy should not be used in case of hypersensitivity to the drug substances, as well as under the age of 1 year. In addition, this remedy is not prescribed for patients suffering from alcoholism, and in the presence of diseases in which it is forbidden to use ethyl alcohol.
With extreme caution, the medication in question should be used for traumatic brain injury, liver and brain damage, severe pathologies of the cardiovascular system and impaired thyroid function.
Medication dosage
Prospan Syrup is for oral use only. Shake the bottle of medicine before using the antitussive.
Medication should be dosed using a measuring cap. Adult patients are recommended to take 5-7.5 ml, 3 r / d. As for children, at the age of 1-6 years, "Prospan" is usually prescribed at a dose of 2.5 ml, 3 r / d, and starting from 6 years - 5 ml, with the same multiplicity.
The minimum course of treatment with this drug is seven days, and the time for full therapy is 2-6 weeks.
Adverse reactions
Reviews of patients do not contain information about the side effects of the drug in question (when taken in recommended doses). However, the instructions say that in the process of using such a medicine in humansdiarrhea and allergic reactions may occur in the form of hives, shortness of breath, rash, swelling of mucous membranes and itching.
Special Information
During storage, the syrup may become cloudy, as well as change in taste and precipitation, but this does not affect its medicinal properties.
During treatment with syrup, special care should be taken when driving vehicles.
Prospan is not recommended for use in conjunction with antitussive drugs, as this may make it difficult to expectorate.
Reviews about "Prospan"
Most people who take this syrup for a persistent dry cough characterize it as an effective expectorant medicine. However, in some cases, when taking the drug in children, there is evidence of the ineffectiveness of ivy leaf extract.
Gedelix medication
Cough syrup with ivy "Gedelix" goes on sale in the form of a brown transparent liquid with a characteristic odor. During storage of the drug, the appearance of a precipitate is permissible, which, when shaken, makes the product cloudy. This feature does not affect the properties of the drug.
"Gedelix" is available in a 50 ml glass dropper bottle, which is placed in a cardboard box. The active ingredient in this syrup is ivy leaf extract. As additional components, they use: glycerol, macrogol glycerylhydroxystearate, star anise fruit oil, 70% sorbitol solution, hyetellose, purified water, propylene glycol.
Operation principle
"Gedelix" - cough syrup with ivy for children and adults. Such a medicine is of plant origin and demonstrates anti-inflammatory, wound healing and antioxidant effects.
The instructions for use say that the mentioned product contains saponins, which exhibit antibacterial and antifungal activity. Ivy leaf extract also contains triterpenoids, which have mucolytic, antispasmodic and expectorant effects. As for flavonoids, they not only stimulate microcirculation processes, but also contribute to the excretion of uric acid s alts, as well as increase diuresis and exhibit nephroprotective and hepatoprotective properties.
Indications for admission
Most often, Gedelix syrup is prescribed for acute and chronic infectious and inflammatory diseases of the respiratory system, which are accompanied by persistent dry cough. However, this drug can also be used in the following pathological conditions: burns, hepatocholecystitis, purulent wounds, pyelonephritis, dermatitis, nephrolithiasis and gout.
Contraindications for taking
Contraindications to the use of the medication in question are:
- prone to laryngospasm;
- bronchial asthma;
- severe diseases of the cardiovascular system;
- hypersensitivity to drug components;
- thyroid disorders;
- deficiency of an enzyme such as arginine succinate synthetase.
Dose and route of administration
Gedelix cough syruptaken orally and only after meals. If the specialist did not recommend a special dosage, then the medication is consumed in 5 ml (that is, one full measuring spoon), three times a day.
For adults, this remedy should be taken undiluted.
The duration of treatment with this drug depends on the severity of the disease, but it is not recommended to use it for more than one week.
After eliminating the symptoms of the disease, you should take the syrup for another 2-3 days.
Side effects
Experts say that while taking Gedelix cough syrup, allergic reactions, nausea, diarrhea and vomiting, as well as abdominal pain, are not excluded.
If any of the above actions develop, you should immediately contact a specialist.
Special Instructions
If after using the drug there is no therapeutic effect on the 4th or 5th day, it is recommended to immediately consult a doctor. The same applies if the course of the disease worsens (for example, with the development of asthma attacks, the appearance of purulent sputum or an increase in body temperature).
Since the drug "Gedelix" does not contain glucose, people with diabetes can take it.
Reviews about "Gedelix"
What do patients say about the cough syrup in question? Reviews about this medication are more positive. People who take it for respiratory diseases speak of the high effectiveness of the remedy. A positive opinion about this drug is shared byparents of young children.
Only a small part of patients expresses their dissatisfaction with such a medicine. They claim that this remedy can cause allergic reactions. Patients also complain about the high cost of the drug.
Pectolvan
Pectolvan Ivy Cough Syrup is a light brown clear liquid with cherry flavor and sweet taste. During storage, the drug may develop a slight opalescence.
The antitussive comes in a 100 ml bottle, which is placed in a carton pack (a dosing spoon is included).
The active ingredient of this medicine is dry ivy leaf extract. The preparation also contains excipients in the form of xanthan gum, sodium citrate dihydrate, citric acid monohydrate, sorbitol (E420), potassium sorbate, cherry food flavor and purified water.
Pharmacological action
Pectolvan syrup is a herbal remedy. This drug has a moderate antispasmodic and mucolytic effect on the human body. Also, the drug acts as an antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory drug.
When taking the syrup, a secretolytic effect is noted. This is due to the presence of glycosides (that is, saponins) in the preparation. Under the influence of syrup, not only does the viscosity of sputum decrease, but also its discharge improves.
The drug in question is able to stimulateadrenergic effects. This property of the drug is due to the activation of β2 receptors in the lung epithelium and bronchial myocytes.
Pectolvan syrup is not able to have a depressant effect on the respiratory center.
The drug "Pectolvan" is prescribed to patients for the treatment of inflammatory diseases of the respiratory tract, in which there is a strong dry cough. Also, the medication is often used for the symptomatic treatment of chronic bronchial pathologies.
As for contraindications, the instructions say that this syrup is not recommended for people with high sensitivity to the components of the product and intolerance to fructose.
Instructions for use
Pectolvan is intended for oral administration. Every time you need to shake the liquid. Use the measuring spoon to determine the exact dose.
For adolescents from 10 years old and adults, such a remedy is prescribed three times a day, 5-7, 5 ml. Children 6-10 years old - 5 ml, and babies 1-6 years old - 2.5 ml, with the same multiplicity.
The duration of the medication depends on the severity of the disease and the general condition of the patient (treatment should last at least 7 days).
Side effects
In most cases, Pectolvan syrup is relatively well tolerated by patients. However, in rare cases, this remedy may cause the following side effects:
- diarrhea;
- nausea and vomiting;
- allergic skin reactions.
Reviews aboutPectolvane
Patients taking this drug report that it is very effective in quickly relieving respiratory symptoms. As a rule, when taking Pectolvan syrup, a dry cough becomes wet and productive after 1-2 days.
The medication in question is also an excellent remedy for treating children, as it has a pleasant taste and aroma.
