Combined use of expectorants and antitussives. Expectorants are inexpensive but effective. Inhalation drugs: method of use

They require complex treatment, including antibacterial or antiviral therapy, antipyretics and antihistamines, immunostimulants and immunomodulators. Pathogenetic treatment is aimed at reducing signs of inflammation, bronchodilation, restoring the patency of the respiratory tract, as well as liquefying and removing sputum. For this purpose, patients are prescribed expectorants. This is a group of drugs that ensure the removal of bronchial secretions from the respiratory tract.

Healthy people constantly produce a mucous secretion designed to moisturize and cleanse the epithelium of the respiratory tract. With infection and inflammation of the respiratory tract, the activity of the cilia of epithelial cells decreases and sputum production increases. It becomes viscous and difficult to separate. To cope with this problem and eliminate a productive cough, medications that help thin and expectorate sputum will help. They restore the functioning of the ciliated epithelium and accelerate the movement of tracheobronchial secretions.

Drugs in this group are divided into 2 large subgroups:

• Secretomotor means, directly stimulating expectoration.
• Mucolytics or secretolytics, thinning sputum.

Expectorants are intended for the treatment of productive cough with viscous and thick discharge, which occurs when the bronchi, bronchioles, lungs, trachea are affected, as well as other diseases.

Mucolytic and expectorant drugs are auxiliary drugs that make the patient’s life easier, but do not eliminate the cause of cough. They should be used only in combination with etiotropic antimicrobial therapy.

Mucolytics thin the thick bronchial secretions, have a mild anti-inflammatory effect and prevent mucus from sticking to the walls of the respiratory tract.

Mechanism of action

– a reflex act that protects the body from foreign substances by removing them from the respiratory system. This is the most important sign of bronchopulmonary diseases. The cough reflex occurs when the receptors of the mucous membrane of the bronchi and trachea are irritated, which becomes inflamed and swollen. It intensively produces thick mucus, which does not come out, but continues to stimulate cough receptors.

Cough also happens. In the first case, it is necessary to use drugs that improve the removal of sputum, but do not suppress the cough - mucolytic and expectorant drugs. They dilute mucus and promote its movement from the lower parts of the respiratory tract to the upper ones. Despite the fact that this group includes a large number of drugs, they all differ in their main pharmacological action.

Medications

Medicinal herbs, herbal infusions, pharmacological preparations and folk remedies have an expectorant effect.

Only a doctor must select one or another cough medicine, taking into account the form and stage of the disease, the patient’s condition, the nature of the sputum and the presence of concomitant pathologies. Herbal medicines and folk remedies are safe, but often ineffective. Potent synthetic drugs that have a number of contraindications and side effects deserve special attention. Most of them have a symptomatic effect, and some drugs have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects.

Synthetic secretolytics are used to eliminate cough, which is a symptom of inflammation of the bronchi, lungs, and trachea. They are prescribed to premature babies and young children who have reduced synthesis of surfactant, a substance that stabilizes the pulmonary alveoli.

• "Bromhexine"- an effective mucolytic, which is prescribed to persons with spastic bronchitis, bronchiectasis. Bromhexine is a synthetic analogue of the active plant substance vasicin, which can thin and remove mucus. In the human body, bromhexine is absorbed into the blood and, as a result of a number of metabolic reactions, is converted into ambroxol. The drug is produced in tablet form, syrup and drops for inhalation. The effect of the drug begins one day after the start of treatment: the viscosity of sputum decreases, the work of the ciliated epithelium increases, the volume of sputum and its excretion increases. Bromhexine ensures stability of the alveoli during breathing through the production of pulmonary surfactant. Side effects are dyspepsia and allergies. Currently, bromhexine is considered an outdated drug, and doctors recommend it less and less.
• "Ambroxol"– a medicine that protects the mucous membrane of the respiratory system from external influences, including infection. This drug is considered vital and is widely used in medical practice. Thanks to the effect of the drug, the mobility of the villi of the ciliated epithelium is activated, mucociliary transport is restored, resulting in the formation of a less viscous discharge. Increased surfactant production protects cells and tissues from the invasion of pathogenic microbes. Ambroxol is a metabolite of bromhexine and has identical properties. It has a pronounced antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect. The drug is used for prophylactic purposes before and after operations. Ambroxol is used in tablet form to treat wet cough in adults. Children under one year old are given delicious syrup in an age-appropriate dosage.
• 
  Acetylcysteine is the main active ingredient of the drug "ACC" and its analogues. This is an effective mucolytic that can dilute viscous bronchial secretions and remove it from the body. "ACC" is prescribed to persons with infectious pathology of the respiratory system, accompanied by the formation of thick mucus: bronchitis, tracheitis, as well as. Acetylcysteine ​​is used to treat colds and is included in the complex therapy of serious diseases such as cystic fibrosis, lung disease and others. Acetylcysteine ​​is an important medicine that is available in the form of powder and effervescent tablets. Side effects include allergic reactions, shortness of breath, and bronchospasm.
• Carbocysteine- a mucolytic agent with a bronchosecretolytic effect. It thins, breaks down and dissolves difficult to expectorate viscous mucus, and also slows down the process of its formation. “Carbocisteine”, “Libexin Muco”, “Mukosol” and other analogues normalize the condition of the mucous membranes and promote their regeneration. These medications do not provoke bronchospasm and are safer than ACC. The very next day after the start of treatment, the discharge of sputum and mucus from the respiratory tract improves, which makes breathing easier and reduces coughing.
• 

  Combined expectorants are potent drugs used according to strict indications and doctor’s recommendations. The most common representative of this group is Ascoril. Despite their high efficiency and rapid onset of therapeutic effect, drugs in this group have many contraindications and cause a variety of side effects. Codelac Broncho is available in different dosage forms: tablets, syrup, elixir. The syrup is prescribed mainly to children in a dosage appropriate to their age. It reduces the viscosity of mucus, promotes its clearance, weakens the cough reflex and reduces the inflammatory process in the respiratory tract.

  "Bromhexine" and "Ambroxol" promote the penetration of antibiotics from the group of penicillins, cephalosporins, macrolides, and fluoroquinolones into the sputum. In this regard, expectorants based on these drugs are prescribed together with antimicrobial agents.

  In case of chronic obstructive inflammation of the bronchi, a good therapeutic effect is achieved by the combined use of mucolytics, bronchodilators, antispasmodics - “Salbutamol”, “Eufillin”. During the treatment process, the work of the ciliated epithelium is enhanced, inflammation and swelling of the mucous membrane is reduced, and sputum production is facilitated.

  Phytotherapy

  Some medicinal herbs have an expectorant effect and clear the bronchi of mucus. Official medicine allows the use of these herbs for wet coughs. You can purchase them at the pharmacy chain and use them strictly according to the instructions.

  Expectorant herbs include:

  • Plantain,
  • Altey,
  • Coltsfoot,
  • Thyme,
  • Licorice,
  • Sage,
  • Calendula,
  • Chamomile,
  • Thermopsis,
  • Oregano.

  These herbs irritate the gastric mucosa and brain centers, and then reflexively activate the mucous glands in the bronchi and the contractility of the bronchial muscles. Thanks to this, sputum becomes liquid and abundant, it moves faster through the respiratory tract and leaves the body.

  

  Breast mixtures are prepared from medicinal herbs or brewed separately. Decoctions, infusions, syrups, herbal teas and drinks provide a good therapeutic effect. Most people suffering from productive cough choose natural remedies and confirm their high effectiveness. Modern pharmaceuticals produce a huge number of herbal medicines based on medicinal herbs.

  
  

  Folk remedies

  Traditional cough medicine, actively used at home, is quite effective and accessible to everyone. This mild expectorant therapy gives good results, the main thing is to stock up on the necessary ingredients and patience. Before proceeding to self-medication, you should consult a specialist.

  

  To cleanse the bronchi from unwanted and excessive mucus, you need to drink as much liquid as possible and do herbal and essential inhalations.

  

  Video: cough and expectorants, Dr. Komarovsky

Coughing is the body’s natural need to protect itself and clear itself of pathogens. Young parents often encounter this symptom in a 2-3 year old child and, trying to help, offer him the whole variety of antitussive drugs that are on display at the pharmacy. However, to properly and effectively eliminate the problem, you need to know in what cases expectorants are appropriate and are they suitable for your little patient?

Why are expectorants needed and how do they work?

In the respiratory system of a healthy child, the required amount of tracheobronchial secretion is produced daily (from 5 to 100 ml per day), which prevents the penetration of bacteria and viruses into the body. If the infection enters the respiratory tract, then to protect itself the body begins to produce more mucus (800-900 ml), which, stagnating in the bronchi and trachea, becomes a breeding ground for pathogenic microbes.

The occurrence of such a pathology is accompanied by a normal physiological method of cleansing - coughing. Over time, the sputum becomes thicker, more viscous, and it is more difficult for the child to get rid of it completely. To facilitate the process and increase the speed of mucus discharge, expectorants are prescribed to the small patient. The mechanism of sputum production when coughing depends on the type of drug.

Types of expectorants

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Specialists select medications depending on the individual characteristics of the child’s body - age, general health, the cause of the cough, whether there is an allergic reaction to the components of the medications.

All existing expectorant medications are divided into 4 groups according to the principle of their effect on the body:

• irritating drugs that stimulate receptors in the gastric mucosa and increase the production of tracheobronchial secretions;
• medications that stimulate bronchial receptors;
• mucoregulators based on vasicin or cysteine ​​with sulfhydryl groups, which dilute sputum due to oxidation and cleavage of protein disulfide bonds in mucopolysaccharides of sputum, and also increase the activity of the epithelium lining the walls of the respiratory tract;
• proteolytics that destroy peptides in mucus glycoproteins.

Effective products for children

For the treatment of diseases of the respiratory system such as tracheitis, bronchitis and more severe ones - asthma, pneumonia, pneumonia, which are accompanied by frequent coughing, there is a wide range of expectorant medications. Most of them are used for both children under 1 year and adolescents. Only the release form and dosage change.

The drug will become more effective after the doctor carries out all the necessary tests and finds out the origin of the wet or dry cough that torments the baby. Mucoregulators of plant origin cope better with a wet cough, while a dry cough requires the use of synthetic or combined medications.

For dry cough

The causes of this type of cough are both colds and reflux, allergic reactions, dry dusty air, whooping cough and hypothermia. The situation is complicated by the fact that with such a cough the mucus does not come out, so the treatment most often involves combination drugs (synthetic components + medicinal herbs), because they are well tolerated and make the cough productive more quickly.

Up to 3 years of age, syrups and drops are prescribed, and older children are prescribed tablets from the following list:

• Libexin syrup relaxes the smooth muscles of the bronchi and reduces the sensitivity of nerve endings. Prescribed to children from the first days of life.
• Contains carbocisteine, which relieves severe attacks of dry cough. Used from birth.
• - a herbal preparation that is well tolerated by the child and protects the throat mucosa from irritation. Can be prescribed from 6 months.
• do not cause allergies and are a treatment for both dry and wet coughs for up to 1 year.
• has good bronchodilator, anti-inflammatory and antiallergic effects. Used to treat children from 2 years of age.
• affects the cough center in the brain due to codeine, licorice root and thermopsis in the composition and is used in the treatment of patients 6 years of age (we recommend reading:).
• Omnitus syrup helps quickly transform a dry cough into a wet one in patients over 3 years of age.
• Broncholitin drops/granules contain glaucine, ephedrine and basil oil. They have antispasmodic, antitussive, bronchodilator and sedative effects.
• includes many herbs that help cope with dry cough and improve sputum discharge in children aged 3-5 years.
• is a homeopathic remedy that helps reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract and quickly eliminate secretions in patients aged from one month to 6 years.

For wet cough

Experts call the wet type of cough productive because pathological mucus comes out of the respiratory tract without additional help. When treating, the doctor first pays attention to the thickness, color and intensity of the sputum discharge.

Liquid secretion does not need to stimulate the bronchi; only in rare cases does it require the use of drugs that irritate the gastric mucosa and cough center, and thick, viscous or purulent sputum is treated with thinning syrups, powders and tablets - mucoregulators:

• is a semi-synthetic preparation with potassium bromide, thyme and thyme extract. Stimulates mucus secretion.
• have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects due to primrose extract, menthol and thyme.
• has many analogues (Lazolvan, Halixol, Ambrobene, Bromhexine) based on ambroxol hydrochloride (we recommend reading:). It is a potent medicine for treating children from one year of age.
• contain herbs that have strong anti-inflammatory and expectorant effects. They have many contraindications.
• consists of components of plant origin. Indicated for infants to relieve swelling and reduce irritation in the upper respiratory tract.
• used to treat wet cough in 12-year-old patients.

Traditional treatment of cough in children

Folk remedies that are easy to prepare and use at home are effective in helping medications. However, before you start taking any, even the most harmless drug, you must obtain the approval of your doctor, because most herbal components can provoke an allergic reaction. Most often, several of the simplest and most effective home treatment methods are used:

• inhalations and medicinal drinks using breast mixtures (at the rate of 2 tablespoons of herbs per 250 ml of boiling water), which include coltsfoot, sage, marshmallow, licorice, plantain, thyme, ivy, thermopsis;
• warm milk with the addition of butter or animal fat (badger, goat), mineral water or a pinch of baking soda (we recommend reading:);
• banana drink made from boiled pulp of one banana and 5 g of sugar;
• natural honey in combination with heated drink;
• black radish juice mixed with 1 tablespoon of liquid honey;
• decoction of tricolor violet;
• Ginger root is grated and added to hot water or baby tea.

During the period of treatment of a child’s cough, it is important to maintain water balance and give the baby fortified teas.

Let's give some more useful tips:

• if the cough does not interfere with the child’s ability to lead a full life, does not interrupt sleep, or provoke a fever or runny nose, then you can delay taking medications;
• taking cough medications requires a responsible approach and monitoring the reaction of the child’s body, as well as a higher calorie daily diet;
• Along with taking antitussive medications, parents should give the baby a vibration massage several times a day, which will improve blood flow in the organs of the respiratory system and speed up the effect of the medications (more details in the article:);
• You cannot simultaneously give expectorants to children and depress the cough center in the brain;
• do not stop taking medications after a slight relief occurs, but complete the entire course of treatment for cough within 2 weeks;
• Most cough medications have contraindications such as convulsions and damage to the gastrointestinal tract, so all risks must be taken into account, especially for children under one year of age.

Cough is a symptom familiar to every person. We first encounter it in early childhood, cough often and thickly in kindergartens and continue to do this in elementary school. We drink a lot of tasty and not very expectorants in syrups, tablets and drops. Gradually the cough goes away, only to remind itself again after a while. Do we know why we cough? Do we know how to treat a cough correctly? And on what basis do we choose expectorants?

The modern pharmaceutical market sometimes amazes us with the variety of cough medications. A completely confused person can spend a long time looking at shop windows filled with expectorant variety. And take the first package you come across to finally dispel the pharmacy obsession.

Let's try to put all the expectorants on their shelves and clearly understand when, how much, and, most importantly, what exactly should be taken for a cough.

Before you continue reading: If you are looking for an effective method of getting rid of constant colds and diseases of the nose, throat, lungs, then be sure to look into section of the site "Book" after reading this article. This information is based on the author’s personal experience and has helped many people, we hope it will help you too. NOT advertising! So, now back to the article.

Main causes of cough

But before we do therapy, we need to understand why we cough. After all, sometimes a symptom requires medical intervention and urgent measures, and self-medication is dangerous.

So, coughing is a completely normal, physiological process that helps clear our airways of excessive secretions, foreign particles and, of course, germs. Frequent cough is almost always a symptom of the disease. It is completely wrong to believe that a cough is necessarily a cold. Reasons for such symptoms include:

• infections.
  Of course, in most cases, cough is the result of respiratory infections: ARVI, influenza, pneumonia, whooping cough, tuberculosis. Typically, an acute cough lasting less than three weeks is caused by a common cold;
• reactive respiratory diseases.
  Such pathologies include bronchial asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and chronic bronchitis, including smoker's bronchitis;
• gastroesophageal reflux.
  The backflow of hydrochloric acid into the esophagus is most often the cause of a cough of unknown origin;
• contaminated air;
• foreign body;
• taking antihypertensive drugs that block ACE (Enalapril, Ramipril and others);
• psychogenic factor;
• other factors, including tumors and severe respiratory disease.

Self-medication of cough: be careful!

You can treat a cough yourself by taking expectorants only in cases of infectious diseases. However, one cannot lose vigilance even with a seemingly innocent cough that accompanies ARVI.

Sometimes dangerous symptoms noticed in time save a life, so don’t relax and monitor your condition. Let's list the manifestations that require contacting a specialist.

If, against the background of a “cold” cough, there is a sharp deterioration- a severe fever has begun, weakness, sweating, and purulent thick sputum have appeared - call a doctor immediately!

If your cough has been bothering you for more than three weeks, urgently go to your local therapist!

If there are streaks of blood in your cough, you need immediate consultation with a pulmonologist!

We will return to cough, which can be treated on our own, and will deal with a detailed description of expectorants.

Why are expectorants needed?

If we say that coughing is a physiological reflex, then why are expectorants needed? Let's figure it out.

In a healthy person, the glands of the trachea and bronchi produce tracheobronchial secretion. It helps our respiratory tract cope with bacteria and viruses, and is also involved in the removal of small particles coming from the air. We don’t even notice how we swallow about 100 ml of this mucus per day.

If an infection has entered the body, the volume of tracheobronchial secretion can increase to 1.5 liters per day. Such sputum is an excellent substrate for the further prosperity of pathogenic microorganisms. The body tries with all its might to get rid of the pathological secretion, and a cough begins.

However, thick, difficult-to-clear mucus does not want to leave the respiratory tract. Liquefying viscous secretions is the main function of expectorants used to treat wet coughs.

Expectorants and antitussives: what is the difference?

If expectorants primarily help to dilute mucus and facilitate its removal, then antitussives act exactly the opposite. Most antitussives have a central effect and block the cough reflex. Antitussive drugs are prescribed only for dry, so-called “barking” cough, the main symptom of which is the complete absence of bronchial secretions.

Therefore, when treating a cough, it is important not to confuse the cards and not take medications for dry and wet coughs at the same time. Remember that expectorants based on ambroxol, carbocysteine ​​and acetylcysteine ​​should absolutely not be combined with centrally acting antitussives.

Classification of expectorants

There is no clear classification of expectorant drugs. Nevertheless, in pharmaceutical practice it is customary to distinguish:

• drugs that have an irritating effect: products based on medicinal plants;
• carriers of sulfhydryl groups: acetylcysteine, carbocysteine;
• vasicine derivatives: bromhexine, ambroxol;
• combined expectorants.

Expectorants: pharmacological action

Drugs that stimulate expectoration have many names. Secretolytics, expectorants, expectorants - all these terms combine the same drugs. The mechanism of action of expectorants may be different.

Irritant medications

Thus, some drugs promote irritation of receptors in the gastric mucosa, resulting in reflex stimulation of the bronchial glands and increased production of bronchial secretions. The sputum is liquefied and gradually eliminated. Expectorant irritants include most medicinal herbs: marshmallow root, thermopsis herb, terpin hydrate,

When there is inflammation in the respiratory tract, an excessive amount of secretion is produced, which has a thick consistency, so expectorants are needed, because such drugs reduce the viscosity of sputum and help remove it from the bronchi. It is undesirable to allow mucus to stagnate, because this provokes increased activity of harmful microorganisms. Before using medications, you should consult a physician.

The human body is designed in such a way that to protect the respiratory organs, mucus is produced in the bronchi. Its purpose is to trap microorganisms and dust particles. The cilia of the bronchi periodically push out mucus, but no diseases occur.

If an inflammatory process appears in the respiratory tract of adults or children, there is more mucus, and its consistency changes. That is, it becomes more viscous. As a result, the secretion is poorly removed, pathogenic bacteria and pus accumulate, which causes intoxication.

Congestion provokes gas exchange disorders, breathing difficulties and a cough reflex. To eliminate the pathological condition, there are cough expectorants.

1. The mucous secretion loses its viscosity.
2. The internal organs are cleansed of toxins.

• antitussives and combination drugs (for dry cough);
• expectorants;
• mucolytics.

Each of the listed remedies is prescribed only by a specialist who takes into account the existing symptoms and individual characteristics of the patient’s body. Combined type drugs - these can be, for example, antitussives and expectorants at the same time.

• reflex expectorants;
• direct acting medications.

Taking the first group irritates the stomach, which causes activation of the vomiting center. This helps to increase secretion production and bronchial peristalsis. The second group, that is, direct action expectorants, acts directly on the bronchial mucosa, which causes increased mucus synthesis.

Medicines that thin phlegm also come in different types.

1. Influence the thickness of the secretion.
2. Reduce the production of pathologically altered mucus.
3. Stimulate the discharge of sputum.

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Since almost all of us live in cities with very unfavorable health conditions, and in addition to this we lead an unhealthy lifestyle, this topic is very relevant at the moment. We carry out many actions or, on the contrary, remain inactive, without thinking at all about the consequences for our body. Our life is in breathing, without it we cannot live even a few minutes. This test will help you determine whether your lifestyle can provoke lung diseases, and will also help you think about your respiratory system health and correct your mistakes.

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• You lead the right lifestyle

  You are a fairly active person who cares and thinks about your respiratory system and health in general, continue to play sports, lead a healthy lifestyle and your body will delight you throughout your life. But do not forget to undergo examinations on time, maintain your immunity, this is very important, do not overcool, avoid severe physical and strong emotional overload. Try to minimize contact with sick people; if forced contact, do not forget about protective equipment (mask, washing your hands and face, clearing your respiratory tract).

• It's time to think about what you are doing wrong...

  You are at risk, you should think about your lifestyle and start taking care of yourself. Physical education is required, or even better, start playing sports, choose the sport that you like most and turn it into a hobby (dancing, cycling, gym, or just try to walk more). Do not forget to treat colds and flu promptly, they can lead to complications in the lungs. Be sure to work on your immunity, strengthen yourself, and be in nature and fresh air as often as possible. Do not forget to undergo scheduled annual examinations; it is much easier to treat lung diseases in the initial stages than in advanced stages. Avoid emotional and physical overload; if possible, eliminate or minimize smoking or contact with smokers.

• It's time to sound the alarm!

  You are completely irresponsible about your health, thereby destroying the functioning of your lungs and bronchi, have pity on them! If you want to live a long time, you need to radically change your entire attitude towards your body. First of all, get examined by specialists such as a therapist and a pulmonologist; you need to take radical measures, otherwise everything may end badly for you. Follow all the doctors’ recommendations, radically change your life, perhaps you should change your job or even your place of residence, completely eliminate smoking and alcohol from your life, and reduce contact with people who have such bad habits to a minimum, toughen up, strengthen your immunity as much as possible spend more time in the fresh air. Avoid emotional and physical overload. Completely eliminate all aggressive products from everyday use and replace them with natural, natural remedies. Do not forget to do wet cleaning and ventilation of the room at home.

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   Does your lifestyle involve heavy physical activity?

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   Do you snore?

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   Do you treat acute respiratory infections, acute respiratory viral infections, influenza and other inflammatory or infectious diseases?

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   Do you carefully observe personal hygiene (shower, hands before eating and after walking, etc.)?

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   Do you take care of your immunity?

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   Have any relatives or family members suffered from serious lung diseases (tuberculosis, asthma, pneumonia)?

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   Do you live or work in an unfavorable environment (gas, smoke, chemical emissions from enterprises)?

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    Do you or your household use sources of strong odors (aroma candles, incense, etc.)?

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This category of medications is represented by many drugs that can be used to cope with cough and normalize well-being. In order for the body to function optimally, patients are most often prescribed herbal cough remedies that contain marshmallow, thyme or thermopsis.

• obstructive bronchitis;
• pulmonary emphysema;
• tracheal bronchitis;
• the appearance of difficult-to-remove thick mucus.

Such cough medications affect bronchial peristalsis, thinning mucus and slowing down the further development of the inflammatory process.

Reflex-acting expectorants are never prescribed for coughs for children under 3 years of age.

• sensitivity to components;
• peptic ulcer;
• diabetes.

For pregnant women, such cough medicines should only be prescribed in extreme cases.

1. Mukaltin. Inexpensive medicine in tablet form. Due to the fact that as a result of taking Mucaltin, a film is formed on the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract, it is possible to achieve both a pronounced therapeutic effect and long-term local effects of other medications.

Allergic manifestations cannot be ruled out due to Mucaltin.

You should take 2 pieces 3 times a day. It is better to do this before eating. Basically, therapy lasts 14 days.

1. Alteyka. An effective expectorant, available in the form of syrup and chewable tablets. Used after meals. For 2 weeks you will need to drink a spoonful of the mixture 4 times a day. If necessary, the duration of treatment is increased. The tablets are taken before meals. They need to be chewed and washed down with water.

Adults are prescribed 6 doses of the medicine, one tablet at a time; for children aged 7 to 14, the number of approaches is reduced to 3-4. Up to 7 years of age, half a tablet is given three times a day.

Sometimes there are manifestations of allergies, in particular, itching and hives. In this case, the use of Alteika must be stopped.

Thermopsis is a plant that has long been used as an expectorant for colds. True, you need to be careful with the infusion, because in case of an overdose, children vomit. Due to the influence of grass, breathing may temporarily speed up and then slow down.

What medicine does thermopsis contain?

1. Thermopsol. Cough expectorant tablets are taken three times a day, 1 piece at a time. The course lasts a maximum of 5 days.
2. Codelac Broncho. The medicine is considered the best because it acts comprehensively. It has expectorant and anti-inflammatory properties. Codelac Broncho is used for no more than 5 days. Take three tablets per day. Thanks to the drug, phlegm is cleared better.

This cough medicine, prescribed for adults and having an expectorant effect, may have side effects such as stool upset, nausea, gag reflexes, and headache. Sometimes exanthema and dysuria may appear.

If expectorants are needed for a wet cough, the doctor can select direct-acting medications containing:

• sodium and potassium iodides;
• sodium bicarbonate;
• ammonium chloride.

The listed substances increase mucus production. A similar effect is present in plants, for example, wild rosemary and oregano.

The best expectorant among such drugs is Amtersol.

This is a herbal preparation with a combined effect, which comes in the form of a syrup.

• tracheitis;
• bronchitis;
• tracheobronchitis.

Cough syrup contains thermopsis extract, which is known for its healing properties. The combination of many beneficial components of the plant has a beneficial effect on secretory cells located in the mucous membrane of the upper respiratory tract. As a result, the amount of mucus increases, and then it is well expectorated.

The syrup also contains licorice root extract, which makes mucus clearing much better.

The presence of ammonium chloride provides the drug with a diuretic effect. This is important, because colds in most cases are accompanied by intoxication, which makes the patient feel even worse.

Amtersol, as a strong and effective expectorant, is used only in combination with other drugs in cases where the patient has problems with secretion.

Despite the fact that Amtersol, as the best direct-acting expectorant, can be purchased without a prescription, it is better to consult a doctor first. Perhaps instead of this cough medicine you will need something completely different.

It is unacceptable to use cough medicine for adults if you have:

1. Gastritis.
2. Intolerance to components.
3. Stomach and duodenal ulcers.

Amtersol is also prohibited for breastfeeding women and pregnant women.

• alcohol addiction;
• liver pathologies;
• epileptic disorders;
• diabetes mellitus;
• brain injuries.

Cough medicine for adults is taken only after eating. This way you can reduce the harmful effects on the gastric mucosa. Amtersol can be used to treat a child, but not younger than 3 years old.

• adults take 1 tablespoon of the drug at a time;
• patients 12-18 years old – 1 dessert spoon;
• children from 6 to 12 years old should be given 1 teaspoon;
• For children under 6 years of age, half a teaspoon at a time is enough.

The maximum duration of therapy is 14 days. An overdose results in nausea and vomiting.

Amtersol, as practice shows, is a good expectorant medication, because most patients absorb it normally. There are practically no side effects.

Why is it necessary to take mucolytic drugs? They are needed to thin out too thick mucus and for more intensive removal. The list of medications includes medications containing acetylcysteine ​​or bromhexine.

1. ACC. Produced in the form of syrup and instant tablets. The medicine perfectly treats bronchitis. With the help of ACC, sputum will be expectorated well. Adults should take 200 mg per day. If help is required for a child, then the dosage is selected taking into account weight and age.
2. Fluimucile. It is a mucus thinner and a truly effective expectorant. Fluimucil has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The activity of the drug remains even if purulent secretion is produced.

The product in the form of granules is pre-dissolved in water (1/3 cup). Recommended dosage is 3 times 200 mg. Fluimucil can be used from the age of one year if coughing is observed. The dose is calculated depending on how old the child is.

Effervescent tablets that thin sputum must also be dissolved in water before use. You should take 1 tablet per day.

Bromhexine is a mucolytic substance that helps cough up liquefied mucus. As a result of using drugs with bromhexine, the effect is observed after 2-5 days.

1. Solvin. This mucolytic drug has an expectorant and antitussive effect. Helps reduce secretion viscosity. Taking Solvin helps increase the amount of sputum produced and improve its secretion. Available in different forms.

The occurrence of allergic reactions, nausea, gag reflex, dyspepsia, and headache cannot be ruled out.

1. Bromhexine. A mucolytic drug prescribed for cough in both adults and children. Sold in the form of syrup, tablets and solution for inhalation. If Bromhexine is taken for too long, unwanted side reactions cannot be ruled out. There are no absolute contraindications for the drug. Among the relative ones, it should be noted the presence of sensitivity to components, gastric ulcers, hemorrhage in the stomach, the first trimester of pregnancy.
2. Bronchosan. It is a drug with expectorant and mucolytic effects. Improves mucus secretion. It also has an antitussive effect. With the help of Bronchosan, patients who have a non-productive cough or those whose mucus is poorly separated are treated.

Doctors prescribe the medicine from the age of 2 years. Recommended dosage: 2-6 years – 4 times a day, 10 drops, others are prescribed 20 drops at a time in 4 approaches.

There are mucolytic agents containing substances such as ambroxol and carbocisteine.

1. Lazolvan. It can be tableted or in the form of syrup (children's form up to 5 years). The doctor selects the dose taking into account the severity of the pathology. Treatment is usually carried out for 14 days. Lazolvan is prohibited when carrying a child and during breastfeeding.
2. Flavamed. The effect of the drug appears half an hour after administration and lasts for 6 to 12 hours, depending on what the single dose was. It comes in the form of a solution and tablets. The latter drugs for children are not prescribed until they reach 6 years of age.

If renal failure or severe hepatic pathology is present, the dose is reduced. It must be taken strictly on the recommendation of a doctor, since Flavamed has many adverse reactions, in particular, rashes, anaphylactic shock, swelling of the face, and dysuria.

If there is intolerance to the components, the medicine is not given.

Dry cough has another name - non-productive, because attacks occur without the presence of sputum. If nothing is done, prolonged and painful cough processes can provoke serious consequences. Therefore, patients are prescribed expectorants for dry coughs, as well as mucolytics.

What expectorant drugs can be prescribed to patients for dry cough?

1. Sinekoda. It is a universal medicine. Its action is aimed at suppressing the cough center. At the same time, there is an expectorant and anti-inflammatory effect. The drug is prohibited for up to 2 months.
2. Libexina. Tablet medicine with bronchodilator and local anesthetic effects.
3. Stoptussina. The use of expectorant tablets and drops is indicated for adult patients and children from one year of age. A relatively cheap medicine that thins mucus well.

There are herbal preparations that effectively cope with the problem. Often, a patient may be prescribed an expectorant for a dry cough, which contains herbal components.

1. Gerbione. The syrup is made with the addition of plantain and mallow extract. It is not prescribed for diabetes.
2. Codelac Phyto. The result is achieved thanks to the presence of extracts of thyme, licorice and thermopsis. Can be taken in children over 2 years of age.
3. Bronchicume. Babies from 6 months are allowed to use syrup. In addition, there is a tablet form. Primrose and thyme are used to make Bronchicum.

How do these drugs differ from expectorants? They have a comprehensive effect on coughs. Thus, the list of medications can be significantly reduced.

Typically, doctors prescribe single medications, taking into account clinical manifestations. But this does not make combination medications less popular.

• expectorant;
• antitussive;
• mucolytic.

1. Medicines that simultaneously contain several components with an expectorant effect. Such drugs are of both plant origin and synthetic. The best expectorants are represented by Bronchipret, Pectosol, chest preparations No. 1 and 2, Stoptussin, Bronchofit.
2. Mucolytics + effective expectorants. The first component is the most important, so the sputum leaves in a shorter period of time. Bronchosan, for example, shows good results.
3. Expectorants + antitussives. They are appropriate when the cough appears due to the flu or ARVI. A distinctive feature is positive changes after a couple of hours. Therapy is carried out with the help of Codesan, Glycodin, Tussin, Stoptussin.
4. Mucolytic drugs + antitussives. They are used in rare cases, since the second component helps suppress the cough reflex. Therefore, for example, Zedex or Combiflu are prescribed strictly by a doctor.

Separately, it is worth mentioning what expectorants are prescribed for children who have not yet turned 3 years old. Naturally, there should be no self-medication. Only a pediatrician can select the appropriate expectorant medications for a wet cough, as well as for a non-productive one.

Coughing is a reflex act that occurs as a protective reaction of the body, which is designed to remove foreign bodies or tracheobronchial secretions (mucus) from the respiratory tract. Cough is a symptom of many diseases, and not only diseases of the respiratory system. The cause of cough can also be diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, heart and taking certain medications. Sometimes a cough can signal the presence of very serious diseases, which is why you should definitely consult a doctor.

Cough treatment products are selected individually in each case. This takes into account the underlying disease, as well as the intensity, frequency, pain, frequency, duration, nature of sputum, and time of cough.

There are several groups of cough medications. These are mucolytics, expectorants, antitussives and combination agents.

Mucolytic agents affect the chemical and physical properties of sputum, diluting it. Such drugs are indicated for use in patients with viscous, thick and difficult to separate sputum.

The peculiarity of these drugs is that by diluting sputum, they do not increase its quantity, and therefore do not have the negative effect of expectorants.

In turn, mucolytics are divided into 3 groups:

• Amino acids with SH group
• Proteolytic enzymes
• Microregulators.

Amino acids with the SH group include carbocysteine, acetylcysteine, etc. Their action is due to the breaking of bonds in mucopolysaccharides of sputum, which reduces its viscosity.

Proteolytic enzymes break the peptide bonds of the sputum protein, thereby facilitating its discharge. These include chymotrypsin, trypsin, ribonuclease, etc.

Mucoregulators include drugs derived from vizicine. They simultaneously have an expectorant and mucolytic effect, due to the destruction of mucopolysaccharides and mucoproteins of sputum, as well as stimulation of the activity of the ciliated epithelium. The most famous drugs in this group are ambroxol and bromhexine.

Mucolytic drugs are widely used for tracheitis, laryngitis, pneumonia, bronchitis, tracheobronchitis, otitis, and sinusitis. The drugs are produced in the form of tablets, lozenges, capsules, drops, syrups for oral administration, as well as in the form of solutions for inhalation.

Features of taking mucolytics:

• The simultaneous use of mucolytics and antitussives is prohibited.
• Drugs in this group are contraindicated in case of exacerbation of gastric and duodenal ulcers and pulmonary bleeding.
• Ambroxol and bromhexine are incompatible with drugs containing codeine, as well as alkaline solutions.
• Preparations containing bromhexine are not prescribed to children under 3 years of age.
• Ambroxol increases the ability of antibiotics to penetrate the bronchial mucosa and bronchial secretions.
• Preparations with acetylcysteine ​​can cause bronchospasm in patients with bronchial asthma.
• After taking acetylcysteine, you should not take antibiotics for 2 hours.
• Acetylcysteine ​​and ambroxol are not prescribed in the first trimester of pregnancy.
• Acetylcysteine ​​can provoke pulmonary hemorrhages, as well as impaired liver and kidney function.

The most popular drugs and their trade names:

• Bromhexine – Solvin;
• Ambroxol - Lazolvan, Medox, Ambrobene, Halixol, AmbroHexal, Ambrosar, Flavamed, Ambrotard, Bronchoval;
• Acetylcysteine ​​– Fluimucil, ACC, Acestine;
• Carbocisteine ​​- Fluifort, Fluditek, Brohobos, Libexin Muco, Mucosol;

Expectorants

Most expectorants are herbal preparations. There are 2 groups of expectorants:

• Resorptive action
• Reflex action

Reflex drugs include products containing saponins or alkaloids. These drugs have an irritating effect on the receptors of the stomach, as a result of which the vagus nerve in the brain is excited, which causes an increase in bronchial secretion, increases peristalsis of the bronchial wall and dilutes sputum.

Resorptive agents are absorbed into the gastrointestinal tract and then excreted by the bronchial mucosa. At the same time, sputum thins and its quantity increases.

Expectorants are prescribed for diseases accompanied by the presence of viscous, thick and difficult to separate sputum.

Features of taking expectorants:

Expectorants include drugs containing:

Expectorants may contain one component or several. They are available in the form of syrups, drops, tablets, lozenges for internal use.

Trade names of the most popular expectorants:

This group of drugs includes drugs that depress the cough reflex. Depending on the type of action, they are divided into drugs with central, peripheral action and those with both types of action. They are prescribed for debilitating, painful, prolonged, dry cough, which leads to disturbances in sleep and appetite. Most often, their use is advisable for laryngitis, tracheitis, influenza, acute respiratory infections, pleurisy, etc.

Drugs with central action inhibit the cough center and have an analgesic effect. This includes ethylmorphine hydrochloride, codeine derivatives, etc.

Drugs with peripheral action have an inhibitory effect on the nerve endings located in the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract. An example of these drugs is prenoxdiazine hydrochloride.

In drugs with both types of action, the inhibition of respiratory tract receptors is more pronounced, and the effect on the cough center is less pronounced. An example of such agents is bithiodine.

Features of the use of antitussives:

The most popular antitussive drugs:

Important to remember! Many cough medications can be purchased at pharmacies without a doctor's prescription. However, you should not self-medicate. In order to timely and effectively treat a cough of any nature, it is necessary to consult a specialist doctor who will make an accurate diagnosis and prescribe adequate treatment.

Doctor's consultation is necessary:

• with prolonged cough (more than 5-7 days);
• with a cough accompanied by fever;
• when coughing with shortness of breath;
• with a painful cough;
• when coughing with attacks of suffocation;
• when coughing with greenish sputum or blood in the sputum;
• with a strong continuous cough;
• with copious sputum production;
• when voice changes;
• with general weakness, increased sweating, chills accompanied by cough.