Antitussives - which are best for children and adults. Centrally acting antitussives Antitussives for children under 3

Coughing is a protective reaction to various irritating factors. A similar symptom can occur when dust, smoke or chemicals enter the throat. Cough often develops due to allergies. But most often the cause of the development of an unpleasant symptom is some kind of infectious disease. A dry cough irritates the throat and prevents you from sleeping peacefully at night. Initially, it is necessary to make the sputum less viscous. There are effective tablets for dry cough in adults that can quickly get rid of the problem.

Why does a dry cough occur?

In most cases, a dry cough is observed with acute respiratory infections or flu. This symptom may indicate irritation of the mucous membrane by a foreign object. Severe attacks of dry cough may indicate the development of bronchial asthma or pneumonia. A characteristic symptom is This condition requires emergency care. Treatment in a hospital will be required. Effective tablets for dry cough will be part of complex therapy.

In rare cases, a dry cough may occur when treating high blood pressure. Drugs such as Maleate, Liznopril, Enalapril can lead to irritation of the mucous membrane. In this case, special medications are not needed to treat cough. You just have to stop taking the medicine for high blood pressure or reduce its dosage.

An allergic reaction to spring flowers or animal dander can cause bronchospasm. In this case, a dry cough appears sharply and does not stop until the patient takes an antihistamine. Frequent allergic cough is a serious problem. If you do not eliminate it, bronchial asthma may develop.

Which medicine to choose for dry cough?

In pharmacies you can find many medications that can be used to overcome dry cough. Treatment, pills and mixtures should only be prescribed by a doctor. To eliminate an unpleasant symptom, you must first identify the cause. The specialist conducts a series of tests that allow you to make the correct diagnosis. After all, treating an allergic cough with simple expectorants will not give any results.

If a patient has a dry, painful cough that makes it difficult to sleep normally and perform daily duties, combination medications are most often prescribed. helping to thin sputum and also relieve throat irritation. It is worth remembering that mucolytic tablets for dry cough for adults and children are never taken together with antitussive drugs. Below is a list of tablets that are most often prescribed to adults.

"Bromhexine"

A popular mucolytic agent with an expectorant effect. The drug is prescribed for the development of infectious diseases of the respiratory tract, which are accompanied by the formation of viscous sputum. Bromhexine tablets help dilute the secretions in the bronchi, so that a dry cough develops into a productive one. The drug can be part of the complex therapy of chronic pneumonia and bronchial asthma. The tablets have virtually no contraindications. In rare cases, hypersensitivity to individual components of the drug occurs.

Bromhexine tablets should not be taken simultaneously with codeine-containing drugs. Such treatment will not give any result. Only under the supervision of a specialist should the drug be used by patients who have problems with the gastrointestinal tract. Adults take one tablet three times a day. As soon as a dry cough develops into a productive one, you should stop taking Bromhexine.

"Halixol"

Popular tablets for dry cough for adults, the main active ingredient of which is ambroxol hydrochloride. The auxiliary components are lactose monohydrate, sodium carboxymethyl starch and microcrystalline cellulose. The drug "Halixol" has excellent mucolytic and expectorant effects. It is prescribed for the treatment of acute conditions of chronic respiratory diseases. If it is necessary to liquefy mucus during infectious diseases of the ENT organs, Halixol tablets are also used.

The drug is not prescribed to children before they reach the age of five. During pregnancy, tablets can only be taken from the second trimester under the supervision of a doctor. People with kidney failure are not prescribed the drug "Halixol".

"Lazolvan"

Popular mucolytic tablets for dry cough for adults. Like the previous product, Lazolvan is made on the basis of ambroxol. Additionally, lactose monohydrate, corn starch, colloidal silicon dioxide, and magnesium stearate are used. Lazolvan tablets are excellent for treating dry coughs in acute respiratory infections and influenza, as well as for thinning sputum in pneumonia and bronchial asthma. The drug is not prescribed in the first half of pregnancy, as well as during breastfeeding. Lazolvan tablets are contraindicated for minor patients.

It is worth remembering that Lazolvan tablets are a mucolytic drug. Therefore, it should not be taken together with. This will only lead to difficulty in removing mucus from the bronchi.

If a dry cough occurs, adults take one tablet of Lazolvan three times a day. As soon as the cough becomes productive, stop taking the medicine.

"Ambrohexal"

Very good tablets for dry cough. The medication belongs to the group of mucolytic drugs. The medicine, like the previous ones, is based on ambroxol hydrochloride. The auxiliary elements are calcium hydrogen phosphate dihydrate, sodium carboxymethyl starch, magnesium stearate, and colloidal silicon dioxide. If you have a dry cough, Ambrohexal cough tablets can give a positive effect already in the first days of use. The drug is prescribed for bronchial asthma, pneumonia, chronic bronchitis.

The drug "Ambrohexal" in tablets is not prescribed to children under 6 years of age, as well as to women in the first half of pregnancy. The drug is also contraindicated during breastfeeding. Only under the supervision of a doctor should people with peptic ulcers take the pills. In rare cases, hypersensitivity to the main components of the drug may occur.

"Omnitus"

A popular antitussive drug, made in the form of tablets. The main component is hypromellose, anhydrous colloidal silicon dioxide, lactose monohydrate, and magnesium stearate. Dry cough tablets "Omnitus" are prescribed to stop severe attacks caused by infectious diseases such as influenza, whooping cough, and acute respiratory infections. The drug can also be prescribed for suppression after surgery.

One of the least expensive are these tablets for dry cough. The price of the drug in pharmacies does not exceed 200 rubles. But you should not purchase the drug without the advice of a specialist. Sensitivity to certain elements of the drug often occurs. Omnitus tablets are also contraindicated during lactation. In the second half of pregnancy, the medication should be used only if the potential benefit to the mother outweighs the potential harm to the baby.

"Libexin"

If an adult has a dry cough, Libexin tablets can help. The main substance of the medicine is. Talc, glycerin, magnesium stearate, lactose monohydrate, and corn starch are used as auxiliary components. Libexin tablets for dry cough can be taken for various inflammatory processes of the respiratory tract. The drug is often prescribed before a bronchoscopic examination.

Libexin tablets are contraindicated in patients with diseases that cause increased secretion of bronchial secretions. The product is not contraindicated for children and pregnant women. Treatment must take place under the supervision of a doctor. In rare cases, hypersensitivity to the main components of the drug develops.

"Stoptussin"

Not everyone knows what pills to take if a dry cough develops. Many people strive to achieve several effects at the same time. For such purposes, combination medications were created. A prominent representative is the Stoptussin tablets, which have both an expectorant and antitussive effect. The main active ingredient is butamirate dihydrogen citrate. Additionally, colloidal silicon dioxide, microcrystalline cellulose, glyceryl tribehenate, and magnesium stearate are used. Stoptussin tablets are prescribed for the treatment of dry irritating cough, which develops as a result of infectious diseases of the respiratory tract.

Stoptussin is not prescribed to patients under 12 years of age, as well as to women in the first trimester of pregnancy. During breastfeeding, tablets can be used only after consultation with a pediatrician.

"Lorraine"

Good and inexpensive tablets for dry cough for adults. The drug contains paracetamol, chlorphenamine, and phenylephrine. The medication has a combined effect. Take it when the first symptoms of a cold appear in adults. Lorraine tablets effectively thin mucus, help lower body temperature, and generally improve the patient’s condition.

The medication is not prescribed to children under 6 years of age, as well as to pregnant and lactating women. People with a tendency to allergic reactions and gastrointestinal problems should take the tablets with caution.

Is it possible to do without medications?

For a dry cough, only a doctor can tell you which tablets are best. But what if you can’t ask for help? There are traditional methods that will temporarily relieve unpleasant symptoms. Warm drinks are excellent for thinning phlegm. It is worth heating the milk and adding a teaspoon of honey to it. This drink is not only an expectorant, but will also relieve throat irritation. Besides, milk with honey is very tasty.

Regular inhalations with medicinal herbs give good results. You need to bring two liters of water to a boil and add a little. You will have to breathe over a container of hot water, covered with a towel.

Cough blocking drugs are medications that suppress coughing by acting directly on the centers and receptors in the brain responsible for this reflex. Medicines of this type do not eliminate the main cause of the disease: their task is to suppress a painful, non-productive cough without expectoration.

Coughing is one of the body’s reflexes, which acts as a protective reaction of the body to the entry of foreign objects into the respiratory system or to the accumulation of mucus in them.

The cough center of the brain controls the process of this reflex. It receives information from conductors that are located in different areas: near the ears and nose, vocal cords, near the pericardium, in the areas of the larynx and pleura, as well as in the area of ​​separation of the large bronchi and trachea.

For reference. The described spheres are united by the vagus nerve: it receives impulses from these receptors and then transmits them to a special part of the brain, which is called the cough center.

The location of this section is the medulla oblongata.

This department, receiving the necessary data, transmits impulses to the nerve fibers that control the muscles of the abdominal press, diaphragm and chest. When they contract, a reflex reaction appears - coughing.

To suppress the reaction, antitussive drugs are often prescribed to suppress the cough center.

Characteristics and names of antitussives

Antitussive drugs act either directly on the cough center or on receptors, helping to reduce their sensitivity. Such tablets or syrups do not affect the cause of the disease: their task is to relieve symptoms. This is especially true for non-productive coughs.

Cough suppressants are prescribed for dry cough caused by the following diseases:

• tracheitis;

The following medications of this type are distinguished:

Antitussive tablets to suppress the reflex have the following actions:

• dilution of sputum when coughing without expelling it;
• activation of the ciliated epithelium;
• antiviral effect;
• stimulation of muscle contraction of the bronchi.

List of drugs

The category of antitussive medications includes the following:

Note! Antitussive drugs can cause side effects such as addiction to the drug, drowsiness, decreased blood pressure, and nausea.

Prohibitions for use and precautions

Taking drugs that block the cough center or the nerve endings that transmit impulses to it, contraindicated for:

• severe dysfunctions of the respiratory system;
• intolerance by the body to the active elements of the drug;
• periods of gestation and breastfeeding;
• asthma.

For children

Children are prescribed only those medications that are as safe as possible for their health. These include the following.

Cough is a fairly common symptom of infectious respiratory tract diseases. The cause of its occurrence is most often an infectious-inflammatory process of the upper respiratory tract. The symptom may not bother a person and make itself felt at certain intervals. It can also be painfully strong, which is accompanied by sleep disturbances, pain, and vomiting. You can buy at the pharmacy which are intended to eliminate the symptom. Their wide variety will allow you to choose the most suitable drug for each specific case.

Cough treatment

Narcotic drugs

Particular care should be taken with narcotic medications. They are sold in pharmacies by prescription. The patient should not take them without first consulting a doctor and prescribing drugs with narcotic effects. They are indicated in extreme cases when other medications are powerless.

The action of drugs in this group is aimed at suppressing the functions of the cough center in the medulla oblongata. These are morphine-like compounds, such as Dextromethorphan, Ethylmorphine, Codeine. The last drug is the most famous. This natural narcotic analgesic is an opiate receptor agonist. Antitussives with narcotic effects depress the respiratory center.

Non-narcotic drugs

This group of drugs does not cause side effects compared to the previous one. Non-narcotic antitussives, the classification of which consists of drugs with central and peripheral action, are indicated for acute cough of various origins. They are prescribed for whooping cough in the preoperative or postoperative periods. Non-narcotic drugs are effective for bronchiectasis, bronchitis, and bronchial asthma.

Medicines with central action include “Folkodine”, “Glaucin”, “Ledin”, “Butamirate”, “Pentoxyverine”, “Oxeladin”. Without inhibiting the respiratory center, they suppress the cough without affecting intestinal motility. Non-narcotic antitussives of peripheral action have a relaxing, anti-inflammatory, and anesthetic effect. These include drugs such as Benpropyrine, Bithiodine, Levodropropizine.

Mixed-action drugs

The most striking and common drug in this group is a medicine called Prenoxdiazine. Its action is aimed at reducing the duration and frequency of unproductive cough attacks, reducing the intensity, as well as the sensitivity of cough receptors. The medicine does not affect the activity of the respiratory center. Thanks to its antispasmodic effect, it expands the bronchi and prevents the development of their narrowing.

This antitussive remedy for dry cough is prescribed for pneumonia, exacerbation of chronic bronchitis, acute inflammation of the bronchi and acute tracheitis.

Local anesthetics

To neutralize a cough, local anesthetics are often used, a representative of which is the drug Lidocaine. Available in the form of a colorless aerosol, which contains propylene glycol, ethanol, mint oil, lidocaine hydrochloride. It has a bitter taste and a pleasant menthol aroma. The cough reflex is inhibited when the drug reaches the trachea and larynx; it is absorbed differently on the mucous membranes. This antitussive is safe for children and pregnant women.

The range of uses of local anesthetic is quite wide. Thus, it is prescribed for dental and otolaryngeal diseases, for tooth extraction, gum anesthesia when installing a bridge or crowns, for respiratory infections, and for washing sinuses.

Cough remedies during pregnancy

During pregnancy, when the immune system is weakened and the body spends most of its energy on the development of the fetus, a woman can be struck by an acute respiratory infection, which is accompanied by a cough. Such diseases in this situation are dangerous, because they can result in miscarriage or complications for the mother or unborn child. In any case, symptoms must be eliminated with minimal risk to the fetus and maximum effectiveness for the pregnant woman.

It is very important to choose the right drugs. Antitussives with peripheral or central action are not recommended. The best way here is inhalation. They can be made with pairs of coltsfoot, chamomile, sage, and boiled potatoes. During pregnancy, you can fight a cough with tea with licorice, plantain, and linden. Also approved are the drugs “Doctor MOM”, “Doctor Theiss”, “Mukaltin”, “Gerbion”, “Gedelix”, “Bronchipret”.

Cough remedies for children

An antitussive drug for children should be selected based on the nature and nature of the cough. You should not buy the drug yourself, because it can have a number of side effects on the child’s body. It is better to have it prescribed by a doctor.

You can use traditional medicine if the child is not allergic to them. Children from one year of age can be given medications such as Gedelix and Doctor MOM. From the age of three you can take Libexin and Bronholitin. As phlegm-thinning and expectorant medications, it is possible to use such drugs as: “Codelac PHYTO”, “Pertussin”, “Solutan”, “Mukaltin”, “Ambroxol”.

Folk remedies for cough

Traditional medicine is rich in recipes that perfectly help cope with the described illness. Antitussives with anesthetic properties, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory effects can be found among a huge number of medicinal plants. Certain diets can also help relieve coughs. Milk helps relieve bronchospasm, so it is recommended to include drinks with it or milk porridges in your diet. Grated radish and vegetable oil will help against cough. For coughs, grape juice can be a useful remedy, as grapes have expectorant and healing properties. It is also recommended to take teas with lemon balm, chamomile, mint, plantain, lemon, and honey. Antitussives for dry coughs are fresh milk with butter and honey or hot milk with spices.

Herbal preparations

Traditional medicine recipes and the healing properties of medicinal plants formed the basis for the production of herbal preparations, which are almost free of side effects (with the exception of individual intolerance to components or allergies), have a mild but effective effect, and do not harm other body systems. Another advantage is that such medications are safe for pregnant women and children.

The drug “Gedelix” is based on ivy leaf extract, the drug “Bronkhin” is based on plantain, “Breast collection No. 1” is based on marshmallow. Thyme is the basis for the medicines “Pertussin” and “Stoptussin-phyto”. Combined herbal preparations include “Suprima-Broncho”, “Kofrem”, “Doctor MOM”, “Kofol”.

Antitussive drugs occupy a special niche in the science of pharmacology, since cough is one of the common symptoms of most pathologies.

Being a reflexive and protective reaction, the cough reflex accompanies almost all acute respiratory tract infections, tuberculosis, cardiac pathology, neoplastic processes and chronic damage to the bronchopulmonary system, some diseases of the digestive tract.

When are antitussives prescribed?

Antitussives and expectorants have a wider range of uses:

Acute respiratory tract infections viral and bacterial etiology (pneumonia, influenza, bronchitis, parainfluenza, laryngitis, etc.).

In most cases, mucolytic and expectorant agents are used, which help reduce viscosity and remove mucus from the lungs and bronchial tree.

However, for a disease such as whooping cough, antitussive drugs with a central mechanism of action are prescribed, since irritation of the cough center by bacterial toxins plays a leading role in the pathogenesis of the disease.

Chronic bronchopulmonary pathology, accompanied by coughing attacks and the formation of thick purulent sputum in the bronchi and alveoli (bronchial asthma, cystic fibrosis, bronchiectasis, chronic bronchitis, alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency and much more).

Medicines that dilate the bronchi and reduce the amount of sputum are part of the ongoing pathogenetic therapy for the above pathologies.

For broncho-obstructive syndrome as a result of accumulation of mucus in the lumen of the bronchi, aspiration of a foreign body or liquid; compression of the bronchi by endo- or exogenous neoplasms. In this case, antitussive medications act as relieving symptomatic therapy.

Edema of the lung parenchyma due to heart or pulmonary failure. The accumulation of transudate in the alveoli not only makes breathing difficult, but also provokes the appearance of a cough reflex, the elimination of which will alleviate the patient’s condition.

Other reasons: to prepare the patient for a bronchoscopic examination or contrast bronchography, in the first 24-48 hours after inhalation anesthesia, to relieve cough in case of diaphragmatic hernia, gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Thus, there are quite a large number of reasons for prescribing certain antitussive drugs.

Antitussive drugs: classification by mechanism of action

Having a completely different composition of active components from each other, cough remedies are also divided into three main classes depending on the mechanism of action.

List of the best medicines:

1. Substances that depress the cough center(Codeine, Omnitus, Sinekod, Stoptussin, Sedotussin, Kodipront, Tussal, Libexin, Dionin, Ledin, etc.).
2. Combination medications(Codelac, Redol, Glycodin, Codterapin, Bronholitin).
3. Secretolytics and expectorants(Erespal, ACC, Lazolvan, Bronchorus, Ambroxol, Bromhexine).

Most of them are successfully used in pediatrics, as proven by experimental and clinical medical experience.
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Drugs that suppress the cough center

First of all, medicinal substances that have a direct effect on the cough center are divided into opioid and non-opioid, which depends on their point of application.

In the first case, the chemical components of the drug competitively bind to opioid receptors in the medulla oblongata and other nerve centers, suppressing their function.

The most popular narcotic antitussive medications from this group are Codeine, Dionine and Folkodin.

They not only weaken the severity of the cough reflex, but are especially effective for dry, painful coughs.

Among the side effects of the above medications, it is worth highlighting dryness of the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract. This will slow down recovery or aggravate the course of the disease in the case of a productive cough.

In addition, addiction to Codeine and its analogues often develops, which limits the use of the drug.

The drugs of choice from this group are Tussal and Dastozin, since they do not have a narcotic effect, do not contribute to the development of addiction and have a small number of adverse reactions, both from the whole body and from the respiratory tract.

Non-opioid drugs affect non-opioidergic tracts, due to which they do not cause tachyphylaxis, drug addiction.

This allows them to be used much more often and even in children. The mechanism of action is to inhibit the peripheral part of the cough reflex and tension receptors in the bronchial mucosa.

The most well-known drugs from this group are Sinekod, Tusuprex, Sedotussin.

Peripheral antitussive medications

These medications reduce the activity of the cough reflex by inhibiting sensitive receptors of nerve fibers from the vagus nerve, which are located in the organs of the respiratory system.

Libexin is a peripheral antitussive agent with anesthetic properties and a slight bronchodilator effect.

The drug does not depress the respiratory center at all and does not contribute to the formation of drug dependence.

When used as a symptomatic treatment of chronic bronchitis, local anti-inflammatory effects were also noted.

Bithionil and Levopront mainly act on peripheral receptors in the mucous membrane of the bronchial tree, reducing their activity and sensitivity.

Combined action antitussives

In this case, the medications not only affect the cough center, but also have a number of other effects that improve the functioning of the bronchopulmonary system:

1. Codipront - contains methylformint (a substance that acts on opioid receptors in the medulla oblongata) and phenyltoloxamine, an antihistamine that inhibits the production of inflammatory mediators. The remedy is especially effective for dry allergic cough.
2. Codelac - due to its composition (licorice root, thermopsis, sodium bicarbonate and methylmorphine) has an antitussive and mucolytic effect.
3. Redol contains salbutamol and dextromethorphan, which achieves an additional bronchodilator effect.
4. Bronholitin contains ephedrine, basil camphor oil, and glaucine. This gives the drug an additional antimicrobial and bronchodilator effect.
5. Stoptussin (of the active ingredients contains butamirate and guaifenesin) also has a good expectorant and mucolytic effect.

It is worth noting that cough medications with a central or peripheral mechanism of blocking the center or receptors should not be prescribed in the presence of thick and difficult to separate sputum.

Mucolytics and mucokinetics

Antitussive tablets and syrups used for wet coughs are also divided into subgroups:

1. Mucolytics - tablets and syrups that dilute sputum (Ambroxol, or Lazolvan, Bromhexine, Acetylcysteine, proteolytic enzymes).
2. – stimulate the work of bronchial smooth muscles (Mukaltin, marshmallow root, Terpinhydrate, thermopsis herb).
3. Combined - have a number of additional effects (Ascoril, Solutan, Erespal).

Ambroxol, which is part of Lazolvan, stimulates the secretion of mucus in the respiratory tract.

In addition, the substance enhances the biosynthesis of alveolar surfactant and activates the work of cilia of the bronchial epithelium. All this dilutes the mucus and increases its discharge.

The drug is available in tablets, ampoules for intravenous administration and inhalation, and syrup for children. Among the side effects, it is worth noting the possibility of developing bronchospasm, so the drug is not used for bronchial asthma.

Most often, the medicine is used for bronchitis, especially chronic, severe bronchopulmonary pathology (cystic fibrosis, bronchiectasis, pneumonia).

Mucaltin is a fairly cheap and effective medicine that is often used in pediatrics. Due to the marshmallow content, the medication stimulates the functioning of the bronchial glands, ciliated epithelium and smooth muscles of the respiratory tract.

Often used for pneumonia, bronchial obstruction, bronchiectasis.

Ascoril is a combination medication containing salbutamol, bromhexine and guaifenesin. It has a pronounced mucolytic effect and also expands narrowed bronchi.

Indicated for use in cases of pneumonia, acute bronchitis, whooping cough, tracheitis and bronchial asthma. The instructions indicate that the product is only suitable for children over 6 years of age.

Antitussives for dry cough

The most powerful antitussive for dry cough is, of course, Codeine. However, the high frequency of adverse reactions allows only rare use of the drug in a short course. In addition, any medications containing codeine are prohibited in childhood.

If a medicine with an anesthetic effect for cardiac cough is needed, doctors opt for Dastosin or Folkodin.

Both drugs act on opioid receptors, thereby inhibiting the cough center and achieving analgesia. As a rule, Dastosin is dosed per capsule no more than four times per day.

Effective medications for dry cough for adults are Codelac (in the form of syrup and tablets), Codipront, Omnitus capsules (take 1 piece three times a day until the cough disappears).

For dry cough in children, the following are most often prescribed:

• Codelac Neo drops (allowed from 2 months) – 10-25 drops four times a day.
• Sinekod - has a similar dosage and frequency of use with Codelac.
• Omnitus in syrup (allowed from 3 years of age) – 2-3 scoops three times a day.
• Stoptussin - used from 6 months, 8-30 drops (depending on body weight) three times a day.

All of the listed medications can be given to a child only

Antitussives for children

Before giving your child any medicine, you must consult with your doctor, otherwise you can seriously harm the baby’s health. Not all medications are approved for children.

The most effective and safe antitussives for children: Mucaltin (from infancy), Lazolvan (from the neonatal period), Bromhexine (in tablets only from 6 years), Omnitus (from 3 years), Bronholitin (from three years).

Remember! You should not prescribe strong antitussives or, conversely, mucolytic medications to children on your own, since there is a high risk of stagnation of secretions in the lungs and reflex bronchospasm.

Drugs for pregnant women: what is possible?

If during pregnancy there is a need to prescribe medications, then the doctor faces a serious task, since he must weigh all the possible risks for the unborn child and the potential benefits for the woman.

The safest products for a pregnant woman are plant-based Mucaltin, Sinekod, Bronchicum, breast preparations, Ascoril, Thermopsis, Ambroxol and Broncholitin.

Antitussive syrups

Not all medications intended for cough relief are available in liquid form.

The best and most famous of them:

• Bronholitin.
• Ambroxol.
• Erespal.
• Sinekod.
• Stoptussin.
• Omnitus.
• Bronchorus.

The liquid form allows the drug to be used in childhood, reduces pain in the throat and behind the sternum during a hacking cough. However, it is not recommended to abuse syrups if there is a tendency to spontaneous laryngo- or bronchospasm.

Antitussives for wet coughs

For diseases with a wet cough and sputum in the lungs, mucolytic or expectorant medications are used. In some cases, a combination of these is possible.

Mucaltin is approved from childhood and is available in tablet form, which can be dissolved in water or taken directly orally with liquid.

Prescribe 1-4 tablets three to four times a day for up to two weeks. If necessary, the duration of treatment can be increased.

Bronholitin perfectly stimulates the discharge of sputum and is used in adults 10.0 ml up to 4 times a day. Lazolvan is prescribed 5.0 ml three times a day.

Erespal is dosed as follows: from 3 to 6 scoops per day, preferably before meals. Bromhexine stimulates mucus production when two tablets are used at least twice a day.

Folk antitussives

Among folk recipes for cough elimination, special chest preparations are often used, which are numbered from 1 to 4.

They include calendula, sage, licorice, marshmallow, eucalyptus, hawthorn and many other herbs. You can buy the medicine at any pharmacy, and at a low price.

Effective herbal cough remedies - coltsfoot, wild rosemary herb, plantain leaf, herbion, thyme.

All herbs can be easily found at the pharmacy; the main thing is to brew and take according to the included instructions.

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Cough is a protective reflex. This is a kind of forced exhalation, accompanied by sound. In the process of coughing, the respiratory tract is cleared of dust, mucus and irritating particles.

The likelihood of contracting a disease accompanied by tickling increases for children aged 2-5 years. During this period, children have more contact with the outside world, exchanging bacteria and viruses. Treatment of children's cough should be prescribed only by a doctor after examination. It is quite difficult to choose the right medications on your own.

All medications for cough treatment are divided into two types:

1. expectorants;
2. antitussives.

The latter are grouped according to the principle of operation into three types: central, peripheral and combined action.

Non-narcotic drugs of central action

Medicines that have a non-narcotic central effect work selectively. They suppress the cough reflex, but do not have a detrimental effect on the respiratory center.

Medicines are often supplemented with other properties: anti-inflammatory, bronchodilator and expectorant. Active components of drugs with non-narcotic central action: glaucine, butamirate, ledin, pentoxyverine.

Narcotics of central action

Centrally acting narcotic drugs increase the cough threshold. At the same time, they affect the respiratory center, suppressing it.

Such drugs are rarely prescribed to children because they have a lot of side effects.. The active ingredients of the drugs are: codeine, dextrometrophan, ethylmorphine.

Peripheral drugs

The peripheral action of medications is directed to the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract. Medicines have an anesthetic effect, which suppresses irritation and relieves coughing.

The advantage of such drugs is that they eliminate spasms, relax muscles and have anti-inflammatory activity. The active ingredients of the drugs are: levodopropizine, prenoxdiazine, bithiodine, benpropyrine.

Combination drugs

Combined medications, along with an antitussive effect, have an enveloping, local anesthetic, and softening effect. Medicines contain several active components that complement each other.

Indications for use

Antitussive drugs for children are prescribed taking into account the child’s age, the clinical picture of the disease and based on the results of laboratory diagnostics.

The main indication for the use of these medications is dry cough. It can occur due to irritation of the larynx by viral or bacterial infections (tonsillitis, pharyngitis, laryngitis). Such medications are also used for dry coughs of other origins: allergic or psychosomatic.

• Antitussive medications show high effectiveness against whooping cough.
• They are used after surgical or diagnostic interventions.
• Drugs are prescribed for children after bronchoscopy.
• They can be recommended for the complex treatment of pneumonia, bronchitis, and chest trauma.

The pharmacological market offers consumers a variety of remedies. They are available in the form of suspensions, drops, tablets, and inhalants. For young children, it is advisable to recommend liquid substances.

Older children can be given tablets or capsules for convenience. When choosing a medicine, you need to carefully read the instructions for use. The annotation indicates age restrictions, additional contraindications and quantities for use.

Children under one year old

Antitussives for young children and infants are recommended for cautious use. In some cases, it is difficult even for a doctor to understand the nature of the baby’s cough.

A peculiarity of the respiratory system of children in the first 6 months of life is that they have a weak cough reflex, which leads to the accumulation of sputum in the bronchi and difficulty breathing.

• Sinekod in the form of drops is used in children from 2 months. Up to a year, the medicine is prescribed in a dosage of 10 drops with a break of 6 hours. The medication may cause nausea and vomiting in the child.
• Panatus syrup is used after 6 months. Children are prescribed a dosage of 2.5 ml in 4 divided doses. The medication should be used only as prescribed by a doctor.
• Stoptussin drops are prescribed to children of the first year of life. Prohibited for use in infants whose weight does not reach 7 kg. The medicine is given 4 times a day, 8-9 drops. It is important to pay attention to the manufacturer when purchasing this medicine. The Czech remedy is not suitable for children of the first year of life.

A common side effect of treatment for young children is an allergic reaction. If parents notice unusual warning signs, discontinue the medication and seek medical attention.

How to recognize an allergic cough in a child and how it differs from any other -.

From 1 to 4 years

Antitussive drugs for children with a dry cough can be used the same as for younger children. It is only necessary to increase the dosage according to the age of the small patient. Also, after a year, additional compounds may be prescribed. After 3 years, the list of permitted medications expands further.

• Sinekod drops are used from a year on 15 pieces up to 4 times a day. The syrup is approved for use from 3 years of age and is given three times a day, 5 ml.
• Codelac Neo in syrup form is prescribed to children over 3 years of age. A single dosage is 5 ml. The daily volume should not exceed 15 ml.
• Panatus syrup has been used since one year in a volume of 5 ml three times a day. It is better to give medicine to your child before meals.
• Broncholitin syrup prescribed to children over 3 years of age in a single dose of 5 ml. It is important to note that this medicine contains ethanol. In addition to the antitussive effect, it has an expectorant effect.
• Glycodin syrup is an old and proven remedy. Can be used for up to 3 years only as prescribed by a doctor.

Using large doses of medication that exceed those recommended by the instructions may cause nausea and vomiting. If your health worsens or there is no effect, you should consult a doctor to clarify the diagnosis.

What can you do after 5 years?

Many medications have an age limit of up to 6 years. Antitussives for children with dry cough, described earlier, can be used at 5 years of age. To correctly determine the single and daily dose, you must carefully read the instructions.

Doctors allow children over 5 years old to give drops, syrups or tablets.

• Sinekod syrup is prescribed in 10 ml doses three times a day. Drops are used 25 pieces three times.
• Codelac NEO is prescribed to children from 6 years old, 10 ml in the morning, evening and lunch. After 12 years, it is necessary to increase the single dose to 15 ml.
• Panatus tablets are suitable for children from 6 years of age. Take one capsule in the morning and evening.
• Alex Plus in lozenges is prescribed 1 dose up to 4 times a day. For children over 7 years old, the single dose can be increased to 2 lozenges.
• Libexin tablets can only be used as prescribed by a doctor. A single dose varies from a quarter to half a pill, depending on the child’s body weight.
• Sedotussin is used for children over 4 years of age, 15 mg of active ingredient. The medicine is available in the form of syrup and rectal suppositories.
• Codelac based on codeine is used for children in an individual dosage prescribed by a doctor. This medication can only be purchased with a special prescription.
• Tuseprex tablets are used for children over 15 years of age. A single dose of the drug is 10 mg, and a daily dose is 40.
• Rengalin is taken one tablet separately from food. The medicine has unproven effectiveness.
• Falimint is a tablet for topical use. Taken as needed, but no more than 10 per day.

Children 4-5 years old should not be given medications in tablet form simply because they will not be able to take the medication without first crushing it.

Herbal remedies

Many parents prefer to replace synthetic drugs with herbal remedies.

Gerbion syrup is actively used to treat dry cough. It does not affect the respiratory center and does not increase the cough threshold. Has a pronounced anti-inflammatory and calming effect.

Herbs are also very popular in the treatment of dry cough in children. Decoctions prepared from them are used for gargling and drinking.

The following have an antitussive effect:

• plantain;
• ginger;
• chamomile;
• sage;
• breast fees;
• licorice.

The effectiveness of non-standard treatment will be higher if it is started earlier. It is almost impossible to achieve an antitussive effect in case of prolonged or chronic cough with herbal preparations.

The use of herbs, despite their supposed safety, should also be agreed with a doctor. Many formulations are allergens and are not suitable for children under 3-5 years of age.

Prescribed treatment with antitussive medications cannot be replaced with traditional recipes.

Contraindications

It is forbidden to give children narcotic antitussives on their own. Such drugs can cause respiratory depression, which can have unpleasant consequences.

Antitussive medications for children with wet coughs are strictly prohibited. The main purpose of medications is to stop the cough reflex and alleviate the child’s condition.

If the cough is caused by the accumulation of phlegm in the bronchi, then the thick mucus must be thinned and then removed. By giving the child an antitussive, parents muffle the manifestations of the disease. As a result, complications may arise.

Antitussives are also contraindicated for children who are hypersensitive to a particular type of medication. Ignoring this condition leads to the development of an allergic reaction of varying intensity.

When prescribing a medicine for dry cough to a small patient, the doctor always gives individual recommendations and advice. Children should be offered antitussive formulations half an hour before meals.

Compliance with this condition will allow you to obtain the maximum therapeutic effect. The exception is for drugs that have an individual pattern of use.

Correct environmental conditions should also be maintained. The air in the room should be cool and humid.

Following the doctor's advice and strictly observing the rules for using medications will help cure a child's dry cough in the shortest possible time and at minimal cost.

Cough treatment, antitussives

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