Drugs that reduce sputum production. List of effective mucolytic drugs. α and β-adrenergic receptor blockers

In the treatment of cough due to bronchitis, mucolytics play a very important role important role. These drugs are an integral part of therapy aimed at quickly and effective removal sputum from the bronchi. In diseases of the respiratory system, excess secretions produced quickly become a breeding ground for pathogenic organisms. To thin and facilitate the removal of sputum, mucolytic drugs are used.

Operating principle

Mucolytics dilute sputum without increasing its volume, and also contribute to the rapid removal of mucus from the bronchi. These drugs may come in the form of tablets or syrups. Traditional medicine advises using decoctions or inhalations based on herbs with a pronounced mucolytic effect: licorice, marshmallow, etc.

It is believed that syrups based on plant extracts do not harm humans. But uncontrolled reception of any medicines can be dangerous, especially for children or weakened bodies. Only a doctor can recommend when, in what doses and for how long to take this or that drug.

The basic rules for using mucolytic agents are as follows:

• in the presence of a wet cough complicated by heavy sputum discharge;
• they cannot be used for dry cough. Taking mucolytics for initial stage bronchitis makes no sense. It is impossible to liquefy phlegm that is not yet there. In this case, anti-inflammatory and expectorant drugs are prescribed;
• While taking mucolytics, you need to drink as much fluid as possible, at least 2 liters per day (for adults). These can be warm decoctions, herbal infusions, weak teas, fruit drinks, compotes;
• It is strictly forbidden to combine mucolytic and antitussive drugs! This can lead to the bronchi simply becoming clogged with mucus.

What are the types of mucolytic drugs?

Depending on the main active ingredient, mucolytics are divided into several groups, each of which has its own characteristics and contraindications.

When treating bronchitis, the following are most often prescribed:

• preparations based on acetylcysteine ​​(ACC, Vicks Active and others). They dilute mucus well and have antioxidant effect. They should not be used for exacerbation of gastric and duodenal ulcers;
• preparations based on ambroxol (Ambroxol, Ambrobene, Lazolvan, Flavamed) are the most popular in the treatment. Their peculiarity lies in the fact that in addition to a pronounced mucolytic and expectorant effect, they stimulate the production of a substance that prevents clumping small bronchi and alveoli. These medications cannot be used if you are intolerant to any of the components, in the first trimester of pregnancy or during breastfeeding;

• drugs based on bromhexine (Bromhexine, Bronchosan) are considered quite outdated and in Lately are increasingly less often prescribed by doctors. The active substance itself - bromhexine - has a mucolytic, expectorant effect. Contraindications for use may include an allergic reaction to the components of the drug, the first trimester of pregnancy, breastfeeding and renal failure;
• drugs based on medicinal plants: marshmallow, licorice, plantain, coltsfoot, thyme (Mukaltin, Bronholitin, Tussin). As a result of their action, sputum is produced less thick and is excreted much faster. These medications should not be used if you are allergic to any of the components acute stage diseases gastrointestinal tract. You should drink them with extreme caution during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Therapy with mucolytic drugs can only be carried out as prescribed by a doctor, and not after watching an advertisement. Sometimes regular Mucaltin in combination with Ambroxol will give a much greater effect than the most expensive and advertised drug.

How does Mucaltin work?

One of the common drugs for the treatment of bronchitis is Mucaltin. Many people have known it since childhood, as it has been used in medicine for decades. This budgetary means is not inferior to many expensive “brothers” in terms of the effectiveness of removing sputum in diseases respiratory tract.

The basis of Mucaltin is the medicinal plant marshmallow. Additional substances: tartaric acid, calcium stearate and sodium bicarbonate (soda).

Marshmallow increases the activity of the epithelium of the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract, as a result of which its villi quickly push out excess mucus. This plant promotes more productive functioning of the bronchial glands, which begin to produce secretions better. Increasing in volume, sputum dilutes and is excreted much more easily.

In combination, marshmallow and sodium bicarbonate produce a powerful triple effect: mucolytic, expectorant and secretolytic.

Soda helps to liquefy secretions and remove them, but its effect on the bronchi is slightly different.

Despite the fact that Mukaltin is considered quite safe drug, it still has a number of contraindications:

• for any component of the drug,
• stomach or duodenal ulcer, gastritis or others serious illnesses digestive organs.

Mucaltin should not be used in parallel with antitussive medications, especially if they contain codeine. This will make it difficult to clear mucus and may cause an allergic reaction.

Can Mucaltin be taken by children and pregnant women?

Let us emphasize once again: do not think that Mucaltin is an absolutely safe drug!

The instructions indicate that the use of this medicine for children under one year of age is contraindicated. This point must also be taken into account if the child is on breastfeeding. Mucaltin easily passes into milk and can cause disorders in digestive system. If the mother needs to take this drug, it makes sense to temporarily transfer the baby to artificial feeding.

Separately, it is worth mentioning about taking the drug. Mucaltin can only be used strictly as prescribed by a doctor, despite the fact that it does not have a clearly defined effect. negative impact for the fruit Uncontrolled use of this medicine can lead to serious consequences.

Marshmallow root is dangerous for pregnant women because it can cause an increase in the tone of the uterus, and this in turn will threaten pregnancy. It poses a particular danger to women with increased risk miscarriage, as well as in the first trimester of pregnancy.

Mucaltin can also cause a number of side effects: allergies, severe nausea and vomiting, stomach discomfort. During pregnancy, and even against the background of toxicosis, all this can lead to severe dehydration of the body.

With acute respiratory infections we often encounter this unpleasant phenomenon like a cough. It can be exhausting and annoying, makes breathing difficult and significantly reduces the quality of life. It is very important for the doctor to determine what type of cough the patient has: dry or wet. The first type is considered unproductive and is characterized by difficulty in expelling sputum. is called productive and shortens the patient’s recovery time. Having discovered a dry type of cough in a patient, doctors often prescribe drugs that liquefy the viscous mucous secretion that forms in the respiratory organs. Because of increased density This mucus causes the patient to have difficulty with expectoration or expectoration.

What types of mucolytics are there?

To help a patient with a dry cough, the doctor usually prescribes mucolytics.

List of drugs included in this group, quite extensive. Based on the way they affect the human body, these drugs can be divided into three groups:

• Mucoregulating substances. They influence the volume of mucous secretion released. This group includes glucocorticosteroids, M-anticholinergics and carbocisteine.
• Mucokinetics are drugs that significantly improve mucus discharge. These include ambroxol, bromhexine, etc.
• Directly mucolytics. These substances help to liquefy mucous secretions by reducing its viscosity. Mucolytics include proteolytic enzymes, acetylcysteine, etc.

Various mucus liquefaction mechanisms

If we consider the mechanism by which the molecules of acidic mucopolysaccharides of human mucous secretions can be destroyed with the help of drugs, then two main paths can be distinguished - the enzymatic method and the non-enzymatic path. In the first case, enzymes destroy protein bonds, and in the other, disulfide bridges in sputum molecules.

Classification according to the main active ingredient

All these drugs are combined under the international or ATS code R05CB “Mucolytics”. The list of main active ingredients also provides a certain letter and numerical designation:

• R05CB01 - acetylcysteine.
• R05CB02 - bromhexine.
• R05CB03 - carbocisteine.
• R05CB06 - ambroxol.
• R05CB10 - preparations with a combined composition.
• R05CB13 - Dornase alfa (deoxyribonuclease).

Only the attending physician decides which mucolytic drugs to prescribe to a particular patient.

He makes this appointment only after a thorough examination and guided by the results of relevant tests. Let's take a closer look at how each active substance included by pharmacists in group R05CB works.

Mucolytics with acetylcysteine

Acetylcysteine ​​effectively helps thin mucus, and therefore was included in the mucolytics group. The list of drugs with this active ingredient includes about two dozen drug names various forms. Acetylcysteine ​​is characterized by the following mechanisms of action:

• It has reactive sulfhydryl groups in its molecule, which have a destructive effect on the disulfide compounds of mucopolysaccharides, due to which the mucus is characterized by increased viscosity. As a result, sputum thins out and is removed from the body more easily.
• This substance helps reduce activity and reduces the amount pathogenic bacteria, which are located on the mucous membrane of the respiratory organs.
• It has antioxidant properties. Sulfhydryl groups react with free radicals and oxygen metabolites and remove them from the body. Thus, acetylcysteine ​​has an anti-inflammatory effect and rids the body of toxic substances, significantly alleviating the patient’s condition.

From preparations containing as active substance acetylcysteine, it can be noted:

• "Mukobene" - tablets; 100, 200 or 600 mg.
• "Mukomist" - solution in ampoules, 20% for local application and inhalations.
• "Mukonex" in the form of granules, 0.1 g for making syrup.
• "Fluimucil" in the form of granules, 100 and 200 mg; tablets for producing an effervescent drink, 600 mg.
• "ACC" in the form of tablets for the preparation of an effervescent drink - 100, 200, 600 mg; solution for injection 300 mg/3 ml in ampoules; granules for oral solution, 100, 200 mg.
• "Acetylcysteine" in powder form, 200 mg; solution for injection, 10%; solution for inhalation, 20%;
• "Acestin" - tablets for internal use, 100, 200, 600 mg; tablets for producing an effervescent drink, 200 and 600 mg.

Acetylcysteine ​​and drugs containing it are contraindicated in children under 2 years of age (and some under 6 years of age), pregnant and lactating women, and people with gastrointestinal ulcers in the acute stage. Side effects may occur in the form of headache, stomatitis, drowsiness and tinnitus; gastrointestinal disorders, allergies, and tachycardia are less common. Acetylcysteine ​​should not be taken together with antitussive medications. It also enhances the effect of nitroglycerin and inhibits the absorption of antibiotics.

Mucolytics with bromhexine

Medicines containing this substance as active component, quite often prescribed for coughs, and are positioned as mucolytics. The list of drugs is limited to five pharmaceutical products. Once in the human body, bromhexine acts as follows:

• reduces the viscosity of bronchial secretions by depolarizing mucus polysaccharides;
• stimulates the cells of the bronchial mucosa, which secrete neutral polysaccharides;
• promotes the formation of surfactant;
• produces an expectorant effect;
• inhibits the cough reflex.

Mucolytic drugs, the list of which is given below, contain bromhexine as the main active ingredient.

These include:

• "Solvin" - solution for internal use, 4 mg/5 ml; tablets for oral use, 8 mg.
• "Bromhexine" in the form of a solution, 4 mg/5 ml; syrup, 4 mg/5 ml; tablets, 8 mg.

Mucolytic drugs containing bromhexine are contraindicated in persons with individual intolerance to this component, as well as in children under 6 years of age. They can cause digestive disorders, headache, increased sweating, skin rash and bronchospasm. Pregnant and lactating women are prescribed medications containing bromhexine extremely rarely.

Preparations with carbocisteine

Given medicinal substance also included in the group "Mucolytics". The list of drugs with carbocisteine ​​includes about ten items, but they all have the same pharmaceutical effect:

• reduce the content of neutral glycopeptides and increase the production of acidic glycopeptides, normalizing their proportion;
• reduce viscosity and regulate the elasticity of sputum;
• regenerate the mucous membrane of the respiratory organs and restore its normal structure;
• increase the local specific resistance factor lgA;
• normalize the release of sulfigryl groups;
• activate activity ciliated epithelium bronchi.

Quite often, patients are prescribed just such mucolytics.

The list of medicines and drugs containing carbocysteine ​​is given below:

• "Libexin Muco" in the form of syrup, 50 mg/ml.
• "Mukodin" in capsule form, 125 mg; syrup for children 125 mg/5 ml and 250 mg/5 ml.
• "Carbocisteine" in the form of syrup 250 mg/5 ml and 125 mg/5 ml (for children); capsules, 375 mg.
• "Fluifort" in the form of granules for suspension, 2.7 mg; syrup, 90 mg/l; syrup 2% (for children) and 5%.

Carbocysteine ​​mucolytics, drugs and preparations described above should not be taken if you are allergic to the main component, as well as if peptic ulcer, disturbances in the normal functioning of the kidneys, acute glomerulonephritis, cystitis, pregnancy and breastfeeding. Drugs in capsule form are contraindicated for children under 12 years of age, and in syrup form for children under 2 years of age. Mucolytic cough preparations based on carbocisteine ​​can cause digestive disorders and allergic manifestations.

Medicines with ambroxol

These drugs are the most popular among patients. Ambroxol has the following effects on the human body:

• reduces the viscosity and adhesion of sputum;
• facilitates the removal of mucus from the respiratory tract;
• activates the work of serous cells of the glandular tissue of the bronchial mucosa;
• stimulates the production of enzymes that destroy the structure of sputum polysaccharides;
• actively promotes surfactant production;
• stimulates the work of bronchial cilia and prevents them from sticking together.

Due to the presence of these factors of action of ambrocol, it was included in the “Mucolytics” group.

The list of medications containing this component is very extensive. Here are the most common drugs containing ambroxol:

• "Lazolvan" - lozenges, 20 mg; lozenges, 15 mg; solution, 7.5 mg/ml; syrup 15 and 30 mg/5 ml; tablets, 30 mg.
• "Halixol" - in the form of syrup, 30 mg/10 ml and tablets, 30 mg.
• "Medox" - in the form of syrup, 15 mg/5 ml and tablets, 30 mg.
• "Deflegmin" - in the form of drops for oral administration, 0.75% and tablets, 30 mg;
• "Suprima-coff" - in tablet form, 30 mg.
• "Mukobron" - in the form of tablets, 30 mg.
• "Bronkhovern Drops" - solution for internal use, 7.5 mg/ml.
• "Ambrobene" - in capsule form, 75 mg; solution for injection, 7.5 mg/ml; syrup, 15 mg/5 ml; tablets, 30 mg.
• "Ambrohexal" - in the form of capsules, 75 mg; solution for inhalation and oral administration, 7.5 mg/ml; syrup 3 and 6 mg/ml and tablets, 30 mg.
• "Ambroxol" - in the form of syrup, 3 and 6 mg/ml; tablets, 30 mg and capsules, 75 mg.
• "Ambrolap" - in the form of capsules, 75 mg; syrup, 15 mg/5 ml; tablets, 30 mg; solution for internal use and for inhalation, 7.5 mg/ml.
• "Ambrosan" - in tablet form, 30 mg.
• "Ambrosol" - in the form of syrup 0.3 and 0.6 g/100 ml.
• "Remebrox" - in the form of syrup 30 mg/5 ml.
• "Ambrotard 75" - in the form of capsules, 75 mg.
• "Flavamed" - in the form of an oral solution, 15 mg/5 ml and tablets, 30 mg.
• "Bronchoval" - tablets, 30 mg; syrup, 15 mg/5 ml.

Depending on the form of release of the drug, there are contraindications to taking medications based on ambroxol. Such mucolytic drugs for children under 2 years of age are suitable only if the dosage of the active substance does not exceed 3 mg/ml; as a rule, these are syrups or solutions. Tablets should not be taken by patients under 6 years of age, capsules by those under 14 years of age. Also, if the patient has an individual intolerance to ambroxol, these mucolytics cannot be prescribed. Among side effects drug - digestive disorders, increased secretion of mucus from the nose, difficulty urinating, allergic reactions. During pregnancy, as a rule, ambroxol is not prescribed in the first trimester, but for more later- only on the recommendation of a doctor.

Mucolytics with a combined composition

These drugs contain several different active substances that thin the sputum, so they were included in the “Mucolytics” typology. For dry cough, the list of drugs prescribed by a doctor from the list described earlier in the article can be supplemented with the following drugs:

Ribonuclease for the treatment of dry cough

The mucolytics usually prescribed by doctors for dry coughs, the list of which was presented earlier, can be classified as traditional and time-tested drugs. Brand new and modern way getting rid of viscous sputum in the respiratory system - using ribonuclease or dornase alpha. This substance is a genetically engineered product, an analogue of a natural human enzyme, which is responsible for the cleavage of extracellular DNA.

If the patient has cystic fibrosis, which is characterized by acute infectious process, there is an accumulation of purulent secretion with high viscosity. As a result, patients' respiratory function is impaired. In a purulent secretion in large quantities contains extracellular DNA. These particles are released from disintegrating white blood cells produced as a response to infection and are highly viscous. Ribonuclease hydrolytically breaks down the DNA of sputum and, as a result, the mucus liquefies.

Dornase alfa is part of the drug "Pulmozym", which is available in the form of a solution for inhalation. Active substance content - 2.5 mg/2.5 ml. This drug successfully used for cystic fibrosis, as well as chronic pulmonary diseases: bronchiectasis, COPD, birth defects in children, pneumonia, respiratory damage of an immunodeficiency nature.

Pulmozym has few contraindications. The drug should not be prescribed to pregnant and lactating women, as well as children under 5 years of age. Side effects during treatment with this drug are rare and can manifest themselves in the form of lymphocytic leukemia. acute form, aplastic anemia, epilepsy, migraine, conjunctivitis, imbalance, tachycardia, cardiac arrest, bradycardia, pneumonia, bronchospasm, digestive disorders, allergic dermatitis, Quincke's edema, pregnancy and delivery disorders, chest pain, weakness.

Get treatment promptly and correctly

This article addressed the question: “Which drugs are mucolytics?” A list of the most common drugs in this group has been named.

It is worth specially noting that the prescription of the drug, its dosage, as well as recommendations for the duration of the course of treatment and the possibility of replacing the drug with an analogue are issues that are within the competence of only a medical specialist after a thorough diagnosis of the patient. Self-medication in this situation can be not only unproductive, but also capable of leading to unpredictable consequences: from side effects drugs before development chronic diseases. Therefore, if you have symptoms of the disease, do not delay your visit to the doctor. Be healthy!

Every person has taken expectorants and mucolytics at least once in their life. However, not everyone knows what it is.

Expectorants are drugs that enhance the removal of mucus from the bronchi and lungs.

Mucolytics are medications, which reduce the viscosity of sputum in the lungs and bronchi without increasing its quantity.

They also facilitate the process of removing mucus. The main advantage of mucolytics is that thanks to them, a non-productive cough becomes productive, which significantly speeds up the healing process. As a rule, mucolytics and expectorants are available in the form of tablets or syrups. Mucolytics can also be purchased in inhalation form.

There is the following classification of mucolytics:

• preparations with proteolytic enzymes;
• medications with active substances synthesized artificially.

The mechanism of action of these drugs can be direct or indirect.

Expectorants can be divided into groups according to their mechanism of action into:

• reflex;
• resorptive.

Expectorants can be of either herbal or artificial origin. Expectorants and mucolytics have absolutely different mechanism actions. Proteolytic enzymes included in mucolytics, when taken orally, disrupt peptide bonds between sputum molecules and thus lead to depolymerization nucleic acid, as a result of which the mucus accumulated in the respiratory organs becomes much thinner.

There is no negative effect on healthy tissue. As a rule, such drugs are injected into the trachea or bronchi for a short period of time. Mucolytics of synthetic origin cause depolymerization of mucoproteins and produce a thinning effect. Some drugs have the same effect on mucopolysaccharide fibers of mucus.

Expectorant medications act on the human body somewhat differently. The action of expectorants is to irritate the gastric mucosa and irritate the vomiting and cough center in the brain. Increased activity of these centers leads to an increase in mucus secretion in the respiratory organs and an improvement in the cough reflex. The effect of these drugs is relatively short.

When using expectorant medications, you need to be extremely careful, since exceeding the recommended dosage can lead to vomiting.

Resorptive drugs increase mucus secretion respiratory organs, make it more liquid and thus facilitate the process of mucus discharge.

The difference between direct and direct medications indirect action is that the first ones provide therapeutic effect after the drug enters the gastrointestinal tract and is absorbed, while the latter have a therapeutic effect only when it enters the affected area pathological process region. Mucolytics and expectorants are prescribed to patients suffering from acute or chronic inflammation respiratory organs (cystic fibrosis, bronchial asthma, tracheobronchitis, pneumoconiosis, COPD, bronchiectasis).

Thus, specialists improve physical state patient, reduce the manifestations of a long, exhausting non-productive cough. At the moment when the sputum becomes quite liquid and the cough becomes wet, the mucolytic effect is unnecessary. Then expectorant medications are prescribed to help remove previously liquefied mucus from the body. It is not recommended to combine expectorants and mucolytics.

What is the difference between mucolytics and expectorants?

How do mucolytics differ from expectorants? This question has been asked at least once in life by every person who has encountered inflammation of the respiratory system.

The function of mucolytics is only to destroy the bonds between the molecules of sputum accumulated in the lungs and bronchi and dilute it.

Expectorant (secretomotor) medications activate the reflex cough center in the brain and increase bronchial contractions, thus helping to expel liquid mucus. The most popular mucolytic throughout for long years Bromhexine remains. It is produced in tablet form. Included in the vital list important medicines since 2012.

This remedy is used for severe respiratory diseases, which are accompanied by various complications. The product can be used to sanitize affected tissues. It thins mucus and at the same time has a mild antitussive effect. The first results of taking medications can be seen after 24-48 hours. A lasting, noticeable effect appears 2-5 days from the start of therapy.

In most cases, the medicine is well tolerated and does not cause any side effects. If you are intolerant to certain components of the medication, allergic reactions may occur. When using the product for longer than 1 month, digestive disorders may occur. After stopping the medication, these effects will soon disappear on their own. Another effective and popular mucolytic agent is ACC containing acetylcysteine.

This medicine not only thins mucus in the respiratory system, but also has an anti-inflammatory effect and removes toxins from the body. Unfortunately, the drug is powerless if the patient has sputum mixed with pus. ACC is available in the form of syrup, as well as effervescent tablets or powder, which must be dissolved in liquid. Thanks to this, the drug is easily absorbed and begins to act as soon as possible. short time.

This product does not provide toxic effects on the body. ACC can be combined with antibacterial drugs. The medicine is strictly prohibited for patients with ulcerative lesions of the digestive system, as well as bleeding of the lungs. The medicine is prescribed with extreme caution to patients with severe kidney and liver diseases, as well as varicose veins veins

To popular expectorants for wet cough include Codelac Broncho, which is available in the form of syrup and also in tablet form. At simultaneous administration with antimicrobial drugs, it is important to take into account that Codelac Broncho increases their effectiveness. The drug is not combined with antitussive medications.

Codelac Broncho is not recommended for use by pregnant women or women who are breastfeeding, or children under 12 years of age. In case of an overdose of the drug, the patient experiences disruptions in the functioning of the digestive organs. In this case, you need to stop the drug and perform gastric lavage. If after this unpleasant symptoms do not go away within 2 days, the patient is given symptomatic therapy.

Doctors often also prescribe Thermopsol to improve expectoration of sputum. This product contains a huge amount of alkaloids. plant origin, which effectively stimulate the cough and vomiting center.

At the same time, sodium carbonate enhances the production of secretions by the bronchi. The medicine is contraindicated in patients with diseases of the gastrointestinal tract or individual intolerance to the components of the drug. Other patients should not use Thermopsol for more than 5-7 days to avoid side effects. With the simultaneous use of antimicrobial drugs, it increases their concentration in sputum.

If desired medications can be supplemented with medications made independently at home. However, one should not treat folk medicine frivolously. In this case, you need to know the difference between expectorants and mucolytics. To liquefy sputum, a decoction of plantain, motherwort, thermopsis, as well as thyme, licorice root and marshmallow is most often used.

To prepare the product, you need to take one of the above herbs in the amount of 2.5 tbsp. l., put them in a container and pour 1 liter of boiling water. Infuse the product for 2 hours. You need to take the medicine 1 glass 3 times a day half an hour before meals. You can also use onion and garlic to thin the mucus. To do this, you need to grind 100 g of onion and 50 g of garlic in a meat grinder and mix everything with 200 g of honey. The medicine is taken 1 tsp. 3 times a day after meals.

To expectorate phlegm, you can prepare a remedy from bananas. For this you need 2 tbsp. l. sugar, pour 150 ml of water and bring to a boil. Boil the syrup for 10-15 minutes over low heat. After this, the prepared liquid is poured into 2 medium-sized bananas, previously ground into a paste. The finished product is used in 2 tbsp. l. 3 times a day half an hour before meals. A radish-based remedy is also effective for expectoration. For cooking of this medicine You can only use black radish.

The top is cut out from the fruit, and then the pulp itself (about 1/3). The resulting space is filled with honey. In order for the radish to release juice better, it needs to be placed in a warm place. After 3-4 days, the medicine can be consumed 1 tsp. 3 times a day half an hour before meals. Despite the huge amount of advertising, it is strictly not recommended to select medications on your own. Only a doctor knows how expectorants differ from mucolytics and how to select them in each specific case.

Mucolytics and expectorants for children

Mucolytics and expectorants for children are the main drugs for treating cough.

Important

Mucolytics for children under 2 years of age should be used very carefully. Often, drinking plenty of fluids and humidifying the air in the room will thin the mucus in children in the shortest possible time without any risk.

In advanced cases and only if a child over 2 years old is allowed to use Ambroxol in the form of syrup. This remedy not only thins thick mucus, but also suppresses coughing. Therapeutic effect becomes visible already half an hour after using the product.

It is important to say that Ambroxol enhances the effect of antibiotics and promotes their accumulation in the lungs. TO side effects remedies can be attributed to allergic reactions. Period complete removal means is 10 hours. It is not recommended to use Ambroxol for more than 1 week, as this may lead to ulcerative lesions gastrointestinal organs. Expectorants and mucolytics for children also cannot be taken at the same time, even despite their safe composition.

Expectorant drugs for children include Ambrobene. You can use it for therapeutic inhalations or simply take syrup. When consumed this tool you need to increase your fluid intake. Among expectorants for children, one can highlight Doctor MOM syrup based on medicinal herbs. The product has an anti-inflammatory effect and can be combined with antibiotics.

Doctor MOM has a pleasant taste, so it can easily be given to even the smallest children. The drug is contraindicated in diabetes mellitus and severe diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Shake the syrup thoroughly before use. The method of use and dosage of each mucolytic and expectorant for children should be indicated by a doctor.

As a rule, this information is also available in the instructions for the drugs, however, the instructions may vary somewhat depending on the patient’s age, height, weight, concomitant pathologies and many other factors. Typically, Ambroxol is prescribed ¼-1/2 of a tablet 2-3 times a day, regardless of meals, Ambrobene 2-3 ml 1-2 times a day 10-15 minutes before meals, Doctor IOM 2.5-5 ml 3 times a day immediately after meals.

Cough is a symptom familiar to every person. We first encounter him in early childhood, we cough often and thickly in kindergartens and continue to do this in primary 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?

Modern pharmaceutical market sometimes amazes us with the variety of cough preparations. 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 effective method 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 personal experience author 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 the intervention of a doctor 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 almost always serves as 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, a cough is the result respiratory infections: ARVI, influenza, pneumonia, whooping cough, tuberculosis. Usually, 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 Chronical bronchitis, including smoker's bronchitis;
• gastroesophageal reflux.
  Reverse cast of hydrochloric acid into the esophagus most often causes cough of unknown origin;
• contaminated air;
• foreign body;
• reception antihypertensive drugs blocking 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 infectious diseases. However, one cannot lose vigilance even with a seemingly innocent cough that accompanies ARVI.

Sometimes noticed in time dangerous symptoms save lives, 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, 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 deal with detailed description expectorants.

Why are expectorants needed?

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

U healthy person The glands of the trachea and bronchi produce tracheobronchial secretions. 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. Liquefaction of viscous secretions is the main function of expectorants used for treatment wet cough.

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 complete absence bronchial secretion.

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. To expectorants irritating effect include most medicinal herbs: marshmallow root, thermopsis herb, terpin hydrate,

Cough is a physiologically determined reaction of the body in response to irritation of the respiratory tract by mechanical particles, biological substances, or excess sputum. However, cough may be a symptom pathological condition and then he requires treatment. For therapy, expectorants are used that are inexpensive but effective.

Cough is a complex reflex process, the implementation of which involves various parts nervous system. An irritating agent activates sensory receptors nerve endings, which are located in the larynx, bronchi, ear canal and even in the stomach. Impulses from the receptors pass to the “cough center” located in the brain stem. From there, the response signal travels along the nerves to the respiratory muscles, causing a cough. It is taking into account the mechanism of cough occurrence that drugs for its treatment are developed.

Drugs that inhibit cough receptors

Non-productive (dry, without sputum production) cough does not relieve physiological role cleansing. It significantly reduces the quality of life and often provokes the development of complications. A productive cough, accompanied by sputum production, is suppressed only when its character debilitates the patient and becomes obsessive.

To eliminate cough, drugs are used that directly affect the mechanism of the reflex.

They are usually divided into two groups:

• peripheral action - affect the sensitivity of receptors or block the passage of a signal from them to the cough center (afferent pathway) and back to the respiratory muscles (efferent pathway);
• central action - affecting directly the centers in the medulla oblongata or the higher nerve centers associated with it.

Peripheral-acting drugs that block signals from the afferent pathway act like mild local and systemic painkillers on the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract. They:

• reduce the sensitivity of the receptors located in it;
• change the consistency and amount of sputum;
• reduce the tone of the bronchial muscles.

Drugs affecting efferent signal transit:

• facilitate the discharge of sputum;
• reduce the viscosity of mucus;
• increase coughing.

Afferent agents have an enveloping and barrier effect. They may have natural or synthetic contents.

Drugs natural composition manufactured at plant based with the addition of glycerin, honey and other components that create a protective layer for the mucous membrane. These include:

Codelac.

Available in the form of syrup, tablets, elixir. Contains thermopsis herb, thyme and licorice root. The price of the drug is from 140 rubles.

Herbion syrup with plantain.

Envelops, has a bactericidal effect, improves immunity. Price from 250 rub.

Mukaltin.

Lozenges contain marshmallow herb extract. Price 15 rub.

Herbion syrup with primrose.

It is prescribed to relieve productive cough and persistent cough caused by insufficient blood supply to the lungs. Price from 200 rub.

Doctor Mom.

Release form: lozenges, lozenges, lozenges. Price from 140 rub.

Synthetic drugs are prescribed for dry cough. They begin to act faster than herbal-based products, but have significant amount"side-effect". These include:

Falimint.

The drug has an effect similar to menthol - it cools, soothes, and relieves an attack of dry cough. Price from 150 rub.

Libexin.

The drug reduces the sensitivity of receptors, facilitates the transport of sputum, relaxes the muscles of the bronchi, and relieves irritation. Price from 300 rub.

Halixol (ambroxol syrup).

A fast-acting drug that has a calming effect on the mucous membrane and reduces the viscosity of sputum. Price from 105 rub.

Lazolvan.

The drug is available in the form of tablets, syrup and solution for inhalation. Price from 150 rub.

Lorraine.

Pharmaceutical form - powder, suspension, tablets and capsules. Price from 210 rub.

Centrally acting medications are classified according to the presence or absence of narcotic substances in their composition.

Narcotics contain codeine, morphine, dextromethorphan, dionine. Their long-term use It is addictive, so they are prescribed in short courses:

Codelac.

Tablets, syrup and drops contain codeine and medicinal herbal extracts - thermopsis grass and licorice root. Price from 90 rub.

Terpincode.

Kofex.

Available in the form of cough syrup. Price from 99 rub.

Coderpin.

Tablets priced from 250 rubles.

Non-narcotic drugs that affect the brain include plant alkaloids as active substances:

Glauvent.

The drug contains the alkaloid glaucine, which blocks the cough center and has a weak antispasmodic effect. Price from 330 rub.

Sinekod.

Directly affects the cough center, dilates the bronchi. Available in the form of tablets, syrup and drops. Price from 214 rub.

Tusuprex.

Film-coated tablets. It affects the cough center and has a weak expectorant effect. Price from 250 UAH.

Narcotic drugs are dispensed only with a doctor's prescription, used for special indications and only in a hospital setting.

With bronchodilator effect

Bronchodilators have a relaxing effect on the muscles of the bronchi, eliminating their spasm. The drugs differ in their mechanism of action and are divided into several groups.

α and β-adrenergic receptor blockers

The drugs “turn off” adrenaline receptors located in the walls of the bronchi and have the opposite effect of adrenaline - they expand the lumen.

This group of bronchodilators includes:

• Salbutamol. Available in the form of an aerosol for inhalation. Price from 100 rub.
• Berotek. Aerosol for inhalation. Price from 400 rub.
• Theophedrine. The tablets contain synthetic and plant substances (belladonna extract, alkaloids caffeine, cytisine and ephedrine). Price from 390 rub.

M-anticholinergics

These are drugs that block acetylcholine receptors. They eliminate or reduce the functions of the parasympathetic system. Products may contain alkaloids of henbane, belladonna, and dope.

This group includes:

• Atrovent. The drug is available in the form of an aerosol for inhalation. Price from 233 rub.
• Berodual. Available in the form of an aerosol for inhalation. Price from 233 rub.
• Atrovent. Available in the form of an aerosol and nebula for inhalation. Price from 150 rub.
• Ventolin. Available in the form of an aerosol and nebula for inhalation. Price from 147 rub.

Xanthine derivatives

They have a relaxing effect on the bronchial muscles and block β-adrenergic receptors. Xanthine derivatives include caffeine, theobromine, and theophylline.

Preparations:

• Aminophylline. Available in tablet form, rectal suppositories, powder and solution for injection. Price from 45 rub.
• Afonilum SR. Capsules. Price from 145 rub.
• Ventax. Release form: capsules. Price from 200 rub.

Combination drugs

Agents that combine several mechanisms of action. These include:

• Seretide aerosol for inhalation. Price from 12 rub.
• Fenoterol. Solution for inhalation. Price from 200 rub.
• Ipraterol Nativ. Solution for inhalation. Price from 229 rub.

Drugs that relieve bronchospasm are most often produced in the form of solutions for inhalation, which accelerates their action, ensures absorption in the pathological focus, bypassing the gastrointestinal tract, and reduces the amount of medication.

Mucolytic drugs

Mucolytic or secretolytic drugs have positive impact on the secretion of the bronchi, diluting it, but without increasing the volume of sputum. Drug substances disrupt the bonds in mucus proteins, reducing its viscosity and facilitating removal from the respiratory tract. Mucolytics also have a combined anti-edematous and anti-inflammatory effect. Medicines in this group are prescribed for coughs with difficulty draining secretions from lower sections respiratory system.

These include:

• Bromhexine, available in the form of tablets, syrup and solution for inhalation. Price from 9 rub.
• ACC 100 - granules, solution for inhalation. Price from 126 rub.
• Fluimucil - granules, solution for inhalation and oral administration, effervescent tablets. Price from 119 rub.
• Ambrobene - solution for oral administration and inhalations, syrup. Price from 119 rub.
• Lazolvan - solution for oral administration and inhalation, syrup, tablets, capsules, lozenges. Price from 158 rub.

Anti-inflammatory drugs

Anti-inflammatory drugs should be taken if the cough is caused by inflammatory processes in the mucosa.

Suppression of the cough reflex with ongoing inflammation can lead to serious complications, including pulmonary edema.

The following have an anti-inflammatory effect:

• Omnitus - tablets and syrup. It also has an effect on the cough center, suppressing cough. Price from 157 rub.
• Fluditek. A syrup that also has a mucolytic, expectorant, and decongestant effect. Price from 344 rub.
• Bronchipret. Syrup based essential oil thyme, which has anti-inflammatory, mucolytic, antimicrobial effects. Price from 230 rub.
• Erespal. Tablets, syrup. In addition to anti-inflammatory, the drug has a mucolytic and bronchodilator effect. Price from 275 rub.

Typically, anti-inflammatory drugs have other beneficial effects on coughs. Therefore, it is difficult to identify selective drugs.

Combined substances

Most medications have several positive effects at once. The composition is selected so that active ingredients enhanced each other's therapeutic effect.

Combined drugs are:

• Stoptussin, which has an antitussive and mucolytic effect. Price from 150 rub.
• Bronchicum. Available in the form of lozenges, syrup and elixir. It has a combined expectorant, anti-inflammatory and bronchodilator effect. Price from 260 rub.
• Bronholitin. A drug that has a combined effect on the cough center due to the alkaloids glaucine, a bronchodilator due to the alkaloid ephedrine, as well as on peripheral receptors and mucous membranes due to the enveloping, antimicrobial and soothing effect of basil oil. Price from 60 rub.
• Linux. It has mucolytic, anti-inflammatory and expectorant effects. The medicine is produced in the form of a syrup containing extracts of 10 medicinal plants. Price from 130 rub.

Inexpensive, but most effective medicines for wet, dry cough

When prescribing medications, it is necessary to take into account whether sputum is released during coughing. At productive cough the secretion is released in large quantities and the task of the drug is to stimulate its transit. For this purpose, expectorant medications are used. Inexpensive expectorants have secretion-thinning properties and activate the functions of the ciliated epithelium.

Expectorants are mainly represented by drugs based on medicinal plants:

• Gedelix (syrup and drops). Contains ivy leaf extract. Price from 352 rub.
• Overslept. Syrup, drops and inhalation drops. Contains ivy leaf extract. Price from 359 rub.
• Doctor MOM, syrup. Price from 156 rub.
• Mukaltin. Tablets containing marshmallow extract. Price from 12 rub.
• Licorice root in syrup. Price from 41 rub.
• Pertussin, syrup. Price from 25 rub.

Expectorants, unlike mucolytics, increase the volume of sputum produced. They should not be combined with medications that block the cough center.

For a dry cough, drugs that reduce the viscosity of sputum - mucolytics - are prescribed. If a dry cough is caused by inflammation, then anti-inflammatory drugs are used. A dry, debilitating cough without sputum production can be stopped with the help of antitussives.

The cheapest drugs for dry cough are:

The safest and cheapest are lollipops and lozenges containing plant extracts:

• mint;
• licorice naked;
• plantain;
• eucalyptus.

They also include beekeeping products - honey, propolis.


Many people take cough lightly, forgetting that it is not a disease, but a symptom that can accompany very dangerous pathologies respiratory, gastrointestinal or cardiac organs. Therefore, you should not self-medicate. To effectively get rid of a cough, you need to eliminate the root cause, not the symptom.