A strong antitussive. Antitussives and their classification. Antitussive medications for dry cough: prescriptions from therapists

Cough in children occurs due to respiratory and viral colds. It is painful and requires mandatory treatment. To correctly select antitussive medications, it is necessary to determine the nature of the cough. For dry and wet coughs, different medications are prescribed, since the former block the nerve impulses of the cough center, the latter promote the separation and removal of sputum. All cough remedies are symptomatic, that is, they relieve cough syndrome, but for complete recovery you also need drugs that kill the causative agent of the disease.

Children with colds are often prescribed cough suppressants.

The development of ARVI is initially characterized by a dry cough, then it turns into a wet cough. This qualitative transition involves different methods of therapy. If complications arise in the form of infection spreading to the bronchi, trachea, or laryngitis begins, the treatment regimen becomes more complicated. Sick children should take medications to suppress cough and relieve inflammation.

What requirements must children's antitussives meet?

Medicines for children that help suppress cough should be effective, but not have any adverse side effects on the child’s body. Therefore, children are not prescribed medications that have a toxic effect. In addition, all prescribed drugs must meet the following characteristics:

  • so that the child swallows them without difficulty;
  • have a convenient dosage;
  • be palatable;
  • do not irritate the mucous membranes in the mouth and gastrointestinal tract.

Treatment of dry cough should be under medical supervision

Doctors, when prescribing cough suppressants for children, take these special conditions into account; the pharmacy network always has medications intended for children in dosage and release form in the form of syrups, elixirs, drops.

Common medications for treating children's cough

Among the modern safe drugs that can suppress a child’s dry cough, pharmacies sell medications without prescriptions that have replaced codeine-containing drugs. This eliminates addiction and adverse effects on the nervous system of babies.

  • Syrup and drops. The active active ingredient in the composition is the substance butamirate. Different forms are recommended for children of different ages - infants from 2 months to three years should be treated with drops, older children with syrup. The course of treatment lasts 7 days, the remedy is used for dry cough, and is effective for whooping cough. It has a number of contraindications; before giving it to children, you need to read the instructions.

Sinekod is an effective cough remedy in the form of syrup, which children really like

  • Herbion is a herbal preparation intended for expectorant and anti-inflammatory effects. The raw materials for its production are medicinal herbs - mallow and plantain. Syrup from medicinal plants has a pleasant taste and smell; children readily drink it. It is prescribed to children no earlier than two years of age. Contains fructose, so Gerbion is contraindicated for children with hypersensitivity to this substance.
  • Lazolvan is intended for children diagnosed with diabetes mellitus. The active component is ambroxol, which has a thinning effect on mucus and promotes its rapid removal. Available in the form of syrup, tablets and aerosols. Tablets are recommended for children over 6 years of age; aerosol and liquid forms (syrup) are intended for children.
  • Dr. Theiss is a preparation made from green plantain leaves, perhaps with the addition of ascorbic acid, chamomile and lemon balm. Recommended for use at night for children over one year of age.

Lazolvan is an effective mucolytic agent that can also be given to children

Other drugs to suppress cough center receptors

Along with the common medications listed above, other drugs are actively used that act on the same principle as codeine-containing drugs, but they do not contain a narcotic component. These include Tusuprex, which has a depressant effect on the cough center. It is allowed to be taken by children from the age of two at a dosage of 5 mg three times a day.

Glaucine has the same central effect, but it has negative consequences in the form of an effect on vascular receptors and provokes a sharp decrease in pressure. Therefore, children after two years of age should take it with caution under the supervision of a doctor. Dosage regimen: twice or thrice a day.

Instead of Sinecode, you can use an inexpensive analogue - Omnitus - to suppress cough receptors. It is recommended for children from two years of age in the form of syrup and for children after six years of age in tablet form.

If you need an inexpensive but effective drug for dry cough, then Omnitus is an excellent solution

Libexin is considered a medicine for adults; for children's use it is recommended to take a quarter, a third or half of a tablet, depending on the age of the child. The dosage must be agreed with the doctor.

Remember that it is advisable to take medications intended strictly for children. Their pharmacological properties are designed for the child’s body. In addition, errors in dosage are eliminated.

This section describes drugs that suppress dry cough, but are not relevant for whooping cough. To treat this disease, you need medications that have the ability to kill whooping cough bacillus. These antibiotics are erythromycin or azithromycin. You can suppress coughing attacks with the help of Coldrex Broncho, Sinetos, Tussin. These are modern antitussive drugs that work to relieve an attack. Dibazol and Phenobarbital are intended to increase resistance to hypoxia.

Tussin is suitable for effective cough suppression

A group of drugs for the treatment of wet cough

When a dry cough develops into a productive form, it should not be suppressed. Treatment at this stage comes down to thinning the mucus and accelerating its removal from the respiratory tract. Chemicals cope with this task.

Keep in mind that, unlike natural remedies, medications based on chemical compounds are more dangerous, so their use should be treated with caution.

The most popular medicine is Bromhexine, which is converted in the human body to ambroxol. This product is available in two forms - liquid and tablets. It is not recommended for children under three years of age to take tablets; syrup is intended for them in a strictly prescribed dosage of no more than 4 ml three times a day. After six years, it is allowed to take the drug in solid form.

Bromhexine syrup is suitable for the youngest patients

Among other drugs are known:

  • Acetylcysteine ​​- has a mucolytic effect and antioxidant protection. An analogue of ACC, Fluimucil, this drug is available in various forms - solid powder and liquid syrup. It can be taken up to four times a day, the maximum dose is 100 mg from the age of two. There is also an inhalation form with the addition of chloramphenicol.
  • Carbocisteine ​​and its analog Fluifort. The latter is distinguished by its prolonged action; after application, the therapeutic effect lasts for another 8 days. Carbocisteine ​​can be taken by children from one month old; Fluifort is allowed to be taken only after two years.

The choice of any medications for children must be approached very carefully.

Antitussive drug with universal action

It is considered a complex cough medicine. Its mechanism of action is that it works as an antitussive, mucolytic, mucomotor and bronchodilator. Its versatility is based on its three-component composition. The active ingredients are Bromhexine, Guaifenesin, Salbutamol. Ascoril is indispensable for serious complications such as obstructive bronchitis and bronchial asthma. A syrup is produced for children; it is prescribed in a dosage of 5 ml three times a day from the age of three.

About mustard plasters and herbal preparations

Well-known elixirs and syrups based on medicinal plants help fight cough attacks.

  1. Alcoholic thyme extract to relieve inflammation and accelerate the onset of expectoration.
  2. Mucaltin tablets with marshmallow extract, which have virtually no contraindications.
  3. having a depressing effect on the cough center.
  4. based on thyme herb extract, which can be drunk by children from six months of age.

Pertussin - a natural herbal cough remedy that has been proven over the years

A group of herbal preparations is the safest treatment for cough in children. If treatment is started in a timely manner, you can manage only with them, without resorting to complex medications, this will help minimize side effects from therapy.

You can enhance the effect of antitussive medications with mustard plasters. If you use this product carefully, it is suitable even for small children. They can be used to treat babies from six months.

Conclusion

To inhibit attacks of dry cough in children, you can only use medications prescribed by a doctor. If you follow all the recommendations. Then painful attacks in the child will occur less frequently. Take the dosage of medications seriously, even an extra drop of the drug can harm your baby, so do not try to choose medications yourself, trust the health of your child to specialists.

How to help your child with a dry cough, you will learn from this video:

When hypothermia occurs, people often develop a nonproductive dry cough. Tracheitis, bronchitis, laryngitis, pleurisy and other respiratory diseases are accompanied by a dry cough, soreness and inflammation. In order to get rid of these unpleasant symptoms, you need to buy antitussives at the pharmacy. It is advisable to do this after consulting a doctor.

Expectorants and antitussives

Expectorants are medications prescribed for wet coughs. A wet cough produces purulent or mucopurulent sputum. Traditional medicine also offers a number of medicinal plants that perfectly cope with cough. Licorice roots, marshmallow, istoda, elecampane, thyme grass, plantain, pine buds, wild rosemary shoots - all these plants relieve coughs without harm to the body.

Antitussives may have a central mechanism of action, that is, they may inhibit the central parts of the cough reflex. Narcotic analgesics contain codeine phosphate and are used only in complex preparations. There are also non-narcotic antitussives and peripheral-acting drugs.

Today, many combined products are produced, which are sold in the form of drops, dry and liquid mixtures, lozenges, tablets and syrups. Expectorants include: “Pectusin”, “Bronchipret”, “Gedelix”, “Gerbion”, “Pectosol” and so on.

Ambroxol is well absorbed by any route of administration. In the liver, it undergoes biotransformation, producing glucuronic conjugates and dibromanthranilic acid. If a person has liver failure, the half-life increases.

Bromhexine is absorbed by 99% half an hour after consumption. The half-life ranges from one to one and a half hours. If you use it for a long time, then some substances of the drug begin to accumulate in the body.

Glaucine hydrochloride makes breathing easier by inhibiting the cough center. This drug lowers blood pressure.

Reflex expectorants and antitussives irritate the stomach receptors, increase the secretion of the bronchial glands, activate the ciliated epithelium, increase muscle contraction of the bronchial muscles, and also dilute sputum and exhibit an antimicrobial effect.

Plantain and marshmallow preparations have an enveloping effect, and thermopsis stimulates the respiratory center.

Ambroxol and Bromhexine change the physical and chemical composition of sputum. Ambroxol improves its discharge. Bromhexine can cause gastrointestinal upset, allergies and neurotic edema. Ambroxol may cause stomach pain, constipation, nausea or allergies.

If the cough significantly worsens the patient's condition, you can combine antitussive and expectorant drugs.

Antitussives classification

Medicines that suppress cough are called antitussives. They are prescribed when cough is not physiologically justified.

Antitussives classification: narcotic, non-narcotic, local anesthetics and mixed-action drugs.

Narcotic antitussives include codeine, dionine, morphine, dextromethorphan, and so on. These drugs suppress the cough reflex and inhibit the functioning of the cough center, which is located in the medulla oblongata. If you use them for a long time, addiction may occur.

Non-narcotic centrally acting antitussive drugs include butamirate, glaucine hydrochloride and oxeladine citrate. They have a hypotensive, antitussive and antispasmodic effect, do not inhibit the motility of the intestinal tract, do not inhibit the breathing process and are not addictive.

Lidocaine is considered a local anesthetic and is used by inhalation. Mixed-action drugs include Prenoxdiazine.

Antitussives for children

Antitussives block the cough reflex. They are used when it is necessary to suppress a dry cough, for example, with laryngitis, pleurisy, laryngeal papilomatosis, laryngeal tumors, chronic bronchitis and ARVI. Antitussives should not be used for acute bronchitis, cystic fibrosis, pneumonia and other diseases. If they are used for the above diseases, stagnation of sputum in the bronchi may occur.

In general, antitussive medications lead to constipation, nausea, vomiting, decreased blood pressure, drowsiness, addiction and decreased bronchial ventilation.

Antitussives are not often used for children. They can only be used with the permission of the attending physician, since there are a large number of contraindications.

Centrally acting antitussive

Coughing is a complex reflex reaction that a person needs to restore normal airway patency. It occurs when receptors in the nose, back of the throat, ears, esophagus and pleura are irritated. A cough can be suppressed and caused voluntarily, because it is controlled by the cerebral cortex.

The centrally acting narcotic antitussive contains morphine-like compounds. It suppresses the function of the cough center. Medicines from the codeine group are considered effective, but have a large number of side effects. They act selectively and depress the respiratory center.

A non-narcotic antitussive agent of central action also acts selectively. However, it does not affect the respiratory center too much. Non-narcotic drugs act no worse than codeine, and they are not addictive.

Peripheral antitussive

Peripheral medications are also used to suppress cough. This includes lozenges, teas and syrups based on plant extracts, honey and glycerin. A peripheral antitussive has an enveloping effect, creating a protective layer on the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract.

Prenoxdiazine is a combined synthetic drug that inhibits the cough center without depressing breathing. The drug has a direct antispasmodic effect, prevents the occurrence of bronchospasm and reduces the excitability of peripheral receptors. These medications do not need to be chewed, but simply swallowed.

How to cure a wet cough?

If a person's sputum is viscous, he needs to drink a lot. It is best to use herbal remedies that have an enveloping, anti-inflammatory and expectorant effect. If there are no contraindications, you can do steam inhalations, which moisturize the mucous membrane and have an analgesic effect.

It is necessary to use expectorants, which make sputum less viscous and eliminate bronchial secretions. Iodides, essential oils and ammonium chloride stimulate the hydrolysis and proteolysis of sputum.

Licorice, marshmallow and thermopsis irritate the stomach receptors and increase the secretion of the mucous glands of the bronchi and salivary glands.

In order to relieve a cough, you need to constantly humidify the air in the apartment, quit smoking, and avoid sudden temperature changes.

People have a huge number of recipes that help eliminate coughs and ease breathing. You can, for example, pour water over lemon and boil it for ten minutes. After it has cooled, cut it and squeeze out the juice, add two tablespoons of glycerin and honey. Take two teaspoons before meals and at night. You can also mix radish juice, carrot juice and milk in equal parts. Drink a tablespoon six times a day.

In general, folk wisdom has a large store of knowledge in the field of cough treatment; each person finds the most suitable recipe for himself and uses it if necessary.

Cough is a complex reaction of the respiratory tract. The article describes in detail the mechanism of occurrence of this reaction, and what antitussive and expectorant drugs are used for this condition.

General information

The appearance of a cough can be caused by irritation of receptors located in the posterior wall of the esophagus, pericardium, diaphragm, pleura, bronchi, trachea, pharynx, as well as in the ears and nose. Their arousal is usually associated with the influence of internal and external factors. These include, in particular, tobacco smoke, inflammatory processes on the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract, dry and cold air, foreign bodies, sputum and others.

Mechanism of reaction

There are two types of cough receptors. The first - irritant - quickly react to various kinds of stimuli: mechanical, chemical or thermal. Another type - C-receptors - are stimulated mainly by inflammatory mediators: substance P, kinins, prostaglandins and others. The impulse arising at the moment of irritation is transmitted through the afferent fibers of the vagus nerve to the cough center. It is located in the medulla oblongata. The reflex arc is closed by the efferent fibers of the spinal, phrenic and vagus nerves, which connect to the muscles of the chest, abdominals and diaphragm. When the muscles contract, the glottis closes and then quickly opens with the release of air, which. in fact, it is a cough. The reaction can be suppressed or caused voluntarily. This is explained by the fact that the formation of the reflex is carried out under the control of the cortical structure of the brain.

Classification

There are several types of cough depending on its nature: dry (non-productive) or wet (productive). It is also classified according to intensity. So, the reaction can be in the form of coughing, light or strong cough. It is also distinguished by duration. There is a constant, paroxysmal and episodic cough. Depending on the course, acute (up to 3 weeks), protracted (more than 3 weeks) and chronic (3 or more months) forms are distinguished. In some cases, the physiological purpose of coughing is lost. This not only does not help to relieve the pathological condition of the respiratory system, but also provokes complications.

Response suppression mechanism

The reflex arc of the cough reflex contains receptors, afferent and efferent fibers, a center and respiratory muscles (as an executive element). The most effective suppression of the reaction is observed at two levels: the level of the center and the level of receptors.

Drug control: general information

Antitussive drugs are divided into narcotic and non-narcotic. Most medications are rapidly absorbed after oral administration. The maximum concentration in the blood of a drug such as Codeine, for example, is observed after an hour, and for the drug Butamirate Citrate - 1.5 hours. These antitussive drugs undergo biotransformation in liver cells and are almost completely excreted as metabolites in the urine.

Narcotic medications

This group includes centrally acting antitussives. They contain a variety of morphine-like compounds. These, in particular, include drugs such as Dextromethorphan, Ethylmorphine, and Codeine. These antitussive drugs are highly effective. However, they also have disadvantages. The most common drug in this group is the drug Codeine. It is a narcotic natural analgesic, an agonist of opiate receptors. Antitussive drugs of this group have a non-selective effect. Dextromethorphan is close to an opiate in activity and chemical structure. This compound has a central effect, increasing the cough threshold. It should be noted that narcotic antitussives are not recommended for children. This is mainly due to the fact that addiction develops to them. In addition, these antitussive drugs for children are considered too strong.

Non-narcotic medications

This group contains compounds such as pentoxyverine, glaucine, butamirate and preparations containing them. Antitussives in this category have a selective effect. They are not inferior in their effectiveness to codeine ones. At the same time, unlike the previous ones, addiction does not develop to these medications. These antitussive drugs do not affect intestinal motility and do not depress breathing. Some medications in this group have additional effects that improve their activity. For example, drugs containing ledin, oxeladin, and butamirate have some bronchodilator effect, and the latter also has an expectorant and anti-inflammatory effect.

Non-narcotic peripheral medications

This category includes drugs containing bithiodine, benpropyrine, levodropropizine, prenoxdiazine and others. They influence the afferent component of the reaction. Medicines act on the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract as an anesthetic and reduce the stimulation of the reflex. At the same time, these drugs have a local anti-inflammatory effect and help relax the smooth muscles of the bronchi. The peripheral group also includes enveloping medications. The mechanism of their activity is associated with the formation of a protective layer on the mucous membrane of the oropharynx and nasopharynx. As a rule, these medicines are produced in the form of syrups or lozenges, as well as teas, which contain plant extracts of wild cherry, licorice, acacia, eucalyptus, etc.

Aerosols and local anesthetics

Antitussive drugs for dry coughs are popular in the form of sprays and steam inhalations. They help moisturize mucous membranes. The most accessible method is inhalation, either simply with water vapor or with the addition of herbal decoctions and extracts or sodium chloride. Drinking plenty of fluids will help improve the expectorant effect. To reduce the feeling of soreness and irritation in the throat, local anesthetics are used. They weaken the cough reflex. As a rule, such medications are produced in the form of lozenges. There are a number of local anesthetics that are used exclusively in hospital settings. These include, in particular, medications such as Tetracaine, Cyclaine, and Benzocaine. Their use is carried out only in accordance with the indications.

Tactics for choosing medications

It should be said that antitussive drugs are symptomatic therapy. If it is necessary to eliminate the reflex itself, medications are selected that have a specific effect on this cause. To eliminate cough caused by the consequences of a respiratory infection, moisturizing inhalations and peripheral medications with an enveloping effect are recommended. They can also be prescribed in combination with non-narcotic medications (Prenoxdiazine, for example). If there is sputum, antitussive drugs are prescribed for wet cough. These include mucolytics and medications that help remove sputum. In the presence of bronchospasm, anti-inflammatory and bronchodilator drugs are recommended along with moisturizers. However, non-narcotic medications and mucolytics are contraindicated. The exceptions are the medications Ambroxol and Bromhexine. Non-narcotic antitussives are used to specifically suppress the non-productive reflex. Treatment of dry cough in young patients should be carried out under the supervision of a pediatrician. Often the reflex is caused by irritation of the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract, which, in turn, is associated with various pathologies. For whooping cough in children, for example, non-narcotic drugs of central action can be prescribed to eliminate cough.

Goal of therapy

Antitussives for dry coughs are used to relieve a reflex that disturbs the patient's condition. In case of a reaction associated with irritation in the upper respiratory tract, the use of medications with local anesthetic activity is recommended. Medicines are used as symptomatic therapy for inflammatory processes in the larynx (for laryngitis) and pharynx (for pharyngitis and tonsillitis). Additionally, local anesthetics are used to slow the cough reflex when performing bronchography and bronchoscopy.

Cautions and contraindications

Antitussives prescribed for wet coughs can cause stagnation of mucus in the respiratory tract. This, in turn, reduces bronchial conductivity and provokes pneumonia. Narcotic medications can depress breathing.

Medication "Sinekod"

This drug is available in tablet form, as well as syrup and drops for oral administration. The medication has a moderate anti-inflammatory and bronchodilator effect and increases spirometry. The drug "Sinekod" is prescribed for dry coughs of various natures. The medication is contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation, as well as in patients under 2 months of age. Up to three years of age, it is not prescribed in the form of tablets and syrup - only in drops. The tablet form is not recommended for patients under 12 years of age. Adverse reactions may include allergies, diarrhea, dizziness, and nausea. An analogue of the drug is Omnitus (syrup).

Medicine "Stoptussin"

The drug is available in the form of tablets and drops for oral administration. It contains butamirate citrate, which has a local anesthetic, bronchodilator and secretolytic effect, and guaifenesin, which reduces the viscosity of sputum and improves its excretion. The drug is prescribed for dry cough in patients over one year of age. The medication is not recommended in the first trimester. Adverse reactions may include allergies, and in rare cases, headache, diarrhea, and vomiting.

Antitussives are prescribed for various ailments accompanied by a severe cough.

They have an antitussive, moderate bronchodilator, expectorant and anti-inflammatory effect.

These drugs differ in their principle of action and composition.

The modern range of cough medicines is very wide. Based on the principle of action, there are several categories of cough medications.

Narcotic drugs that depress the cough center

These drugs block the cough reflex by acting on the cough center in the brain. They are prescribed with great caution, especially to children, as they are addictive.

But sometimes it is still impossible to do without them: for example, in the case of pleurisy or whooping cough with severe bouts of debilitating cough. Such drugs include: Dimemorphan, Codeine, Ethylmorphine.

Non-narcotic cough suppressants

These drugs do not act on the cough center of the brain to block the cough reflex and are not addictive. They are prescribed for severe cases and in cases of very severe dry cough.

These medications include: Glaucine, Butamirate, Prenoxyndiosine and Oxeladin.

Mucolytics

Used for dry cough to make it productive. Mucolytics do not suppress the cough center, but improve the patient’s well-being by thinning the sputum.

Peripheral action

These are cough suppressants such as: Levodropropizine, Prenoxdiazine, Bithiodine and Benpropyrine, which act on the afferent part of the cough reflex, providing an anesthetic effect on the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract and suppressing reflex stimulation of the cough reflex.

Also, they have an anti-inflammatory effect, relaxing the smooth muscles of the bronchi.

These are tablets intended for resorption, as well as teas and syrups, which contain extracts of acacia, eucalyptus, wild cherry, licorice, linden in combination with honey, glycerin and some other substances.

Combined action

These drugs are created so-called. multi-effect, allowing you to stop inflammation, eliminate bronchospasms and increase cough productivity.

These are tools such as: Codelac phyto and .

Medicinal plants

Some plants are also effective for coughs of various etiologies. In particular, licorice roots, wild rosemary shoots, marshmallow, pine buds, istod, plantain, elecampane and thyme help with bronchitis.

In addition, cough remedies are classified according to other criteria, in particular:

  • release form;
  • company manufacturer;
  • composition: natural or synthetic components.

According to the form of release, they are distinguished:

  • syrup;
  • pills;
  • drops;
  • elixirs;
  • teas with medicinal plant extracts;
  • lollipops;
  • chewable lozenges;
  • rectal suppositories.

Cough preparations for children

This group of tools meets increased security requirements.

It includes the following common drugs:

  1. (also known as Ambrobene and Ambrohexal). The active ingredient is ambroxol, which strengthens children's immunity and has an anti-inflammatory effect. It is prescribed for dry cough even in infants, including those born prematurely.
  2. Bronkatar(also sold under the names Mucodin and Mucopront). The active ingredient is carbocysteine, which thins mucus and increases the production of bronchial secretions.
  3. - thins mucus, removing it from the respiratory organs.
  4. Bronchicum- a drug sold in the forms of elixir, lozenges and syrup. Prescribed to children aged 6 months and older in case of dry cough.
  5. . A herbal preparation with antispasmodic, mucolytic and antitussive effects. Indicated for children from 1 year. It can only be taken with a doctor's prescription because this medication affects blood glucose levels.
  6. Libexin. Suitable for the first signs of a cold. Inhibits the cough reflex by affecting the central nervous system without suppressing respiratory functions. Bithiodine has a similar effect.
  7. Chest charges No. 1-4; Phytopectol No. 1-2. Collections of medicinal herbs intended for self-preparation of infusions. Contains roots of licorice, marshmallow, oregano; sage, plantain, coltsfoot, chamomile, wild rosemary, violet, mint, pine buds.

During pregnancy

While expecting a child, the mother's body is very vulnerable, the expectant mother's immunity is weakened. We can say that the metabolism of the pregnant woman and the embryo is common to both.

Therefore, when choosing cough remedies during pregnancy, you must exercise great caution and not take any medications without the advice of a doctor.

During pregnancy, certain drugs are used against cough, in particular:

  1. First trimester of pregnancy: Equabal, Mucaltin, marshmallow root are safe herbal preparations. Gedelix, Bronchicum and Doctor MOM - by prescription. Their possible effect on the fetus remains insufficiently studied. Libexin is a synthetic drug that is prescribed to pregnant women in the 1st trimester only in exceptional cases. In addition, dietary supplements such as Mamavit, Floraforce, Pregnacare and Bifidophilus can be taken.
  2. II trimester and III trimester: For a dry cough, you can take the same medications that are indicated for the 1st trimester, but in the most severe cases, instead of Libexin, Bromhexine, Acodin and Stoptussin can be taken as prescribed by a doctor.

Remedies for dry cough

If the cough is dry, certain drugs are prescribed to suppress it, which are not always suitable for a wet cough.

These include:

  1. Dextromethorphan- effectively blocks cough reflexes, but creates side effects such as dizziness, nausea and drowsiness. Therefore, before taking Dextromethorphan, you should consult your doctor. For adults, as well as children over 12 years of age, according to the instructions, it is recommended to take Dextromethorphan four times a day, 15 mg.
  2. Codeine- well suited in cases where the cough is so tormenting that it is impossible to even breathe. This drug is a tablet that blocks coughing for the whole day. However, this drug is strictly contraindicated when driving a car and drinking alcohol. Its daily dose is 0.2 g for an adult.
  3. Butamirat- a drug with a bronchospasmolytic effect. It is taken to suppress cough during the postoperative period. Suitable for coughs of any etiology. The recommended dose for adults is 1 capsule twice daily, and for children over 12 years of age - 1 tablet daily. Tablets and capsules are taken before meals without chewing.
  4. Glauvent- a cheap, but quite effective drug that turns a non-productive cough into a productive one and eliminates it completely. Effectively blocks spasms without causing addiction. Prescribed for bronchitis and bronchial asthma. Take 0.5 g three times daily.

What do you need to know during treatment?

A disease with symptoms such as cough can be treated only with special means prescribed by a doctor.

However, additional procedures can greatly speed up recovery, since the key to a quick recovery is complex treatment.

Before you start treating a cough, you first need to find out its cause in order to determine the right medications, otherwise there is a risk of not achieving the desired result.

It is unacceptable to simultaneously take mucolytics and drugs that suppress the cough reflex through the central nervous system.

A cough that is accompanied by very severe shortness of breath and/or vomiting cannot be treated at home, especially when the patient is a child.

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Cough acts as a protective reaction when germs and foreign bodies enter the respiratory tract. The cough reflex undoubtedly has benefits for humans. Its main function is to push mucus along the pathways and remove it from the bronchi. Unfortunately, a cough is not always accompanied by an accumulation of mucus. In half of the cases it is of a dry type and obsessive in nature. To prevent an unpleasant process, antitussive drugs come to the rescue.

Antitussives for children and adults are prescribed to suppress the cough reflex. Their effect is aimed at the brain receptors or periphery, which are responsible for coughing. Such remedies do not remove the cause of the disease, but only temporarily eliminate the unpleasant symptom.

When using drugs that suppress cough, an effect on the medulla oblongata is observed. Despite the fact that this group of drugs is intended only to relieve symptoms, it is also needed at a time when a dry cough significantly spoils the patient’s life.

Unproductive coughing leads to irritation of the respiratory mucosa. During this process, tension in the abdominal wall occurs, which prevents you from fully communicating with people and getting a good night’s sleep.

When is it prescribed?

Cough suppressants are prescribed for:

  • bronchitis. Prescribed in situations where the infectious disease is not associated with the separation of viscous sputum;
  • tracheitis. Dry nonproductive cough occurs as a result of atrophy of mucous tissues. With each inflammation, they become thinner, which leads to the formation of ulcers;
  • heart failure. With this disease, the cough is not associated with sputum production. Against the background of poor-quality work of the heart muscle and lack of blood flow, the development of oxygen starvation is observed. Often torments the patient at night;
  • pharyngitis. Inflammation of the mucous membrane of the pharynx occurs. Symptoms of inflammation with pharyngitis include painful sensations in the throat, sore throat, and discomfort when swallowing.

Prescriptions for the use of antitussives can also include laryngitis, colds, and influenza infections. Only a doctor should prescribe them, as they act on the mucous membrane receptors and cough centers of the brain.


Types of cough medicines

Nowadays, pharmaceutical companies offer a wide selection of effective medicines for respiratory diseases. Cough suppression in adults should be taken very seriously. Most often, doctors in such cases prescribe medications in tablet form.

A child (an antitussive for children) is prescribed when they reach the age of three. If the condition of a young child is critical, as with laryngitis, false croup or whooping cough, then medicine may be prescribed, but in a small dosage. You cannot take them on your own without a doctor’s recommendation, as they depress the nervous system.

Medicines in this group have a large list of adverse reactions. Some of them are considered very dangerous, as they have a narcotic effect on the respiratory center and are addictive.

Classification of drugs differs by:

  • mechanism of action. This group is usually divided into drugs with central action and peripheral action. The first type of medication affects the cough center, which is located in the medulla oblongata. Thanks to this, the symptom is completely eliminated. The second group of drugs acts directly on receptors that are located in the respiratory tract. The manifestation of the symptom is reduced, but not completely;
  • composition. A medicine that blocks, blocking, tablets that block (cough) an unpleasant symptom may contain synthetic and natural components. The first group of drugs is considered more effective, but has an aggressive effect and has side effects. The second group is created on the basis of medicinal herbs. When using natural medicines, a mild effect is observed. There are practically no side reactions, with the exception of an allergy to one of the components;
  • release form. Medicines with this effect (central-acting antitussives) are sold in several forms: tablets, syrup, suspension, lozenges, drops, suppositories for rectal administration. Thanks to this form of release, medications can be taken not only by adults, but also by children;
  • presence of narcotic components. This classification applies only to those funds that have a central effect. Narcotic medications are considered strong, but quickly become addictive.

When choosing a medicine, it is very important to pay attention to what components are included.


The best drugs for the treatment of dry cough

The most popular cough suppressant is tablets. When administered orally, the maximum concentration of the substance is ensured. Tablet forms are often prescribed to adults and children over 6 years of age.

There are also combination cough medications. But there is no universal remedy. One medication will be effective for heart failure, the other for bronchitis or tracheitis.

Drugs are selected individually in each case, depending on the patient’s age and type of disease.

The most popular include:

  1. Libexin. The active substance is prenoxdiazine. It has a peripheral effect. Relieves attacks of dry cough, and also exhibits mild analgesic and bronchodilator properties. Effective for laryngitis, pleurisy, bronchitis, pneumonia. The average cost ranges from 410 to 460 rubles.
  2. Stoptussin. A combined cough medicine that has not only an antitussive but also an expectorant effect. Does not provoke the production of bronchial mucus. But it can cause adverse reactions: disruption of the digestive organs, allergic reactions, nervous system disorders. An inexpensive product, the price of which is 108-220 rubles.
  3. Bithiodine. The active substance is tipepidine. Its effect is aimed at suppressing respiratory tract receptors. It is a strong drug and has minimal side effects.

Other antitussive drugs for dry cough include:

  • Tusuprex;
  • Oxeladine.

Only a doctor can tell you which drug to choose based on the symptoms that appear and the type of disease.


Antitussives with expectorant action

To provide a moderate antitussive effect and remove mucus from the bronchi and lungs, combination medications are prescribed.

This group of funds includes:

  1. Sinekod. An excellent product that is sold in the form of drops, tablets and syrup. The action of the active components is aimed at influencing the cough center. It also exhibits expectorant, anti-inflammatory and bronchodilator properties. Contraindicated for women during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The syrup is prescribed for children over three years of age. Drops can be given to babies from 2 months. The price fluctuates around 220 rubles.
  2. Bronchicum. The medication is available in three forms: syrup, elixir, and lozenges. The syrup contains thyme extracts from primrose root. It quickly converts a dry cough into a wet one. Prohibited for babies under six months, as well as patients with liver and kidney failure, pregnant and lactating women. The cost of the medicine is 270 rubles.
  3. Overslept. An effective remedy for both wet and dry coughs. The composition includes natural ingredients in the form of ivy extract. The advantage of the medicine is that it can be given to babies from the first days of life. But it is relatively expensive - about 350 rubles.

It is also worth considering that each drug has contraindications and side effects. Therefore, doctors advise reading the instructions before use.


General contraindications for use

The main contraindications are:

  • stage of gestation and lactation period. Their use is possible only if they are made from herbs and are truly necessary for treatment;
  • sputum discharge. For diseases accompanied by excessive secretion of mucus from the bronchi, taking such medications is prohibited. If you suppress the cough reflex, sputum will accumulate and lead to increased inflammation;
  • kidney and liver diseases. The breakdown of the components occurs in the liver, after which they enter and are excreted by the kidneys. In case of renal and liver failure, an overdose will occur;
  • childhood. Typically, antitussives are not prescribed to children under 3 years of age. But there are combination herbal preparations that can be taken by young children.

The secrets to the success of treatment lie in the correct use of tablets and syrups. If you do not follow the instructions, patients experience withdrawal symptoms. That is, if the drug does not arrive, the patient’s condition deteriorates sharply.



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