How to take simple cough tablets. Review of medications for children and inexpensive but effective cough tablets with instructions for use

Cough is an unpleasant symptom various diseases. This sign is generally considered to be something bad that needs to be eliminated immediately. However, it is not always worth getting rid of a cough. In many cases, it helps the patient more than it harms.

Pharmacological production supplies to pharmacy chains a variety of cough medications. Doctors recommend the latest drugs to their patients, forgetting about old proven drugs. In recent years, it is rare to see cough tablets prescribed. However, the medicine is found to be effective, safe and inexpensive.

The instructions for the drug “Cough Tablets” position it as a safe expectorant, based on herbal composition. The active ingredient of the medicine is thermopsis grass powder. Each tablet contains 6.7 mg of this component.

The principle of action of the active substance is based on provoking irritation. Once in the human body, thermopsis causes a reflex release of bronchial secretions. At the same time, muscle activity increases. Mucus collecting in the bronchi and lungs is evacuated naturally.

Thermopsis has long been used in medicine. The plant has proven itself to be an effective remedy in the treatment of diseases of the respiratory system.

The second active component of the drug is sodium bicarbonate. One tablet contains 250 mg of this drug. It has a thinning effect on sputum, making it more liquid. In this form, mucus is removed more easily.

Acting in a complex manner, the two substances of the drug help to easily evacuate thick sputum from the bottom respiratory tract.

The manufacturer uses potato starch and talc as secondary ingredients. In medicine, cough tablets are positioned as a herbal medicine with an expectorant effect.

Release form

The medicine is available in the form of flat white pills. Tablets are packaged in blisters of 10 pieces.

Each pack contains one or two such blisters. It is indicated on the front of the packaging tradename"Cough tablets."

The medicine is also available in paper packaging, 10 tablets each.

Thanks to his natural composition, the medication is an over-the-counter drug. You can buy it at your nearest pharmacy.

Low cost makes the medicine accessible to every person. A package of 10 tablets costs no more than 50 Russian rubles.

Shelf life and storage conditions

The manufacturer indicates that the drug is suitable for use for 4 years. During this time, the pills must be stored in a dry place. Temperature environment should not exceed 25 degrees. Tablets should be kept away from children.

Intended use

• tracheitis;
• bronchitis;
• pneumonia;
• chronic pathologies of the respiratory tract

The medicine is prescribed for dry and unproductive cough. The tablets are effective in the formation of thick, viscous, difficult to separate mucus and the absence of a cough reflex to remove it.

It is a mistake to believe that medication will help relieve an annoying cough. The medicine, on the contrary, irritates the airways so that mucus is removed from them.

If the mucus stagnates in the bronchi, harmful microorganisms will begin to multiply in it, which can lead to a secondary infection.

How to take Cough Tablets

For treatment to be effective and short-lasting, you must first consult a specialist.

Only a doctor can reliably establish the cause of an unpleasant symptom and prescribe appropriate medications.

If a person is categorical, then it is necessary to carefully read the instructions before using the drug and strictly follow the specified algorithm.

Dosage

• Adult patients The medicine is recommended in a single dose of 1 tablet, three times a day. The duration of treatment is limited to five days. The maximum permissible single dose of the drug is 14 tablets, and the daily dose is 42.
• Children over 12 years old the medication is prescribed in the amount of half adult dose– 1/2 tablet. Frequency of application 2-3 times. Duration of use is 3-5 days.

The medicine is taken orally with a comfortable amount of water. When treating a dry cough, it is recommended to consume more fluid, as this will improve the thinning of mucus and speed up the separation of sputum.

In such cases, the pulmonologist selects an individual dosage and establishes a separate dosage regimen.

Interaction with other medications and the possibility of complex use

Cough tablets are often prescribed as part of complex treatment. The drug is combined with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that eliminate fever and pain. Often combined with antibiotics and immunomodulators.

If the patient is taking any medications prescribed by other specialists, then the doctor recommending the Cough Tablets must be informed.

If a doctor prescribes cough tablets with other medications, he must tell you about the possibility of using them together. When using independently, you should familiarize yourself with the important paragraph from the instructions indicating the interaction.

• Astringents, stomach coating agents, antacids and adsorbents reduce the effectiveness of the herbal medicine. Medicines used for gastrointestinal diseases interfere with the absorption of alkaloids. These medications should be used at least 2 hours apart. In this case, cough medicine should be taken first.
• Medicines based on codeine or other substances that cause an antitussive effect should not be used simultaneously with thermopsis. Such drugs are called antagonists, they have the opposite effect.

Contraindications, precautions and adverse reactions

Despite the safe composition and small number of components, the drug has its contraindications. Under no circumstances should you use Cough Drops if:

1. The patient has increased sensitivity to the components or previously had an allergy to drugs containing thermopsis;
2. The patient is suffering peptic ulcer stomach or intestines, which is in an acute stage.
3. Cough tablets should be taken with extreme caution by allergy sufferers, as well as patients with severe liver or kidney diseases.
4. The medicine is contraindicated for pregnant women, since the effect of the active substance on the fetus has not been thoroughly studied.

Thermopsis penetrates into breast milk, therefore you should not use this medication during lactation. If treatment is required for a nursing mother, then it is necessary to resolve the issue of temporarily stopping natural feeding or select

Cough is an unconditional reflex reaction of the body that occurs in response to mechanical, chemical or organic irritants. Helps clear the respiratory tract of foreign bodies, sputum due to inflammatory reactions. The list of cough medications is extensive. The selection of a suitable medication is carried out by the doctor, taking into account a number of factors: type of cough: productive (with sputum) or unproductive (dry), the patient’s age, the individual characteristics of his body, concomitant use of any other groups medicines.

Classification

Cough tablets are classified according to their pharmacological properties into separate groups:

Antitussive medications help suppress dry cough. In turn, they are classified into drugs with central or peripheral action.

Mucolytics have an anti-inflammatory, decongestant, thinning effect, affecting the peptide bonds of protein molecules.

In pharmacies you can find different types of cough tablets: soluble (effervescent), coated preparations intended for oral (internal) administration, lozenges, lozenges and lozenges for resorption.

Excellent video on Youtube from Dr. Komarovsky:

Use of antitussives

Antitussive drugs are classified into drugs with central and peripheral action. To medications central action include:

Narcotic drugs based on codeine (Codterpine), dextromethorphan (Glycodin, Caffetin Cold, Tussin-plus). These are drugs that suppress cough reflexes by inhibiting the cough center located in the medulla oblongata. Long-term use provokes addiction. Possible respiratory depression and stool disturbances.

Non-narcotic drugs based on glaucine (Broncholitin, Glauvent, Bronchoton).

The centrally acting drug is Libexin (prenokdiazine).

Effective remedies with combined composition helps not only to reduce the cough reflex, but also to provide anti-inflammatory and mild bronchodilator effects. The doctor may recommend taking Stoptussin, Libexin-Muco.

Libexin

The drug Libexin is an effective remedy, the effect of which is due to its ability to:

Have a bronchodilator effect and suppress stretch receptors involved in the formation of the cough reflex.

Reduce the activity of the respiratory center (without suppressing breathing).

Provide a local anesthetic effect that helps reduce the irritability of cough receptors.

The drug is used for non-productive cough of any origin. The active substance of Libexin is equal in degree of effectiveness to drugs based on Codeine. In the treatment of chronic bronchitis, the drug demonstrates anti-inflammatory effects.

Diseases accompanied by copious discharge sputum.

Individual intolerance to the active or auxiliary substances.

Conditions that occur after inhalation anesthesia.

Galactose intolerance.

Average dosage for adult patients: 1 tablet up to 4 times a day. In severe cases of the disease, the single dose is increased to 200-300 mg by prior agreement with the doctor.

Codelac Neo

The instructions for use indicate that each Codelac Neo tablet contains 50 mg of the active substance - butamirate citrate. The drug is used in accordance with the following indications:

For dry cough caused by influenza, whooping cough, and colds.

To suppress cough that occurs before and after surgical intervention, during bronchoscopy.

Tablets are taken 1 pc. with an interval of 8-12 hours. If after 5 days of treatment no clinical improvement is observed, you should consult your doctor again.

It is possible to develop adverse reactions in the form of dizziness, nausea, vomiting, allergic reactions, and drowsiness.

Paxeladine

The instructions for use of Paxeladin cough tablets say that the drug has an antitussive effect by inhibiting the cough center. If you use the medicine in the dosage recommended by your doctor, the drug does not suppress the respiratory center or cause respiratory depression. Achievement of maximum concentration in blood plasma is observed after 1-6 hours. The therapeutic effect lasts for 4 hours.

Adults are recommended to take 1 capsule. up to 3 times a day, regardless of food. The duration of treatment is no more than 72 hours. Piaxledin is well tolerated, but in some cases allergic reactions have been reported.

Stoptussin

Stoptussin – combined effective tablets based on butamirate and guaifenesin, which act comprehensively and contribute not only to antitussive, but also mucolytic and expectorant effects. Thanks to butamirate, a local anesthetic effect is observed on nerve endings, localized in the bronchioles and small bronchi.

Stoptussin is indicated for:

Elimination of conditions accompanied by a dry, debilitating cough caused by infectious and inflammatory diseases, bronchial asthma, pneumoconiosis.

Relief of cough that occurs during surgery.

The dosage is selected depending on the patient’s body weight. The tablets are taken after meals without chewing.

Falimint

Falimint is a lozenge that is used for unproductive, irritating coughs by smokers, lecturers, athletes, pilots and people with infectious and inflammatory diseases affecting the respiratory system. The active substance promotes irritation of nerve endings and provides a moderate analgesic, antiemetic and antiseptic effect.

Dragees can be used 1-2 pcs. up to 5 times a day: keep in mouth until the drug is completely dissolved. It is recommended to refrain from using Falimint when treating patients under 4 years of age, pregnant and lactating women, as well as people with fructose intolerance.

Expectorants

Expectorants are prescribed for acute and chronic diseases respiratory system: bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, tracheitis. Medicines with an expectorant effect are used as an auxiliary element of treatment, since they do not affect the main cause of the development of the pathological condition.

Expectorants are classified into drugs with:

Reflex action– such drugs help to have an irritating effect on the mucous membranes of the stomach, thereby irritating the vomiting and cough receptors localized in the medulla oblongata. After this, the production of bronchial secretions increases and a cough appears. Medicines from this group are distinguished by a short period of pharmacological activity. Increasing the dose of medications that include licorice root, sodium benzoate, essential oil eucalyptus or terpenes may contribute to nausea and vomiting.

Resorptive action. Medicines based on potassium and sodium iodide, sodium bicarbonate, ammonium chloride help to increase the production of bronchial secretions, dilute sputum and facilitate its elimination. It is possible to develop adverse reactions in the form of nasal congestion and increased lacrimation.

Active substance	Drug names	Possible side effects
Common thyme herb extract	Tussamag, Bronchicum lozenges, Bronchoplant, Doctor Theiss Bronchosept	Patients with hypersensitivity may experience allergic reactions
Ivy Leaf Extract	Prospan Forte effervescent tablets and lozenges
Eucalyptus oil	Gedelix Eucaps
Essential oils of menthol and eucalyptus	Pectussin
Licorice root in combination with other herbs and substances (ginger, Emblica officinalis, levomenthol, etc.)	Doctor Mom lozenges, Travisil, Linkus Lore
Injury of Thermopsis lanceolata in combination with sodium bicarbonate	Cough tablets, Thermopsol cough tablets	Development of vomiting when used in high dose drugs first stimulate breathing and then depress it (especially in patients of younger age groups)

When using drugs with expectorant action, it is recommended:

Increase the daily amount of fluid consumed.

Avoid using medications that have diuretic or laxative effects.

Expectorant medications should not be combined with medications that inhibit the cough reflex (based on codeine, glaucine, dextromethorphan).

Expectorants with reflex action stimulate gastric secretion, therefore it is recommended that patients with impaired functioning of the gastrointestinal tract should refrain from using them.

overslept

Prospan is a medicine based on dry extract of ivy leaves, which helps reduce the viscosity of mucus and facilitate its discharge. This effective medicine, for ease of use, presented in several dosage forms: effervescent cough tablets, lozenges, syrup, solution, drops.

Effervescent tablets prescribed for the treatment of patients over 12 years of age, 1 pc. twice a day. The medicine is used after dissolving in 100-150 ml of hot or cold water.

The average duration of treatment is 7 days. In order to achieve the best therapeutic effect the drug is used for several days after the patient’s well-being has improved.

Linkus Lore

Linkas Lor – lozenges with lemon-honey, mint or orange flavor. The instructions say that the lozenges contain dry extracts of licorice roots, long pepper, fragrant violet flowers, adhatoda and hyssop leaves, and alpinia rhizomes. The multicomponent phytocomposition helps to provide expectorant, mucolytic, antitussive, and bactericidal effects. The medicine is used in the treatment of diseases accompanied by the formation of difficult to separate sputum.

Adults are recommended to hold the lozenges in their mouth until completely dissolved: 1 pc. every few hours. The drug should not be used for more than 1 week. Linkas Lor is contraindicated in patients under 18 years of age and people with intolerance to the active components.

Bronchipret

Bronchipret is a phytomedicine based on dry extracts of thyme and primrose roots. Promotes anti-inflammatory, expectorant, bronchodilator, secretolytic effects. Tablets are prescribed during complex treatment inflammatory diseases accompanied by cough with sputum.

Adults and patients over 12 years of age are recommended to take 1 tablet. three times a day for 1-2 weeks. If after 1 week no clinical improvement is observed, you should consult your doctor again. In case of overdose, side effects may develop in the form of pain in the stomach, stool disorders, and vomiting.

Gedelix Eucaps

The active component of the drug is eucalyptol, which enhances bronchial secretion and thins mucus, helps to provide expectorant, antispasmodic and mild sedative effect. Indicated for lesions of the upper respiratory tract, accompanied by difficulty in removing sputum. Adults are recommended to take 1 capsule. up to 3 times a day for 1-2 weeks.

The capsules contain eucalyptus oil, which can help reduce the effectiveness of medications with antiepileptic, hypnotic, and analgesic effects. May develop adverse reactions in the form of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.

Mucolytic drugs

The list of mucolytic (secretolytic) drugs is divided into drugs with direct action, which quickly affect the composition of bronchial mucus and thin it, as well as mucoregulators (drugs indirect action) – drugs that help provide an expectorant and anti-inflammatory effect.

Preparations based on ambroxol and bromhexine are classified as mucoregulators that help increase pulmonary surfactant.

Cysteine ​​derivatives based on acetylcysteine ​​and carbocysteine ​​quickly thin mucus due to their ability to break down the bonds between proteins that make up the mucus.

The use of proteolytic enzymes (based on trypsin, chymotrypsin, ribonuclease) promotes the destruction of peptide bonds, reduces the viscosity and elasticity of sputum. During treatment, there is a possibility of developing allergic reactions and bronchospasms.

	Active substance	Tradename	Features of application
Direct acting mucolytic	Acetylcysteine	ACC (100, 200, Long), Acestin, Mukobene, Fluimucil, Espa-Nats, N-Ats-ratiopharm.	While taking mucolytics, patients may experience “imaginary deterioration.”
	Ambroxol	Ambrobene, Lazolvan, Lazongin, Flavamed, Thoraxol, Ambroxol-retard, Mucobron, Ambrolor, Remebrox.	Preparations based on ambroxol and bromhexidine have acidic properties; it is recommended to wash them down with fruit juice.
Indirect action (mucoregulator)	Bromhexine	Bromhexine Berlin-Chemie, Solvin, Phlegamine, Flecoxin, Bronchotil	The tablets should not be used in the treatment of pregnant women, patients with severe liver dysfunction, or children under 3 years of age.
Direct acting mucolytic	Carbocisteine	Fluditec, Bronchobos, Libexin Muco, Mucosol, Bronkatar	The drugs are suitable for the treatment of patients diagnosed with bronchial asthma. Unlike drugs based on acetylcysteine, they do not provoke bronchospasms.
Indirect action (mucoregulator)	Sodium bicarbonate	Sodium bicarbonate, Sodium bicarbonate	Achievement of the therapeutic effect is observed after 5-7 days.
Direct acting mucolytic	Carboxymethylcysteine		Mucolytics should not be used in the treatment of bedridden patients due to the “flooding effect” that occurs.

ACC

ACC - effervescent cough tablets help provide a mucolytic effect, i.e. thinning thick and sticky sputum. The medicine demonstrates effectiveness against purulent sputum and is indicated for use in:

Acute and chronic bronchitis.

Obstructive bronchitis.

Tracheitis.

Laryngotracheitis.

Pneumonia.

Lung abscess.

Bronchiectasis.

Bronchial asthma.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Bronchiolitis.

Cystic fibrosis.

Recommended for adults and patients over 14 years of age daily dosage 600 mg, which can be taken once or divided into several doses. The drug is contraindicated in the treatment of pregnant and lactating women, patients with gastric ulcers and duodenum, hemoptysis, pulmonary hemorrhage.

Lazolvan

Lazolvan tablets based on ambroxol effectively eliminate cough accompanied by viscous sputum. Used in the complex treatment of pneumonia, acute and chronic bronchitis, COPD, bronchial asthma. Tablets are taken 1 pc. three times a day, regardless of food. In severe cases of the disease, the dosage can be doubled on the recommendation of a doctor.

The most inexpensive but effective

Among the budget ones, but effective means The following cough medications are available:

Mukaltin- cheap cough tablets that help provide an expectorant effect. The active component is marshmallow herb extract. Cost from 12 to 40 rubles, depending on the number of tablets (10-50 pcs.).

Cough tablets– trade name of the drug based on thermopsis herb and sodium bicarbonate. The tablets are inexpensive: their cost ranges from 30 to 60 rubles. The instructions for use of cough tablets indicate that the drug is intended for internal use: 1 pc. three times a day. Allergic reactions may develop if the dosage recommended by the doctor and manufacturer is not followed - vomiting.

Pectussin They are produced in the form of lozenges, the cost of which is 45-40 rubles. for 10 pcs. The drug is used in the treatment of laryngitis, tracheitis, tonsillitis, bronchitis and other diseases affecting the upper respiratory tract. It is recommended to use 1 tablet. up to 4 times a day: keep at oral cavity until completely dissolved. Patients with bronchial asthma, diabetes mellitus, stenosing laryngitis, spasmophilia, children under 7 years of age, as well as people with hypersensitivity to the active ingredients of the drug (metol, eucalyptus malo) should refrain from using Pectussin.

Cough is not an independent disease. Upon appointment suitable medicine for cough, the causes of the symptom are primarily taken into account: smoking, infectious diseases, allergies, the presence of tumors in the respiratory tract, exposure to irritants chemical factors, violations by of cardio-vascular system etc. Before using any tablets, regardless of whether they are cheap or expensive, you should consult with a qualified specialist.

Then you can read the material on Wikipedia about antitussives.

To successfully get rid of a cough, first of all, you should determine the type of cough and only then proceed to choosing a drug that will help overcome, and not aggravate, the disease.

Most of medicines cough medicines are available without a prescription, however, it must be remembered that the path to recovery begins with establishing the correct diagnosis. Cough tablets indicated for one type of cough can cause harm in another course of the disease. That is why pay attention to your condition.

Dry cough can be recognized by debilitating attacks with a sore throat that prevent you from falling asleep at night. In medical circles this type cough is called non-productive, characterized by the absence of sputum, as well as pain syndrome muscles of the abdomen and chest. The cause of this cough is irritation of the pharyngeal cough receptors. Antitussives that stop an attack will help to cope with the problem in this situation.

The productive type of cough is accompanied by the discharge of discharge. The removal of sputum from the bronchi, trachea and lungs is facilitated by expectorants (increase the production of secretions) or mucolytics (thin the sputum). Some cough tablets help clear the airways by stimulating special cilia.

The use of medicines containing codeine (a narcotic) is possible in the most severe cases. Preference should be given to pure codeine or its analogue dextromethorphan. As for combined drugs, they have an expectorant effect. As a result, on the one hand, such drugs facilitate the production of sputum, and on the other hand, they consist of components aimed at suppressing cough, preventing the discharge of secretions. The latter is unacceptable for a productive type of cough.

Indications for the use of cough tablets

The cause of cough is not always respiratory diseases. Cough often accompanies viral or bacterial infectious diseases, which include: laryngitis, sinusitis, tonsillitis, pharyngitis, pneumonia, bronchitis, tuberculosis, etc. The cause of cough can be childhood diseases, such as whooping cough, as well as allergic conditions. Coughing attacks are characterized by pathological processes organic type of brain, appear on nervous soil, with cardiac disorders (heart disease, angina, etc.), with damage to the respiratory tract aggressive environments. This list can be continued indefinitely. Therefore, it is important to establish and eliminate the root cause of the disease, and not to solve the cough problem in any way as quickly as possible.

The choice of cough tablet depends on the nature of the cough. In conditions accompanied by a dry, painful cough, drugs that suppress the cough center in the brain are indicated:

• combination drugs with the active ingredient codeine - “codelac”, “terpincode N”, “tercodin”;
• lozenges based on dextromethorphan - “Alex Plus”;
• substances with butamirate - “sinecode”, “omnitus”, “panatus”.

Libexin tablets with the active substance prenoxdiazine soothe the cough receptors in the throat, preserving respiratory functions and without causing pharmacodependence. Drug strength medicinal effects equated to codeine. Coughing attacks are also relieved by lozenges based on menthol and eucalyptus (“pectusin”), as well as licorice preparations—“glycyram”

For viscous, poorly discharged and scanty sputum, the following are effective:

• mucolytic agents based on bromhexine - “bromhexine”, “askoril”, “solvin”;
• preparations with ambroxol - “ambroxol”, “codelac broncho”, “ambrobene”, “flavamed”;
• expectorant mucolytics of acetylcysteine ​​- “ACC”, “fluimucil”, “acestin”.

Indications for the use of cough tablets with the active ingredient acetylcysteine ​​concern cases when it is necessary to increase the amount of discharge.

The expectorant effect is also achieved through the use of herbal remedies - “mukaltin”, “licorin”, “pectussin”, “thermopsis”.

In addition to the correct selection of medications, it is important to ensure sufficient air humidity in the room and drink more fluids (up to 6-8 glasses per day).

Release form

All cough tablets can be divided into the following groups:

1. drugs that suppress the cough center in the brain and act on the nerve endings of the receptors;
2. agents affecting smooth muscle structures and bronchial mucosa;
3. medications that have a direct effect on bronchial secretions (phlegm).

From the above, we can clearly conclude that treatment is selected individually for each case. The form of release of the product is also important. Effervescent tablets and lozenges are characterized by high speed of action and digestibility, but are unlikely to be suitable for children. Sweet antitussive syrups are recommended for very young patients. People suffering from peptic ulcers, hyperacid gastritis or high acidity gastric juice, effervescent antitussives will be contraindicated.

The type and dosage of the drug is prescribed by the doctor based on symptoms, age and individual characteristics the patient's body. For any pharmacological agent, regardless of the form of release, there are contraindications and side effects. For example, a popular medicine for wet cough– thermopsis, consisting entirely of natural ingredients, is prohibited in the treatment of bronchitis and pneumonia in infants. Babies are not able to cough up large amounts of mucus, which in some cases provokes respiratory failure. In children under five years of age, an overdose of the medicine provokes vomiting reflex, is contraindicated for pregnant women and persons suffering from gastric and duodenal ulcers.

Therefore, before starting treatment, you should establish correct diagnosis and get recommendations on taking antitussive medications from a specialist.

Pharmacodynamics of cough tablets

Today there is no universal cough tablet, due to the fact that the therapeutic effect on dry and wet types of cough is fundamentally different. If you have a dry cough, it is not advisable to use tablets for a wet cough with a relief effect, which will cause blockage of the bronchial lumens with sputum. Medicinal substances for productive (wet) coughs, which help reduce viscosity and easily remove phlegm, are useless in the case of a dry cough provoked by inflammation of the trachea, irritation of the bronchial mucosa, and exposure to aggressive environments.

Medicines that actively act on the cough center are divided according to the principle of their effect on: central, peripheral and combined influence. The pharmacodynamics of cough tablets (the mechanism of action on the human body) is characterized by the properties of the forming components. For example, drugs with the narcotic substance codeine are quite effective for dry, debilitating coughs without sputum discharge. However, these medications are sold strictly according to prescriptions, as they are addictive. Modern pharmacology has no less effective, safe, non-narcotic drugs that do not affect the respiratory center. Such available antitussive tablets include “libexin”, “tusuprex” and others. They most often reduce the receptor sensitivity of the bronchial mucosa (peripheral effects), but are also able to block the cough reflex. This group of medications is not addictive, so they are used to treat cough in children.

Multicomponent cough tablets are effective for any course of the disease, excluding wet cough. Stopping a cough in this case can disrupt the cleansing ability of the lungs, the removal of mucus and lead to the development of pneumonia and problems with ventilation of the lungs. Combined drugs have the most impressive list of side effects and contraindications. It also becomes difficult to select the correct dosage and the inability to combine them with other drugs.

When it comes to wet cough, people most often think of the popular Thermopsis cough tablets. And here the patient needs to be as careful as possible. The point is that the usual and inexpensive remedy"Thermopsis" is now available in two formulations:

1. does not contain chemicals, includes only Thermopsis lanceolata herb and sodium bicarbonate (therapy for children is possible);
2. consists of codeine (a narcotic), thermopsis herb, sodium bicarbonate and licorice root.

Let's consider the pharmacodynamics of this drug:

• codeine - characterized by a slight sedative, analgesic effect, blocks the cough reflex without suppressing the respiratory center and the functions of the ciliated epithelium, does not reduce the amount of secretion in the bronchi;
• thermopsis herb (with active ingredients - isoquinoline alkaloids) - activates the respiratory and vomiting centers. It has a pronounced expectorant effect, helps to activate the secretory function of the bronchial glands, stimulate the ciliated epithelium and accelerate the processes of mucus elimination;
• sodium bicarbonate – causes a pH shift of bronchial mucus to the side alkaline environment and reduces the viscosity of sputum. Stimulates the work of the ciliated epithelium and bronchioles;
• Licorice root – ensures easy secretion due to its glycyrrhizin content. Has anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic effect.

Pharmacokinetics of cough tablets

Pharmacokinetics refers to the biochemical transformation of drug molecules in the human body. The main pharmacokinetic processes include absorption, excretory (excretory), distribution and metabolic properties.

Absorption of cough tablets occurs after dissolution, usually in thin section intestines. Next, the drug molecules enter the systemic circulation. Suction has two characteristics - speed and degree of suction (reduced if used pharmacological substance after food).

The drug is distributed into the blood, intercellular fluid and tissue cells.

The release of drugs is carried out unchanged or as substances of biochemical transformation - metabolites, which have a higher polarity and solubility in the aqueous environment in comparison with the original substance, which causes simple excretion in urine.

Excretion (removal) of the drug is possible through the urinary and digestive system, as well as through sweat, saliva and exhaled air. The excretory function is influenced by the rate at which the drug enters the excretory organ through the bloodstream and by the characteristics of its own excretory systems. The most common route is the kidneys, bronchial glands and the mucous membrane of the respiratory system.

The pharmacokinetics of cough tablets is based on the main active ingredient included in the medicine:

• codeine - characterized by a high absorption rate, blocks cough within half an hour after administration, provides a persistent antitussive and analgesic effect for up to six hours. Transformed in the liver, the half-life process begins after 2-4 hours;
• glaucine hydrochloride – well absorbed by the digestive system, transformation occurs in the liver, excreted by the kidneys (primary metabolites);
• Ambroxol – maximally absorbed, excreted in urine;
• Bromhexine - absorption reaches 99% half an hour after use. In plasma it forms a bond with proteins. Characterized by penetration through the placenta, accumulation in the liver, kidneys, fat and muscle tissue. Half-life occurs after an hour and a half;
• carbocisteine ​​- is actively absorbed and metabolized during the initial passage through the liver. Reaching the maximum concentration is observed two hours after oral administration. Excretion is carried out in urine almost unchanged;
• acetylcysteine ​​– has low bioavailability (no more than 10%), which is explained by the formation of cysteine ​​during the initial passage through the liver. Peak concentration is after 1-3 hours. Characterized by penetration through the placental barrier. The kidneys are responsible for excretion; a small part of the substance is excreted unchanged by the intestines.

Using Cough Drops During Pregnancy

A pregnant woman should carefully read the instructions and consult a doctor before taking a cough tablet. The specialist determines the cause of the cough and prescribes appropriate treatment. Coughing attacks are caused not only by infections of the upper or lower respiratory tract, but also by allergic, neurotic reactions, problems with the stomach or diaphragm, diseases thyroid gland, dysfunctions of the cardiovascular system, etc.

The greatest danger is a dry, painful cough. Such attacks can increase intra-abdominal and blood pressure in expectant mother, which can trigger the mechanism of premature pregnancy resolution, placental abruption, and even cause termination of pregnancy.

Most pharmacological drugs are prohibited for use while expecting a baby. However, the use of cough tablets during pregnancy based on herbal ingredients such as:

• “Mukaltin” containing marshmallow herb. Take under the strict supervision of a doctor three to four times a day, before meals. Duration of therapy is one to two weeks;
• sucking lollipops based on eucalyptus (preferably without sugar) - the inclusion of a herbal mixture in them is usually minimal. The positive effect is achieved due to the abundant production of saliva, which moisturizes and softens the pharyngeal area and larynx, where the urge to cough originates;
• drugs with the active ingredient dextromethorphan (suppresses the cough center) are prescribed for severe attacks when it is not possible to solve the problem in any other way;
• Bromhexine, a component of many expectorant medications, is also often used to treat pregnant women;
• “Bronchipret” is a German medicine made from herbal ingredients. Indicated for coughs of any origin (one tablet three times a day, after meals). Course duration is from seven to ten days;
• "Ambroxol" - thins thick viscous mucus, facilitates expectoration. Allowed for treatment of pregnant women under the supervision of a specialist in the second/third trimesters;
• “Codelac” is not advisable during pregnancy, since codeine is a drug that can cause dysfunction in embryonic development and often causes heart defects. Prescribed only in in case of emergency when other means are powerless.

In any case, you should not self-medicate during pregnancy, even with medications traditional medicine. Oddly enough, even plant materials can cause harm if you have an individual intolerance. The choice of treatment method, dosage of the drug and the duration of the therapeutic effect are prescribed by the doctor strictly individually.

Contraindications to the use of cough tablets

Each medicine has indications, contraindications and a list of side effects. Cough tablets are selected individually for each patient. Particular care must be taken when treating cough in young children, pregnant and lactating women.

Combined antitussive drugs are not prescribed in cases of individual intolerance, during pregnancy and lactation, in children under two years of age, as well as in cases of second/third degree respiratory failure and the presence of severe bronchial asthma.

The use of expectorant tablets is unacceptable in parallel with the intake of substances that depress the cough center and inhibit the cough reflex. This combination provokes severe inflammatory diseases lower sections respiratory system (for example, pneumonia).

Contraindications to the use of Thermopsis cough tablets apply to infants with bronchitis or pneumonia, since if there is copious mucus discharge they will not be able to cough up, which will cause respiratory failure. Famous tablets in large dosages cause nausea in children at the beginning of the course.

Mucolytics “bromhexine”, “ACC”, “ambroxol” are not recommended during exacerbation of bronchial asthma due to the threat of bronchospasm. "Bromhexine" is contraindicated in the first three months of pregnancy, in children under three years of age, in the presence of a stomach ulcer, recent bleeding and individual intolerance. ACC tablets can be prescribed after the tenth day of life, but are not used for pulmonary hemorrhages, stomach ulcers, hepatitis, in cases renal failure and fructose intolerance. The medicine is not combined with tetracycline, semi-synthetic group of penicillins, aminoglycosides, cephalosporins, or other antitussive drugs to avoid congestion in the respiratory tract.

Effervescent or dissolving cough tablets are famous for their speed of absorption and effectiveness, but they are not suitable for treating patients with increased acidity, gastritis and gastric ulcer.

When choosing a cough remedy, you should follow the instructions, but it is best to visit a competent specialist who will determine the cause of the painful condition and prescribe the most effective remedy.

Side effects of cough tablets

Cough tablets have their own list of side effects - from nausea to drug addiction.

The drug "libexin" requires administration strictly according to the prescribed regimen (four times a day in accordance with the patient's age), without chewing, in order to avoid anesthesia of the oral mucosa. The popular drug Stoptussin can cause diarrhea, headache, abdominal pain, dyspepsia, allergic reaction and dizziness. When taking Tusuprex, used in the treatment of dry, nonproductive cough, some patients experience indigestion.

Side effects of mucolytic cough tablets (“bromhexine”, “ACC”, etc.) include the onset of bronchospasm, which is especially dangerous during an exacerbation of bronchial asthma. In such patients, bronchodilators without atropine should be preferred. In addition to the above, taking the drug "ACC" is fraught with skin reactions, increased blood pressure, and dyspepsia.

Thermopsis-based cough tablets can also provoke an allergic effect (itching, skin rash, etc.) and cause nausea.

Narcotic cough medicines (for example, codeine) cause pharmacological dependence and allergies. In case of overdose, constipation, vomiting, urinary retention, problems with coordination of movement are observed. eyeballs, weakness, depression of the respiratory center.

If coughing attacks intensify, and there is no opportunity to visit a doctor, then carefully study the instructions for the drug you are purchasing for contraindications and side effects.

Directions for use and doses

The specificity of taking antitussive medications depends on the nature of the disease, the age of the patient, the individual characteristics of the body, the presence chronic diseases, availability bad habits(for example, smoking), body weight and a number of other factors.

A specialist must establish the correct diagnosis and prescribe the correct treatment. The method of administration and dose is also determined by the doctor on an individual basis.

Tablet cough medicine “libexin” or “libexin muco” (with the mucolytic carbocisteine, which reduces the viscosity of sputum) is used without chewing up to 4 times a day. The dosage depends on the age of the patient and varies from a quarter of a tablet to two tablets per single dose. The effect lasts up to four hours.

Stoptussin cough tablets are taken up to 6 times a day, since the partial elimination period is six hours. The resorption medicine "falimint", which helps with a non-productive irritating cough, is allowed for use up to 10 times a day, provided the duration of therapy is no more than a few days.

Mucolytic preparations based on plant materials should be consumed before meals. The recommended dose of "mucaltin" for adults is 1-2 tablets up to 4 times a day, for children - from half a tablet to two tablets per one-time dose. "Thermopsis" without codeine is prescribed one tablet three times a day for a course of up to five days. The maximum daily dosage of the drug is 0.3 g or 42 tablets. Children over 12 years of age are allowed to take a tablet 2-3 times a day. The prescription of "bromhexine" for adults and children over 10 years of age is 8 mg three to four times a day. Children under two years old accept this remedy 2 mg three times a day. The treatment course can last up to four weeks.

Effervescent cough tablets "ACC" are taken after meals, after dissolving the medicine in half a glass of water, juice or iced tea. Daily norm The drug depends on body weight: patients weighing more than 30 kg. use up to 800 mg. facilities. For children, the dosage is selected based on age: up to 2 years – 50 mg. 2-3 times/day, from 2 to 5 years – 400 mg. in four doses, from 6 years old – 600 mg. for three doses. The duration of treatment varies from three to six months, which is influenced by the complexity of the pathological condition.

The antitussive "ACC" is prohibited for use with the tetracycline group, semisynthetic penicillin preparations, aminoglycosides and cephalosporins. ACC should not be combined with other cough tablets to prevent congestion of the respiratory tract.

Libexin should not be combined with mucolytics or expectorants, as it may make it difficult to remove sputum.

Regarding the interaction of cough tablets with other drugs that stop the cough reflex, like codeine, we can definitely say that the latter complicate the coughing up of liquefied sputum and its accumulation in the lungs.

A number of pharmacological agents enhance the effects of each other. This effect is observed when taking “glycodin” simultaneously with narcotic antitussives. In this case, “glycodin” often interacts with monoamine oxidase inhibitors.

Before you start taking any cough medicine, carefully read the package insert and be sure to tell your doctor about the medications you are taking.

Storage conditions for cough tablets

Basic storage conditions for cough tablets include the following:

• the storage place must be dry, closed to light and inaccessible to children;
• the acceptable temperature is most often 15-25С, unless there are special instructions in the instructions;
• Place medications away from heating/heating appliances.

You should not carefully cut off the empty part of the blister in order to preserve the aesthetic appearance of the opened packaging. After a while, it will be difficult or absolutely impossible to determine what this “white” pill helped with. Moreover, you may take the wrong medicine. The same applies to those who like to transfer tablets into containers for other drugs.

The shelf life of cough tablets can vary from 3 to 5 years.

In some diseases, especially tracheitis, the sputum turns out to be so thick and dense that it cannot be coughed up. This complicates the course of the disease and worsens the patient’s situation. To cope with the situation, a variety of medications are used.

Among them is a fairly effective drug based on natural plant materials, called “Cough Tablets”. This is a fairly old and well-tested remedy that has been used by several generations of patients. It is perfect for those people who prefer to use the gifts of nature, albeit in an extremely modern form.

Cough tablets: composition and properties of the drug

Cough tablets are an effective expectorant for plant based

This drug is based on the herb Thermopsis lanceolata, which is a powerful expectorant containing a large number of active substances. The tablets contain sodium bicarbonate, talc and starch as a filler. Baking soda has a softening effect, it is always used in remedies for and for, other substances serve to bind the active substance and form a hard tablet. They are inert and do not have any effect on the human body, are excreted unchanged or digested in the digestive system.

Thermopsis alkaloids have an irritating effect on the respiratory and vomiting centers and enhance the secretion of glands located in the bronchi and responsible for the production and composition of mucus. When taking Cough Tablets, the patient quickly feels relief, as the sputum becomes less viscous, is easier to cough up, and disappears. strong pain in the chest and a feeling of difficulty breathing, suffocating cough. It is not recommended to take drugs containing thermopsis and licorice root for those people who are very sensitive to such drugs, as they can cause severe vomiting.

Cough tablets help to quickly cope with the problem of coughing with bronchitis, tracheitis, pneumonia and other respiratory diseases.

This drug can be used for non-productive and, as it acts quite gently, but at the same time quite effectively, stimulating the production in a more liquid form and facilitating its excretion. The easier it is for a sick person to cough, the less chance he has of complications of the disease and the disease becoming chronic.

With the use of thermopsis preparations, it becomes easier for the patient to breathe, especially with a very dry, irritating cough that literally tears the throat. Since more mucus begins to be released and it is more liquid, a kind of “lubrication” of the irritated mucous membranes occurs, and severe soreness decreases and then completely disappears.

Release form, shelf life and storage

The drug is produced in the form of flattened cylindrical tablets with a dividing chamfer, a muted greenish color, with possible minor inclusions of darker components (the drug is based on grass).

The tablets are packaged in blisters of 10 pieces each, which are placed in a cardboard box with instructions included.

The shelf life of the product is 48 months. After the expiration date, the drug cannot be used.It is recommended to store the medicine in specially designated places, out of reach of children, at a temperature not exceeding 25 degrees Celsius. The room should be dry and dark.

It is necessary to avoid direct exposure of the sun's rays to the tablets themselves - light can decompose the active ingredient.

When using the tablet, you should take it with a sufficient amount of clean, warm drinking water. Do not use milk, juices or carbonated drinks.

Purpose of the product

Indication for use of the drug: cough with difficult to clear sputum.

This drug is prescribed for adults and children over the age of twelve for dry, prolonged and painful cough to improve the coughing process and. The product helps to increase secretion, sputum becomes more liquid and less viscous, so it comes off much easier and easier. It is allowed to use “Cough Tablets” for dry and wet type.

With a productive cough, this drug helps to quickly clear the bronchi and trachea of ​​contents, which reduces inflammation. Accelerated expectoration makes the patient feel better, it becomes easier for him to breathe, and he recovers faster.

Usually cough tablets, the method of use does not cause difficulty or hostility even in children, it is recommended to use with big amount warm drink.

This could be milk with honey, butter or goat fat, tea with raspberries or viburnum, mineral alkaline water, juices, compotes or herbal infusions. It is important not to give drinks cold and to ensure that their composition does not cause allergic reactions.

Useful video - The best drugs From cough:

Application large quantity fluids not only promote accelerated elimination from the body of toxins, but also helps to enhance the dilution of sputum and increase its quantity. This is especially important if you have a very severe non-productive cough.

During treatment, the doctor may prescribe other drugs, for example, painkillers, anti-inflammatory drugs, vitamins, and immune agents. Usually thermopsis is well combined with such medications, but you need to monitor your individual reactions. If allergic reactions or any unpleasant consequences occur, you must stop taking the medication and seek medical help.

Mode of application

Correct use of cough tablets is the key to a quick recovery

Dosage for different ages:

• For children over 12 years of age, the drug is prescribed one tablet 2 to 3 times a day. Treatment time usually does not exceed five days. If the course is completed and remains, the decision to extend therapy can only be made by a doctor.
• Adults also take a tablet three times a day, the course of treatment lasts from 3 to 5 days. With the doctor's permission, the number of tablets can be increased under the constant supervision of medical personnel.

Since thermopsis herb has an effect that irritates the gastric mucosa and nerve endings, an overdose of the drug can provoke severe nausea and vomiting.

To eliminate the problem, gastric lavage is used. This drug is not prescribed to small children, as they may react to its composition, and children also have a very high sensitivity to various means causing nausea. The vomiting center, which is not fully formed, quickly reacts to the irritant and the medicine becomes the cause severe vomiting and the occurrence of allergic reactions.

Possible side effects and contraindications

Apart from causing nausea and vomiting, this remedy is like any herbal preparation, can cause allergic reactions of various types.

Most often they manifest themselves as urticaria, but when severe they can have very serious manifestations, including in rare cases hazardous to health.

When using Cough Tablets, you need to take into account your own individual reactions to such drugs.

Contraindications to the use of cough tablets include the following:

1. The child's age is up to 12 years.
2. Pregnancy.
3. Breastfeeding period.
4. Individual allergic reactions.

It is not recommended to combine different kinds cough medicines, especially herbal ones or containing codeine, in order to avoid enhancing the effect or causing incompatibility, the development of various side effects.

In stressful situations, the human body uses reserve forces and defensive reaction. This often happens during an illness that is accompanied by a cough. An attack is a natural mechanism to combat harmful microorganisms. Thanks to it, viruses, bacteria and other foreign bodies are removed along with sputum.

Doctors do not always immediately prescribe cough suppressants in the hope that the immune system the patient can cope with the disease independently. Unfortunately, there are situations when the cough is painful, annoying and long: it is not easy to eliminate it. An untreated symptom can cause complications. So that the disease does not acquire difficult character, you will need cough medicine. Qualified specialist prescribes it after diagnosing the patient and determining the nature of the illness.

Cough remedies act differently on internal organs: some medications eliminate dry cough, others provoke the removal of phlegm from the bronchi. Choosing the right medication can be difficult. There are a number of medical recommendations that need to be taken into account.

• Features of the pathological process.
• Type of cough - wet or dry. In the first case, tablets are suitable, the action of which is aimed at quickly removing mucus from the upper respiratory tract. In the second option, it is necessary to take drugs that act on certain centers of the brain in order to suppress the spontaneous cough reflex. You should not mix medications to avoid serious consequences.

Today, the pharmaceutical market presents a variety of drugs from foreign and domestic production. Sometimes it is difficult to choose which cough medicine is best for adults and which for young patients.

Types of cough tablets

Conventionally divided into several groups:

Bronchodilators have a symptomatic effect: they relax tense bronchial muscles, relieve spasms, and facilitate breathing. These include the following medications:

• Hexoprenaline relieves an attack of suffocation. Used in the form of tablets, dosed aerosol and intravenously. This strong drug, which is prescribed for a pronounced course of the disease.
• Troventol expands the lumen of the bronchi, relieves inflammation. It helps with chronic bronchitis and pneumonia, accompanied by bronchospasms.
• Eufillin - for cough good remedy, which dilates the bronchi, reduces hyperactivity of the respiratory tract, and promotes oxygen saturation of the blood.

Mucolytics

Mucolytics are the main drugs in the treatment of wet cough. They thin out viscous mucus, facilitate the evacuation of sputum without increasing it, and restore tissue elasticity. The ranking of effective medicines in this group includes:

• ACC - has a pronounced productive effect. Improvement is observed a few days later after the first dose. The drug is well tolerated in any form, so it is suitable not only for adults, but also for children infancy. Cough tablets are strong. They remove stubborn purulent fluid and soften breathing.
• Ambroxol is an effective cough medicine, as it not only relieves attacks, but also increases local immunity. The reason for admission may be various pathologies respiratory system. The medicine is available in the form of tablets, syrup and inhalation solution for nebulizer.
• Bromhexine is a bright representative of its group. It contains substances with emollient, anti-inflammatory, secretolytic, stimulating and expectorant effects. Well absorbed by the body. It is not recommended for pregnant women and children under three years of age.
• Carbocytein reduces the viscosity of bronchial secretions, improves the process of sputum discharge, and accelerates the regeneration of mucous tissues. It has two forms of release - syrup and capsules.

Centrally acting drugs

Centrally acting drugs that suppress the cough reflex. They are based on codeine and act on afferent regulatory pathways and receptors:

• Codelac has a complex composition. In addition to sodium bicarbonate, it contains medicinal herbs - thermopsis and licorice. In pediatric practice, the drug is used for children from the age of two.
• Sinekod expands the bronchi, relieves inflammation, thanks to active substance— butomirate. The dosage is selected individually. This good medicine, which can be given to babies from two months.
• Glauvent contains the alkaloid glaucine, which acts on certain areas of the brain to eliminate an attack. The drug eliminates inflammation, relieves spasms, and treats dry cough. It is not addictive, but may lower blood pressure.

If it hurts wet cough, medications on this list are contraindicated.

Expectorants

Expectorants activate the cough center of the brain, increase the amount of mucus produced, stimulating coughing. They cannot be combined with mucolytic agents, which only destroy the bonds between mucus molecules.

• The best cough medicine in this group is Guaifenesin, which is available in the form of tablets and syrup.
• Its analogues are Cashnol, Stoptussin, Ascoril, Coldrex Broncho.
• If the patient is being treated at home, he can use regular inhalation mineral water. This is the best cough remedy, recognized by most medical specialists.

Combination drugs

Combination medications are adjusted functional disorders respiratory system. They simultaneously act in several directions: they eliminate many of the symptoms that cause an attack and affect the state of the immune and cardiac systems. This is an extensive list of drugs in the form of syrups, drops, solutions, suspensions, tablets, mixtures, sprays, inhalers, tinctures. All medicinal species made from plants. The choice of combined agents depends on the age, gender and individual characteristics of the patient’s body. The therapeutic effect is determined by the presence of bioactive substances. Among the many medications in this group, several new generation drugs can be distinguished:

• Doctor Mom - pharmaceutical, which contains extracts of various herbs that provide high performance. The main components are elecampane, licorice root, basil, turmeric, ginger and agave flowers. It comes in one release form - syrup, ointment, pastille. Since Doctor Mom does not contain alcohol-containing components, it can be used in the treatment of acute respiratory diseases in children aged three years and older.
• Stodal is an effective homeopathic remedy that relieves different types cough. Has an expectorant and bronchodilator effect.
• Pectoral - promotes the discharge of viscous sputum. This is a pleasant-tasting dark brown syrup with a pronounced spicy aroma. The product contains extracts of plantain, primrose, senegia and thyme. The medicine is prescribed for various respiratory disorders.
• Equabal promotes the rapid removal of secretory secretions from the ciliated epithelium. The drug is based on alcohol infusion plantain.

What medications can pregnant women take?

The most gentle method of getting rid of cough during pregnancy is steam inhalation. They can be made from boiled potatoes and decoctions medicinal plants. The duration of the procedure is 10 minutes. A tea drink with linden, licorice, and plantain will also help relieve an attack. Positive result gives warm milk with mineral water or honey. Products that are safe during pregnancy include: Doctor Theiss, Gerbion, Mucaltin, Doctor Mom, Bronchipret.

How to treat a cough attack in children

Babies can be treated with all sorts of folk remedies, except those that cause allergies. Of the medications, Gedelix is ​​allowed for children from the age of one year, and Bronholitin and Libexin from three years of age. ACC, Ambroxol, Mucaltin, Bromhexine, marshmallow or licorice root are safe as expectorant and mucolytic drugs. The dosage is determined by the age and weight of the child.

The presence of any cough should alert parents. Under alarming symptom Numerous diseases are hidden, from infectious to cancer, so you should definitely consult a doctor. Only a specialist will provide professional help and will help prevent serious negative consequences.