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Choosing a drug to treat cough: a pill to the rescue. Cough remedies How to take regular cough tablets

Cough is a symptom of a cold that causes a lot of trouble. With the onset of cold weather, most people suffer from coughing; it becomes more difficult to work, rest, sleep normally and eat. Discomfort is caused not only to the sick person, but also to everyone around him. When choosing a cough remedy, you do not need to self-medicate; you should consult a doctor for help and prescription of the drug. But, if you decide to choose a remedy yourself, remember that you need to buy the medicine primarily depending on the type of cough: dry or wet. Here is a list of not only the most effective means, but also affordable ones. Cough medicines are inexpensive and effective.

For dry cough

In the absence of sputum discharge, the cough is called dry. :

Effective Falimint

Price: from 211 rubles.

Its properties are similar to menthol. Causes a feeling of coolness and freshness in the mouth. It does not dry out the mucous membranes, the effect and cessation of reflex cough is noticeable after the first use. It comes in the form of lozenges, can be given to a child, is suitable for children over 5 years old, has no contraindications other than minor allergic reactions.

Libexin

It has a triple effect, reducing the sensitivity of nerve endings, relaxing the bronchi and reducing the reaction to irritation. It is also prescribed for children, the effect is observed within four hours after administration. Available in the form of tablets and syrup, it is not contraindicated for children; there are side effects (dizziness, allergies, fatigue).

Price – from 450 rub.

Medicine Codelac

Price – from 160 rubles for 20 tablets.

Herbion with plantain

Price: from 200 rub.

Omnitus

Price of the drug: 90 rubles.

Available in the form of tablets and syrup. Reduces inflammation, fights infections, relieves dry cough, and has a positive effect on the general condition of the body. Has a number of side effects, incl. drowsiness, dizziness, vomiting, bowel dysfunction. This is not suitable and is also contraindicated for children under 6 years of age. Link - .

Stoptussin

Price: 150 rubles.

It is a combined remedy, has an antitussive and mucolytic effect. Used in the treatment of dry and unproductive cough, produced in the Czech Republic. Available in the form of tablets, drops and syrup of plant origin. According to, the drug is suitable even for infants.

Inexpensive drug Lorraine

The product is suitable in the fight against dry cough and is available in different forms: capsules, tablets, suspension and solution. Eliminates pain, has antipyretic properties, suitable for children over 6 years old. Side effects include increased blood pressure, dizziness, and mild excitability. Price: 200 rubles.

Bromhexine (tablets)

Price: 30 rubles.

Used for acute and chronic bronchial diseases with sputum of high viscosity. The drug is well tolerated, prescribed from 6 years of age, combined with antibiotics, promoting their penetration into bronchial secretions. During treatment, you need to drink more fluids, avoid driving and performing hazardous work.

Ambroxol

Price: 25 rubles.

Bulgarian expectorant anti-inflammatory drug. It is also used for the prevention of respiratory tract infections and is available in the form of a syrup with a pleasant raspberry smell and taste. Helps with . Intended (for dry and wet coughs), also treats tracheitis, pneumonia, whooping cough in a short time.

Mukaltin

A product of natural origin fights wet coughs, eliminates viscous sputum that interferes with normal breathing. The effect of taking the tablets is observed a couple of days after the start of the course. Contraindications: gastrointestinal diseases, allergies, diabetes. It is not addictive and can be taken by children from 12 years of age.

Cost: 15 rubles.

Cough is a common symptom of viral and allergic pathologies, the appearance of which seriously affects a person’s quality of life. It interferes with normal sleep, eating, and work. To cope with this condition, you need to contact a specialist who will select inexpensive but effective cough medicines.

Types of medicines

Medicines to combat cough can be different. The main categories include the following:

Drugs that inhibit cough receptors. In this group there are substances that act on the cough centers. They are located in the human brain. Cough suppressants can also affect the nerves and receptors present in the respiratory system. Some substances affect the mucous membranes of the respiratory system. They cope with coughs thanks to their local anesthetic effect.

It is important to consider that such drugs have many contraindications and side effects. In addition, they are prescribed exclusively for dry coughs that are not accompanied by the formation of sputum.

Medicines that have a bronchodilator effect. They help relax the smooth muscles of the bronchi and eliminate spasms. Due to this effect, a coughing attack is eliminated. Such drugs are usually used for bronchitis and other pathologies that are accompanied by spasm of the respiratory tract.

Mucolytic agents. These substances dilute mucus, which greatly facilitates its removal from the lungs. Such drugs are prescribed when a viscous secretion forms, which is removed with great difficulty.

Expectorants. Such medications help remove secretions from the respiratory system. Medications from this group contribute to irritation of the mucous membranes and lead to coughing, which activates the process of cleansing the respiratory system.

Anti-inflammatory drugs. Such substances help eliminate inflammatory damage to the mucous membranes, which often causes coughing.

Combined substances. These medications act in several directions at once, which helps solve various problems.

Features of choosing an effective drug

To choose the right cough medicine, you should consider several important features:

  • First of all, you need to determine the type of cough - dry or wet. For different types of this symptom, different medications must be used.
  • Each drug has a number of side effects and contraindications. This is why it is so important to study the instructions in detail.
  • Only a doctor can choose the right medicine, taking into account the clinical picture of the disease. Therefore, any self-medication options are unacceptable.

When purchasing a cough medicine, it is recommended to give preference to well-known manufacturers. At the same time, medicines from foreign companies are much more expensive compared to domestic ones. To choose a more affordable analogue, it is recommended to consult a doctor.

The cost of the drug is also important. The price directly depends on the pricing policy of the pharmacy and the manufacturer of the drug.

Inexpensive and effective dry cough medicines

Dry cough is a barking and painful cough, in which the removal of sputum is significantly impaired. For adult patients, inexpensive but effective cough medications are prescribed in the form of capsules and tablets. They can be aimed at suppressing this symptom or improving sputum removal.

If the cough is advanced, the doctor can choose an inexpensive remedy for dry cough in the form of injections. Antitussives or expectorants are also often prescribed in combination with antibacterial substances.

It is important to consider that with intramuscular or intravenous administration you can obtain the desired effect much faster. In simpler cases, syrups are prescribed to treat the symptom.

So, the most effective remedies that help with dry cough include the following:

  1. Libexin. This remedy has a triple effect - it reduces the sensitivity of nerve receptors, relaxes the bronchi and reduces the reaction to irritation. The drug can be used to combat severe dry cough. The desired effect is achieved literally 4 hours after application. Side effects include allergic reactions, increased fatigue, dizziness. Approximate price 520 rubles.
  2. . The characteristics of this substance are similar to menthol, as it leads to a feeling of freshness in the mouth. The drug does not dry out mucous membranes. In this case, the desired effect is achieved after the first dose. These inexpensive cough tablets have virtually no side effects or contraindications. The only exceptions are allergic reactions. Approximate price 250 rubles.
  3. . This syrup has antitussive and antibacterial effects. With its help, it is possible to increase the volume of sputum and make it less viscous. The presence of vitamin C in the medicine helps strengthen the immune system. In addition, the substance forms a special film on the mucous membrane, reducing irritation and stopping inflammation. The product has virtually no contraindications. Approximate price 340 rubles. We also recommend that you familiarize yourself with cheaper analogues of Gerbion.
  4. . This drug helps achieve the desired effect literally 30 minutes after use. With its help, the viscosity of sputum is reduced and irritation of the mucous membranes is relieved. However, the drug should not be used during pregnancy or pathologies of the digestive system. Approximate price 120 rubles.
  5. . This drug is of natural origin and is available in various dosage forms. You can find tablets and syrup on sale. The product has a combined effect, reduces excitability without depressing breathing. It is important to consider that the drug can provoke addiction, so it should not be used for a long time. Approximate price 135 rubles.
  6. . The drug can be used for laryngitis, bronchial pathologies, and sinusitis. It is also often prescribed to combat complications of surgical interventions. The product has a pronounced effect. Approximate price 220 rubles.
  7. . These cheap cough drops have a combined effect, providing a mucolytic and antitussive effect. The medicine is actively used to eliminate dry and unproductive cough. Approximate price 240 rubles.

Cheap drugs for wet cough

This type of cough is characterized by a large amount of viscous sputum in the respiratory organs. To remove this substance, expectorants and thinners are used. Adult patients are prescribed various substances - syrups, tablets, capsules, suspensions.

Prices for inexpensive, effective cough medicines may vary. Your doctor will help you choose the appropriate option. It is important to consider that you should not use the medicine for a long time, since there is a risk of addiction, which will reduce the effectiveness of the drug.

The most effective means that are suitable for combating wet cough include the following:

  1. . This medicine is of plant origin and effectively copes with respiratory pathologies. With its help you can get rid of bronchitis, rhinitis, and viral pathologies. The drug is produced in the form of lollipops, tablets, and syrups. You can also find pencils, ointments and lozenges on sale. Price from 140 to 220 rubles depending on the form of the drug (tablets/syrup/lozenges).
  2. ACC and its cheap analogues. This drug helps thin sputum and increases cough productivity. Thanks to this, you can achieve relief literally in the first day. In addition, the product has pronounced anti-inflammatory and antioxidant characteristics. It is important to note that it cannot be combined with paracetamol and other cough medicines. The substance is contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation. Price from 140 rubles.
  3. . The drug can be used for bronchial pathologies, which are accompanied by the formation of viscous sputum. The product is well tolerated and combines well with antibacterial substances. During therapy, it is recommended to drink plenty of fluids and refrain from performing hazardous work and driving. Price from 25 rubles.
  4. . This substance has an expectorant effect and successfully copes with inflammation. It can be used to prevent respiratory infections. The product is produced in the form of a syrup with a pleasant taste and aroma. It quickly helps to cope with bronchitis, tracheitis, pneumonia and perfectly eliminates cough. Price from 45 rubles.
  5. . This drug suppresses the cough center without depressing breathing. With its help, you can remove mucus and eliminate swelling of the mucous membranes. Side effects include allergic reactions, increased heart rate, and increased blood pressure. Price from 50 rubles.
  6. . This natural substance copes well with wet coughs and removes viscous secretions that impair breathing. Thanks to the use of the medicine, you can get the desired result within 2 days after starting therapy. Contraindications include diseases of the digestive system, allergic reactions, and diabetes. The undoubted advantage of the product is that it is not addictive. Price from 20 rubles.
  7. . This product has thinning and expectorant properties. With its help, you can speed up the outflow of mucus from the bronchi and neutralize the affected molecules. The effect is achieved literally 30 minutes after application and lasts for 10 hours. You can find tablets and syrups on sale. There are also solutions for injections and inhalations. Price from 140 rubles.

Inexpensive cough medicines for children - syrups and tablets

Children's cough medications are prescribed depending on the patient's age. Antitussives and expectorants are used to treat dry and wet coughs. Moreover, the age of the child affects not only the dosage, but also the form of the drug. Thus, cough medicines for children over 3 years of age are produced in the form of suspensions or syrups. Patients over 6 years of age can already be given tablets.

The most effective mucolytic agents that can be given to children include the following:

  1. . This substance can be given to children from the first month of life. The drug successfully copes with dry cough, facilitating the liquefaction and removal of secretions. The dosage is selected depending on the type. Syrup is given to children 2.5 ml. The medicine in the form of a solution should be taken in 1 ml doses. It is recommended to do this after meals in the morning and evening. Price from 140 rubles.
  2. Lazolvan (instructions for inhalation). This remedy is excellent for treating wet coughs, as it facilitates the removal of phlegm. The drug is produced in the form of syrup. Children over six months old are given half a teaspoon with meals. Lazolvan is also often prescribed for inhalation. It is recommended to take the product for 5 days. Approximate price: 280 rubles. Cheap analogues of Lazolvan.
  3. . This is an effective mucolytic that makes sputum in the lungs more liquid. This drug can be used for coughs that are accompanied by the formation of viscous sputum. It is acceptable to use this cough medicine for children under one year of age. Children under 2 years old can be given 2.5 ml of the substance twice a day. To increase its effectiveness, the child needs to drink more fluid. The instructions say that the substance cannot be used for more than 5 days. Price from 45 rubles.
  4. . The medicine is given to children older than six months, half a small spoon twice a day - morning and evening. The syrup contains thyme extract, which successfully copes with dry cough. This medicine can be used for 2 weeks. Price 420 rubles.
  5. . This remedy can be given to children over one year of age in the form of granules. It is also often used for inhalation. Price from 500 rubles.
  6. . The substance is prescribed to young children in the form of syrup. After 6 years you can give tablets. There is also a solution for inhalation. Price from 25 rubles.

Which cough medicines should I choose for children? – Doctor Komarovsky

In some cases, when a cough occurs, expectorants must be used. Such substances help to cope with cough by removing phlegm from the lungs. This occurs due to the liquefaction of the secretion and the normalization of the ciliated epithelium. Such drugs are prescribed for acute and chronic inflammation of the respiratory system. Most often, doctors prescribe herbal substances:


Currently, there are quite a few effective medications to combat various types of cough. To choose a truly effective drug, you need to consult a doctor in time. The specialist will prescribe the optimal remedy based on clinical symptoms and diagnostic test results.

Cough tablets are a drug from the mucolytic group. Given antitussive consists of the main component - thermopsis ( extract of the plant of the same name) and auxiliary – sodium bicarbonate. Drugs in this group are used for diseases of the bronchopulmonary system, accompanied by the formation of viscous sputum.

The therapeutic effect of the drug is to reduce the viscosity of sputum, stimulate the formation of liquid secretion by the bronchial glands and accelerate its removal from the airways. A special feature of cough tablets based on thermopsis is the reflex type of action. Thermopsis in moderate doses irritates the gastric mucosa, which reflexively leads to activation of the bronchial glands. In addition to the above effects, the alkaloids contained in thermopsis lead to stimulation of the respiratory center of the brain, which ultimately leads to an increase in blood oxygen saturation.

Sodium bicarbonate has strong mucolytic properties. After absorption into the blood, this substance penetrates through the epithelium of the bronchi into their lumen and reduces the acidity of the mucus. At the same time, its liquefaction occurs. As a result, less viscous mucus envelops the airways and has a protective effect on inflamed areas. Cough receptors, closely located in the trachea and large bronchi, are less likely to be excited and, accordingly, less likely to cause cough impulses. The cough, which was initially frequent, dry and painful, becomes rare, wet and less painful.

It is important to note that the drug is contraindicated in pregnant women, as it can cause disturbances in the proper formation of the respiratory center and lungs of the fetus, thus increasing the risk of respiratory distress syndrome in the newborn. Children under 12 years of age, the drug is also contraindicated, since its use is associated with the risk of persistent disorders of the gastrointestinal tract.

Types of medication, commercial names of analogues, release forms

One tablet of the drug contains 6.7 mg of thermopsis, 250 mg of sodium bicarbonate, as well as starch and talc. The same combination of active ingredients is not available in any form other than tablets.

This drug exists on the pharmaceutical market under the following names:

  • cough tablets;
  • thermopsol;
  • antitusin.

Manufacturers of cough tablets

Firm
manufacturer
Commercial name
drug
Manufacturer country Release form Dosage
Pharmstandard Thermopsol Russia Pills Cough tablets are prescribed 3 times a day during or after meals.

Optimal dose for an adult

Maximum single dose is 0.1 g based on the active substance ( 14 tablets).

The maximum daily dose is respectively 0.3 g of active substance ( 44 tablets).

Children over 12 years old the drug is indicated 3 times a day for half or a whole tablet, depending on the severity of the underlying disease.

Dalhimpharm Cough tablets
Tatkhimpharmaceuticals Cough tablets
Himfarm Cough tablets The Republic of Kazakhstan
Ternopil FF JSC Antitusin Ukraine

The mechanism of therapeutic action of the drug

As mentioned earlier, cough tablets are a reflex drug. Thermopsis, which is the main component of these tablets, causes irritation of the gastric mucosa in moderate doses. In response to irritation, the gastric mucosa increases the production of liquid secretions in order to protect itself. Since this effect is mediated by the influence of the vagus nerve, similar effects develop in other areas of its innervation, that is, in the bronchi, heart, intestines, etc. Under the influence of this nerve, the secretion of liquid mucus by the bronchial glands increases and the activity of the transport function of the respiratory epithelium increases. The respiratory epithelium consists of many microscopic villi that are able to contract and relax, performing unidirectional oscillatory movements. The direction of movement of the villi is from the smallest bronchioles to the nasal cavity. In this way, sputum is removed along with dust particles and microorganisms that have settled on its surface.

In moderate doses, cough tablets cause an increase in the activity of the respiratory center, which leads to an increase in respiratory rate and blood oxygen saturation. However, in high doses, thermopsis causes nausea and even vomiting due to excessive irritation of the gastric mucosa and activation of the vomiting center in the brain.

Thin sputum is released from the lungs much better than thick sputum. In this regard, the drug contains a component such as sodium bicarbonate, which has a direct diluting effect on already formed mucus clots. As a result, a large amount of liquid mucus envelops the airways. This, in turn, partially reduces the irritation of cough receptors, abundantly located in the respiratory epithelium. As a result, the cough is reduced and becomes productive ( coughing up phlegm) and less painful.

For what pathologies is it prescribed?

Cough tablets, in addition to their main obvious use, are prescribed for the treatment of diseases accompanied by thickening of sputum.

Use of cough tablets

Name of the disease Mechanism of therapeutic action Dosage of the drug
Acute respiratory viral infections Cough tablets cause a reflex increase in the secretion of the bronchial glands.

The already formed thick sputum has an alkalizing effect, leading to its softening.
In parallel, under the influence of the drug, there is an increase in the frequency of oscillatory movements of the villi of the respiratory epithelium.

Thus, the removal of mucus from the lumen of the bronchi is accelerated.

In addition to the above effects, cough tablets affect certain structures of the brain.

In therapeutic doses, the respiratory center located in the brain stem is stimulated, and in high doses, the vomiting center is irritated.

Optimal dose for adults is one tablet 3 times a day.

Optimal dose for children over 12 years of age is half - one tablet 3 times a day.

Children under 12 years of age, as well as pregnant and breastfeeding women the drug is contraindicated.

Maximum permissible single dose for an adult in terms of the active substance is 100 mg, which equates to approximately 14 tablets.

The maximum daily dose is 300 mg in terms of thermopsis ( 44 tablets).

It must be taken into account that taking such high doses of the drug is dangerous, since its beneficial effect increases slightly, and side effects increase tenfold.

Cough tablets are taken after meals, otherwise the risk of side effects from the gastrointestinal tract increases.

The duration of the course of treatment is dictated by the severity of the specific disease, but on average it is 3–5 days.

Acute and chronic bronchitis
Pneumonia
Broncho-obstructive pneumopathy
Acute tracheitis
Acute and chronic laryngitis

Contraindications for use of the drug

Cough tablets have the following contraindications:
  • allergic reactions to the drug in the past;
  • children under 12 years of age;
An allergy, once developed to a certain substance, persists for the rest of your life. In most cases, with many years of absence of contact of the body with an allergen, the number of specific antibodies circulating in the blood decreases. However, throughout life, memory cells remain in the blood, which are able to develop allergies even after many decades after the initial reaction. This feature must be kept in mind and not use cough tablets if they previously caused allergies in the patient.

In the respiratory tract, excess mucus plays a negative role, but the mucus of the stomach and duodenum has a protective effect on the epithelium and is therefore considered beneficial. Since the use of cough tablets leads to a decrease in the viscosity of mucus, along with this, its protective properties decrease. The acidic environment of gastric juice has a more aggressive effect on the mucous membrane of the stomach and duodenum, leading to erosive gastritis, the formation of new ulcers and the opening of old ones.

Due to the fact that the children's stomach is less resistant to various types of aggressive factors, it is not recommended to prescribe drugs to children that reduce the protective properties of mucus, in particular, cough tablets.

Pregnancy and lactation are also contraindications to the use of cough tablets, since the latter are able to penetrate the blood-brain barrier. Having penetrated into the blood circulation of the fetus, thermopsis can cause disturbances in the development of the lungs, in particular those associated with the release of surfactant, as well as make undesirable adjustments in the formation of the respiratory center of the brain.

How to use the medicine?

Cough tablets are prescribed exclusively to adults and children over 12 years of age. The optimal dose for an adult is one tablet every 8 hours. For children, it is recommended to take half to a whole tablet every 8 hours. It is necessary to take the drug after meals with a small amount of water in order to reduce its negative effects on the mucous membrane of the stomach and duodenum. The average duration of treatment varies from three to five days. During this period, it is necessary to increase daily fluid intake to two and a half liters per day or more due to the fact that the effect of the drug is associated with an increase in fluid loss through the lungs. If there is a fever, the volume of fluid consumed should increase to three to four liters per day.

Renal failure and liver failure of varying severity lead to retention of the drug in the body and an increase in its concentration in the blood. This, in turn, increases the risk of adverse reactions.

Possible side effects

The following side effects of cough tablets are distinguished:
  • nausea and vomiting;
  • stomach ache;
  • allergic reactions.

Nausea and vomiting

These adverse reactions from the gastrointestinal tract are a consequence of a decrease in the viscosity of mucus on the surface of the stomach and duodenum under the influence of thermopsis extract and sodium bicarbonate. The mucus on the surface of these organs exhibits protective properties against the aggressive influence of acidic gastric juice. Nausea and vomiting are signs that mucus reserves are depleted, and the hydrochloric acid of gastric juice irritates the columnar epithelium of the organ. Nausea can also occur due to the influence of thermopsis extract on the vomiting center of the brain. Such an effect is possible when using high doses of the drug.

Stomach ache

Abdominal pain develops for the same reason as nausea and vomiting. However, in this case, the pathological process develops further, leading to damage to the mucous epithelium. As a result, erosions and peptic ulcers appear, in severe cases complicated by perforation of the organ.

Allergic reactions

It must be recognized that hypersensitivity reactions to thermopsis-based cough tablets develop extremely rarely, however, in people predisposed to allergies, such reactions can occur.

The most common manifestations of allergies to cough tablets are:

  • angioedema ( Quincke's edema);
Hives
Urticaria is the mildest manifestation of allergy from a medical point of view. It develops when exposed to an allergen ( in this case cough tablets) into the digestive tract. After some time, on average from 15 minutes to 2 - 3 hours, a pinpoint rash with a diameter of no more than 1 - 2 mm appears on the skin of the abdomen, back, thighs, perineum, elbows, slightly protruding above the surface of the skin. Often the appearance of a rash is accompanied by skin itching of varying intensity, most severe in areas of heavy rash. As the allergy progresses, single elements of the rash merge and form blisters with a diameter of up to 20–30 cm.

Angioedema
Angioedema ( Quincke's edema) is a fairly common manifestation of an allergic reaction. According to statistics, every eighth inhabitant of the planet has suffered this type of allergic edema at least once in his life. Its peculiarity is the initial damage to loose, unformed connective tissue located around the lips and eyes, in the earlobes, cheeks, interfascial spaces, scrotum and labia. Accordingly, the above parts of the body swell first.

Another feature of this edema is the fact that its spread in most cases occurs from top to bottom - starting from the periocular tissue and mouth and moving down. Upon reaching the level of the cricoid cartilage of the larynx, there is a risk of edema moving to the vocal cords. This is dangerous because the swollen ligaments close, stopping the flow of air into the lungs. In the absence of breathing, the skin and mucous membranes of the patient turn blue, and after 1-3 minutes ( for athletes up to 4 – 5 minutes) unconsciousness occurs. If medical assistance is not provided, the patient dies no later than 8 to 10 minutes from the moment the glottis closes.

Based on the rate of progression of edema, acute and chronic forms of the pathology are distinguished. The acute form leads to the closure of the vocal cords in a period of 5 to 30 minutes. Chronic edema develops from 30 minutes to 12 hours. Accordingly, in the first case, the promptness of providing the necessary medical care determines the likelihood of the patient’s survival. In the second case, the patient has more time to seek help, so the prognosis for such an allergy is much better.

Anaphylactic shock
Anaphylactic shock or anaphylaxis is perhaps the most formidable manifestation of an allergy to any substance. This reaction develops when even a small amount of allergen enters an overly sensitized body. As a result, a lightning-fast reaction of allergen binding by antibodies circulating in the blood develops, accompanied by the release of a large amount of biologically active substances that dilate blood vessels. As a result, generalized vasodilation leads to a sharp decrease in blood pressure. In the most severe cases, blood pressure becomes zero. For this reason, the supply of oxygen to the brain stops, the patient falls into a coma, the depth of which increases every minute. Lack of necessary medical care leads to the death of the patient in an average of 5 – 6 minutes.

Interaction with other drugs

Cough tablets are not recommended to be prescribed together with drugs that have a central antitussive effect. The most prominent representative of this group is codeine. A complication of such treatment is the accumulation of mucus in the respiratory tract and the maintenance of the inflammatory process.

The combination of cough tablets with antibiotics is positive, since they increase the concentration of the latter in the lumen of the bronchi and lead to better destruction of pathogenic microbes.

Approximate cost of the medicine

The price of cough tablets may vary in different regions of the Russian Federation. The reason for the difference in cost is the difference in the quality of the raw materials from which the medicine is made, various technological costs, transportation costs, markups from pharmaceutical companies and pharmacies, and much more.

Cost of cough tablets in various regions of the Russian Federation

City Price ( 30 pcs.)
Moscow 88 rubles
Kazan 84 rubles
Krasnoyarsk 72 rubles
Eagle 81 ruble
Rostov-on-Don 75 rubles
Samara 74 rubles
Stavropol 84 rubles
Khabarovsk 95 rubles
Chelyabinsk 83 rubles

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Many people think that it is quite easy to cope with a cough on your own: you just need to buy some medicine at the pharmacy after consulting with a pharmacist. However, not all so simple.

They often forget that cough can be different (dry, wet), and therefore a doctor should select a remedy to eliminate it, who will find out its cause (acute respiratory infection, bronchitis, pneumonia, etc.). But doctors often prescribe expensive drugs, and treating a common cold costs a pretty penny.

For this reason, people begin to independently look for inexpensive but effective cough tablets. In such cases, you should know information about antitussives in order to avoid unnecessary expenses and disappointment in the ineffectiveness of a particular drug.

What is the difference between expensive and cheap cough tablets?

how to choose cough tablets for an adult?

The pharmaceutical market offers a huge number of cough remedies. However, any doctor admits that in recent years, not so many completely new medications have appeared.

All cough medicines are variations of long-known international names, differing only in packaging, release form (regular or absorbable tablets, aerosols, syrups) and, of course, price. For the average person, it is not the external design that is important. The effectiveness of the drug and its cost come to the fore.

Important! Cheap cough medications, if all the rules for their production are followed, are in no way inferior to more expensive analogues.

Rules for choosing a cough medicine

To choose inexpensive tablets that will help you quickly cope with a cough, you should adhere to the following rules:

  1. Antitussive tablets that act on the brain centers or reflexively (Codelac, Sinekod) are advisable only for hacking coughs that occur with sore throat or certain infections (whooping cough). Suppression of the cough reflex contributes to the accumulation of viscous sputum in the small bronchi and lung tissue, which is fraught with serious consequences. Therefore, such antitussive drugs are used only in the absence of sputum and are strictly contraindicated even when a small amount of secretion is released from the bronchi.
  2. Mucolytic agents (Mukaltin) should not be used when there is a large amount of sputum discharge. They are aimed at liquefying viscous secretions, which improves the process of its removal from the respiratory tract.
  3. Expectorants (Bromhexine, ACC) increase peristalsis of the bronchial epithelium. Thus facilitating the removal of sputum.
  4. All drugs have contraindications and age restrictions, which should be taken into account when choosing a cough remedy.

Inexpensive tablets for dry cough - prices and analogues

treat dry cough

A dry cough is often painful, without mucus discharge, accompanied by rawness and catarrhal symptoms (redness, swelling of the tonsils) in the throat.

In this case, a prolonged, spastic cough occurs, and the patient often (with damage to the small bronchi, in the initial stage of pneumonia) complains of shortness of breath and the inability to take a deep breath.

Dry cough tablets: inexpensive but effective:

  • Codelac

The herbal preparation reduces the excitability of the cough center and increases the viscosity of sputum. It is used for hacking cough, but if taken for a long time it causes addiction. It is approved for use from 6 years of age.

Estimated cost: 140 rub.

A more expensive drug with a similar effect is Libexin (not addictive). The antitussive drug Tusuprex has a large toxic effect, therefore, although inexpensive, it is prescribed extremely rarely.

  • Cough tablets with thermopsis

The history of the use of these tablets goes back decades, which confirms its effectiveness and safety. Thermopsis herb and regular soda (sodium bicarbonate) included in the drug effectively combat dry cough. Admission is prohibited for children under 12 years of age and for pregnant women and those with stomach ulcers.

Estimated cost 50 rub.

  • Mukaltin
  • Ambroxol

Quickly (after 30 minutes) relieves irritation of the mucous membrane, thereby eliminating cough, and thins sputum. Available in tablets and syrup (Halixol, price 90 rubles). Prohibited during pregnancy, negatively affects the digestive system.

Estimated cost 20 rubles. per package (20 tablets) and 50 rub. (syrup).

More expensive analogues: Lazolvan, Ambrohexal, Abrobene. When choosing a syrup, be sure to take into account the dosage of the medicinal substance.

  • Omnitus

Tablets (child dosage - 20 mg of butamirate, adult - 50 mg) and syrup have an anti-inflammatory effect and improve the condition of dry cough. Omnitus has a lot of side effects and is prohibited for children under 6 years of age and pregnant women.

Estimated cost 90 rub.

  • Stoptussin

Lollipops or syrup have a sputum-thinning and antitussive effect. The drug quickly eliminates an unproductive cough. The composition includes butamirate, which reduces the excitability of the nerve endings of the respiratory tract, and guaifenesin, which reduces the viscosity of sputum.

Estimated cost 240 rubles.

  • Inhalipt

An aerosol containing antimicrobial agents from the sulfonamide group and essential oils. The components not only make breathing easier during dry coughs, but also improve nasal breathing. Inhalipt is indicated for diseases accompanied by a sore throat and resulting cough. Contains alcohol and sugar.

Estimated cost 100 rubles.

  • Falimint

Dispersible cough tablets do not have a local cooling and soothing effect on irritation. There are practically no contraindications: the age limit applies to children under 5 years of age. It can rarely cause a minor allergic reaction.

Estimated cost 150 rub.

  • Bronholitin

Combined drug: glaucine suppresses the cough reflex, ephedrine relieves bronchial spasm. Basil oil has a local soothing and antimicrobial effect. Bronholitin syrup is indicated for coughs without sputum.

Estimated cost 55 rub.

Good tablets for wet cough, price and analogues

wet cough tablets, names

A wet cough is caused by the production of sputum. To dilute it, remove it and speed up recovery, mucolytics are used, which dilute the secretions, and expectorants, which stimulate the work of the ciliated epithelium of the bronchi. Good cough tablets that accelerate its elimination from the respiratory tract - a list of effective and inexpensive drugs, prices and analogues:

  • Bromhexine

The drug perfectly thins sputum, is well tolerated and is compatible with antibiotics (improves their penetration into the bronchi). Not prescribed for drivers (reduces attention) and children under 6 years of age.

Estimated cost 30 rubles.

  • Pertussin

Inexpensive syrup for wet coughs, which is quite effective. The composition includes potassium bromide, which gently weakens the cough reflex, and thyme extract, which thins mucus and stimulates its removal from the bronchi. The unique composition has no analogues, but more expensive products have a similar effect - Herbion with primrose, Gedelix, Travisil, Doctor MOM, Doctor Theiss.

Estimated cost 15 rubles.

Acetylcysteine ​​is especially effective for wet coughs that do not respond to other drugs. Removes viscous mucus from broncheoles (the smallest bronchi), the therapeutic effect is observed from the first days of use. Do not combine with paracetamol or other cough medicines. The duration of treatment with ACC is limited. ACC Long is easy to use: 1 effervescent tablet per day is enough. An analogue of the drug is Fluimucil.

Estimated cost 130 rubles. (ACC long - 320 rubles).

Important! A wet cough with difficult expectoration requires the combined use of mucolytics (Mukaltin and other mucus-thinning agents) with expectorants.

The best cough tablets for children

Choosing a cough suppressant for children should be done with extreme caution. First of all, you should take into account the age of the baby, since many drugs have age restrictions, and the safety of the components. Recommendations for choosing cough tablets for children:

  1. Since a child with a strong cough often has a gag reflex, syrups, rather than tablets, are most often used. In addition, liquid preparations have a pleasant taste.
  2. Limit the use of syrups containing alcohol as much as possible.
  3. Before taking, you should always read the instructions carefully. It is better to determine the dose of the drug not by the age of the child, but by its weight.
  4. Herbal preparations are considered the safest cough remedies.
  5. Only a doctor has the right to prescribe cough suppressants (Fluditec, Codelac, Libexin).

The best cough tablets for children, cheap and effective:

  • Chest elixir - used for wet coughs. The composition includes licorice extract, anise oil, ammonia. Recommended dose - 1 drop. for a year of life. Contains up to 14% alcohol. Not recommended for newborns (up to 1 year). It is permissible to simultaneously use chest elixir and cough tablets with a mucolytic effect.
  • Syrup with marshmallow or plantain - used for dry and wet cough with viscous sputum. Duration of treatment is up to 2 weeks with possible repeated courses. Analogues - Alteyka, Gerbion with plantain for dry coughs and primrose for wet coughs (does not contain alcohol!).
  • Anise drops - do not combine with cough tablets that suppress the cough reflex (Kodelac, Sinekod). Allowed from 4 years of age to improve sputum discharge. They have a pleasant taste and at the same time improve appetite, which is important for a sick baby.
  • Ivy syrup - soothes irritation and relieves dry cough. The most popular products are Prospan, Pectolvan, Gedelix drops, Herbion with ivy extract. Herbion is approved for use in newborns.
  • Mucaltina syrup is tasty and an excellent phlegm thinner. Approved for use from 1 year.
  • Bromhexine syrup improves sputum discharge. It is used from 2 months, tablets - from 6 years.
  • Ambroxol dilutes bronchial secretion, used in syrup from 2 months.
  • Bronchicum - elixir contains thyme and primrose. It is used for wet cough from 1 year.

An important factor in the treatment of cough in children is the use of a sufficient amount of liquid, ventilation of the room and humidification of the air. These activities relieve coughing and sometimes eliminate the need for cough tablets.

A cough caused by a viral infection does not require the use of antibiotics. In viral diseases, which are more common than bacterial infections, symptomatic treatment of cough with mucolytics, expectorants and antitussives comes to the fore.

However, if the use of the drug for several days does not bring improvement, you should consult a doctor.

To understand what to do if the cough does not go away, which effective cough remedy to choose, you should know the basic rules of therapy.

Basic principles

Dry and wet coughs are treated differently, and the nature of the cough determines which cough medicine to prescribe.

It is forbidden to use medicines that suppress the cough if it becomes wet, especially if large volumes of mucus are formed. Otherwise, the constantly produced sputum will block the bronchi, and stagnation of mucus will lead to aggravation of abnormal manifestations and the development of pneumonia. Absolutely prohibited for children under 2 years of age, women expecting a child, nursing mothers, patients with bronchial asthma and impaired respiratory function.

It is advisable to combine the use of expectorant medications in people prone to bronchospasm with medications that expand the lumen of the bronchi in order to prevent their obstruction - blockage with thick sputum.

Dry cough in adults: expectorants

Often a dry, obsessive cough accompanies damage to the mucous membrane of the throat and trachea with pharyngitis, tracheitis, and ARVI. Trying to immediately eliminate it with expectorants will not improve the condition.

But if a dry cough develops against the background of bronchial damage, then for productive expectoration it is necessary to increase the production of mucus and its dilution. However, in the first 24 to 48 hours, until a sufficient volume of mucus has been produced, expectorants are not used.

The following drug groups are distinguished:

  1. Medicines that have a mucolytic (thinning) and expectorant effect, which disrupt the viscosity of mucus, increase its volume and removal from the respiratory tract.

Important! Many of them are prohibited for children, asthmatics, pregnant and nursing mothers.

The main means that remove phlegm and restore the bronchial mucosa include:

  • Acetylcysteine ​​(Fluimucil, ACC, Mukobene, Mucomist);
  • Carbocisteine ​​(Bronchobos, Fluditek, Fluifort, Mukosol);
  • Ambroxol (Bronchorus, Ambroxan, Flavamed, Ambrobene, Mukofar, Ambrohexal, Lazolvan);
  • Bromhexine (Bisolvon), Codelac Broncho;
  • Halixol (carboxymethylcysteine);
  • Sodium ethane sulfate, bicarbonate, bicarbonate, citrate.

2. Medicines that combine expectorant, anti-inflammatory and bronchodilator action. They are able to slightly inhibit the function of the cough center and at the same time help the transition of the cough into a productive one. But they are used with extreme caution: Stoptussin, Libeksin, Omnitus, Tussin plus, Bronholitin, Hexapnevmin.

3. Medicines with a plant base that promote sputum discharge. They include: Prospan, Bronchoplant, Doctor Mom, Bronchikum, Sinupret, Thermopsis, Mukaltin, Gedelix, Terpinhydrate, Syrups of licorice, marshmallow, istoda, Thoracic elixir, Suprima-broncho, Lycorin, Eucabal.

It is unacceptable to forget that medicines with natural substances can cause acute allergies.

It is highly undesirable to combine strong expectorants with drugs that suppress the function of the cough center, since such a combination can lead to blockage of a large amount of sputum in the respiratory tract and the onset of severe inflammation, including pneumonia and exacerbation of asthma.

Severe dry cough to vomiting in an adult

In adults, a severe dry cough that provokes vomiting occurs as a convulsive attack at the time of spasm of the diaphragm. The most favorable reason for this is the accumulation of difficult-to-separate mucus in the bronchi, which is not able to enter the external respiratory tract.

But a vomiting cough can be a manifestation of an acute attack of allergies, asthma, acute heart failure, tuberculosis, helminthic infestation, and in children - a sign of whooping cough.

Treatment of this type of cough is primarily determined by the causative disease or factor that caused it. For example, in case of acute myocardial failure or helminthic aggression, conventional antitussive medications will not help until the underlying pathology is cured.

Features of the treatment of vomiting cough:

  1. If a dry cough is caused by blockage of the bronchi with stingy viscous mucus, mucolytics are required that reduce the thickness of sputum, and expectorant medications that will help remove it from the bronchi - Codelac NEO, Bronchobos, Bromhexine, ACC, Ambroxol.
  2. Hexapneumin. Helps with vomiting and allergic cough.
  3. Antitussive medications that block the cough reflex by acting on the brain center can both help and harm, so they are taken only with the permission of the doctor and the dosage prescribed by him. They eliminate a painful hacking cough, but they can only be taken if there is no sputum. If mucus is produced, but the patient does not cough it up due to inhibition of the cough center, this leads to stagnation of mucus and intensification of the pathological process. Drugs with narcotic effects that relieve cough but depress breathing are prescribed only when indicated. These are: Terpincode, Codelac with codeine (not to be confused with Codelac Broncho), Hydrocodone, Demorphan, Codipront, Ethylmorphine hydrochloride;
  4. Effective, but more harmless antitussive drugs that do not affect the breathing process include Libexin, Glaucin (Broncholitin, Bronchoton), Sedotussin, Glauvent, Intussin, Paxeladin, Sinekod, Tusuprex.
  5. Antiemetics. They block the vomiting center of the brain, but provide only temporary assistance, since in order to prevent a vomiting attack, the cough itself must be relieved. The main ones are: Bonin (Meklozin), Cerucal (including injections), Motilak (Passazhiks), Tropindol.
  6. Falimint lozenges, Doctor Mom lozenges, Eucalyptus-M, Halls lozenges. They help with a dry, irritating cough due to mild inflammation of the trachea, larynx, and throat.

Cough preparations with phlegm

A wet cough appears against the background of inflammation occurring in the bronchi and lungs. When coughing with scanty sputum discharge (unproductive) and with a wet cough with abundant mucus production, the main task is to make the secretion more liquid and facilitate its discharge.

Medicines that change the properties of mucous secretion and accelerate its exit from the bronchi:

  1. Ambroxol (Ambrosan, Ambrolitin, Lazolvan, Mukofar), Codelac Broncho, Bromhexine, Flavamed;
  2. Erespal (Erisspirus, Siresp, Eladon). This unique medicine is prescribed for various types of cough. The active substance (fenspiride) has an antitussive effect, but without suppressing respiratory function, a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect, relieves the manifestations of an allergic attack, relieves spasm in the bronchi.

Severe wet cough in an adult

Among the basic medications needed to relieve intense cough with sputum, the following groups of drugs are considered:

1. Ambroxol. It has special properties among mucolytic drugs. It activates the functions of the epithelium of the mucous membrane of the bronchial tree, dilutes sputum, preventing the adhesion of the substance covering the alveoli (surfactant). Sputum becomes less viscous without increasing volume, coughing is activated.

Therefore, medications with ambroxol are one of the most effective mucolytics that relieve severe wet cough.

They are allowed to be combined with other medications, including antibiotics, while they give a minimum of unwanted reactions and are used in different forms - syrup, tablets, solutions for inhalation.

2. Do not forget that although a wet cough means the disease has entered its final stage, excessive production of viscous secretions can lead to bronchial obstruction due to excessive accumulation of secretions.

To prevent this, drugs with N-Acetyl-L-cysteine ​​(Acetylcysteine, Fluimucil), ACC, drugs that reduce abnormal hypersecretion of mucus with carbocysteine ​​are prescribed: Bronchobos, Fluifort.

3. If the cough is accompanied by bronchospasm, then, in addition to facilitating the expectoration process, it is necessary to expand the narrowed bronchi to ensure easy passage of mucus, otherwise the phlegm will clog the lumens of the bronchi.

In such cases, when coughing with an abundance of poorly discharged sputum, the doctor may prescribe a short course of:

  • xanthines (Theophylline, Eufillin);
  • b2-agonists (Ventolin, Salmeterol, Foradil, Formoterol, Terbutaline);
  • hormonal drugs (Prednisolone).

All of these medications have severe side effects and are addictive, so their independent use is prohibited.

Combined action agents, which include salbutamol, guaifenesin, bromhexine, include: Ascoril, Joset, Cashnol.

Cough with bronchitis does not go away

If a cough with bronchitis does not go away, there may be three main reasons for this:

  1. The diagnosis was made incorrectly, and it is likely that the patient does not have bronchitis, but pneumonia, laryngitis, tracheitis, bronchopulmonary obstruction, asthma.
  2. The drugs are chosen incorrectly, without taking into account the diagnosed disease, the type of cough, and therefore they are not effective, and possibly dangerous.
  3. The disease continues to develop, the drugs taken cannot cope with the abnormal process, and it is necessary to connect alternative medicines, anti-inflammatory drugs and antibiotics.

Cough occurs with various diseases, so the doctor must choose the most effective medicines to treat the causative pathology, to eliminate a particular type of cough.

The pharmacological product Rengalin is able to alleviate a protracted cough (dry, wet, allergic), manifestations of acute pharyngitis, laryngitis, obstructive bronchitis, tracheitis, and reduces bronchospasm.

Cough does not go away - medicine for children

Parents often give children cough preparations with a natural plant base - decoctions and pharmacy syrups of licorice, marshmallow (Mukaltin, Althea syrup), thermopsis, ivy (Gedelix, Prospan), plantain, primrose, thyme (Gerbion, Bronchikum), thyme, anise.

However, such treatment can become dangerous for the following reasons:

  1. In babies, the bronchial openings are very small, therefore, an increase in sputum volume leads to blockage of the bronchial tubes and serious complications.
  2. Plant extracts can increase dry cough, provoking an acute allergic attack up to laryngeal edema and death.

When choosing a medication for a child, the form of release is important. It is advisable to give syrups and elixirs to children, but effervescent or absorbable tablets are not suitable for children under 4 - 5 years old.

Review of Essential Medicines:

  1. Ambrobene (Ambroxol) in syrup is prescribed to children even up to 2 years old; Codelac Neo syrup. For dry cough, it can be given to children over 3 years of age. Elixir Codelac Broncho (for difficult sputum production); Libexin from 2 years in children's syrup to remove viscous sputum.
  2. The safest and most effective remedies include Erespal (in children's syrup) and its synonyms. It not only transforms a dry cough into a productive one, but also prevents bronchospasm, which is very important in pediatrics. It is allowed to be used from the newborn period for various types of cough against the background of laryngitis, nasopharyngitis, tracheobronchitis and asthma, for catarrhal cough, if the child is sick with measles, influenza, whooping cough.
  3. Bronholitin. Prescribed for dry cough in children at least 3 years old. Relieves inflammation, has a mild antitussive effect, dilates the bronchi. It is used in pediatrics for coughs associated with acute respiratory viral infections, minor catarrhal inflammation, and bronchitis.
  4. Tusuprex from 2 years (with caution) for the treatment of non-productive cough. Makes it easier for babies to cough, slightly reduces the frequency of coughing attacks, but does not depress respiratory functions.
  5. ACC. Expectorants containing acetylcysteine ​​are used very carefully in pediatrics, even in syrup for children over 2 years old, since children very often develop bronchial obstruction in the presence of thick, viscous mucus.

Attention! A long-term convulsive dry hacking cough in a child, leading to vomiting, may be a manifestation of whooping cough. Attacks of this cough occur from 20 to 60 times a day. In such cases, consult a doctor immediately!

The most effective folk remedies if the cough does not go away

Unfortunately, many healing substances and herbs can do more harm than good when coughing. It is dangerous for people prone to acute allergic attacks (especially small children) to use: essential oils for inhalation, honey, mustard, nuts, lemons, propolis and many medicinal plants.

Onions, garlic, spices (curry, cinnamon, turmeric) are also used only in the absence of contraindications. The same applies to mustard plasters, which should not be applied to patients with an allergic component.

All warming procedures are performed only in the absence of fever.

The safest recipes:

  1. Compress against dry cough with pork fat, butter or vegetable oil. Soak a cotton cloth in heated fat, quickly rub the chest with your palm with warm oil or fat, put the soaked cloth and polyethylene on top, then several layers of dry cloth and a woolen scarf. This is done at night; it is acceptable to treat children, including infants, this way.
  2. Onions with sugar. Dissolve 100 grams of sugar in half a glass of hot water, add the grated onion and cook to make a thick onion jam. Adults take a tablespoon per day with warm liquid.
  3. Compress with boiled potatoes. Use mashed hot potatoes, but be sure to check the heat level so as not to cause skin burns. The compress is removed when the potato mass becomes warm, without allowing it to cool.
  4. Hot (not scalding) milk with butter and soda (1 teaspoon each).
  5. Dry compress with salt. A wonderful, non-allergenic product. A bag of coarse salt calcined in a frying pan is placed on the chest, covered with polyethylene and layers of fabric to retain heat longer.
  6. Antique “cans” (but not mustard plasters) on the back area (except for the bony protrusions of the shoulder blades).
  7. Inhaling potato steam with soda. Boil a few potatoes, add a tablespoon of soda, a teaspoon of chamomile, sage, linden, calendula. Slightly mash potatoes. Breathe over the steam for 10 – 15 minutes.
  8. One gram of natural mummy (preferably in tablets) is dissolved in a glass of warm boiled water and drunk 2 times, washed down with warm milk.

If there is no allergy:

  1. Hot milk or tea with raspberry and viburnum jam.
  2. Drink with turmeric for dry cough. A teaspoon of turmeric is stirred in 200 ml of hot water, and slowly boiled until half of the liquid boils away. After cooling, add a spoonful of honey. Drink two to three times a quarter glass.
  3. Rubbing with fir oil. Warm up badger or pork fat (1 large spoon), pour the same amount of fir oil. You can add a teaspoon of honey. Rub the chest with a warm composition, apply cotton, cotton wool on top, cover with a warm scarf.
  4. Warm decoctions of medicinal plants with an expectorant effect. These include: eucalyptus, oregano, calendula, plantain, St. John's wort, licorice root, coltsfoot, chamomile, thyme, linden, sage.
  5. Breast herbal teas, which can be purchased at the pharmacy.