Coughing is a protective reaction of the respiratory tract to microorganisms that get into them. It helps the body fight infection. This is the most common consequence of various respiratory diseases. But a cough is capable of causing serious trouble to the patient, therefore, medications aimed at combating it are necessary. It can be antitussive, expectorant or combined. One of the most effective drugs is Erespal. Side effects from this remedy are rare, so it is prescribed even to children from the age of two. And he helps to cough quickly and effectively.
The composition of the drug and the form of release
Erespal is produced in France by Servier Laboratory. The main active ingredient of the drug is fenspiride hydrochloride. The most commonly used drug is in the form of a syrup. It is released in bottles of 150 ml. Syrup "Erespal" rarely causes side effects, as it is intended for the treatment of children and has a low concentration of the active substance. It is a clear, yellowish, flowing liquid. It has a sweet taste and a pleasant smell. This is because in this form a drug for children is released, and the active substance has a bitter taste. Therefore, the syrup contains sucrose, vanilla extract, honey flavoring, glucose. Extracts of licorice root and anise seeds are also added to it, they complement and enhance the anti-inflammatory and antitussive effects of fenspiride.
In addition to the main active substance, tablets contain colloidal silicon, calcium phosphate, povidone, magnesium stearate, macrogol, glycerol, and titanium dioxide. Tablets are available in a dosage of 80 mg. They are used to treat adults and children from 14 years old. Side effects of Erespal tablets occur more often due to the high concentration of the active substance. Therefore, it is recommended to use them only for adult patients.
If it is impossible to use the original drug, you can purchase its analogues. There are several drugs containing fenspiride: Erispirus, Fenspiride, Fosidal, Kodestim. In addition, there are many similar drugs used to treat cough. But they have a different mechanism of action. For example, “ACC” or “Fluditec” thin the mucus and improve its excretion. Ascoril, Lazolvan and Ambrobene are best used for pathologies of the bronchi or lungs. These funds activate secretion and have an expectorant effect. The drugs used for dry cough also differ in effect from Erespal. Codeine and Sinecode suppress cough by acting on the cough center in the brain.
Mechanism of action
Side effects of Erespal are mainly associated with individual intolerance to the active substance or with an allergic reaction to the auxiliary components of the drug. If there is no allergy to the drug, it is very effective for coughing of any origin. After all, fenspiride hydrochloride has a complex effect on the body. Unlike most other antitussive drugs, Erespal does not affect the brain and does not dilute sputum, increasing its amount. Its action is directed to the mechanism of coughing. Therefore, the side effects of Erespal are manifested mainly in the form of allergic reactions.
The main advantage of the drug is that it has a strong anti-inflammatory effect. Therefore, the drug is so effective in viral infections when antibiotics are not used. The active substance of the drug prevents the production of the main enzymes that provoke inflammation: cytokines, prostaglandins, leukotrienes, free radicals and arachidonic acid. A blocking effect on alpha-adrenergic receptors helps to reduce mucus production by the bronchi.
In addition, the antispasmodic properties of the drug contribute to the expansion of the bronchi and facilitate breathing. And the main antitussive effect is due to the effect on histamine receptors. As a result, the production of mucus in the body is reduced, which makes coughing easier. It is with this that some of the most frequently occurring side effects of Erespal are associated. But the complex effect allows its use in the treatment of any bronchopulmonary diseases. This drug prevents the narrowing of the bronchi, relaxing the muscles of their walls, and also has an antihistamine effect.
Indications for use
This drug is often prescribed for adults and children with respiratory diseases accompanied by a cough. This is due to the fact that side effects of Erespal rarely occur. In the reviews, patients note that the drug is well tolerated and quickly helps to cope with cough. The peculiarities of its action allow it to be used as part of complex treatment; it cannot replace antibiotics for serious bacterial infections, but it can be the main treatment for viral diseases.
Most often used "Erespal" for such diseases:
- flu;
- ARVI;
- laryngitis;
- pharyngitis, rhinopharyngitis;
- sinusitis;
- tracheitis, tracheobronchitis;
- bronchitis;
- chronic respiratory failure.
But due to rare side effects, Erespal is often prescribed as part of the complex treatment of bronchial asthma, pneumonia or otitis media. It is also effective in relieving cough in infections such as whooping cough or measles. And due to its antihistamine properties, this drug is sometimes prescribed for seasonal rhinoconjunctivitis and other allergic diseases of the respiratory tract.
Contraindications
The drug we are considering, like any other medicines, it is advisable to take it as directed by a doctor. Despite the fact that the drug "Erespal" has few contraindications and side effects, not everyone can take it. First of all, this applies to children. For children under 2 years of age, the drug should not be given in any form. Tablets are allowed only from the age of 14, some sources do not recommend their use until the age of 18.
In addition, contraindications include individual intolerance to the active substance or an allergic reaction to auxiliary components. And syrup is undesirable to take in patients with diabetes, because it contains sucrose. For the same reason, it is not used for congenital intolerance to glucose or fructose. Do not appoint "Erespal" also for pregnant women and during breastfeeding. With caution and only as directed by a doctor, you can use it for liver disorders and for any kidney pathologies.
Erespal: side effects
In reviews of pills and syrup, doctors note that basically the drug is well tolerated even by young children. But sometimes there is an individual intolerance to its components. In this case, negative side effects appear. Erespal tablets, according to patients, can cause abdominal pain, indigestion, nausea, flatulence.
In addition, with individual intolerance, various allergic reactions can occur. This is most often itching, rash, urticaria, rhinoconjunctivitis. But erythema, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, or even angioedema may develop.
More serious, but rare side effects from the Erespal medication include asthenia, increased fatigue, weakness, drowsiness, and dizziness. Sometimes, on the contrary, increased excitability occurs. But most often there is a decrease in blood pressure. In addition, tachycardia or a strong heartbeat often occurs.
The use of the drug for children
Children under 14 years of age are shown the use of "Erespal" only in the form of syrup. It is easier to follow the correct dosage, which will help to avoid side effects. Erespal in children most often causes allergic reactions due to individual intolerance of the components in the composition. The active substance can negatively affect the body in case of an overdose. To avoid this, you need to calculate the dose depending on the weight of the child.
Usually prescribe the drug to children from the age of two. The dosage per day should be no more than 4 mg per kilogram of the weight of the child. For babies weighing up to 10 kg - this is 2-4 teaspoons, at an older age - 2-3 tablespoons. Erespal syrup is taken in the same dosage for the treatment of adult patients. Children under 2 years of age are contraindicated.
Special instructions for admission
The drug "Erespal" in the form of tablets is intended for use only by adults. Children under 14 years old are contraindicated. Side effects from "Erespal" in adults are mainly manifested when the instructions are not followed, which happens with self-medication. It is very important to consider the presence of contraindications for taking the drug and to strictly observe the dosage. It is usually recommended to take 2 tablets per day. Drink them before meals with a little water. Only in rare cases, the doctor can increase the dose to 3 tablets. But most often a positive result comes from such a dosage. After 2-3 days, most patients feel relief. The duration of admission should be prescribed by a doctor, usually from 10 to 30 days, depending on the severity of the disease. Do not interrupt treatment if the condition has improved slightly.
It is important to remember that the use of the drug "Erespal" is contraindicated during breastfeeding, since the active substance passes into breast milk. In addition, one of the most common side effects of the drug is drowsiness and weakness. Therefore, during treatment, care must be taken when driving and when working with complex mechanisms. Especially often, problems arise with the simultaneous use of Erespal and alcoholic beverages.
In severe bronchopulmonary diseases, a doctor should prescribe a cough medicine. The peculiarity of Erespal is that it suppresses the secretion of mucus and has an antitussive effect. Therefore, with improper use, stagnation of sputum in the bronchi is possible. It is best to drink "Erespal" at the end of the disease or with a dry cough. Well, the drug prevents the appearance of bronchospasm, as it relaxes the smooth muscles of the bronchi. It is also effective for respiratory viral infections, as it has an anti-inflammatory effect.
Overdose
The dosage of the Erespal medicine is prescribed by the doctor individually, depending on the age, severity of the disease and other characteristics of the patient. It is necessary to take the drug, observing all the recommendations. Typically, tablets are prescribed 2 pieces per day, in severe cases of the disease, it is possible to increase the dose to 3 tablets, but no more. It is also necessary to dose the syrup as well. In this case, you need to know that a teaspoon contains 5 ml of syrup, this corresponds to 10 mg of the active substance. 15 ml of syrup is placed in a tablespoon - this is 30 mg of fenspiride. Children are allowed to give 2-4 teaspoons per day, depending on weight. Adults - up to 4 tablespoons. Exceeding the dose will not increase the effectiveness of treatment, but will only lead to undesirable side effects.
Erespal, according to patients, is well tolerated. But you need to know what symptoms are accompanied by an overdose. This is tachycardia, vomiting, drowsiness, or psychomotor agitation. In this case, it is urgent to rinse the stomach or induce vomiting. Symptomatic therapy is also performed, and an ECG must be done to control the functioning of the heart. Therefore, in case of an overdose, if the patient accidentally took a large dose of Erespal, it is necessary to consult a doctor as soon as possible.
Interaction with other drugs
The drug "Erespal" is often taken as part of complex treatment. But interaction with some other medicines can be unfavorable, therefore only a doctor should determine it. First of all, you should not take "Erespal" along with sedatives, since this drug itself has a sedative effect. This can lead to decreased performance and reaction rate. In addition, it is forbidden to use alcoholic beverages during treatment with Erespal. This combination increases the risk of side effects.
This drug should not be prescribed with other antitussive agents. For example, Codelac or Sinecode suppress coughs, making sputum withdrawal difficult. Sometimes with complex treatment, several cough medications are prescribed. Erespal is well combined with ATsT or Fluditek. And after a course of its use in bronchitis or pneumonia, Ambroxol or Lazolvan is sometimes prescribed.
Erespal: patient reviews
Side effects from taking the drug do not appear so often, especially if you follow the instructions and recommendations of the doctor. Therefore, there are so many positive reviews about him. Patients note that for several days the drug helped to cope with an excruciating dry cough. It is especially effective for respiratory viral infections. In addition, as part of a comprehensive treatment, the drug helps patients with asthma to reduce the frequency of attacks.
In the reviews of the side effects of Erespal, patients note that these are mainly allergic reactions and abdominal pain. If contraindications are taken into account and all the doctor's instructions are followed, then this remedy is well tolerated. Therefore, many doctors like to prescribe "Erespal" for various diseases of the respiratory tract. It is especially effective for respiratory viral infections, as it has an anti-inflammatory effect. But it is worth remembering that the drug does not replace antibiotics, you must definitely drink all the drugs prescribed by your doctor.