If the child has a cough, then it is urgent to start treatment, after consulting with a specialist. Very often, patients aged 2 to 16 are prescribed Epistat, a syrup for children, which is a bronchodilator and cough suppressant. This drug helps to get rid of a strong debilitating cough, contributes to a speedy recovery. The medicine is quickly absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract and is excreted from the body with waste products.
What is included in the composition? What is the form of release?
Syrup "Epistat" is a transparent liquid with an orange tint, which has a specific, but not sharp smell. The main active ingredient is fenspiride hydrochloride. This component has anti-inflammatory, bronchodilator and antihistamine effects. Also, other auxiliary components, such as:
- Licorice root, which has an expectorant effect.
- Saccharin. Due to this component, the syrup has a sweetish flavor. At the same time, sodium saccharin is not absorbed by the body and excreted with urine within 10-13 hours.
- Sucrose. Helps to absorb Fenspiride faster in the gastrointestinal tract.
- Preservatives
- Propyl parahydroxybenzoate - a preservative, antifungal agent.
- Glycerol.
- Flavors.
- A solution of citric acid helps stabilize acidity.
- Dye.
- Distilled water.
Syrup for children “Epistat” has detailed instructions for use, so you should carefully read it before using the drug. The product is available in a plastic bottle, a measuring cup is included in the kit. Manufacturer - Romania. Also, this cough remedy is available in the form of tablets, but they are intended for adults.
To whom and when is the remedy prescribed?
The instructions for use of Epistat syrup for children indicate that the product helps to thin the sputum and its output from the lungs, prevents obstruction of the bronchi, reduces the inflammatory process that occurs on the mucous surface. The main active substance contributes to the development of a cytoxin mediator, which eliminates the allergic reaction of the body.
This syrup is recommended for children from the age of two years. It should be taken with such diseases and pathologies as:
- Bronchial asthma.
- Bronchospasm.
- Bronchitis.
- Pharyngitis.
- Tracheobronchitis.
- Otitis and sinusitis.
- Runny nose, which is of allergic origin.
- Whooping cough.
- Infectious diseases of the respiratory tract.
Also, the active substance of the syrup helps to discharge the mucus that has accumulated in the nose, that is, it helps to eliminate the common cold in a short period. If it is not possible to purchase and read the instructions for use of Epistat, the syrup can be replaced with other analogues, which are also in great demand.
What are the contraindications?
This drug also has contraindications, so you should definitely consider this fact before using the syrup. To avoid a negative reaction of the body and the deterioration of the general condition, it is recommended to consult with a specialist in advance, if necessary, undergo a full examination to identify other diseases.
Contraindications are indicated in the instructions for use of Epistat, syrup is not recommended for use in diseases and deviations, such as:
- Diabetes mellitus, since the drug contains in 1 tbsp. l 9 g of sucrose.
- Diseases of the cardiovascular system, because licorice root syrup is included. It can provoke the development of tachycardia, upset blood pressure.
- An allergic reaction to the components of the drug.
This expectorant is not recommended for use in children under two years of age, as well as during the period of gestation and lactation.
How does this drug work?
As indicated in the instructions for use "Epistat", the syrup begins to act within half an hour after use. The maximum concentration of the active substance in the blood is reached after a couple of hours. Fenspiride is not able to accumulate in the body. This drug is considered effective and fast-acting, safe for use in pediatrics.
“Epistat” is able to enhance the hydrolytic activity of epithelial cells of the respiratory organs, provoke increased discharge of sputum, mucus, reduce its accumulation, improve the breathing process. 12 hours after the first dose, the amount of the drug in the blood decreases several times. Most of the remedy is excreted with urine, the rest with feces. When passing the tests, there will be no deviations in the results, but the specialist must take into account the fact that the patient is taking Epistat syrup. There are no reviews about the drug in the instructions, but we can say with confidence that this tool has only positive qualities.
What doses are used?
The drug has an antispasmodic effect. The dosage is calculated taking into account the body weight of the child. If necessary, it is recommended to consult with a specialist or calculate yourself. If the baby weighs more than 9.5-11 kg, then 1 mg of the weight accounts for 4 mg of the active ingredient of the drug per day. Do not exceed the specified dose in order to avoid side effects and negative reactions from the body.
If the child weighs less than 10 kg, then the daily dosage should not exceed 2-3 tsp. Be sure to take into account the tolerance of the syrup and the general condition. Also, to simplify the calculations, you can use this advice: to get the necessary daily dose for a child, you need to multiply the baby's body weight by 2.
To avoid nausea and vomiting in children under the age of five, experts advise the daily rate of syrup to be divided into three doses. For older children, it is allowed to take this expectorant twice a day. You can measure the required amount of syrup using a measuring cup, which is sold with the drug, a teaspoon or a disposable syringe.
Method of use
The medicine must be taken on an empty stomach, as stated in the instructions for use of Epistat. Syrup is allowed to drink a small amount of purified acidified water or juice. Also, the drug can be taken with kefir, fermented baked milk or other dairy products. It is worth considering the fact that Epistat cannot replace antibacterial or antiviral therapy, so you do not need to refuse full treatment. The active substance is not able to rid the body of pathogens.
The syrup can be used with antibacterial and antiviral drugs, but at different times. Regarding the rules of admission, you should first consult with a specialist in order to get a positive result from therapy. After the syrup is drunk, you can immediately start eating. The duration of the course of treatment is determined by the doctor and depends on the general condition of the child. In most cases, the medicine is not used for more than 10 days.
Interaction with other substances
As already mentioned, the active substance interacts well with antibiotics and can be used with antibacterial therapy, which is confirmed by the instructions for use of the Epistat syrup. The reviews say that the drug is very good. But do not forget that this drug is contraindicated for sharing with ethyl alcohol, as well as drugs that contain it. Do not combine syrup with tranquilizers and psychotropic drugs.
Additional specialist advice is required if the child is simultaneously taking nootropic drugs, as well as drugs that are designed to affect the central nervous system. In such a situation, this syrup can be replaced with an analog.
So that the active substance does not linger in the body of a child, you need to constantly drink. In the diet should be present fruits, vegetables and dairy products. Proper nutrition during the treatment will save the child from discomfort in the intestine.
Side effects
In most cases, the syrup does not cause a negative reaction of the body, especially if you adhere to the recommendations of a specialist and instructions for the use of Epistat. Price, reviews of syrup correspond to the quality and effect of the drug. If it is incorrect to calculate or exceed the allowable daily allowance of the drug, then the child may experience nausea, vomiting.
If side effects occur, you need to reduce the dosage by half and consult a doctor. It is definitely recommended to monitor the diet and drinking regimen of the child. In rare cases, syrup can provoke:
- Increased drowsiness.
- Tachycardia.
- Dizziness.
- Increased fatigue.
- Rashes on the skin.
In this case, the drug is completely stopped. All of these side effects are often diagnosed with an overdose. To get rid of the negative reaction of the body, the child can have a gastric lavage, send to a cardiologist for additional advice.
Additional Information
Syrup can be purchased at any pharmacy. Upon purchase, a prescription from a doctor is required. The drug is in an affordable price range - 150-210 rubles. The tool is stored for no more than two years, subject to all the rules. The syrup should be out of the reach of children. Storage temperature should not be exceeded, it should be from 15 to 25 degrees. The tool after opening is stored for no more than a month. At the end of the shelf life, the drug is not used.
Epistat is considered an effective expectorant drug that helps get rid of sputum and mucus in the airways in a short time. It has an antispasmodic effect. Recommended for use in pediatrics. It is prescribed by a specialist after a thorough examination, taking into account all the indications and contraindications. Self-treatment is completely excluded, as this can lead to negative consequences, especially with the wrong combination of drugs.