One of the most unpleasant manifestations of a cold is a dry, unproductive cough, which literally exhausts the patient. In the event of its occurrence, it is required to take medications that promote thinning and facilitated removal of too thick sputum from the lungs. One of the most popular and effective drugs with such properties is Pertussin syrup, which is great for both adults and children.
Probably, the taste and aroma of this medicinal product is familiar to many domestic residents from an early age. After all, on the shelves of pharmacies, this medication appeared in 1967. The composition of the product includes plant extracts and a chemical ingredient that reduces the excitability of nerve cells. The complex effect of these components allows you to achieve an easy sedative result and helps to stop painful coughing attacks.
General information
Syrup "Pertussin" refers to the category of combined herbal medicines. The product has a pronounced expectorant effect, promotes thinning of viscous sputum and accelerates the process of its excretion. In addition, the medicine has a bronchospasmolytic and antimicrobial effect.
The main active ingredients of the medication are potassium bromide and liquid extract from thyme. The last component has mucolytic properties, that is, it stimulates the production of special elements that dilute the dense and thick sputum that has accumulated in the upper parts of the respiratory apparatus.
Plant extract increases the amount of secretion produced, which is separated by the mucous membrane of the bronchi and has an expectorant effect. Against the background of this effect, the cough becomes productive, wet and the lungs are much faster cleared of inflammatory mucus.
Potassium bromide has a softening effect, reduces the excitability of nerve cells, partially inhibits the cough reflex and eliminates bouts of debilitating cough, which worsen the patient's condition, not allowing him to fully breathe and sleep well.
Composition and form of release
The product is made in the form of a thick sweet syrup with a rich brown color, a typical plant aroma and a pleasant taste. The product is packaged in dark bottles of 50 and 100 ml. For a more comfortable dosage of the drug, a special measuring spoon is included with it. In a bottle of Pertussin syrup, 100 ml, contains 12 mg of thyme and 1 g of potassium bromide, as well as additional ingredients in the form of ethyl alcohol and sugar syrup.
Also in pharmacies you can find another form of the drug - a solution. In terms of medicinal properties, these drugs practically do not differ, the difference is only in the chemical composition: instead of ethyl alcohol, it contains ethanol.
Indications for use of Pertussin syrup for children
The tool is often included in the complex therapy of cough with such pathologies:
- tracheitis;
- whooping cough;
- acute respiratory infections;
- laryngitis;
- pneumonia;
- bronchitis;
- flu.
In addition, the pediatrician can prescribe a drug with a mucolytic effect for pharyngitis, bronchial asthma, tracheobronchitis, tuberculosis, COPD and other inflammatory diseases of the respiratory system, which are accompanied by the formation of viscous, difficult to separate mucus.
In the case of the use of Pertussin syrup for acute respiratory infections, tracheitis, bronchitis and other pathologies that accompany the formation of thick sputum, the product will have an expectorant effect and help cleanse the lungs.
The medication exhibits complex properties and not only accelerates the release of inflammatory secretions, but also reduces the intensity of coughing attacks, which are often accompanied by damage to the mucous membranes and entail vomiting reflexes. Pertussin cough syrup has this effect if a child has a spastic illness, such as whooping cough.
Contraindications
Despite the relation of this medicine to the category of herbal remedies and the lack of powerful chemical ingredients, there are many limitations in its use. Contraindications include:
- hypersensitivity to the components of the drug;
- kidney or liver failure;
- arterial hypotension;
- the period of gestation and lactation;
- the age of the baby is up to three years;
- heart failure;
- fructose intolerance, impaired glucose absorption.
You should abandon the use of "Pertussin" in case of detection of genetic metabolic disorders, diabetes mellitus or obesity, since it contains a large amount of sucrose. In addition, it is forbidden to give syrup to children with brain damage and epilepsy. This is due to the presence of ethanol in the medication. For the same reason, you can not give a remedy to newborn babies.
Instructions for use Pertussin syrup for children
The drug can cause a decrease in appetite, so it is advisable to take it after a meal. The dosage for young patients should be selected by the pediatrician, depending on the age of the baby, the type of disease and the features of its course. In the instructions for Pertussin syrup for children, the following quantities of the drug are recommended:
- from 3 to 6 years, one teaspoon 3 times a day;
- at 6-12 years, 2 tablespoons three times a day;
- teens over 12 years old on a dessert spoon 3 times throughout the day.
In some cases, pediatricians prescribe medicine for babies of two years of age. In such a situation, the dosage of the syrup should not exceed 0.5 teaspoon of the product twice a day.
The duration of the therapeutic course, as a rule, is 2 weeks. If necessary, a specialist can extend this period.
Side effects
According to pediatricians, Pertussin syrup extremely rarely provokes the appearance of negative reactions of the body. However, in some cases, its improper use, in particular exceeding the allowable dosage, can lead to the occurrence of heartburn and allergies.
In case of side effects such as hyperemia, swelling, itching, rash, you must refuse to take the syrup and use an antihistamine or enterosorbent. If there is heartburn, experts recommend giving the baby an antacid medicine that helps lower the acidity of the gastric juice.
In case of accidental overdose with a medication, nausea and signs characteristic of poisoning may occur. This may be apathy, arrhythmia, general weakness, indigestion, depression, impaired coordination.
special instructions
According to the instructions, Pertussin syrup is forbidden to use in parallel with centrally acting antitussive medicines, since they will make it difficult to remove sputum. This combination can provoke the appearance of serious complications associated with stagnation of inflammatory exudate in the lungs and the attachment of bacterial infections.
In addition, the child should be given extreme caution if he has been diagnosed with epilepsy or diabetes.
Reviews
Responses about the medicine, owned by parents and doctors, confirm the effectiveness of the drug, time-tested. Despite the likely side effects described in the instructions, Pertussin syrup provokes their occurrence extremely rarely.
The tool really copes with its functions, rather quickly eases the general condition of small patients with colds, which are accompanied by severe coughing attacks. In addition, according to parents, the syrup effectively facilitates the removal of inflammatory sputum from the lungs and significantly accelerates recovery.
In addition, the sweet medicine is very popular with children, and they take it with great pleasure due to the mild and pleasant taste. And adults are pleased with the low cost of the drug, its availability and high performance.