The medicine “Ascoril” for children belongs to the category of medicines, due to which the sputum becomes more liquid, the smooth muscles of the bronchial tree are relaxed and an expectorant effect is provided. This tool is prescribed in childhood often. Let us consider in more detail the principles of its therapeutic effect, indications for use and the dosage regimen for children.
Release form
Ascoril syrup for children is available in bottles with a capacity of 200 ml or 100 ml. It is a clear orange liquid that tastes good and has a specific aroma. In addition, a tablet form of Ascoril is produced in the form of round white tablets that are not prescribed for small children, but can be used from adolescence.
The composition of the syrup for children
The main active elements in the medicine “Ascoril” are three for children:
- Bromhexine - this ingredient in the form of hydrochloride is contained in a volume of 4 mg;
- salbutamol, which is presented in a dosage of 2 mg per 10 ml of the drug;
- guaifenesin - this component in 10 ml of the drug contains 100 mg.
Menthol, as well as compounds such as glycerol, citric acid, sucrose, blackcurrant and pineapple flavorings, yellow dye, sodium benzoate, purified water, sorbic acid, propylene glycol and sorbitol are used as additional substances in the manufacture of the pharmaceutical product.
The active elements in the tablet form of the Ascoril drug are the same, and to obtain a solid form, Mg stearate, propyl paraben, Ca hydrogen phosphate, purified talc, corn starch, silicon dioxide and methyl paraben were added to it.
Pharmacological properties
The therapeutic effect of the drug “Ascoril” for children on the child’s body is due to the therapeutic effect of each of its active elements:
- Salbutamol has a pronounced ability to relax the smooth muscles that are located on the walls of the bronchi, thanks to the stimulation of adrenergic receptors. Due to this action, the medicine quickly eliminates the spasms of the bronchial tree or prevents their occurrence. Since salbutamol has an effect on beta-2 adrenergic receptors, among the main effects of Ascoril is not only the relaxation of bronchial structures and the normalization of their patency, but also the expansion of blood vessels. This component also has a beneficial effect on lung capacity.
- The main positive property of bromhexine is the mucolytic effect. This ingredient of the Ascoril preparation for children helps with coughing, makes sputum less thick, increases its volume for faster elimination from the airways. In addition, this compound promotes activation of the ciliated epithelium in the bronchi. As a result of this action, mucus leaves their bronchial tree faster, its expectoration occurs.
- The main effect of guaifenesin is also a decrease in the viscosity of sputum and an increase in its amount. In addition, this drug component activates the zones of the bronchi, which are responsible for removing pathological mucus from the channels of the respiratory process.
Menthol, which is part of the Ascoril drug in the form of a syrup for children, has the ability to soothe a cough by relaxing the bronchi. This element helps to activate the functioning of the glands of the bronchial tree, and has an antiseptic effect.
Indications for appointment
The main reason for appointing Ascoril syrup for a child is a variety of bronchopulmonary pathologies, in which there are difficulties with the process of eliminating sputum. The medication is prescribed for the following pathological conditions in children:
- tracheobronchitis;
- any types of bronchitis;
- bronchial asthma;
- laryngotracheitis;
- pneumonia (inflammation of the lung tissue) caused by any pathogen;
- obstructive pulmonary disease;
- whooping cough, characterized by the development in a child of a strong spasmodic cough, which intensifies at night;
- emphysema;
- pulmonary tuberculosis infection;
- cystic fibrosis.
At what age are children allowed to give?
In pediatrics, the medicine “Ascoril” for children in the form of a syrup is used to treat children who have reached the age of one year. Before this time, such a medicine, as a rule, is not prescribed. However, even if the child is older, for example, he is 3 years old, the use of Ascoril syrup should be carried out under the supervision of a specialist.
If the drug is used with a wet cough, then the excess sputum formed in the respiratory canals will only worsen the condition of the child. With a dry cough, when the mucus in the bronchi is too thick and viscous, Ascoril syrup will be an excellent help, as it will make the cough more productive. As for the tablet form of the Ascoril medication, the tablets are contraindicated for children under 6 years of age, then at the discretion of the doctor, taking into account all the contraindications available. So, Ascoril syrup is prescribed for children after a year and only in case of dry cough.
List of contraindications
According to the Ascoril instructions, a child is not appointed in the following cases:
- If the baby has an increased sensitivity to any of the ingredients of the drug.
- If a small patient has high blood pressure, a heart rhythm disturbance is noted, myocarditis or aortic stenosis is diagnosed.
- If the child has increased thyroid function.
- If the baby has opened gastric bleeding or there are any pathologies of the digestive system.
- If the child is diagnosed with diabetes.
- If kidney function is severely impaired or a child has liver failure.
Adverse reactions
An allergic reaction, for example, in the form of skin rashes or itching, can occur on the main or additional substances of the drug Ascoril. The urine of the child who is given this medicine may acquire a pinkish tint, which should not cause unrest in the parents. The nervous system can react to taking this medication with sleep disturbances, headaches, drowsiness, tremors of the extremities, excitability, and even seizures.
Therapy with Ascoril cough syrup for children can cause diarrhea, nausea, bloating and other symptoms of dyspepsia in children.
While taking this medication, it is not advisable to conduct a biochemical blood test, since such an analysis is often unreliable. The medicine can cause a decrease or increase in blood pressure in children, and an increase in heart rate.
In rare cases, spasm of the bronchi, severe pallor, retraction of the wings of the nose, and wheezing dry wheezing in the lungs may occur during treatment with a medical agent. Such symptoms are a paradoxical reaction to taking the drug, the cause of which is individual intolerance.
Dosage regimen and method of taking the drug
According to the instructions, Ascoril baby syrup should be given to the child after eating (after 30-60 minutes). The medicine is given three times a day. It is best to drink this remedy with water. Liquids such as mineral water and milk can reduce the severity of the therapeutic effect of the drug.
The dosage of syrup for children under 6 years is 5 ml per single dose, and for children 6-12 years old, syrup can be given 5-10 ml. After 6 years, for the treatment of dry cough in children, it is allowed to use the tablet form of the Ascoril drug, or syrup in a dosage of 10 ml. At 6 years old, a single dose of the tablet form of the drug will be ½ tablets twice a day, from 12 years old an adult dosage is used. If necessary, the frequency of doses can be increased up to three times a day.
In most cases, pediatricians prescribe a 5-7-day course of treatment with this drug. To extend such a period is possible only after agreement with the doctor.
Drug interaction
What else can you learn from the instructions for use? “Ascoril” for children should be used with caution in combination with other medicines.
Other beta 2 -adrenomimetic drugs and theophylline are able to enhance the therapeutic properties of salbutamol and increase the likelihood of side effects.
The medicine “Ascoril” is not prescribed simultaneously with medicines containing codeine, as well as in combination with other antitussive drugs, as this can complicate the passage of diluted sputum from the bronchi.
Bromhexine present in Ascoril activates the penetration of antibiotics (cephalexin, erythromycin, oxytetracycline) into the lung tissue.
It is also not recommended to use the drug in parallel with non-selective β-adrenergic blockers.
Salbutamol, which is part of the drug, is not recommended for patients receiving monoamine oxidase inhibitors.
Glucocorticosteroid preparations diuretics enhance the hypokalemic effect of salbutamol.
Along with the drug, it is not recommended to use alkaline drink. This is confirmed by the instructions for use with Ascoril baby syrup.
Cost
To buy medicine in the form of an examiner or tablets, you need a prescription from a doctor. The price of Ascoril cough syrup for children is approximately 300 rubles, and a 200 ml bottle costs about 400 rubles. A cardboard pack containing 10 tablets of the Ascoril medication costs about 240 rubles.
Analogs
If the pediatrician has prescribed Ascoril medicine, but it is impossible to give it for one reason or another, parents often have the question of how to replace this medication. The following medicines have a similar therapeutic effect:
- Kashnol is a syrup that is an absolute analogue of the Ascoril drug in composition and active substances. It is presented in the form of a red liquid with raspberry flavor, in 100 ml and 200 ml bottles. Contraindications and doses of this drug are the same as for the syrup in question.
- "Erespal" is a medication based on the antihistamine compound fenspiride, which helps to relieve bronchospasm and reduce the manifestations of the inflammatory process in the respiratory system. The medicine is prescribed for laryngitis, sinusitis, whooping cough, flu, asthma and other pathologies in children. Erespal is produced in liquid form for children and in tablets for older children. It is permissible to take “Ascoril” and “Erespal” at the same time, since these drugs have a therapeutic effect on different receptors. What other analogues of Ascoril are on sale?
- "Lazolvan" is an expectorant based on the compound Ambroxol. It is produced in the form of syrups of different concentrations of the active element, as well as in the form of a solution for inhalation or oral administration in tablets. Such medicines are prescribed to children from birth, but it is advisable to use them in the first year of life under the supervision of a specialist.
- “ACC” is a rather popular mucolytic with acetylcysteine ​​content, which is effective for very viscous sputum. This medical product is available in different dosages and dosage forms (sachets with powder for the manufacture of a suspension, effervescent tablets, syrup). Assign such a tool to children after 2 years.
- “Gedelix” is a medicine in the form of drops or syrup, which has an expectorant effect and is prescribed for babies from 2 years old. The drug has a plant base, represented by ivy extract.
- Fluditec is a mucolytic drug based on the active element of carbocysteine. The drug is prescribed for dry cough, otitis media, tracheitis, sinusitis and other diseases. For children, this medicine is available in the form of a syrup with a reduced dosage. It is allowed to appoint it to babies from 2 years.
- "Tussin" is a product containing the active substance guaifenesin. Effectively removes sputum, used after 2 years of age.
"Ascoril" for children - reviews
On the use of the medicine "Ascoril" in the treatment of cough in children, mothers leave many positive reviews. According to their observations, this medication very effectively dilutes sputum and removes it. The fact that such a medicine helps quickly is also evidenced by the reviews of doctors. Pediatricians note that the course of therapy with this medication is quite enough to completely get rid of cough.
Parents consider the cons of syrup to be quite frequent side effects (headaches, frequent pulse, tremor, nausea and weakness) and the presence of some chemical additives in the syrup. In addition, children often do not like the taste of such a medicine, since it is a bit bitter.
It is better to familiarize yourself with the reviews about Ascoril baby syrup in advance.