Any disease does not pass without a trace, often even a common cold is complicated by a painful cough, which is difficult to get rid of. Various drugs are used to restore lung health, one of them is Lazolvan. A mucolytic drug, which is prescribed during bronchitis, pneumonia and other diseases, is an effective and inexpensive tool. You can find detailed instructions for the use of "Lazolvan" for adults and children in this article.
Composition and pharmacology "Lazolvana"
Sputum thinners have long and firmly entered our lives. Few people have ever resorted to their help at least once in their life with a protracted and painful cough. "Lazolvan" is one of these drugs. It is designed to eliminate sputum that occurs during infections of the upper and lower respiratory tract. According to the instructions for use, "Lazolvan" bases its action on the active substance ambroxol. It has the ability to have a mucolytic and secretory effect. After taking Ambroxol begins to stimulate the cells of the bronchial mucosa. As a result, the motor activity of the epithelium increases. Special “villi” in the lungs begin to move more actively, contributing to the release of mucus from the alveoli. Ambroxol also stimulates the production of a serous component, which dilutes sputum. Due to the complex effect of the drug, it becomes easier for the patient within 10-15 minutes after taking the medicine, sputum production is reduced, and it becomes much easier to cough up it.
Lazolvan can be bought in several dosage forms, each of which has its own characteristics. For inhalation release "Mucosolvan" in liquid form. Transparent liquid must be used in conjunction with a nebulizer, which sprays the substance into the smallest particles. This form of medication guarantees the fastest effect, since Lazolvan penetrates directly into the lungs and effectively removes sputum. Also in pharmacies you can find a drug in the form of a syrup. It is produced with a strawberry aroma or with the smell of wild berries. Sweet and malleable, the children like it, so the little picks will not have to be persuaded for a long time so that they drink it. For adults, "Lazolvan" in the form of tablets that are convenient to take with you to work or study will be more relevant. To facilitate breathing, there are lozenges with the smell of mint, which also contain an active substance that allows you to recover faster.
Release form
Different forms of release of Lazolvan contain one active substance: ambroxol. But auxiliary components may vary. The composition of each form must be known in order to exclude allergies and choose the most convenient option for use:
- Mucosolvan tablets contain lactose, corn starch and silicon dioxide along with magnesium stearate.
- Syrup has the most extensive composition. In addition to ambroxol, it includes hyetellose, benzoic acid, glycerol, water, flavors and sorbitol in liquid form. All these substances add syrup to the syrup and taste good.
- Lazolvana mint pastilles are also very popular. And a significant role in this is played by their pleasant refreshing taste. One such lozenge contains acacia gum, sodium saccharin, which sweetens the pill, and sorbitol. To facilitate breathing, peppermint oil and eucalyptus leaves are also added to the lozenges.
- The solution for oral administration and inhalation has a minimum of excipients. It includes: citric acid monohydrate, benzalkonium chloride, water and sodium chloride.
When ingested, all forms penetrate the blood quickly enough, so the therapeutic effect is achieved within the first 15-20 minutes. The maximum concentration of the active substance in the plasma is observed after an hour and a half. The effect of the use of "Lazolvan" lasts for six to ten hours, then gradually disappears. In this regard, in severe cases, doctors prescribe the use of the drug every six to twelve hours to constantly maintain sputum in the lungs in a diluted state.
Indications for use
What diseases can serve as a reason for the appointment of "Mucosolvan"? First of all, these are respiratory diseases:
- Acute and chronic bronchitis.
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
- Pneumonia.
- Rhinitis and sinusitis.
- Cystic fibrosis.
- Tracheitis.
- Laryngitis.
- Bronchial asthma.
- Pathology of the respiratory tract with difficulty in sputum discharge.
However, it is prescribed for milder diseases. A regular cough with sputum can be a reason to purchase at the Lazolvan pharmacy. Cough is a protective mechanism of the body, but if this symptom does not receive proper timely treatment, it can develop into a more serious disease. Cough is distinguished between dry and wet. Dry, as you know, is the most painful: it tears the throat, while there is no relief. How can “Lazolvan" help in such a situation? If the doctor hears whistling and vulture while listening to the lungs, this indicates that the lungs are clogged with viscous sputum, which clogs the airways and causes pain to the patient. Usually this phenomenon is observed at the initial stage of the disease. "Lazolvan" helps to thin and partially remove mucus from the lungs, facilitate breathing. With a wet cough, the drug can also play a role. It speeds up the process of getting rid of sputum and contributes to the overall improvement of the lungs.
Instructions for use "Lazolvana"
"Lazolvan" is often bought without a doctor's prescription, since it is not a prescription drug and is available in all pharmacies. "Lazolvan" has several forms, each of which has its own characteristics. How to take the drug? The instructions for use of "Lazolvan" for inhalation mention that the medicine can be washed with absolutely any liquid: from juice to tea. In addition, food does not affect the intake of Lazolvan, and this is very convenient, as it allows you to drink the drug at any time.
The instructions for use of "Lazolvan" inside is as follows: the medicine in the form of tablets is taken three times a day, the dosage of one tablet should be 30 mg. If you bought syrup in a pharmacy with a dosage of 30 mg / 5 ml, then for effective treatment you will need to drink 5 ml three times a day, which is 90 mg of the active substance per day. Lozenges contain a little less active substance than tablets, so you need to dissolve two lozenges three times a day. All these dosages are relevant only for adults and adolescents over 12 years old. As for "Lazolvan" - a solution for inhalation, the instructions for use describe a dosage of 4 ml three times a day. The most important thing in the treatment of cough "Lazolvanom" - do not forget to take it at regular intervals, and do not stop taking it as soon as you feel better. Discipline and compliance with all recommendations will help you recover in the shortest possible time.
The method of application of the solution for inhalation
Instructions for use "Lazolvana" - the solution differs significantly from the method of use of conventional syrup. Lazolvan in liquid form can be used in two ways:
When ingested, drops should be washed down with juice or water. 25 drops are equal to 1 ml of the substance, at one time it is recommended to drink 4 ml of the drug. If you decide to spray the drug through an inhaler, then you need to follow the detailed instructions for use. To receive "Lazolvan" in this way you need to take any type of inhaler: ultrasonic or compression. You cannot use only steam appliances, since they do not atomize the substance very efficiently. Usually, doctors prescribe one or two inhalations per day, more often they are not recommended. In the instructions for use of "Lazolvan" for inhalation, children are told that the drug must be diluted with saline in a proportion of one to one.
Inhalation itself should take place in a calm environment, the patient should take slow, shallow breaths. After inhalation with "Lazolvan" it is recommended to do a drainage massage if possible, or try to do some breathing exercises aimed at sputum discharge. It is also extremely important to observe hygiene measures that can prevent the development of pathogenic bacteria and fungi. The instructions for use of "Lazolvan" for a nebulizer say that after each inhalation it is necessary to treat the washable parts of the device with warm water and soap. An individual mask must either be soaked in a solution of furatsilina, or subjected to gentle boiling.
"Lazolvan" for children and pregnant women
The children's body is more sensitive to different drugs. Instructions for use "Lazolvana" for children clearly indicates that for children under 12 years of age, completely different dosages are intended than for adults. The medicine is prescribed for children from six to twelve years old. Up to this age, you can’t categorically use the drug on your own, since completely unexpected allergic reactions or other side effects may develop. Yes, and only the doctor can choose the right dosage. If the baby is not even a year old, then the use of the drug is generally not recommended. Young children have an undeveloped pulmonary system, so inhalation with a mucolytic can further aggravate the situation.
Most of all, children like Lazolvan in syrup, as it has a viscous fruity taste. If the child is from 6 to 12 years old, then to achieve a therapeutic effect you need to give 15 mg of the active substance or 5 ml (teaspoon). If a preschooler (2-6 years old) falls ill, then this dosage must be divided exactly in two. It is not necessary to take the medicine so often: two times if the child coughs up sputum well, or three times if breathing is more difficult. If you have the medicine in liquid form, the instructions for use of "Lazolvan" - oral solution indicate the dosage of 2 ml two or three times a day. The same volume should be used for inhalation. For very young patients, from 2 to 6 should be given 1 ml of "Mucosolvan" inside or by inhalation.
Lazolvan in the form of lozenges is rarely liked by children because of the harsh taste. If nevertheless you bought the drug in this form, then 1 tablet with 15 mg of the active substance will be enough. Reception should be repeated two or three times a day. Tablets are rarely used in pediatrics, because children are reluctant to drink them. One Lazolvana tablet contains 30 mg of the active substance, so for the treatment of babies it must be divided into two or four parts. This can be very inconvenient and inaccurate, so experts usually recommend using a syrup or solution for inhalation.
Side effects
In addition to their therapeutic properties, each medicine has side effects. Some occur less often, some more often, but, of course, they should be taken into account before you start taking the drug.
Most often (up to 10% of cases), adverse effects from the digestive tract and nasopharyngeal system occur. Due to intolerance of any components in the patient, the sensation of tastes may temporarily disappear, and sensitivity in the throat may decrease. Quite rarely, people may experience nausea or vomiting with diarrhea. As a rule, all these side effects are manifested only in the case of using "Mucosolvan" for oral administration. The instructions for use say that to prevent further adverse reactions, it is recommended to stop taking the medicine and consult a doctor to replace it.
The following reactions are very rare:
- Urticaria.
- Rash and itching.
- Anaphylactic shock.
- Edema.
Studies have shown that in 95% of cases, Lazolvan does not have a negative effect on patients. The safest of all is the form of the medication for inhalation, as it allows local effects on the lungs without affecting other organs.
Overdose and contraindications
According to the instructions for the use of Lazolvana tablets, they have a number of contraindications, which apply to other forms of the drug:
- Individual intolerance.
- The first trimester of pregnancy.
- The period of breastfeeding.
In addition to obvious contraindications, there are a number of conditions in which the use of Lazolvan is justified only if there is an urgent need for it. Renal or liver failure, as well as the second and third trimester of pregnancy can serve as a reason for canceling treatment with the drug.
Overdose cases are not uncommon, because children love sweet drugs, so sometimes they find and drink them. Fortunately, there were no serious consequences after an overdose of Lazolvan. If a person has overdone taking the medicine, then he will most likely just begin to manifest side effects inherent in the drug. In such cases, people have noticed nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhea. An overdose of "Lazolvan" is treated by standard methods for such situations: gastric lavage and treatment of symptoms.
Analogs
In certain cases, it may be necessary to replace the drug with a similar one with the same active substance. There are several similar drugs on the market. They can replace Lazolvan without damage to their health. What kind of medicine are these?
- "Ambrobene" completely coincides with "Lazolvan" in the active substance. In addition, its cost is slightly lower. Ambrobene is produced in Germany, which also attracts many buyers. However, judging by the instructions for use, he has more side effects than Lazolvan.
- "Ambroxol" - the active substance is similar to the name of the drug. The drug is in the form of tablets. The regimen and effect on the body is almost the same as that of Lazolvan, so it is often used to replace the latter.
- Flavamed is a drug with a mucolytic effect based on ambroxol. Available in the form of effervescent tablets, which are conveniently dissolved in water. You can also find a solution for inhalation on sale.
- "ATSTS 100" - has another active substance: acetylcysteine. "ACC" is available in various forms, from which you can choose what is convenient for you. The effect of taking the medication is about the same as that of Lazolvan: liquefaction of sputum, relief of breathing, and reduction of edema. To understand which drug is best for you, you need to consult a doctor.
- "Bromhexine" does not block the cough reflex, but also does not stimulate the cough. But it helps to make it more productive, because it dilutes sputum and makes it easier for the patient to cough up it. For children under two years of age, medication is contraindicated.
In the modern drug market, there is a wide selection of different cough medicines. But only a doctor can prescribe treatment, based on the results of tests available to him and the course of the disease. Self-medication can only worsen the situation.
Cost
The cost of "Lazolvan" directly depends on what form of medicine you plan to buy. The most expensive drug in the line is a solution for inhalation, its cost is about 350 rubles per pack. This is explained by the fact that such a bottle lasts a very long time, since it contains a little more active substance. Pills can be considered the cheapest: their price starts at 120 rubles. True, they are most likely not enough for the entire course, since there are only 20 pieces in the package. But you can buy a large pack, which will be 50 round tablets. The price of Lazolvana syrup in pharmacies starts at 170 rubles. Pastilles will cost a little more: about 180 rubles per pack. Thus, the most beneficial are tablets or a solution for inhalation, which is beneficial to buy if you get sick quite often. It is almost impossible to use it quickly.
Patient Reviews
After reading the instructions for use of "Lazolvan" for children and adults, you can understand how to calculate the dosage and what indications exist for taking the medicine. But you can only know the impressions of people from treatment with this medicine from reviews. What do they say about Lazolvan? Most patients are happy with their purchase. They praise the quick effect and high quality of the drug. Many note that “Lazolvan" has been in their medicine cabinet for several years and always helps out in situations when a cough begins. Use "Lazolvan" not only adults but also children. They especially like the syrup for its pleasant berry taste.