An agonizing dry cough occurs in many after respiratory illness. Some in vain try to cope with this scourge, which appears due to any hypothermia or virus. Sometimes long-known medicines no longer help. In this case, it is worth trying new drugs created specifically to help patients cope with dry cough. One of these drugs is Tos-May tablets. They are often prescribed in cases where such a cough does not go away for a long time and nothing helps. This drug has a complex effect, is not addictive and is well tolerated. But it is worth taking it only after consulting a doctor, because it has its own characteristics and disadvantages.
Drug characteristics
What is the Tos-Mai medicine? These pills have a local analgesic effect, which manifests itself with resorption. In general, it is a complex drug that has an antitussive and mucolytic effect. Many believe that this is similar to the Mukaltin medicine, the price of which is many times lower. But the well-known marshmallow extract does not help with an excruciating dry cough. It does not affect the cough center like Tos-May. A new medicine is effective precisely in such cases. All its active components are rapidly absorbed in the stomach and within half an hour begin to act. The effect lasts for 5-6 hours. The drug is excreted from the body by the kidneys. It is available in the form of tablets with a pleasant mint flavor. They are packaged in 16 pieces per pack.
Composition of the tablets
The high effectiveness of the Tos-May preparation is explained by the complex effect of the components contained in it. What is included in the tablets?
1. Dextromethorphan has an effect similar to codeine. But unlike this narcotic drug, it is not addictive and does not inhibit the respiratory center. Dextromethorphan affects the specific receptors of the medulla oblongata and soothes the cough reflex.
2. Benzocaine is an anesthetic. It reduces sore throat and relieves discomfort during coughing and swallowing.
3. Potassium guaiacol sulfonate is an effective expectorant. This substance dilutes sputum and facilitates its discharge. It also has a small analgesic effect.
4. Sodium benzoate has a similar effect, but affects directly the bronchi. In addition, it still has a weak antiseptic and antifungal effect.
5. Various excipients improve the taste of the drug: mannitol, povidone, anise essence, menthol and saccharin.
In what cases should I take the drug
“Tos-May” is prescribed for patients with dry unproductive cough. It can be caused by various diseases of the upper and lower respiratory tract:
- acute respiratory viral infection;
- laryngitis;
- acute tracheitis ;
- bronchitis;
- pneumonia;
- whooping cough.
Well, the drug helps with perspiration and sore throat, as well as dry cough of smokers. Assign "Tos-May" and before conducting various diagnostic procedures in order to reduce their unpleasant effect.
Are there any contraindications and side effects?
Not everyone can experience the effectiveness of the Tos-May drug. Its use is contraindicated in such cases:
- with individual intolerance;
- with bronchial asthma;
- with emphysema and respiratory failure;
- children under 6 years old;
- during breastfeeding.
With caution, pregnant women and patients with impaired liver and kidney function should be treated with this drug. In other cases, Tos-Mai is well tolerated. Rare side effects are possible only with an overdose or improper administration of the drug. In this case, the patient may experience:
- abdominal pain, indigestion, nausea and vomiting;
- sleep disturbance, confusion;
- irritability and hyperactivity;
- dizziness and breakdown.
In addition, dextromethorphan in high doses can cause respiratory depression.
How to take the drug
It is best to dissolve the tablets in the oral cavity. So they have a faster effect, especially if the cough is very irritating to the throat. But the drug can also be taken orally. The dosage is usually prescribed by the doctor. Most often take 1-2 tablets 4-6 times a day. You can drink them regardless of the meal. Children from 6 to 12 years old are given the drug only 2-4 times a day, 1 each. Many patients, knowing that the drug does not have a negative effect, tend to recover faster by increasing the number of tablets. But this cannot be done: the maximum dose that can be taken per day is 16 tablets. And even she is already suffering heavily. After all, the substances that make up the drug in case of an overdose become toxic.
Special instructions for taking the drug
It is forbidden to take alcohol and alcohol-based preparations for those who are treated with Tos-May. Also, it is not combined with all medicines. You can not drink it to those who take antidepressants, "Furazolidone" or "Quinidine." Otherwise, unwanted side effects in the form of drowsiness, increased pressure or temperature are possible. In addition, when taking "Tos-May" it is recommended to refrain from driving for a while, since the drug can cause drowsiness and a slow reaction. This medicine contains potent components, so you can take it only after a doctor’s recommendation. It is unacceptable to use "Tos-May" for chronic cough caused by bronchial asthma. And do not exceed the recommended dosage.
Tos-May: analogues
There is no drug that is completely similar in composition to these pills. But there are drugs that have a similar effect on patients. Many of them have been used in therapeutic practice for a long time. Which ones are better?
1. The most popular drug with an expectorant effect is Mukaltin. Its price is so low - no more than 40 rubles, that many simply do not take it seriously. But with a dry cough, it helps well. True, it does not have an antitussive effect and will not help with irritation of the throat.
2. "Stoptussin" has a similar effect with the drug "Tos-Mai." It also acts on the cough center and dilutes phlegm. But its composition is slightly different: the active components are butamirate and guaifenesin.
3. There is another drug with the same composition as Stoptussin - Pectolvan Stop. It also has a complex effect and is used in the treatment of dry cough.
4. Bronchocin Syrup contains glaucine, ephedrine and basil oil. It is used mainly for diseases of the lower respiratory tract, as it affects the bronchi.
Why do many choose Tos May
Reviews about the drug are quite controversial. Most patients who took the pills as prescribed by the doctor and followed all the recommendations noted that he helped them well. After a couple of days, the drug effectively clears sputum from the bronchi, facilitates breathing and helps to cope with inflammation. Those who praise dry painful cough for a long time and to no avail are especially praising it. Most patients note that taking "Tos-May" did not cause any side effects. In addition, the tablets have a pleasant taste, they can be swallowed or absorbed in the mouth.
But there are those patients who did not like the drug. Especially a lot of complaints about its high cost. Indeed, for the course of treatment you need to purchase at least 3 packages of the Tos-May drug. Its price is quite high - about 200 rubles.