Every parent in his life faced a situation when he needed to give an antitussive to a child. To understand what exactly should be applied, choosing the right one among the abundance of drugs, you should know the causes and mechanisms of cough development in children.
Causes of Coughing in Children
Before running to the pharmacy for medicines, it is necessary to consult and see a doctor so that the specialist, based on the reason, prescribes the antitussive medicine that is suitable for the child.
Depending on the cause, the cough can be infectious, allergic, mechanical, as well as neurotic.
The infectious nature of cough is the most common of all the listed. Lesions of the nasopharynx and respiratory tract are caused by:
- viruses (influenza, parainfluenza, enteroviruses, adenoviruses and others),
- bacteria (staphylococci, streptococci, pneumococci, mycoplasmas, mycobacterium tuberculosis and others),
- the simplest
- fungal microflora.
These harmful microorganisms cause inflammatory reactive processes in the mucous membrane of the nasopharynx and the respiratory tract of the child, which leads to diseases of these organs. As a result, the cough begins to bother the children.
An allergic cause is associated with the introduction of an allergen into the body, which causes sensitivity reactions in the mucous membranes of the respiratory system in the form of edema, spasm and cough.
Mechanical irritation of the respiratory tract by foreign bodies that accidentally enter the child’s body and are reflexively removed by coughing. It can be feathers, specks, small particles of toys, balls and more. This condition is dangerous and may cause respiratory failure. Sometimes bronchoscopy is needed to get what causes the cough reflex.
The neurotic nature of the occurrence of cough is confirmed only after a systematic examination of the pulmonary system and the exclusion of all other causal mechanisms.
The mechanism of dry and wet cough
Cough can be divided into dry and wet, which will affect the appointment of an antitussive for a child.
The cough mechanism is associated with irritation of the receptor cells of the walls of the respiratory tract by inflammatory processes and sputum. These receptors are unevenly located, so coughing occurs when the infection is localized in the epiglottis, larynx, vocal cords and below them, as well as in the trachea, the site of branching of the bronchi, in the pleural membrane. The smaller the diameter of the airways, the less receptors there are.
Dry cough is unproductive, since it does not cause sputum separation. Such a cough can be with inflammation of the posterior pharyngeal wall (pharyngitis), larynx (laryngitis), pleura (pleurisy), at the initial stage of pneumonia. An infection of a viral nature is manifested precisely by a dry cough. Influenza causes a debilitating cough that “breaks” the trachea and bronchi, causing pain in the chest. Parainfluenza virus often affects the larynx, which is accompanied by a barking dry cough. With inflammation of the pleural membrane without the formation of exudative effusion, the cough is not only dry, but also very painful. Pathogens of whooping cough also cause a dry cough with spasms of the bronchi.
With a bacterial infection, more sputum is produced, which, when it enters the bronchi, causes a cough in order to expel it from the lungs. If the sputum is viscous, then it leaves poorly or does not separate at all, which causes an unproductive cough.
When sputum separation occurs during a coughing fit, a cough is called wet and productive. After such a cough, the condition becomes better, as part of the inflammatory secretion has left the body.
Because of the structural features of the narrow bronchi and the weakness of the muscles of the chest, it is very difficult for children to cough, so coughing is often unproductive. Young children may not understand how they should cough up phlegm. Therefore, an antitussive for a child should not only dilute sputum. One of the main functions is to help the bronchial epithelium expel it from the body.
Dry cough antitussives for children
To facilitate the fate of a small patient suffering from diseases of the pulmonary system with a dry cough, various drugs are used. Among them are:
- Syrup for children "Panatus" refers to the central antitussive, that is, it affects the cough center in the brain tissue. The active substance butamirate dilates the bronchi, removes sputum, relieves inflammation.
- Synecod cough syrup (recommended in the instructions for use for children from the age of three) also has the active substance butamirate. Its action will be similar to the drug described above.
- Cough syrup "Glycodin" (for children from four years old) refers to combination agents. The composition contains dextromethorphan, which blocks a cough at the level of the medulla oblongata. Terpinghydrate helps to remove sputum from the bronchi, reducing its viscosity and increasing its amount. An antispasmodic effect is provided by levomenthol.
- "Stoptussin" is a combination medicine with butyramate and guaifenesin in the composition. The latter reduces the viscosity of sputum with an increase in its secretion, which protects the bronchial wall from injury when coughing.
- Alex Plus lozenges incorporate dextromethorphan, which acts on a cough from the central reflex side, as well as terpin hydrate, which removes sputum. The form of the drug allows it to be used for unproductive cough due to pharyngitis. Shown from six years old.
Antitussives for dry cough for children should be used only as directed by the pediatrician, given age, contraindications and side effects.
Wet cough antitussives for children
For the quickest removal of sputum with a wet cough, the list of antitussive drugs for children includes:
- "Ambroxol" in syrup for children under 12 years old has a mucolytic and expectorant effect, removing an increased amount of sputum, reducing its viscosity, activating bronchial epithelial cells.
- "Bromhexine" in tablets is applicable in children from the age of three and refers to mucolytics, which increase secretion and excretion of sputum from the lungs, help to form a surfactant that protects the walls of the bronchial tree.
- “ACC” in syrup and granules has been used in children's practice since the age of two and contains acetylcysteine as an active substance, which helps to expel sputum, thinning mucus, and has an antioxidant effect on epithelial cells, which is important for combating the inflammatory process.
- Erespal syrup contains fenspiride as a base, which helps it fight bronchospasm and have an anti-inflammatory effect. It is shown to children from two years.
- "Mukaltin" is a plant-based tablet preparation containing marshmallow root extract that relieves inflammation, helps expectoration of sputum, envelops the bronchial mucosa, protecting it from damage when coughing. It is approved for use from two years, after dissolving the tablet in water.
For babies
Antitussive drugs for children under 3 years of age are represented by such drugs:
- "Panatus" in drops can be used from two months. It effectively removes sputum and alleviates the condition of the child with a dry cough.
- Sinecode drops with a similar composition are prescribed for babies from two months to a year, 10 drops four times a day. From a year to three - 15 drops, from three years - 25.
- "Stoptussin" in drops is used from 6 months, depending on the weight of the child. Children under two years of age, the maximum number of drops per day should be equal to not more than 102.
- Ambroxol in syrup is taken by children under 12 years old. Up to a year, the drug can be used only after the permission of the doctor.
- "ATSTS" - an antitussive syrup for children - is indicated from the age of two. The drug dilutes sputum, helping to clear the throat.
- Syrup "Erespal" is approved for use from two years. Relieves spasms in the bronchi of various diameters, effective in asthma and chronic lung diseases.
- Mukaltin tablets, according to some sources, can be taken by children without age restrictions, according to others - only from 12 years old. This herbal medicine has worked well for a long time. Therefore, from two years, you can give it, immediately before taking the solution.
Dosage and administration
"Panatus" in syrup is used before taking food, the dose depends on the age category. After nine years of age, 15 ml is prescribed four times a day. From 6 to 9 years - three times. From three to six years, 10 ml three times a day. In the form of tablets is used in children after the age of six, they are prescribed a tablet twice a day. Children after 12 years of age should take the medication three at a time.
“Glycodine” in syrup is recommended for children after the age of twelve by a teaspoon up to four times. From 7 to 12, half a teaspoon 3-4 times a day, from four to seven years of age, a quarter teaspoon is prescribed three times a day.
According to the instructions for use, the cough syrup for children "Sinecode" is prescribed from three to six years of age, 5 ml three times a day, from 6 to 12 years old - ten milliliters, from 12 years old - 15 ml three times.
"Stoptussin" in tablets is used from the age of 12 half a tablet 4 times a day.
Alex Plus lozenges for children after 12 years old can take up to 12 pieces per day (an average of six). From 6 to 12 years to eight per day (average 3). Assign to dissolve in the oral cavity.
Anti-cough tablets for children "Ambroxol" after 12 years, take one three times a day. When sputum begins to flow away, the dose can be reduced to two tablets. Children's syrup is prescribed at 7.5 mg twice a day until the age of six, 15 mg up to three times a day after six years.
Bromhexine should be taken with or without food. Children over 14 years old are allowed 1-2 tablets up to four times a day, from 6 to 14 years - half a tablet three times a day, and from 3 to 5 years - three times a quarter of a tablet.
"ACC" in granules is shown depending on the number of years of the child. From 6 to 14 - 100 mg three times, or 200 mg twice a day. From two years to six years of age - 100 mg up to three times during the day.
Erespal in syrup is prescribed for children from two years of age, depending on their weight at a dosage of 4 mg / kg per day. The dosage should be divided into 2-3 single doses.
"Mukaltin" is taken up to two tablets 3-4 times a day before meals. For babies, tablets are dissolved in a liquid.
Contraindications
All antitussive drugs should be used in accordance with the age of the child and as directed by the doctor. Each drug can cause allergies, therefore, with known cases of hypersensitivity reactions to a particular cough remedy, it is no longer prescribed.
"Sinecode" contains sorbitol, therefore, children who can not tolerate fructose, it is contraindicated.
"Glycodin" can not be used for bronchial asthma. Contains sucrose and fructose, what you should know when they are intolerant.
"Alex Plus" is contraindicated in those who take furazolidone, procarbazine, selegiline, as well as children with bronchial asthma.
"Stoptussin" is not prescribed for myasthenia gravis.
"Sinecode" is not for those who cannot tolerate fructose.
"Ambroxol" is prohibited for use in phenylketonuria, galactose intolerance (effervescent tablets).
"Bromhexine" can not be taken with acute peptic ulcer.
"ACC" is prohibited in hemoptysis, pulmonary hemorrhage, and exacerbation of an ulcer.
"Erespal" in syrup contains fructose and sucrose, which should be known for their intolerance, as well as diabetes in a child.
Side effects of antitussive drugs
All of the above drugs can have an undesirable effect on the child's body.
Allergic reactions are that side effect that can occur on any antitussive for a child.
The effect on the nervous system in the form of dizziness and drowsiness is provided by Panatus, Sinekod, Glycodin, Stoptussin, Alex Plus, Ambroxol, Bromhexin, Erespal.
Headache may occur due to the use of Bromhexine, Stoptussin, Ambroxol, and ACC.
Tinnitus can provoke the use of “ACC”.
Dyspeptic manifestations in the form of stool disturbance, such as diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, are characteristic of Panatus, Sinecode, Stoptussin, Alex Plus, Ambroxol, Bromhexine, ACC, Erespal.
Abdominal pain can occur after taking "Stoptussin", "Ambroxol", "Bromhexine", "ACC", "Erespal".
Dry mouth, dysuria and constipation are side effects of Ambroxol.
Appetite from taking Stoptussin may decrease.
Heartburn, fever and stomatitis are rarely observed with the use of “ACC”.
The aggravation of respiratory disorders in the form of shortness of breath and bronchial spasm (more often in asthmatics) can provoke the use of “ACC” in rare cases.
An exacerbation of peptic ulcer, as well as an increase in the blood of liver enzymes, may in rare cases occur from Bromhexine.
Disturbances in the work of the heart in the form of tachycardia and lowering of blood pressure arise from Erespal and ACC.
Release forms and prices
"Panatus" is available in the form of tablets of 20 mg, allowed for children from six years. Also in vials with syrup 7.5 mg in 5 ml for children from three years. Drops of 4 mg per 5 ml from two months of age. The cost of pharmacies varies from 138 to 264 rubles.
"Glycodin" in syrup in bottles of 50 and 100 ml, allowed for children from four years. The price in the pharmacy chain is from 69 to 108 rubles.
Sinecode is available in syrups of 100 and 200 ml in a bottle for children from three years old, in drops of 20 ml, suitable for treating babies from two months. It costs in the pharmacy network from 194 to 465 rubles.
"Stoptussin" in tablets 100/4 mg is indicated from 12 years old, in drops from 6 months. The price depends on the form of issue - from 75 to 399 rubles.
"Ambroxol" is produced by various manufacturers in tablets of 30 milligrams for children from 12 years old. Syrup of 15 mg is allowed for children under 12 years of age. The cost, depending on the country of manufacture and the form of release, ranges from 13 to 463 rubles.
"Bromhexine" in tablets of 8 mg, 4 mg and in syrup 4 mg in ml in a 60 ml bottle for children from three years. The price is from 17 to 243 rubles.
“ACC” for children is used in granules of 100 and 200 mg, effervescent tablets of 200 mg and syrup 20 mg / ml. The cost of the drug in the pharmacy network ranges from 32 to 680 rubles, depending on the form of release.
Erespal in syrup 2 mg / ml for children from two years old costs from 224 to 566 rubles, depending on the size of the bottle (150-250 ml).
"Mukaltin" in tablets of 50 mg costs from 6 to 146 rubles per pack of 10 to 30 tablets.
Reviews
Given the reviews of pediatricians prescribing antitussive drugs, parents and relatives involved in the treatment of children, you can make a rating of cough medicines in descending order:
- Mukaltin is rated positively from 81 to 96% because of the good tolerance and effectiveness of the herbal preparation.
- “ACC” is approved by 80 to 96% of respondents, since the medication has proven itself when coughing with difficult sputum removal.
- “Glycodine” helped 86–92% of those who used it to treat pulmonary pathology.
- “Stoptussin” for dry cough for children, according to doctors and parents, is good in 76–90% of cases.
- Ambroxol is effective in 74–90% of cases for the treatment of cough with difficult to separate sputum.
- Bromhexine is rated positively by 70–90% of people surveyed.
- “Panatus” is considered effective for coughing in children 80–86% of those who used it.
- Sinecode is approved for use by 76–82% of people.
- Alex Plus, cough lozenges, helped 80% of the time.
- Erespal received positive feedback from doctors and patients by 70–78%.