In the article, we consider drugs that suppress cough.
Colds and flu are always accompanied by a painful state of the respiratory tract, accumulation of sputum in the lungs and bronchi. When choosing a cough medicine, it is important to take into account the nature of this symptom - a wet or dry cough, a tendency to allergic reactions, the severity of side effects of a particular medicine.
To choose an effective drug that suppresses cough, you first need to familiarize yourself with the classification of such funds. There are two types of medications considered:
- antitussive, which is prescribed for painful dry cough, irritation of the vocal cords and pharynx;
- expectorant, which are intended for the treatment of wet cough with the separation of viscous mucus.
Each of these groups is available in different forms - tablets, syrups, soluble powders and capsules. In addition, medicines may vary in composition, they can be based on both synthetic compounds and natural components.
Classification
A universal cough suppressant drug does not exist. The tactics of therapy depend on the nature of this unpleasant symptom. Drugs differ in the principles of exposure to the body. They are usually divided into the following groups:
- central antitussive medicines - non-narcotic, narcotic;
- peripheral agents;
- complex antitussive drugs;
- expectorants and mucolytics.
Cough suppressants
Antitussive drugs that are designed to suppress this symptom are as follows:
- Omnitus
- Codelac
- Glauvent;
- Libexin;
- “Falimint”;
- "Sinecode";
- Ascoril;
- Stoptussin;
- "Bronchoton."
To choose the most suitable remedy in a particular case should be a doctor.
Omnitus
A centrally acting drug capable of suppressing coughing contains the main substance, butamirate citrate, which is neither pharmacologically nor chemically related to opium alkaloids. The medicine has a direct effect on the cough center and has a moderate bronchodilating, expectorant and anti-inflammatory effect, stabilizes blood oxygenation and spirometry indicators.
This medicine is available in the form of tablets and syrup. It can be used to suppress cough in children from 3 years. What drugs that suppress cough in adults and children are most effective, it is important to find out in advance.
Codelac
"Codelac" is a combined medication with an expectorant and antitussive effect. The composition of this medicine includes the active elements: sodium bicarbonate, codeine, grass lanceolum thermopsis in the form of a powder, licorice root.
This medication is characterized by a pronounced expectorant and antitussive effect. Codeine reduces the excitability of the cough center, has a weak sedative and analgesic effect and suppresses reflexes that are responsible for a prolonged cough. In small doses, this remedy does not contribute to inhibition of the respiratory center, a decrease in bronchial secretion and disruption of the functioning of the ciliated epithelium. This drug, which suppresses dry cough, has a strong expectorant property, which consists in enhancing the tone of the smooth muscles of the bronchi as a result of the vagotropic effect, intensification of the functions of the ciliary epithelium and accelerated elimination of mucus.
Strengthens the secretory function of the glands of the bronchi. The biological components of this antitussive agent are characterized by ganglion blocking properties. The substance sodium bicarbonate activates the motor functions of the ciliated epithelium and bronchioles, reduces the density of sputum and makes its pH more alkaline. Licorice is characterized by anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic and expectorant effects. The expectorant effect is due to the content of glycyrrhizin, which stimulates the functions of the ciliary epithelium located in the bronchi and trachea. This substance also enhances the secretory activity of the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract. The antispasmodic effect is due to the presence of flavone compounds (liquiquiritoside).
This drug, which is able to suppress cough, is contraindicated in case of bronchial asthma, respiratory failure, concomitant use with central effects analgesics (buprenorphine, nalbuphine, pentazocine) and alcohol, under the age of 2 years, during pregnancy and lactation.
Glauvent
The active substance of this medication is glaucine hydrobromide lauvent - an antitussive drug substance of central action. It includes an alkaloid, a yellow sac emitted from the plant, which has the property of suppressing the cough center, however, unlike codeine, this element does not suppress the respiratory center. The medicine does not adversely affect the functioning of the intestine, with prolonged use it does not provoke addiction and drug dependence.
Glaucin is able to exhibit adrenolytic properties, can reduce blood pressure. According to the instructions for the antitussive drug, the Glauvent preparation is recommended for use in the treatment of dry cough of various nature of origin, accompanying diseases such as infectious and inflammatory pathologies of the respiratory tract, lungs and bronchi (pneumonia, chronic and acute bronchitis). In addition, this medicine is often prescribed for bronchial asthma, whooping cough, pleurisy, tuberculosis, lung cancer. Contraindications to its use are myocardial infarction, sputum overproduction, arterial hypotension, hypersensitivity. Allowed to be given to children after 4 years.
What other drugs that suppress cough in adults are?
Libexin
The active ingredient of this drug is prenoxdiazine hydrochloride, which is a peripheral antitussive. It blocks the cough reflex due to the following effects:
- bronchodilating effect, which helps suppress stretching receptors and is involved in the cough reflex;
- slight inhibition of the activity of the respiratory center (respiratory depression is not observed);
- local anesthetic effect, due to which the irritability of the peripheral cough causing receptors is reduced.
The antitussive effect of the drug "Libexin" is approximately equal to that of codeine. This medicine is not addictive, and in patients with chronic bronchitis it has an anti-inflammatory effect. The drug does not affect the activity of the central nervous system, except for a possible minor anti-anxiety effect. This medication is indicated in preparation for bronchographic or bronchoscopic examination, with nightly cough in patients with heart failure, with unproductive cough of any etiology, including those caused by bronchitis, flu, catarrh of the respiratory tract, emphysema, pneumonia.
Contraindications to its use are diseases with abundant secretion of the bronchi, lactase deficiency, the state after inhalation anesthesia, and high sensitivity to the drug. An antitussive drug for children with a dry cough should be prescribed with great care.
Falimint
This is a medication that belongs to the category of antitussive drugs. He is able to stop an unproductive cough, in which there is no formation of sputum. The composition of this tool includes the main substance - acetylaminonitropropoxybenzene. When penetrating the mucous membranes, the medicine irritates the nerve endings and has a slight analgesic effect. Also, the drug has an antiemetic and antiseptic effect, due to which it is possible to use this medication in dental practice. Its properties are similar to those of menthol.
Like menthol, this medication provokes a feeling of coolness in the mouth and throat. It does not dry the mucous membranes and does not cause numbness. Falimint also has an anti-inflammatory effect. Indications for use of the drug are inflammatory pathologies of the respiratory tract, elimination of coughing and sneezing in lecturers, athletes, smokers, the need for an antiemetic effect during medical manipulations in the area of the pharyngeal cavity. This cough suppressant is not suitable for children.
Sinecode
The active element of Sinecode is butamirate, which is included in the category of central antitussive medicines. This substance is not similar to alkaloids and does not lead to addiction and dependence. The medicine suppresses cough by a direct effect on the cough center and is characterized by a bronchodilating (bronchodilating) effect. It facilitates breathing, improves blood oxygenation (its saturation with oxygen) and spirometry (decrease in airway resistance).
This drug is produced in the form of a syrup and drops for oral administration. In childhood, drops are used.
The Sinecode medicine is prescribed for the symptomatic treatment of dry cough of various etiologies: during bronchoscopy and surgical interventions, with whooping cough, and also if cough suppression is necessary in the postoperative period. Contraindications for its use are the first trimester of pregnancy, the lactation period, the age of the child less than 2 months - for drops and 3 years - in the form of a syrup.
Ascoril
This is a combined medication antitussive with bronchodilator, expectorant and mucolytic effects. The medicine is produced in tablets and in the form of a syrup and contains several active elements: salbutamol sulfate, guaifenesin and bromhexine hydrochloride. Salbutamol has a bronchodilator effect, stimulating beta2-adrenoreceptors of blood vessels, myometrium and bronchi, eliminates or prevents the occurrence of bronchospasm, reduces resistance in the respiratory canals, increases lung capacity. This substance dilates the coronary arteries without reducing pressure.
Guaifenesin is a mucolytic substance that provides a decrease in the tension of the structures of the bronchopulmonary structures, stimulates the secretory cells of the bronchial mucosa, promotes the production of neutral polysaccharides, depolymerization of acid mucopolysaccharides, reduces the viscosity of sputum, activates the ciliary apparatus of the bronchi, facilitates the removal of sputum and the transition from unproductive cough to the product. Bromhexine is a mucolytic element that provides expectorant and antitussive effects. It contributes to an increase in the serous composition of the bronchial secretion, activation of the cilia of the epithelium, an increase in sputum volume and an improvement in its discharge.
According to the instructions, this tool is used as part of the combined treatment of acute and chronic forms of bronchopulmonary diseases occurring with the formation and difficult separation of sputum: emphysema, pneumonia, pneumoconiosis, tracheobronchitis, obstructive bronchitis, bronchial asthma, pulmonary tuberculosis, whooping cough. This medication is contraindicated for peptic ulcer, stomach bleeding, heart defects, tachyarrhythmias, arterial hypertension, myocarditis, glaucoma, decompensated diabetes mellitus, thyrotoxicosis, during pregnancy and lactation. This medicine is approved for use in children after 6 years of age.
The list of cough suppressants for children and adults does not end there.
Stoptussin
The medicine "Stoptussin" is a two-component antitussive drug that has a bronchodilator and expectorant effect. Dosage forms - tablets and drops for oral administration.
The active elements of this medication: butyramide dihydrocytrate and guaifenesin. A cough suppressant is prescribed that suppresses the cough center in the operating period. Contraindications to its appointment are: myasthenia gravis, the first trimester of pregnancy, lactation, and hypersensitivity. Children are prescribed a medication in the form of drops (from 6 months), after 12 years, a tablet form of the drug is possible.
What drugs suppress cough yet?
Bronchoton
"Bronchoton" is an antitussive drug of combined composition with bronchodilating effect. The medicine is only available in the form of syrups. This is a herbal medicine that has a bronchodilating and antitussive mechanism of action, which is determined by the properties of its active elements:
- glaucine - a substance that suppresses the cough center, without leading to inhibition of the respiratory process and without provoking drug dependence;
- ephedrine - a component that stimulates the respiratory center and eliminates swelling of the mucous membranes of the bronchi;
- basil oil - has a weak sedative property, antispasmodic and antimicrobial action.
The use of Bronchoton is indicated for diseases of the respiratory system that occur with dry cough (as part of combination therapy): bronchial asthma, bronchitis, tracheobronchitis, whooping cough, bronchoconstriction. This remedy is contraindicated in heart failure, coronary heart disease, arrhythmia, arterial hypertension, coronary atherosclerosis, thyrotoxicosis, pheochromocytoma, hyperthyroidism, diabetes mellitus, insomnia, angle-closure glaucoma, prostatic hypertrophy, pregnancy, lactation. The medication can be used in children after 3 years.
The following drugs that suppress wet cough.
Wet Cough Remedies
Cough with sputum is called productive or wet. For its treatment, drugs with an expectorant property are used:
- “ACC” is a medication that dilutes sputum and promotes cough productivity. Relief is observed already in the first days of admission. The medicine has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Not compatible with other cough medicines and paracetamol. May be prescribed to children.
- "Doctor Mom" is a herbal cough remedy that fights respiratory diseases, eliminates a runny nose, a cold and bronchitis. It is produced in the form of lozenges, lozenges, syrups, ointments, tablets, roller pencils. Prescribe such a medication to children from 2 years. What other antitussive drugs for wet coughs are prescribed?
- "Broncholitin" is a medical product that is very popular and is characterized as a proven and effective tool. It suppresses the cough center, does not depress respiration, successfully treats respiratory diseases, dilutes sputum, relieves swelling of the mucous membranes. It is widely used in childhood.
- "Bromhexine" is a medication prescribed for chronic and acute bronchial pathologies with sputum. The drug is easily tolerated, prescribed for children after 6 years, can be combined with antibiotics, contributing to their rapid penetration into the pathological secret. During treatment, the intake of a large volume of fluid is recommended.
- "Ambroxol" - an antitussive drug, with wet cough in adults and children is often used. Used in the prevention of respiratory infections, is available in the form of tablets and syrup. It helps to quickly cure cough that occurs with tracheitis, pneumonia, whooping cough and bronchitis.