List of inexpensive but effective cough medicines. Inexpensive, effervescent and lozenge cough tablets - instructions for use for children and adults

In some diseases, especially tracheitis, the sputum turns out to be so thick and dense that it cannot be coughed up. This complicates the course of the disease and worsens the patient’s situation. To cope with the situation, a variety of medications are used.

Among them there are enough effective drug based on natural plant materials, which are called “Cough Tablets”. This is a fairly old and well-tested remedy that has been used by several generations of patients. It is perfect for those people who prefer to use the gifts of nature, albeit in an extremely modern form.

Cough tablets: composition and properties of the drug

Cough tablets - effective expectorant on plant based

This drug is based on the herb Thermopsis lanceolata, which is a powerful expectorant containing a large number of active substances. The tablets contain sodium bicarbonate, talc and starch as a filler. Baking soda has a softening effect, it is always used in products from and for, other substances serve to bind the active substance and form a solid tablet. They are inert and do not have any effect on the human body, are excreted unchanged or digested in the digestive system.

Thermopsis alkaloids have an irritating effect on the respiratory and vomiting centers and enhance the secretion of glands located in the bronchi and responsible for the production and composition of mucus. When taking Cough Tablets, the patient quickly feels relief, as the sputum becomes less viscous, is easier to cough up, and disappears. strong pain in the chest and a feeling of difficulty breathing, suffocating cough. It is not recommended to take drugs containing thermopsis and licorice root for those people who are very sensitive to such drugs, as they can cause severe vomiting.

Cough tablets help to quickly cope with the problem of coughing with bronchitis, tracheitis, pneumonia and other respiratory diseases.

This drug can be used for non-productive and, as it acts quite gently, but at the same time quite effectively, stimulating the production in a more liquid form and facilitating its excretion. The easier it is for a sick person to cough, the less chance he has of complications of the disease and the disease becoming chronic.

With the use of thermopsis preparations, it becomes easier for the patient to breathe, especially with a very dry, irritating cough that literally tears the throat. Since more mucus begins to be released and it is more liquid, a kind of “lubrication” of the irritated mucous membranes occurs, and severe soreness decreases and then completely disappears.

Release form, shelf life and storage


The drug is produced in the form of flattened cylindrical tablets with a dividing chamfer, a muted greenish color, with possible minor inclusions of darker components (the drug is based on grass).

The tablets are packaged in blisters of 10 pieces each, which are placed in a cardboard box with instructions included.

The shelf life of the product is 48 months. After the expiration date, the drug cannot be used.It is recommended to store the medicine in specially designated places, out of reach of children, at a temperature not exceeding 25 degrees Celsius. The room should be dry and dark.

It is necessary to avoid direct exposure of the sun's rays to the tablets themselves - light can decompose the active ingredient.

When using the tablet, you need to take it with you sufficient quantity clean warm drinking water. Do not use milk, juices or carbonated drinks.

Purpose of the product

Indication for use of the drug: cough with difficult to clear sputum.

This drug is prescribed to adults and children over the age of twelve for dry, lingering and painful coughs to improve the coughing process and. The product helps to increase secretion, sputum becomes more liquid and less viscous, so it comes off much easier and easier. The use of “Cough Tablets” is allowed for dry and wet types.

With a productive cough, this drug helps to quickly clear the bronchi and trachea of ​​contents, which reduces inflammation. Accelerated expectoration makes the patient feel better, it becomes easier for him to breathe, and he goes faster on the mend.

Usually cough tablets, the method of use does not cause difficulty or hostility even in children, it is recommended to use with big amount warm drink.

This could be milk with honey, butter or goat fat, tea with raspberries or viburnum, mineral alkaline water, juices, compotes or herbal infusions. It is important not to give drinks cold and to ensure that their composition does not cause allergic reactions.

Useful video - The best cough medicines:

The use of large amounts of fluid not only helps to accelerate the removal of toxins from the body, but also helps to increase the dilution of sputum and increase its quantity. This is especially important if you have a very severe non-productive cough.

During treatment, the doctor may prescribe other drugs, for example, painkillers, anti-inflammatory drugs, vitamins, immune agents. Usually thermopsis is well combined with such medications, but you need to monitor your individual reactions. In case of allergic reactions or any unpleasant consequences, it is necessary to stop taking medications and seek medical help.

Mode of application

Correct use of cough tablets is the key to a quick recovery

Dosage for different ages:

  • For children over 12 years of age, the drug is prescribed one tablet 2 to 3 times a day. Treatment time usually does not exceed five days. If the course is completed and remains, the decision to extend therapy can only be made by a doctor.
  • Adults also take a tablet three times a day, the course of treatment lasts from 3 to 5 days. With the doctor's permission, the number of tablets can be increased under the constant supervision of medical personnel.

Since thermopsis herb has an effect that irritates the gastric mucosa and nerve endings, an overdose of the drug can provoke severe nausea and vomiting.

To eliminate the problem, gastric lavage is used. This drug is not prescribed to small children, as they may react to its composition, and children also have a very high sensitivity to various means causing nausea. The vomiting center, which is not fully formed, quickly reacts to the irritant and the medicine becomes the cause severe vomiting and the occurrence of allergic reactions.

Possible side effects and contraindications

Apart from causing nausea and vomiting, this remedy is like any herbal preparation, can cause allergic reactions of various types.

Most often they manifest themselves as urticaria, but when severe, they can have very serious manifestations, in rare cases dangerous to health.

When using Cough Tablets, you need to take into account your own individual reactions to such drugs.

Contraindications to the use of cough tablets include the following:

  1. The child's age is up to 12 years.
  2. Pregnancy.
  3. Breastfeeding period.
  4. Individual allergic reactions.

It is not recommended to combine different types of cough medications, especially herbal ones or those containing codeine, in order to avoid enhancing the effect or causing incompatibility and the development of various side effects.

A drug: ANTITUSSIVE TABLETS
Active substance: herba Thermopsidis lanceolatae, sodium bicarbonate
ATX code: R05CA10
KFG: Herbal medicine with expectorant action
ICD-10 codes (indications): J04, J20, J37, J42, R05
Reg. number: LS-001287
Registration date: 08/16/11
Owner reg. cred.: DALHIMFARM (Russia)

DOSAGE FORM, COMPOSITION AND PACKAGING

Pills flat-cylindrical, greenish-gray, chamfered; dark inclusions are allowed.

Excipients: potato starch 27.9 mg, talc 5.4 mg.

10 pieces. - cellless contour packages.
10 pieces. - contour cellular packaging.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE FOR SPECIALISTS.
The description of the drug was approved by the manufacturer in 2011.

PHARMACHOLOGIC EFFECT

Thermopsis herb has an expectorant effect, having a moderate irritating effect on the receptors of the gastric mucosa, and reflexively increases the secretion of the bronchial glands.

Sodium bicarbonate stimulates the secretion of bronchial glands and helps reduce the viscosity of sputum.

INDICATIONS

Diseases respiratory tract accompanied by a cough with sputum difficult to separate (tracheitis, bronchitis) - in the composition complex therapy.

DOSING REGIME

Directions for use: inside. Adults are prescribed 1 tablet 3 times a day for 3-5 days. Children over 12 years old - 1 tablet 3 times a day for 3-5 days. The duration of treatment is as recommended by the doctor.

SIDE EFFECT

Allergic reactions and nausea are possible.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Hypersensitivity to the components of the drug, gastric ulcer and duodenum(in the acute phase), childhood(up to 12 years old).

The drug should not be prescribed for pulmonary diseases with a tendency to hemoptysis (cancer and pulmonary tuberculosis in the presence of bleeding).

PREGNANCY AND LACTATION

Cough tablets are contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

To improve the liquefaction and separation of sputum, it is recommended to prescribe plenty of warm drinks.

The use of the drug does not affect the performance of potentially dangerous species activities requiring increased attention and speed of psychomotor reactions (driving vehicles, working with moving mechanisms, working as a dispatcher and operator).

OVERDOSE

Overdose symptoms: nausea, vomiting. Treatment - symptomatic.

DRUG INTERACTIONS

Adsorbents, binders and enveloping agents can reduce the absorption of alkaloids included in the thermopsis herb in the gastrointestinal tract.

Cough tablets should not be used concomitantly with preparations containing codeine and other antitussives. medicines, as this makes it difficult to cough up mucus.

CONDITIONS OF VACATION FROM PHARMACIES

The drug is approved for use as a means of OTC.

CONDITIONS AND DURATION OF STORAGE

In a dry place, protected from light, at a temperature not exceeding 25°C. Keep out of the reach of children.

Best before date. 4 years. Do not use after the expiration date stated on the package.

Simple and effective method Eliminate a cough or make it productive - these are the so-called “cough tablets.” This is a simple and effective herbal preparation. This is a time-tested remedy based on soda and thermopsis herb extract, which has a pronounced expectorant and mucolytic effect. This drug is most effective when acute bronchitis and tracheitis, as well as others infectious diseases respiratory tract. An important advantage of this drug is the safety of use and affordable price.

What are “Cough Tablets”

“Cough tablets” cannot be used in combination with drugs that block the cough reflex.

“Cough tablets” are a combination herbal preparation. The main active ingredients that provide rapid improvement are:

  • thermopsis lanceolate herb extract;
  • sodium hydrochloride ( baking soda);
  • codeine;
  • licorice herb;
  • potato starch;
  • talc.

Thermopsis grass (also made from it) promotes effective liquefaction and easy removal of sputum. Additionally, it has a mild stimulating effect on the gastric mucosa, while simultaneously irritating the bronchial mucosa. It helps make a debilitating dry cough productive by preventing phlegm from stagnating in the lungs.

In order for the effect of “Cough Tablets” to have maximum effect, you need to drink as much warm liquid as possible. This helps make the mucus thinner and makes it easier to remove.

Licorice root extract has not only mucolytic, but also anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic effects. It softens the inflamed mucous membrane of the respiratory tract and promotes their speedy healing. Codeine “turns off” the cough center in the brain, helping to get rid of an unproductive dry cough. At the same time, it has a mild analgesic and calming effect.

Preparations based on thermopsis herb are contraindicated during pregnancy, as it increases the tone of the uterine muscles.

Another component is sodium bicarbonate, or regular baking soda. It effectively softens the mucous membrane and helps with easy discharge of sputum. An important advantage of “Cough Tablets” is the absence of any dyes, flavors and other additives. Licorice root extract acts as a natural sweetener.

“Cough tablets” do not contain sugar, so they can be used for diabetes.

Dosage forms

The drug is available in the form of flat-cylindrical tablets with a longitudinal chamfer. The tablets are greenish-gray in color with dark inclusions. Available in packs of 10 tablets, in paper packaging, cell contour or non-cell contour.

The tablets have a characteristic sweet and sour taste, which is why children like them.


The tablets are easily absorbed by the gastric mucosa, so the maximum effect occurs after 30 minutes. The effect of the drug can last from 2 to 6 hours, after which it is easily excreted not only through the kidneys, but also through the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract.

The drug does not affect concentration, so it can be used while operating machinery.

pharmachologic effect

The drug has a combined effect. It refers to pharmacological group secretolytics and stimulants of motor function of the muscles of the bronchial tree.

The drug cannot be used simultaneously with other cough suppressants, that is, suppressants. cough reflex.

It can be used equally effectively for treatment. Thanks to the active substances contained in thermopsis grass, such as parhicarpine, anagyrine and methylcystisine, the drug improves the secretion of the bronchial glands and the stimulation of the respiratory center.

Due to this, “Cough Tablets” are perfect as part of therapy for diseases of the respiratory tract with thick, viscous, difficult to separate sputum. The drug does not create additional stress on digestive tract, since all its components are perfectly absorbed in the stomach.

The drug has a stimulating effect on the cough center in the brain, which ensures effective coughing up of phlegm.

Indications and contraindications for use

“Cough tablets” are a drug combined action plant based. This makes it ideal for treating such inflammatory diseases, How:

  • tracheitis;
  • pharyngobronchitis;

The drug should be taken at the first symptoms of the disease, after consulting with your doctor. This will help speed up recovery and also avoid unwanted complications.

The drug contains codeine, so it cannot be used for longer than 5 days. This may cause dependence on the medicine.

If coughing attacks get worse at night, you should take the tablet just before bed.

The drug is prescribed to children only from 12 years of age. The recommended dosage is ½ tablet 3 times a day. If necessary, the doctor may prescribe treatment in an adult dosage.

Despite the fact that “cough tablets” can be bought without a prescription, you should not use it for self-medication. It should be taken only as prescribed by your doctor.

Despite the safety and effectiveness of the drug, it has many contraindications for use.“Cough tablets” should absolutely not be used for:

  • bronchial asthma;
  • peptic ulcer stomach or duodenum (during an exacerbation);
  • tuberculosis;
  • lung cancer;
  • individual intolerance to the components of the drug.


The duration of treatment with the drug should not be more than 10 days. It's connected with possible addiction to the drug.

During pregnancy

The drug cannot be used during breastfeeding. This is due to the fact that the thermopsis herb included in its composition contains the active substance parhicapine. It is capable of causing active contraction of the smooth muscles of the uterus, which leads to its increased tone.

The components of the drug are able to penetrate into breast milk. Therefore, it should not be used during breastfeeding.

Please note that the doctor may decide on the need for treatment with the drug in the 2nd trimester of pregnancy. At the same time, it is possible useful action must exceed the harm to the child.

For small children

Cough tablets should not be used to treat children under 12 years of age. This is due to the fact that the drug contains codeine. It is also not recommended for children due to the active alkaloids contained in thermopsis grass, such as parhicapine.

Possible complications caused by the drug

In case of an overdose of the drug, the following may occur: undesirable consequences, How:

  • nausea;
  • vomit.

If these symptoms appear, treatment with the drug should be stopped immediately and seek help from a doctor. As symptomatic treatment Gastric lavage is used, after which enterosorbents are prescribed. The drug may cause such side symptoms, How allergic reaction on the components of the drug. In this case, treatment should be stopped immediately.

Video

conclusions

“Cough tablets” are a combination of herbal remedies. It is ideal for the treatment of lower respiratory tract diseases. The main problem in this case becomes.
It is safe to use and has a pleasant taste. Another important advantage of using this product is its affordable price. However, it is no less effective than expensive means From cough.

Prices in online pharmacies:

Cough tablets are a combined herbal medicine that is used for the complex treatment of respiratory diseases.

pharmachologic effect

The therapeutic effect when using Cough Tablets occurs due to its active components:

Release form and composition

The drug is produced in the form of greenish-gray tablets having a flat-cylindrical shape. The drug contains the herb Thermopsis lanceolata (6.7 milligrams), as well as sodium bicarbonate (250 milligrams). The package contains 10 tablets.

Analogues

Thermopsol is considered an analogue of the drug in terms of active components. According to the mechanism of action, the following medications exist:

  • Herbal components - breast collection No. 14, thyme herb, anise fruits, oregano herb, pine buds, licorice root, dry marshmallow root extract, marsh rosemary shoots, as well as elecampane roots and rhizomes;
  • Syrups: Doctor Mom, Kuka, Eucabal, Amtersol, Linkas, Prospan, Theraflu KV, Tussamag, Gerbion, Coldrex broncho, Fitolor, Bronchipret, Gedelix, Prothiazine expectorant;
  • Drops for oral use: Bronchipret, Bronchicum;
  • Extract for oral use: Anti-asthmatic medicine according to Traskova’s prescription;
  • Depending on the mechanism of action, there are also lozenges. These include Linkas
    Lor, Bronchicum S, Fitolor, Eucalyptus-M;
  • To treat cough, you can use Travisil, Mucaltin, and Pectusin tablets. Cough tablets can be given to children only as prescribed by a specialist in the indicated dosage;
  • In addition, there is a powder for preparing cough solution for both children and adults.

Indications for use

Cough tablets should be prescribed as part of complex therapy in the treatment of respiratory tract diseases. Diseases of the respiratory tract may be accompanied by a cough with sputum that is difficult to separate, including bronchitis.

Contraindications

Cough medications should not be used if the patient has an exacerbation of gastric or duodenal ulcers. In addition, tablets should not be used by people who have increased sensitivity to the active ingredients.

Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid using Cough Drops. Cough medications should not be prescribed to children if they are under 12 years of age.

Directions for use and dosage

Adults should take 1 cough tablet 3 times a day. The course of treatment generally does not exceed 5 days.

Children Cough tablets should be prescribed from the age of 12 (1 tablet 3 times a day). The duration of therapy should be determined by the attending physician individually. During therapy you should drink plenty of fluids. These measures are necessary to improve the separation and dilution of sputum.

If an overdose occurs, patients may develop digestive disorders, including nausea and. In such situations, it is necessary to carry out symptomatic therapy.

Video: Cough tablets | instructions for use

Drug interactions

The drug should not be prescribed simultaneously with adsorbents, enveloping and astringent drugs. Otherwise, these medications will slow down the absorption of alkaloids that are part of the thermopsis herb.

Video: Cough tablets are no longer available for purchase

In addition, it is recommended to avoid simultaneous use tablets with medications that contain codeine. Cough tablets should not be used in combination with other antitussives, as this significantly complicates the removal of sputum.

Side effects

According to the instructions, cough tablets may cause nausea or reactions (if the body is predisposed).

Storage conditions and periods

The medication can be purchased in pharmacies without a prescription. Shelf life is 4 years (with proper storage drug).

Thank you

Cough represents reflex act aimed at cleansing the surface of the mucous membranes of organs respiratory system from accumulated particles of mucus, pus and dead cells. In other words, coughing is a way of cleansing the mucous membranes of the bronchi, trachea, lungs and throat from accumulated and irritating particles. Since the respiratory organs are constantly in contact with environment, then they are often exposed to various irritating substances and pathogenic microorganisms, causing a cough reflex. This is why cough is the most common symptom with which people consult a doctor. general practice or a pharmacist.

Currently available wide range various medications, which in everyday consciousness are combined into one large group called "cough". However, this group is heterogeneous from the point of view of pharmacology and doctors, since it includes drugs that suppress the cough reflex, and facilitate the discharge of sputum, and dilute secretions, etc. In principle, all of these drugs affect cough in one way or another, but this does not mean that any of them can be taken in all cases. Choosing a cough medicine, which in this case specific case Whether it will be effective depends on the type of cough and the underlying disease that provoked the symptom. To do this you need to know the varieties cough medicines and features of their action.

Cough tablets - classification, brief characteristics, international names of active ingredients

Depending on the mechanism and features of action, all cough medications, including tablets, are divided into three large groups:
1. Antitussives;
2. Mucolytic agents;
3. Expectorants.

Antitussives are drugs that inhibit the cough reflex itself at the level nervous system. As a result of the action of drugs of this group, a person simply turns off the cough reflex in the brain or at the nerve level, and he stops coughing.

Mucolytic agents are drugs that thin out thick and viscous mucus, facilitating its removal from the various organs respiratory system.

Expectorant drugs with resorptive action are now used quite rarely, since a wide selection of highly effective and safe means reflex action containing in the composition natural herbs. It is the expectorant drugs of reflex action that represent the majority of cough remedies displayed in pharmacy windows.

In addition to the groups listed above, there are also combination drugs for coughs, among which the following varieties are distinguished:

  • Antitussives with expectorant effect - Tussin, Stoptussin, Protiazin;
  • Antitussives with anti-inflammatory effect - Bronholitin;
  • Mucolytics with expectorant effect - Bromhexine, Ambroxol, Ascoril;
  • Expectorants with anti-inflammatory effect - Chest collection 1, 2 and 4, Sinupret, Pulmotin, licorice root syrup, Glyciram;
  • Expectorants with an antibacterial effect - Gelomirtol, Prospan, Eukabal;
  • Expectorants with a bronchodilator effect - Gedelix;
  • Expectorants with mucolytic and anti-inflammatory effects - Suprima-Broncho.
The above classifications indicate international titles all cough medications available on the domestic pharmaceutical market, regardless of their release form. Among these drugs there are tablets, syrups, drops, and chewable lozenges. In the future, we will give names and consider only those drugs that are available in tablet form.

Cough tablets - names

Here are the commercial and international names of cough tablets from various groups(antitussives, mucolytics and expectorants). In this case, we will first indicate international name active substance, and in brackets next to it are the commercial names of finished drugs available on the pharmaceutical market.

Antitussive tablets include the following: medications:

  • Codeine (Quintalgin, Caffetin, Codelac, Codelmixt, Codterpin, Nurofen Plus, Parcocet, Pentabufen, Prohodol forte, Tercodin, Tepinkod, Tedein);
  • Glaucine (Glauvent, Bromhexine, Ascoril, Solvin, Bronholitin);
  • Oxeladine (Paxeladin, Tusuprex);
  • Ethylmorphine (Ethylmorphine hydrochloride);
  • Dextromethorphan (Alex Plus, Grippex, Gripend, Caffetin Cold, Padevix, Toff Plus);
  • Butamirat (Codelac Neo, Omnitus, Panatus);
  • Prenoxdiazine (Libexin).
All of the above tablets have the property of stopping painful, hysterical, dry coughs of various origins.

Tablets with mucolytic action include the following:

  • Acetylcysteine ​​(ACC, Acestin, Vicks Active ExpectoMed, N-AC-ratiopharm, Fluimucil, Mukobene);
  • Carbocisteine ​​(Mucodin, Carbocisteine, Mucopront, Mukosol);
  • Bromhexine (Ascoril, Solvin, Bromhexine, Phlegamine);
  • Ambroxol (Lazolangin, Lazolvan, Deflegmin, Suprima-Kof, Mucobron, Ambrobene, Ambrohexal, Ambrolan, Ambrotard 75).
All of the listed mucolytic tablets thin the mucus and facilitate its passage. The drugs relieve a severe and strained cough, which produces a small amount of viscous, dense and sticky sputum.

Cough tablets with expectorant action include the following:

  • Potassium iodide (Amtersol);
  • Sodium bicarbonate (Sodium bicarbonate 0.25 g);
  • Guaifenesin (Stoptussin, Ascoril);
  • Thermopsis (cough tablets, Thermopsol, Thermopsis grass tablets 0.1 g, Codelac Broncho);
  • Marshmallow root (Mukaltin);
  • Licorice (Doctor MOM, Linkas Lor, Travisil, Fitolor);
  • Thyme (Gelomirtol, Bronchicum S, Bronchipret).
Expectorants are rarely available in tablet form, since this is relatively technologically difficult. Because the most of drugs in this group are extracts and other variants of extracts from medicinal plants, then it is more convenient to produce liquid dosage forms, such as syrups, solutions, granules or powders for preparing solutions, etc.

Cough tablets - what types are there?

Currently, cough tablets, depending on their physical properties and application features are divided into the following varieties:
  • Coated tablets. These tablets must be swallowed whole, without chewing, and washed down with a sufficient amount of water (at least half a glass);
  • Effervescent cough tablets. These tablets are intended for the preparation of solutions for oral administration. Effervescent tablets are either mucolytic drugs or expectorants;
  • Sucking (chewable) cough tablets. These tablets are intended to be slowly dissolved or chewed in the mouth. Chewable tablets belong to mucolytic or expectorant drugs with a distracting effect.

Effervescent cough tablets

Effervescent cough tablets available on the domestic market are ACC and Mukobene. Moreover, both drugs - ACC and Mukobene - are mucolytics, that is, they thin out mucus and facilitate its passage. In terms of the severity of their clinical effects, effervescent mucolytic tablets do not have any advantage over conventional film-coated tablets. However, when using effervescent tablets the clinical effect occurs much faster, therefore, if cough with thick sputum is subjectively difficult to tolerate, it is recommended to use this dosage form. In other situations, you can use those cough tablets that a person likes best for some subjective reason.

Cough lozenges

Sucking cough tablets that have the most pronounced clinical effect are Alex Plus and Doctor MOM lozenges. Moreover, Doctor MOM lozenges are classified as expectorants, and Alex Plus are mucolytic. In addition to these drugs, there is a wide range of different sucking lozenges sold in pharmacies not as medicines, but as over-the-counter products symptomatic remedies, and also related to cough tablets. An example of such cough drops is Halls et al.

In principle, cough lozenges have the same clinical effects, like those covered with a shell. However, lozenges contain components that have a distracting effect due to the cooling effect in oral cavity, which subjectively allows a person to feel much better.

In addition, cough lozenges are effective against irritation upper sections respiratory tract, which occurs against the background of inhalation of various harmful substances, dust particles, etc. In such cases, the effect of sucking tablets is similar to antitussives of peripheral action, that is, they suppress cough and relieve a person of a painful symptom. Currently, there is a wide selection of similar cough lozenges, which contain extracts of honey, cherry, menthol, eucalyptus, licorice, acacia, linden and glycerin.

Cough tablets - use (rules for selection depending on the type of cough)

The choice of cough tablets should be made individually, taking into account all the features of the current disease and the given specific person. To select medications, the following main factors must be taken into account:
  • Type of cough (dry, wet, productive with viscous sputum);
  • Presence and type of sputum (thick, liquid, large or small amount, etc.);
  • Possible provoking factor for cough (for example, acute respiratory infections, ARVI, chronic bronchitis, allergic cough, etc.).
Only after clarifying the above factors can you begin to select cough tablets. General rule The choice of tablets can be formulated as follows:
  • For dry, debilitating cough without sputum discharge, antitussive drugs are indicated. Moreover, it is recommended to use either central non-narcotic antitussives (Glaucin, Bromhexine, Ascoril, Solvin, Paxeladin, Tusuprex, Padevix, Caffetin Cold, Panatus, Codelac Neo) or peripherally acting drugs (Prenoxdiazine, Libexin). Centrally acting narcotic antitussive drugs (Codeine, Codelac, Codterpine, etc.) are recommended to be used only as prescribed by a doctor, since they can cause severe side effects(constipation, hallucinations, etc.) and addiction to them quickly develops;
  • For severe cough with the discharge of a small amount of viscous, sticky and thick sputum, it is necessary to use mucolytic agents, such as ACC, Acestin, Mukobene, Fluimucil, Carbocysteine, Mucosol, Solvin, Flegamine, Ambroxol, Lazolvan, Ambrobene, etc. These drugs thin out the mucus, peel it off surfaces of the respiratory tract and facilitate coughing. Mucolytics are the preferred drugs for severe bronchospasm because they do not increase mucus production;
  • For productive cough with copious sputum discharge, expectorant drugs are indicated, such as Amtersol, sodium bicarbonate, Stoptussin, Ascoril, Thermopsis, Thermopsol, Mucaltin, Travisil, Bronchipret, Gelomirtol, etc. These drugs accelerate the removal of sputum from the respiratory tract, eliminating its stagnation and secondary infection.
Antitussives used for bronchospasm, allergic inflammation, pharyngitis, laryngitis, tracheitis, tracheobronchitis, bronchopneumonia, chronic bronchitis, bronchial asthma, pleurisy or emphysema, accompanied by a dry, painful, debilitating cough. In addition, antitussive drugs can be used for initial stages colds, when there is no sputum production yet, and a painful cough does not give the opportunity to rest. Antitussives, with the exception of Bromhexine and lozenges, are allowed to be used only by adults and children over 7 to 10 years of age.

Mucolytic drugs used for acute laryngitis, tracheitis, bronchitis or pneumonia in order to dilute viscous sputum. These drugs are indicated for use in the first days of the disease in combination with moisturizing steam inhalations.

Expectorants must be used when it appears productive cough with the discharge of large quantities of sputum. This must be done so that sputum does not stagnate in the respiratory tract, causing secondary infection and spread inflammatory process to neighboring organs and tissues. In addition, timely removal of sputum is necessary so that decay products are not absorbed into the bloodstream, causing intoxication.

Important! Antitussives, mucolytics and expectorants cannot be used simultaneously, assuming that they are all “cough pills”. You can combine mucolytic and expectorant drugs, gradually switching to taking only expectorant tablets. You cannot combine antitussives with expectorants or mucolytics under any circumstances, since they have multidirectional effects. As a result of the use of mucolytics or expectorants in combination with antitussives, aspiration of sputum and mucus may occur, followed by asphyxia.

Tablets for various types of cough

Let's consider what types of tablets should be used for various types cough.

Dry cough tablets

If a dry cough appears against the background of any colds, then it is recommended to use drugs from the group of mucolytics, such as ACC, Acestin, Mukobene, Fluimucil, Kabocysteine, Mukosol, Solvin, Phlegamine, Ambroxol, Lazolvan, Ambrobene, etc. Mucolytics thin out thick and viscous sputum, which is very poorly and difficult to separate from the surface respiratory organs, and therefore provokes a strained, painful and dry cough. When the cough becomes productive with sputum discharge, it is recommended to switch to expectorants.

If a dry cough appears against the background chronic diseases respiratory organs, for example obstructive bronchitis, pleurisy, emphysema, tracheitis and others, it is recommended to take peripheral or centrally acting antitussives. Moreover, for long-term diseases, peripheral antitussives are recommended, such as Prenoxdiazine, Libexin, etc., since they act gently without provoking additional bronchospasm. At acute diseases with a dry cough, it is recommended to take non-narcotic centrally acting antitussives, such as Glaucine, Bromhexine, Ascoril, Solvin, Paxeladin, Tusuprex, Padevix, Caffetin Cold, Panatus, Codelac Neo. These medications can be taken until symptoms subside.

Only with a painful and debilitating dry cough, characteristic of pleurisy, whooping cough or heart disease, is it necessary to use narcotic antitussives of central action, such as Codeine, Quintalgin, Caffetin, Codelac, Codelmixt, Codterpin, Tercodin, Tepinkod, Tedeine. Codeine preparations can only be taken for 5 to 7 days in a row, as addiction occurs with longer use.

Wet cough tablets

Tablets from wet cough must be taken in order to ensure the removal of all sputum from the lumen of the respiratory organs. If a small amount of sputum is released when coughing, it is recommended to take mucolytic drugs (for example, ACC, Carbocysteine, Fluimucil, Ambroxol, etc.) or combined agents with mucolytic and expectorant effects, for example, Bromhexine, Ambroxol, Ascoril, Suprima-Broncho. After a large amount of sputum appears, you should switch to expectorant medications.

If a sufficiently large amount of sputum is released when coughing, then it is necessary to take expectorants (Amtersol, sodium bicarbonate, Stoptussin, Ascoril, Thermopsis, Thermopsol, Mucaltin, Travisil, Bronchipret, Gelomirtol), which will improve, accelerate and facilitate its removal from everyone, even the most small bronchi. Expectorants are necessary to prevent sputum from stagnating and causing secondary infection of nearby organs.

Among expectorants, it is recommended to use Bronchipret, Stoptussin, Thermopsis, Mucaltin and other tablets that contain thermopsis herb, guaifenesin or herbal ingredients. Tablets containing sodium bicarbonate or iodides (for example, Amtersol) may have bad taste and cause painful side effects in the form of diarrhea, constipation, etc.

Allergic cough tablets

Allergic cough tablets can only be used as remedies emergency assistance, because the this state requires systematic use of medications. So, if a person has an attack of an allergic cough provoked by any irritating factors, then he needs to take narcotic antitussive tablets of central action based on codeine (for example, Codeine, Quintalgin, Caffetin, Codelac, Codelmixt, Codterpin, Tercodin, Tepinkod, Tedein). If it is not possible to take a drug with codeine (they are sold only by prescription), then you can use a non-narcotic antitussive agent of central action, for example, Glaucine, Ascoril, Solvin, Paxeladin, Tusuprex, Padevix, Caffetin Cold, Panatus, etc.

In addition, when allergic cough it is necessary to additionally take some antihistamine, for example, Erius, Telfast, Zyrtec, Cetirizine, Fenistil, Suprastin, etc., which will eliminate spasm and swelling of the soft tissues of the respiratory tract, and also stop the production of mucus.

Cough tablets for bronchitis

Cough tablets for bronchitis must be taken depending on the stage and form pathological process. Thus, for chronic bronchitis, accompanied by a dry and unproductive cough, it is recommended to use mucolytic drugs (ACC, Carbocisteine, Fluimucil, Ambroxol) or peripheral antitussives (Libexin). During periods of exacerbation chronic bronchitis be sure to use mucolytics and expectorants (Amtersol, sodium bicarbonate, Stoptussin, Ascoril, Thermopsis, Thermopsol, Mucaltin, Travisil, Bronchipret, Gelomirtol).

In acute bronchitis in the initial stages, when the cough is dry and unproductive, it is necessary to use peripheral antitussives and mucolytics. Then, if a cough with phlegm appears, you should switch to taking expectorant tablets. Moreover, expectorant tablets must be taken until the cough stops completely.

Cough tablets for children

Rules for the selection and use of cough tablets in children in general provisions the same as for adults. However, due to the structure and physiology of the respiratory tract in children, there are some peculiarities in the use and selection of cough tablets. Let us consider these features of the use of cough suppressants in children.

Firstly, centrally acting antitussive drugs based on codeine (Quintalgin, Caffetin, Codelac, Codelmixt, Codterpin, Nurofen Plus, Parcocet, Pentabufen, Prohodol forte, Tercodin, Tepinkod, Tedein, etc.), which are narcotic, are not used in children apply. These products are used only by doctors specialized hospitals in critical situations.

The main direction of treatment of cough in children is its transformation from dry and obsessive to wet and productive with sputum discharge. This tactic is due to the fact that in children, cough is mainly associated with the formation of viscous and thick sputum, which is difficult to separate from the walls of the respiratory organs. Therefore, when a dry, straining cough appears in a child under 7 years of age, he needs to be given mucolytics, such as Bromhexine, Ambroxol, Dornase Alpha, ACC, Carbocysteine, Stoptussin, Guaifenesin. And in a child over 7 years old, these drugs should be supplemented with antihistamines(Erius, Telfast, Suprastin, etc.) to relieve bronchospasm. Mucolytics only thin the sputum without increasing its volume, so there is no risk of aspiration into the lungs when used. In principle, mucolytics are the drugs of choice for the treatment of cough in children. The only situation when mucolytics cannot be used in children is a cough due to bronchial asthma.

When a wet cough with sputum appears, children should be given expectorants to remove all mucus from the respiratory system. Most expectorants are made from medicinal plants, but this does not mean that all of them are safe for children; on the contrary, many are quite dangerous. Thus, a child should not be given expectorant tablets containing ipecac and thermopsis, as they increase the gag reflex, which can provoke aspiration of mucus into the lungs. If a child has diarrhea due to a cough, then tablets containing licorice, oregano and anise should not be given, as they have a laxative effect. Tablets with iodide are not tolerated by children, since the therapeutic dose is too high and can cause poisoning. Thus, when wet cough The child can be given expectorant tablets containing guaifenesin (Stoptussin, Ascoril), marshmallow (Mukaltin) or thyme (Bronchipret, Gelomirtol, etc.).

Antitussives are used very rarely in children, only when very severe cough with vomiting, which exhausts the child and does not allow him to sleep. In such situations, you can give the child peripherally acting antitussives, for example, Glaucine, Paxeladine, Tusuprex.

Cough tablets during pregnancy

Pregnant women can use tablets containing: active substance dextromethorphan. This substance does not pass through the placenta and does not affect the growth and development of the fetus.

Currently, the following antitussive tablets containing dextromethorphan are available on the domestic market and are approved for use in pregnant women:

  • Padevix;
  • Tussin plus.
In the instructions for use, manufacturers may indicate that dextromethorphan is contraindicated for use in the first trimester of pregnancy. However this information is inaccurate and outdated, since during the last 1 - 2 years clinical trials, which showed the harmlessness of dextromethorphan at any stage of pregnancy. However, the bureaucratic machine is slow, and therefore it takes a lot of time to register any changes in the instructions for use of drugs due to careful checks of the submitted scientific data. And therefore, in any instructions for a medicine with dextromethorphan, “the first trimester of pregnancy” is indicated in the contraindication column. But women should know that the drug has been tested and is safe for pregnant women at any stage.

Dextromethorphan is the best drug to eliminate dry cough in pregnant women. However, many drugs, along with dextromethorphan, also contain other active ingredients that should not be used by pregnant women.

In the presence of a wet cough with sputum production, expectorants and mucolytic drugs are indicated, most of which are based on medicinal herbs. Cough tablets often contain herbal components, many of which should not be taken by pregnant women, since they can negatively affect the course of pregnancy, causing an increase in the tone of the uterus and other adverse consequences. Pregnant women can take cough drops containing linden, ivy, or citrus peel ingredients. Among the herbal tablets with antitussive and expectorant effects, pregnant women can use the following:

  • Bronchicum S – lozenges;
  • Bronchipret - coated tablets.
The instructions for use of these drugs may indicate that use during pregnancy is undesirable. This phrase means that the drug was tested on animals, and in experimental models no negative impact on the fetus and the course of pregnancy. But in order to indicate in the instructions that the drug is safe for pregnant women, animal experiments are not enough; tests should be carried out on pregnant women. For obvious reasons, such studies are not conducted. Therefore, drug manufacturers, based on data on the safety of the drug obtained from experiments on animals, but without the results of tests on pregnant women, indicate in the instructions that “the drug is not advisable to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.” That's why this phrase does not mean that the drug is potentially dangerous for a pregnant woman and fetus.

In addition, for a wet cough, pregnant women can take medications containing bromhexine as the active substance. Currently, the following drugs containing bromhexine are available on the domestic market:

  • Bromhexine syrup, tablets, capsules;
  • Solvin solution and tablets.
All of the above cough tablets can be used at any stage of pregnancy. In addition, there are also drugs that can be taken starting from the second trimester, which include drugs containing antitussive components codeine and libexin, for example, Stoptussin, Coldrex Knight, Falimint, Libexin, etc.

In general, the simplest and most accessible rule for choosing cough medications for a pregnant woman is the following - she can take those medications that are approved for children under 3 years of age.

Good cough tablets

IN medical practice there is no such thing as “good” or “best”, since the drugs available on the market are created for various situations. This means that each specific medicine, including cough tablets, has clear indications and contraindications, which include conditions for which the drug is most effective. This means that in each specific situation, those cough tablets that are indicated in this case will be good. And such drugs are called optimal, not best or good.

For example, for a dry cough, tablets with antitussive components - codeine, dextromethorphan, glaucine, oxeladin, butamirate, prenoxdiazine or levodronpropizine - would be good. Among those listed, the most dangerous are tablets containing codeine, while products with other antitussive components are safe.

For a wet cough with a small amount of sputum good means there will be mucolytics, among which the safest, most effective, well tolerated and rarely causing side effects are tablets containing active ingredients guaifenesin, bromhexine, ambroxol, acetylcysteine ​​or carbocysteine.

For a wet cough with a lot of sputum, expectorant tablets containing herbal ingredients as active ingredients, for example, Mucaltin, Bronchipret, Gelomirtol, Thermopsis, etc.

Cheap cough tablets

The cheapest are next pills From cough:
  • Expectorants - Sodium bicarbonate 0.25 g tablets, Potassium iodide, Thermopsis grass tablets 0.1 g, Cough tablets, Thermopsol, Mucaltin, Travisil, Stoptussin;
  • Mucolytic drugs – Stoptussin, Bromhexine, Ambrohexal, N-AC-ratiopharm, Mucosol;
  • Antitussives - Codterpin, Glauvent, Tusuprex, Ethylmorphine hydrochloride.
Before use, you should consult a specialist.