Cough suppressants: list with names, compositions, mechanism of action

The beginning of the cold season invariably causes the spread of colds and infectious diseases, causing various types of cough. An important condition for alleviating the condition is the selection of an effective remedy. To choose an effective cough medicine for adults, it is necessary to know the exact cause of the development of the pathological process and take into account the peculiarities of its course.

"Omnitus"

A centrally acting drug capable of suppressing cough, it 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 bronchodilator, expectorant and anti-inflammatory effect, stabilizes blood oxygenation and spirometry.

This medicine is available in the form of tablets and syrup. It can be used to suppress cough in children over 3 years of age. It is important to find out in advance which drugs that suppress cough in adults and children are most effective.

Medicines for adults

It is difficult to identify the most effective expectorant for dry cough, but the most common ones are:

1. Ambroxol (used in the form of tablets or syrup). The medicinal composition is used for acute inflammatory processes in the bronchi, lungs and other organs of the respiratory system.
2. Lazolvan is an equally popular product from an imported manufacturer. Its analogues include Flavamed, Ambrobene.
3. ACC . Characterized by anti-inflammatory and expectorant effects. If a dry cough is of allergic origin, the expectorant presented is used with extreme caution.
4. Solvin (its analogues are Bronchosan and Bromhexine). It is characterized by a slight antitussive effect and a much more pronounced expectorant effect.

The presented medications help reduce inflammation and similar processes in the mucous surface of the larynx. The same applies to the area of ​​the lungs and bronchi.

Expectorants are indispensable due to their ability to alleviate the general condition of the patient. The drugs dilute the exudate produced, which significantly reduces the pain threshold when trying to cough.

In addition, they stimulate the release of sputum from the most inaccessible area, namely the bronchi.

"Codelac"

Codelac is a combined medicine with expectorant and antitussive effects. The composition of this medicine includes the following active elements: sodium bicarbonate, codeine, Thermopsis lanceolata herb in powder form, licorice root.

This medication is characterized by a pronounced expectorant and antitussive effect. Codeine reduces the excitability of the cough center, has a mild sedative and analgesic effect and suppresses reflexes that are responsible for prolonged coughing. In small doses, this drug does not contribute to depression of the respiratory center, reduction of 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 increasing the tone of the smooth muscles of the bronchi as a result of the vagotropic effect, intensifying the functions of the ciliated epithelium and accelerating the excretion of mucus.

Strengthens the secretory functions of the bronchial glands. The biological components of this antitussive agent are distinguished by ganglion-blocking properties. The substance sodium bicarbonate activates the motor functions of the ciliated epithelium and bronchioles, reduces the thickness 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 ciliated 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 (liquiritoside).

This cough suppressant drug is contraindicated in case of bronchial asthma, respiratory failure, simultaneous use with centrally acting analgesics (buprenorphine, nalbuphine, pentazocine) and alcohol, at the age of less than 2 years, during pregnancy and lactation.

Dry cough syrup is inexpensive and effective

There are two ways to stop a nonproductive cough:

• Soften the membrane lining the throat
• Remove the signal entering the cough center

This can be done with several medications. To soften the mucous membrane, rinse with baking soda; you can inhale with Essentuki mineral water or regular soda. If this does not help, then the best option is to use one of the means that blocks the signal to the cough center. They can be developed based on codeine and narcotic components, which generally affect the body like a drug. You can use drugs that affect exclusively the part of the brain that is responsible for this response of the body.

Dry cough syrup is inexpensive and effective:

• Sinekod
• Codeine
• Butamirat

In addition, medications that block the flow of signals to the brain often contain emollient components that envelop the mucous membrane of the throat and prevent injury to it.

Medicine

"Glauvent"

The active ingredient of this medication is glaucine hydrobromide lauvent, a centrally acting antitussive drug. It contains an alkaloid secreted from the yellow macaque plant, which has the property of suppressing the cough center, but unlike codeine, this element does not suppress the respiratory center. The medicine does not have a negative effect on the functioning of the intestines, and with prolonged use it does not provoke addiction or drug dependence.

Glaucine is capable of exhibiting adrenolytic properties and can reduce blood pressure. According to the instructions for the antitussive drug, the drug "Glauvent" is recommended for use in the treatment of dry cough of various origins, 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, and lung cancer. Contraindications to its use are myocardial infarction, sputum hyperproduction, arterial hypotension, and hypersensitivity. Allowed to be given to children over 4 years of age.

What other drugs are there to suppress cough in adults?

Inexpensive cough tablets for adults

The tablets make mucus fluid and help remove it. It is not advisable to use these tablet medications to treat dry cough caused by tracheitis or laryngitis.

Inexpensive cough tablets for adults:

1. Ambroxol . Refers to mucolytics, which make the secretion less viscous and improve its discharge.
2. Bromhexine . It acts similarly to Ambroxol, also a mucolytic that in no way acts on the center in the brain. It only helps to make the mucus viscous, provided it is present in the bronchi.
3. Thyme . Very often, lollipops and thyme tablets are used to treat coughs. They are also not used for stenosis, but are necessary only if the mucus is very liquid, there is a large amount of it, and it is necessary to accelerate removal from the alveoli and lungs. That is, the drug stimulates the occurrence of a symptom, promoting the removal of mucus.
4. Salbutamol . This is a drug that is sold in tablets, known to everyone as Ventolin, used by inhalation during strong, unproductive barking. The substance is an antispasmodic; it relieves spasms, thereby reducing severe stenosis and promoting healing of the mucous membrane. Useful both for stenosis and for the presence of secretions in the alveoli.

Overslept from cough

"Libexin"

The active element of this drug is prenoxdiazine hydrochloride, which is a peripherally acting antitussive substance. It blocks the cough reflex due to the following effects:

• bronchodilator effect, which helps suppress stretch 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 peripheral receptors that cause coughing 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 medical product is indicated in preparation for bronchographic or bronchoscopic examination, for night coughs in patients with heart failure, for non-productive coughs of any etiology, including those caused by bronchitis, influenza, catarrh of the respiratory tract, emphysema, and pneumonia.

Contraindications to its use are diseases with abundant bronchial secretion, lactase deficiency, condition after inhalation anesthesia, high sensitivity to the drug. An antitussive drug for children with a dry cough should be prescribed with great caution.

Expectorant cough syrup, inexpensive and effective

If the drug is used to remove mucus, then the main task of such drugs is not to remove the symptom, but rather to stimulate it. It happens that in the presence of mucus, a person coughs extremely rarely, while the secretion inside is thick and viscous. Accordingly, such substances that stimulate cough improve cough clearance and promote removal from the alveoli.

Therefore, no matter how strange it may sound, the medicines used when mucus is detected in the bronchi are not for illness, but for cough. These usually include mucolytics and are often used to thin mucus and stimulate expectoration. If such drugs are given for a nonproductive cough, the person will suffocate even more and the mucous membrane will be injured.

Cough expectorant syrup is inexpensive and effective:

• Lazolvan
• Ambrobene
• Ambroxol

They will stimulate the occurrence of this symptom and provoke the discharge of mucus, which is not at all in the alveoli.

overslept

"Falimint"

This is a medication that belongs to the category of antitussives. It is able to stop a non-productive cough, in which there is no sputum formation. The composition of this product includes the main substance - acetylaminonitropropoxybenzene. When penetrating the mucous membranes, the medicine irritates the nerve endings and has a slight analgesic effect. The drug also has an antiemetic and antiseptic effect, which makes it possible to use this medication in dental practice. Its properties are similar to those of menthol.

Like menthol, this medicinal product provokes a feeling of coolness in the mouth and throat. It does not dry out 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 cough and sneezing in lecturers, athletes, smokers, the need to obtain an antiemetic effect during medical manipulations in the pharynx cavity. This cough suppressant is not suitable for children.

During pregnancy

Treatment of women carrying a child should be carried out with particular caution. For example, mucolytic drugs are not recommended at all, because they negatively affect the condition of the fetus. The use of expectorants such as Ambroxol, Ambrobene and Bromhexine is unacceptable in the first trimester.

At the same time, if a woman’s condition worsens, a dry cough greatly bothers her and causes pain, formulations with a minimum number of adverse reactions are used. They are jointly appointed by two specialists: a gynecologist and a pulmonologist.

One of these expectorant compounds is Mucaltin. The acceptability of its use is associated, first of all, with the natural components in the composition. We are talking about the root part of the marshmallow, which promotes the active removal of exudate and reduces the intensity of spasms in the bronchial region.

The use of Bronchicum is acceptable. This remedy includes thyme, which reduces a sore throat and removes phlegm. Independent use of any expectorants for dry cough is unacceptable.

"Sinecode"

The active element of the drug "Sinekod" is butamirate, which is included in the category of antitussive medications of central action. This substance is not similar to alkaloids and does not lead to addiction or dependence. The medicine suppresses cough by direct action on the cough center and is characterized by a bronchodilator (bronchodilator) effect. It makes breathing easier, improves blood oxygenation (oxygen saturation) and spirometry (reducing airway resistance).

This medication is produced in the form of syrup and drops for oral administration. In childhood, drops are used.

The medicine "Sinekod" is prescribed for the symptomatic treatment of dry cough of various etiologies: during bronchoscopy and surgical interventions, for whooping cough, as well as when it is necessary to suppress cough in the postoperative period. Contraindications for its use are the first trimester of pregnancy, the lactation period, the age of a child less than 2 months - for drops and 3 years - in the form of syrup.

Application for children

In this situation, the most important thing to consider is the age category of the child. Prospan is used for the smallest children. The main component of the drug for dry cough is ivy extract, which has an excellent expectorant effect and a certain bactericidal effect.

The composition can be used for dry cough in a child, but if the baby is under 12 months - exclusively under the supervision of a pediatrician. It is recommended to use the syrup after meals. The advantage of the expectorant is its very pleasant taste, which many children like.

In addition, Bromhexine is used in childhood. An expectorant enhances the production of exudate, reduces its viscosity and promotes expectoration. Before the child reaches two years of age, a pediatrician must be present at the initial appointment. More details about expectorants for dry coughs for children are described in this article.

"Ascoril"

This is a combined medicinal antitussive with bronchodilator, expectorant and mucolytic effects. The medicine is available in tablets and syrup form and contains several active elements: salbutamol sulfate, guaifenesin and bromhexine hydrochloride. Salbutamol has a bronchodilator effect, stimulating beta2-adrenergic receptors of blood vessels, myometrium and bronchi, eliminates or prevents bronchospasm, reduces resistance in the respiratory canals, and increases lung capacity. This substance dilates the coronary arteries without reducing blood pressure.

Guaifenesin is a mucolytic substance that reduces the tension of bronchopulmonary structures, stimulates secretory cells of the bronchial mucosa, promotes the production of neutral polysaccharides, depolymerization of acidic mucopolysaccharides, reduces the viscosity of sputum, activates the ciliary apparatus of the bronchi, facilitates the removal of sputum and the transition from an unproductive cough to a productive one. Bromhexine is a mucolytic element that provides expectorant and antitussive effects. It helps to increase the serous composition of bronchial secretions, activate the cilia of the epithelium, increase the volume of sputum and improve its discharge.

According to the instructions, this remedy is used as part of a combination treatment of acute and chronic forms of bronchopulmonary diseases that occur 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 ulcers, gastric bleeding, heart defects, tachyarrhythmia, arterial hypertension, myocarditis, glaucoma, decompensated diabetes mellitus, thyrotoxicosis, pregnancy and lactation. This medicine is approved for use in children over 6 years of age.

The list of cough suppressants for children and adults does not end there.

Folk remedies for expectoration of phlegm

Since ancient times, herbalists have treated coughs with infusions. In ancient times, various remedies were used, but the most popular were infusions and decoctions from:

• licorice roots;
• mother and stepmother flowers and leaves;
• roots and shoots of elecampane;
• marshmallow seeds and rhizomes;
• and etc.

In pharmacies you can buy syrup based on licorice root. Cough syrups are inexpensive. Children take sweet syrup with pleasure; they do not need to be persuaded to drink the medicine. But licorice root increases blood pressure and its derivatives are not recommended for use during pregnancy and for people suffering from diseases of the hematopoietic organs.

An infusion of mother and stepmother leaves, rich in saponins, is used as an expectorant. Mother and stepmother extracts have an irritating effect on mucous surfaces, which increases the secretion of bronchial secretions and promotes accelerated evacuation of sputum.

For treatment, decoctions of the leaves and flowers of the plant are used. You must be careful with the dosage of the drug, as a strong decoction can cause vomiting and diarrhea.

Since ancient times, an infusion of elecampane roots has been considered a good expectorant . The plant is rich in essential oils, polysaccharides, saponins, and vitamin E. To get rid of cough, drink a decoction of elecampane roots. But it’s even better to brew tea from the dried, ground roots of the plant with honey. Adults can take a decoction of elecampane in sweet red wine.

It is not recommended to take medicine based on elecampane during pregnancy and for people with kidney disease. In case of overdose or prolonged use, symptoms of poisoning may appear.

Eight species of marshmallow grow in Europe, but only two are medicinal: medicinal and Armenian. In different regions they may have names: mucus-grass, dog's mug, mallow, kalachiki, marshmallow. The main active substance of the plant is mucus, which is released when the root is infused with water. A common cough medicine, mucaltin tablets, is made from marshmallow.

"Stoptussin"

The drug "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 are butamirate dihydrogen citrate and guaifenesin. A cough medicine that suppresses the cough center is prescribed during the operating period. Contraindications to its use are: myasthenia gravis, first trimester of pregnancy, lactation, hypersensitivity. Children are prescribed medication in the form of drops (from 6 months), after 12 years they can take the tablet form of the drug.

What other drugs suppress cough?

The best cough medications - reviews

You should not be guided by the reviews of friends and neighbors. The symptoms of some ailments are very similar, but in fact the causes of cough are different. An effective drug can only be prescribed by a doctor.

The best cough medications - reviews:

Elena, Nizhny Novgorod . Dr. Sinekod was prescribed to us when our son suddenly developed a severe cough without other symptoms. There was no runny nose or high fever. The most interesting thing is that before this, the baby had not walked anywhere, and would hardly have been able to catch the virus. The medicine helped us, the severe attacks disappeared, the baby began to sleep peacefully and did not choke. However, after stopping the drops, history repeated itself. We were forced to take an allergen test. We found out that the child has a severe allergy to pollen. Now we give antihistamines.

Veronica, Kaluga. The child had a strong, lingering cough, which the doctor told us was a residual effect from the flu. The disease was treated with the help of Herbion syrup with plantain. Very effective liquid, with an unpleasant taste. Despite the fact that the syrup contains sugar and some aromatic additives, it still tastes disgusting. However, it helped to cope with the residual cough, and the child’s condition improved.

Evgeniy, Volgograd . I had been suffering from bronchitis for a very long time, and was prescribed both antibiotics and various ointments to warm the chest. The mucus was very thick and difficult to cough up. The doctor recommended Ascoril in addition to all the remedies described above. I am very pleased with the substance, as it is easy to take and effective. After just a few days, sputum production improved and my chest stopped hurting.

Natalya, Moscow. The child goes to kindergarten and often brings viruses. I'm already tired of treating everyone. The last time I gave Langes, there was a lot of barking, and I didn’t sleep well at night. I am satisfied with this liquid; even a child of three years old can drink it.

ACC
Remember, it is useless to prescribe expectorants if the attack is triggered by the flow of mucus from the nose into the throat, or with inflammation of the ligaments and tonsils.

"Bronchoton"

"Bronchoton" is a combined antitussive with a bronchodilator effect. The medicine is produced only in the form of syrups. This is a herbal medicine that has a bronchodilator and antitussive mechanism of action, which is determined by the properties of its active elements:

• glaucine is a substance that suppresses the cough center without leading to depression 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, antispasmodic and antimicrobial effect.

The use of the drug "Bronchoton" is indicated for diseases of the respiratory system that occur with a dry cough (as part of combination therapy): bronchial asthma, bronchitis, tracheobronchitis, whooping cough, bronchoconstriction. This drug is contraindicated for heart failure, coronary heart disease, arrhythmia, arterial hypertension, coronary atherosclerosis, thyrotoxicosis, pheochromocytoma, hyperthyroidism, diabetes mellitus, insomnia, angle-closure glaucoma, prostate hypertrophy, pregnancy, lactation. The medication can be used in children after 3 years of age.

The following drugs on the list suppress wet cough.

Cough medicine for colds

If you have a cold that is accompanied by a cough and a rise in body temperature, you will need medications to simultaneously relieve these symptoms. There are combined pharmaceuticals that can also combat runny nose and general malaise:

• Solpadeine.
• Codefemol.
• Hexapneumin.

Angin-Gran , which relieves intense symptoms of colds and coughs, is very popular This granular preparation is created on a homeopathic basis, combining plant and mineral components. The product helps reduce the intensity of sharp, spastic exhalations caused by the inflammatory process in the nasopharynx. Signs of relief appear in most patients within the first day of its use.

Another effective cough medicine for colds is the Italian drug Rinofluimucil in spray form . This product is easy to use, helps reduce swelling of the nasal mucosa with simultaneous anti-inflammatory and mucolytic effects.

The variety of modern medications makes it easy for adults to choose an effective cough medicine. You can read reviews on this topic or write your opinion below.

Wet cough remedies

A cough that produces sputum is called productive or wet. To treat it, drugs with expectorant properties are used:

1. "ACC" is a medicine that thins sputum and promotes cough productivity. Relief is observed already in the first days of use. The medicine has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Not combined with other cough medicines and paracetamol. Can be prescribed to children.
2. "Doctor Mom" ​​is a herbal cough remedy that fights respiratory diseases, eliminates runny nose, colds and bronchitis. It is produced in the form of lollipops, lozenges, syrups, ointments, tablets, and roller pencils. This medication is prescribed to children from 2 years of age. What other antitussive drugs are prescribed for wet cough?
3. “Bronholitin” is a medical drug that is very popular and is characterized as a proven and effective remedy. It suppresses the cough center, does not depress breathing, successfully treats respiratory diseases, thins sputum, and relieves swelling of the mucous membranes. Widely used in childhood.
4. "Bromhexine" is a medication prescribed for chronic and acute bronchial pathologies with sputum. The drug is easily tolerated, is prescribed to children over 6 years of age, and can be combined with antibiotics, facilitating their rapid penetration into the pathological secretion. During treatment, it is recommended to take a large volume of fluid.
5. Ambroxol is an antitussive drug that is often used for wet coughs in adults and children. Used in the prevention of respiratory infections, available in the form of tablets and syrup. Helps to quickly cure coughs that occur with tracheitis, pneumonia, whooping cough and bronchitis.

Cough syrup is inexpensive and effective for children

Syrups are one of the most convenient options for children. The main advantage is that they can both suppress the occurrence of symptoms and promote the discharge of secretions, ensuring its dilution.

Cough syrup is inexpensive and effective for children:

• Herbion syrup with plantain. The composition contains plant extracts, so the substance can be used for both non-productive and wet coughs. It makes mucus more viscous, envelops the mucous membrane of the throat, thereby improving the condition of stenosis and relieving irritation of the center in the brain. Contains vitamins that speed up recovery. It acts similarly to soda, which reduces stenosis.
• Stoptussin . This is also a combined drug that contains substances that stimulate the discharge of mucus. It is advisable to use for wet chest cough or non-productive cough, during the treatment of obstruction. The drug is ineffective against barking, which is caused by irritation of the throat and trachea due to the growth of colonies of pathogenic microorganisms. It will remove unproductive cough, which is caused by irritation of the center in the brain.
• Bronchicum . This is a syrup that is based on primrose and other medicinal plants. It can be used for both dry and wet coughs. In general, the medicine is most often prescribed as an auxiliary drug in the treatment of bronchial inflammation with difficult secretion removal.

Effective syrup

General recommendations for treatment at home

To treat dry cough, it is not enough to simply select effective drugs; you must also comply with the requirements for the patient’s living conditions. Among them:

• Bed rest. For illnesses accompanied by a dry cough, a person needs to take sick leave and refrain from increased physical activity. It can only worsen his condition.
• Maintaining cleanliness in the room where the patient is located. In such a room, it is extremely important to do wet cleaning at least once a day.
• Air humidity control and regular ventilation. It must be remembered that dry air contributes to the development of a dry cough and can provoke longer and more severe attacks. If the air in your apartment is too dry for one reason or another, it must be constantly humidified with special devices.
• Drink plenty of fluids. It is recommended to use fruit drinks, herbal teas or warm compote, but not drinks containing a high dose of caffeine.
• Diet. This measure will allow the body to quickly get rid of the infection and more easily tolerate treatment with various heavy drugs, including antibiotics.

All these measures must be observed for any disease accompanied by a dry cough. Without them, you will not be able to achieve a positive effect from treatment with medications, and especially folk remedies.

Causes of cough

Experts identify several reasons why a cough may occur:

• diseases arising from nervous system;

• consequences of treatment with certain medications;
• adverse reactions of the body to inhaled oxygen;
• disturbances in the functioning of the digestive system;
• heart disease accompanied by symptoms of heart failure;
• sinusitis, laryngitis, pharyngitis, rhinitis, occurring with the passage of mucus from the nasal passages to the bronchi;
• irritation of the bronchi caused by dust, gases, and tobacco smoke entering them;
• tuberculosis, pleurisy, bronchial asthma, ARVI, tracheitis and acute bronchitis.

After detecting a cough, the patient should consult a doctor, who should choose the right medicine to soften a dry cough and transform it into a wet one and stimulate expectoration.

Classification of antitussives

Medicines to relieve cough include about 100 trade names that are available for purchase at pharmacies. It is difficult for the average patient to understand such a variety of drugs. Therefore, choosing a good medicine requires a preliminary consultation with a doctor.

A general classification of the relevant funds will be presented below. It is important to remember that all drugs are conventionally divided into those used to suppress a dry, obsessive, barking cough (antitussives) and medications to eliminate the wet form of the corresponding symptom (mucolytics).

Important! Drugs are addictive. Prescribing these medications requires caution. The duration of treatment with the appropriate group of medications is limited.

Unlike the drugs described above, drugs used for wet coughs first stimulate the reflex expulsion of air. The reason is the thinning of thick mucus that forms in the respiratory tract. The basis of the patient’s recovery mechanism is the stimulation of expectoration of mucus against the background of its liquefaction (mucolytic effect).

Reflex agents, due to irritation of peripheral receptors, stimulate the secretion of the liquid fraction of bronchial mucus, which promotes simplified sputum discharge. Resorptive medications involve the absorption of bioactive components into the blood, which are then released into the respiratory tract and have a specific effect.

Herbal remedies

The most preferred and safest compositions are natural. This is due to the presence of exclusively natural components in them. The only limitation may be an allergic reaction - you must ensure its absence in advance.

The most commonly used expectorants for dry coughs are Bronchofit, Gedelix, Pertussin, and Gerbion.

They do not provoke addiction or undesirable effects on the body in comparison, for example, with synthetic analogues.

Bronchophyte . Produced in the form of filtered raw materials. It boasts a positive effect on the body, which is expressed by anti-inflammatory and expectorant effects. Bronchofit also has immunomodulatory and antispasmodic effects. The active components in the composition, namely licorice, thyme or marshmallow, fully determine the expectorant effect of the drug.

Pertussin. The drug consists of 90% natural substances, namely thyme extract. This component is characterized by an obvious expectorant effect, due to which the production of substances that reduce the degree of viscosity of the exudate is accelerated in the upper respiratory tract. Despite the complete safety of use, a preliminary consultation with a pulmonologist should not be abandoned.

Classification of medications

The classification of such drugs is based on the method of action on receptors. Thus, there are drugs with central and peripheral effects. Despite certain differences, both types of drugs lead to the same result - they cope with cough. You need to take substances in different situations, since they have different effects.

Central acting agents

According to experts, these are the substances that are considered most effective. They are prescribed for intense coughing that occurs in attacks. Such drugs are divided into 2 large categories – narcotic and non-narcotic. Both groups of drugs affect the cough center in the medulla oblongata, but the effect is carried out through different receptors.

The dosage of drugs for adults and children is selected individually. They should be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. This will help avoid the negative side effects that such substances have.

Peripheral drugs

Such drugs affect receptors that are located directly in the respiratory tract. Typically, the drugs produce analgesic and bronchodilator effects. The main purpose of such drugs is to eliminate persistent non-productive coughing or dry cough.

Medicines in this category may include the following components:

1. Prenoxdiazine - this ingredient has a local anesthetic effect and has a bronchodilator effect.
2. Levodropropizine is a substance that reduces the sensitivity of receptors in the respiratory organs.
3. Tipepidine - an ingredient that helps reduce the sensitivity of receptors in the respiratory system. It also partially affects the respiratory center of the brain.

A special category includes substances that affect cold receptors. Such drugs are combination drugs. They can have a number of effects - antihistamine, bronchodilator, antibacterial, antispasmodic. Such substances contain the following ingredients:

• levomenthol;
• triprolidine;
• biclotymol;
• terpinhydrates.

The doctor should tell you what exactly means should be used . Common cough suppressants for children and adults include the following:

• libexin,
• helicidin,
• left pront.

In this case, it is necessary to take into account the nature of the pathology, the frequency of cough and other factors.

The dosage form is of no small importance. Children are usually prescribed drugs in syrup form, while adults are more suitable for tablets that have a prolonged effect.

Regardless of the method of action on the human body, antitussive drugs are prohibited in case of excessive production of bronchial secretions. Contraindications also include pulmonary hemorrhages, including situations with an increased risk of their occurrence.

Gargles

A dry cough is one of the early symptoms of a cold. Viruses attack the tissues of the nasopharynx, causing pain, soreness, and the desire to cough. Gargling helps get rid of pathogens, their waste products, and dead cells of the mucous membrane. In this case, the medicine does not enter the gastric tract or excretory system.

The following solutions have antiseptic properties:

• furatsilin (1 tablet per 200 ml of water);
• from sea salt (1 teaspoon per 200 ml);
• with the addition of iodine (1 drop per 200 ml).

Good results can be achieved by gargling with decoctions of medicinal plants: chamomile, calendula, oak bark, St. John's wort, green tea. In addition, the pharmacy sells ready-made solutions: “Tantum Verde”, “Stopangin”.

To cleanse the tonsils, an adult should gargle every 2-3 hours. Heat the solution to a warm, comfortable temperature and perform the procedure by throwing your head back and repeating the sound “s-s-s” for 5-7 seconds. This way the medicine will sink as low as possible and absorb the maximum amount of toxins. After the session you should not drink or eat for one hour.

Dry cough in adults

Signs that usually accompany the pathological condition:

• runny nose;
• nausea, vomiting;
• enlarged lymph nodes;
• body aches;
• temperature increase;
• drowsiness;
• hoarse voice;
• loss of appetite;
• change in stool character;
• periodontal disease;
• frequent urination;
• swelling;
• tachycardia;
• sensation of a “lump” when swallowing;
• dyspnea.

Any cough that lasts more than 2 weeks and is accompanied by acute symptoms becomes a reason to consult a pulmonologist. The specialist will conduct a series of tests that will allow you to make the correct diagnosis. Pharmaceutical companies produce a variety of medicines sold in different forms (syrups, cough tablets, drops, mixtures). Only a doctor should select the appropriate medicine.

Features of dry cough

There are 3 types of non-productive cough:

1. Deaf. A possible sign of the formation of a lung tumor or the initial stage of tuberculosis.
2. Barking. It becomes a consequence of a viral disease that damages the vocal cords.
3. Nasadny. It is most often diagnosed in children with whooping cough.

Depending on the duration, it may be:

• acute - up to 3 weeks;
• chronic - more than 2 months.

In 10-40% of cases of visiting a doctor, the occurrence of a dry barking cough is the patient’s only complaint.

Reasons for appearance

The problem usually occurs due to external conditions or infection.

Main development factors:

• smoking;
• neuralgia;
• sinusitis;
• sinusitis;
• aortic aneurysm;
• lupus erythematosus;
• dust, allergens;
• dry indoor air;
• pleurisy;
• whooping cough and measles;
• gastric reflux;
• chlamydia, mycoplasmosis;
• laryngitis;
• tracheitis;
• helminthic infestation.

The main reason for the problem is that the respiratory organs are not able to get rid of the irritating factor on their own. If the process lasts for a long time, a person may experience deformation of the walls of the bronchial tubes, which will become a provoking factor for the development of asthma, lung abscess, and pneumonia. Therefore, it is better to treat a dry cough immediately after its appearance, following all the advice of a specialist.

Causes of dry cough

Drugs for the treatment of dry cough are selected based on the cause of its occurrence. The drugs need to be treated with extreme caution, as some of them can cause a more severe attack or bleeding in the stomach and lungs.

The main causes of this type of cough are:

1. ARI, ARVI, cold. With these diseases, a dry, barking cough occurs at the first stage of the disease. In parallel with it, a runny nose, fever and headache appear. Taking expectorant medications in the first days of the disease is useless, as they only worsen the situation. It is recommended to take only combination drugs.
2. Pleurisy. A disease characterized by an inflammatory process in the pulmonary pleura and severe bouts of coughing.
3. Atypical pneumonia. A dangerous lung disease that has not been fully studied. A dry cough occurs, which gradually turns into expectoration.
4. Inflammation of the throat (tracheitis, laryngitis, pharyngitis). For treatment, antibiotics are used in combination with antitussive drugs.
5. Measles. A disease that is easily identified due to high fever and the appearance of a red rash. It is recommended to use mucolytic drugs.
6. Asthma. Her cough is so strong that it causes an attack of suffocation. Therefore, it is necessary to take any medicine after consultation with a specialist.

Antitussives during pregnancy

Having learned about the imminent birth of a child, the expectant mother should be especially attentive to her body, because during the period of gestation her body becomes very vulnerable, including due to reduced immunity. After all, at this time a double burden falls on the female body. Therefore, it is necessary to very carefully choose cough suppressants, which can only be taken as prescribed by your doctor. Although the choice of such drugs will differ for each clinical case, there are still well-established antitussive drugs for dry cough that most women can take during pregnancy.

You may be interested in: Treatments for a severe cough in a child

First trimester

• “Marshmallow root”, “Eucabal”, “Mukaltin”. All these medicines contain herbal ingredients and are therefore completely safe.
• "Doctor Mom", "Gedelix", "Bronchicum". They can be taken only on the recommendation of the attending physician. This is due, among other things, to the lack of sufficient information about the effects on the fetus.
• "Libexin." A synthetic-based drug that can be taken by expectant mothers in the first trimester only according to the decision of the attending physician.

In addition to the medications prescribed by the doctor, women who are in the first trimester can also take dietary supplements - Bifidophilus, Mamavit, Flora Force.

Second and third trimester

At these stages of pregnancy, to combat dry cough, you can take the same medications that are recommended in the first trimester. In case of severe coughing attacks, the drug "Libexin" can be replaced, in agreement with the attending physician, with analogues with the same properties - "Stoptussin", "Bromhexin", "Akodin".

A cough requires special attention, regardless of whether it occurs in an adult or a child. After all, many diseases begin with this symptom. Do not calm down after eliminating the cough. After all, this does not guarantee that the disease will not manifest itself again. After all, for each person, the disease can occur with various symptoms, among which cough can be only one of many.

Antitussive medications will help you quickly cope with a cough. Among them there are many proven ones that can help quickly stop the cough reflex in both adults and children. But you need to remember that some of them have many side effects. Therefore, it is recommended to start taking any medicine only after consultation with a specialist.

Preparations for the treatment of wet cough

To eliminate a wet cough, agents that dilute sputum and enhance the function of the ciliated epithelium, which accelerates the mechanical cleaning of the bronchi from sputum, are mainly used.

The following representatives have gained popularity in practice:

• Ambrobene, Ambrol, Lazolvan. Active ingredient: ambroxol hydrochloride;
• Bromhexine;
• Gedelix (drops);
• Gerbion;
• Prospan (syrup);
• Mukaltin;
• Bronchipret and others.

Important! You need to take mucolytics throughout the day. Taking medications before bed leads to the fact that at night the secretion of mucus in the bronchi is stimulated. The result is that the patient constantly coughs, expectorating mucus, but does not sleep, which leads to morning fatigue.

List of the best tablets for dry cough

The list of effective medications for dry cough is divided depending on the pharmacological group, release form and method of administration.

Tablets for oral administration

There are a number of effective drugs for internal use against dry cough, which help transform it into a softer and more moist form.

The duration of taking medications that suppress the cough center should not exceed a week - the further course should consist of expectorant medications.

Lozenges

Each pharmacological group of drugs identifies the most effective lozenges for cough.

If undesirable symptoms persist after a week's course of treatment, you must stop using the chosen medication and get further advice from your doctor. Uncontrolled further treatment can transform the disease into a chronic form.