What are the common side effects of expectorants. How does guaifenesin work as an expectorant. When should you consult a doctor while using expectorants. What precautions should be taken when using guaifenesin-based medications.

Understanding Guaifenesin: The Expectorant Powerhouse

Guaifenesin stands as a prominent player in the realm of expectorants, widely utilized to combat coughs and congestion associated with various respiratory ailments. This medication’s primary function revolves around its ability to thin and loosen mucus in the airways, effectively clearing congestion and facilitating easier breathing.

How does guaifenesin accomplish this task? The medication works by increasing the volume and reducing the viscosity of bronchial secretions. This action makes the mucus less sticky and easier to expel, ultimately leading to more productive coughs and clearer airways.

Common Uses of Guaifenesin

• Treatment of coughs caused by the common cold
• Alleviating congestion associated with bronchitis
• Addressing breathing difficulties in various respiratory illnesses

Is guaifenesin suitable for all types of coughs? While effective for many respiratory issues, it’s important to note that guaifenesin is typically not recommended for ongoing coughs resulting from smoking or long-term breathing problems like chronic bronchitis or emphysema, unless specifically prescribed by a healthcare professional.

Proper Usage and Dosage Guidelines for Expectorants

Administering guaifenesin correctly is crucial for its effectiveness and safety. The medication is generally taken orally, with or without food, typically every 4 hours or as directed by a healthcare provider.

For those self-treating with over-the-counter guaifenesin products, adherence to package instructions is paramount. Dosage is determined based on factors such as age, medical condition, and individual response to treatment.

Key Dosage Considerations

1. Do not exceed 6 doses in a 24-hour period
2. Avoid increasing dosage or frequency without medical advice
3. Use appropriate measuring devices for liquid formulations to ensure accurate dosing
4. For powder packets, empty the entire contents onto the tongue and swallow

How should tablets be taken? Unless specifically instructed by a healthcare provider, guaifenesin tablets should be swallowed whole or split if they have a score line. Crushing or chewing is not recommended.

Side Effects: What to Watch For When Taking Expectorants

While guaifenesin is generally well-tolerated, it’s essential to be aware of potential side effects. The most commonly reported adverse reactions include nausea and vomiting. If these symptoms persist or worsen, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional promptly.

Are there any serious side effects associated with guaifenesin? Serious allergic reactions to guaifenesin are rare but can occur. Immediate medical attention is necessary if any of the following symptoms are observed:

• Rash
• Itching or swelling, especially of the face, tongue, or throat
• Severe dizziness
• Difficulty breathing

It’s important to note that this list is not exhaustive, and any unusual or concerning symptoms should be reported to a healthcare provider.

Precautions and Interactions: Ensuring Safe Use of Expectorants

Before initiating guaifenesin treatment, it’s crucial to disclose any allergies or medical conditions to your healthcare provider. This includes informing them about any breathing problems such as emphysema, chronic bronchitis, asthma, or smoker’s cough.

Are there any specific dietary considerations when taking guaifenesin? Some liquid formulations of guaifenesin may contain sugar and/or alcohol. Individuals with diabetes, liver disease, or other conditions requiring dietary restrictions should exercise caution and consult their healthcare provider about safe usage.

Potential Drug Interactions

While guaifenesin is generally considered safe, it can interact with other medications. To minimize the risk of adverse effects, it’s essential to inform your healthcare provider about all current medications, including:

• Prescription drugs
• Over-the-counter medications
• Herbal supplements
• Vitamins

How can one avoid potential drug interactions? Always consult with a healthcare professional or pharmacist before combining guaifenesin with other medications, particularly other cough and cold products that may contain similar ingredients.

Special Considerations for Pediatric Use of Expectorants

The use of expectorants in children requires special attention and caution. Cough-and-cold products, including guaifenesin, have not been proven safe or effective in children younger than 6 years old. As such, these medications should not be used to treat cold symptoms in this age group unless explicitly directed by a healthcare provider.

What about older children? Some guaifenesin formulations, particularly long-acting tablets or capsules, are not recommended for use in children under 12 years of age. Always consult with a pediatrician or pharmacist for age-appropriate dosing and product selection.

Alternative Approaches for Managing Pediatric Coughs

For young children experiencing cough and cold symptoms, healthcare providers may recommend alternative methods of relief, such as:

• Ensuring adequate fluid intake
• Using a humidifier to moisten the air
• Applying saline nasal drops or spray
• Implementing non-pharmacological comfort measures

These approaches can help alleviate symptoms without the potential risks associated with medication use in young children.

Recognizing When to Seek Medical Attention

While guaifenesin can effectively manage many cases of cough and congestion, it’s crucial to recognize signs that may indicate a more serious underlying condition. Prompt medical evaluation is necessary if the cough is accompanied by:

• A persistent headache
• Fever
• Severe sore throat
• Rash
• Cough that lasts more than 7 days, returns, or worsens

These symptoms may signify a more severe medical issue requiring professional assessment and treatment.

How long should one wait before consulting a doctor about a persistent cough? As a general guideline, if a cough persists for more than a week despite using guaifenesin as directed, it’s advisable to seek medical attention. This is particularly important if the cough is accompanied by other concerning symptoms or if it’s interfering with daily activities or sleep.

Maximizing the Effectiveness of Expectorant Therapy

To optimize the benefits of guaifenesin treatment, several complementary strategies can be employed. These approaches can enhance the medication’s efficacy and promote faster recovery from respiratory symptoms.

Hydration: A Key Component of Expectorant Therapy

Adequate fluid intake plays a crucial role in supporting the action of guaifenesin. Drinking plenty of water and other clear fluids helps to:

• Further thin mucus secretions
• Facilitate the expulsion of loosened mucus
• Maintain proper hydration, which is essential for overall respiratory health

How much fluid should one consume while taking guaifenesin? While individual needs may vary, a general recommendation is to increase fluid intake beyond normal levels. This might include drinking an extra 1-2 glasses of water per day or until urine appears pale yellow, indicating adequate hydration.

Environmental Modifications to Support Recovery

In addition to medication and hydration, certain environmental adjustments can complement expectorant therapy:

1. Use of a humidifier to add moisture to the air, which can help prevent mucus from becoming too thick
2. Elevating the head while sleeping to promote better drainage of mucus
3. Avoiding irritants such as smoke or strong fragrances that may exacerbate respiratory symptoms

These measures, when combined with proper use of guaifenesin, can create an optimal environment for respiratory recovery.

Long-term Considerations and Chronic Cough Management

While guaifenesin is effective for acute cough and congestion, its role in managing chronic respiratory conditions requires careful consideration. Long-term use of expectorants should always be under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

For individuals with chronic conditions such as chronic bronchitis or COPD, a comprehensive management plan may include:

• Regular medical check-ups
• Pulmonary function tests
• Tailored medication regimens, which may or may not include guaifenesin
• Lifestyle modifications, such as smoking cessation
• Respiratory therapy or rehabilitation programs

Can guaifenesin be used indefinitely for chronic cough? While guaifenesin is generally safe for short-term use, long-term or continuous use should be discussed with a healthcare provider. They can assess the underlying cause of the chronic cough and determine the most appropriate long-term management strategy, which may involve other medications or treatments in addition to or instead of guaifenesin.

Monitoring and Adjusting Treatment

For those using guaifenesin as part of a long-term treatment plan, regular monitoring is essential. This may involve:

1. Periodic reassessment of symptoms and treatment efficacy
2. Adjustment of dosage or medication type as needed
3. Evaluation for potential side effects or complications from prolonged use
4. Consideration of alternative or complementary therapies

By maintaining open communication with healthcare providers and adhering to recommended monitoring protocols, individuals can ensure that their expectorant therapy remains safe and effective over time.

Exploring Alternative and Complementary Approaches to Cough Management

While guaifenesin is a widely used and effective expectorant, some individuals may seek alternative or complementary approaches to managing cough and congestion. These methods can be used alongside conventional treatments or as standalone options for those who prefer natural remedies.

Natural Expectorants and Home Remedies

Several natural substances have been traditionally used for their expectorant properties:

• Honey: Known for its soothing effects on the throat and potential antimicrobial properties
• Ginger: May help reduce inflammation in the airways
• Thyme: Contains compounds that may help relax the muscles of the trachea
• Eucalyptus: Often used in aromatherapy to help clear congestion

Are these natural remedies as effective as guaifenesin? While some natural remedies show promise in managing cough symptoms, their effectiveness can vary widely between individuals. It’s important to note that natural doesn’t always mean safe or effective for everyone, and these remedies should be used with caution and preferably under the guidance of a healthcare provider.

Integrative Approaches to Respiratory Health

Some individuals may find benefit in integrative approaches that combine conventional medicine with complementary therapies:

1. Acupuncture: Some studies suggest it may help reduce cough frequency and improve quality of life in chronic cough sufferers
2. Breathing exercises: Techniques like pursed-lip breathing or diaphragmatic breathing may help manage symptoms
3. Herbal supplements: Certain herbal preparations may have expectorant or anti-inflammatory properties
4. Dietary modifications: Eliminating potential trigger foods and increasing intake of anti-inflammatory foods

How can one safely incorporate these approaches into their cough management plan? It’s crucial to discuss any alternative or complementary treatments with a healthcare provider before beginning. This ensures that these approaches don’t interfere with existing medications or treatments and are appropriate for the individual’s specific health situation.

The Future of Expectorant Therapy: Emerging Research and Developments

As medical science continues to advance, research into more effective and targeted expectorant therapies is ongoing. These developments aim to improve upon existing treatments like guaifenesin and potentially offer new options for those with chronic or difficult-to-treat respiratory conditions.

Innovative Formulations and Delivery Methods

Researchers are exploring novel ways to enhance the efficacy and convenience of expectorant medications:

• Extended-release formulations for longer-lasting effects
• Combination therapies that target multiple aspects of respiratory symptoms
• Inhalation devices for more direct delivery of expectorants to the airways
• Nanotechnology-based delivery systems for improved absorption and targeted action

How might these innovations impact the future of cough management? These advancements could potentially lead to more personalized treatment approaches, reduced side effects, and improved patient compliance due to less frequent dosing or more convenient administration methods.

Exploring New Therapeutic Targets

Scientific understanding of the mechanisms behind mucus production and airway function continues to evolve, opening doors to new therapeutic possibilities:

1. Targeting specific mucin proteins involved in mucus production
2. Modulating ion channels that affect mucus hydration and viscosity
3. Developing treatments that address underlying inflammatory processes
4. Investigating the role of the microbiome in respiratory health and mucus regulation

These areas of research hold promise for developing more precise and effective treatments for a wide range of respiratory conditions, potentially offering alternatives or complements to traditional expectorants like guaifenesin.

As the landscape of expectorant therapy continues to evolve, staying informed about new developments and discussing options with healthcare providers will be crucial for individuals seeking optimal management of their respiratory symptoms. The future may hold more tailored, efficient, and possibly even preventative approaches to cough and congestion management, building upon the foundation established by time-tested medications like guaifenesin.

Expectorant Oral: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing

Uses

Guaifenesin is used to treat coughs and congestion caused by the common cold, bronchitis, and other breathing illnesses. This product is usually not used for ongoing cough from smoking or long-term breathing problems (such as chronic bronchitis, emphysema) unless directed by your doctor. Guaifenesin is an expectorant. It works by thinning and loosening mucus in the airways, clearing congestion, and making breathing easier.If you are self-treating with this medication, it is important to read the package instructions carefully before you start using this product to be sure it is right for you. (See also Precautions section.)Cough-and-cold products have not been shown to be safe or effective in children younger than 6 years. Do not use this product to treat cold symptoms in children younger than 6 years unless specifically directed by the doctor. Some products (such as long-acting tablets/capsules) are not recommended for use in children younger than 12 years. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details about using your product safely.These products do not cure or shorten the length of the common cold. To decrease the risk for side effects, carefully follow all dosage directions. Do not give other cough-and-cold medication that might contain the same or similar ingredients (see also Drug Interactions section). Ask the doctor or pharmacist about other ways to relieve cough and cold symptoms (such as drinking enough fluids, using a humidifier or saline nose drops/spray).

How to use Expectorant

Take this medication by mouth with or without food, as directed by your doctor, usually every 4 hours. If you are self-treating, follow all directions on the product package. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Guaifenesin may have a bitter taste. Do not split the tablets unless they have a score line and your doctor or pharmacist tells you to do so. Swallow the whole or split tablet without crushing or chewing.

If you are using the liquid form of this medication, carefully measure the dose using a special measuring device/spoon. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose.

For powder packets, empty the entire contents of the packet onto the tongue and swallow. To prevent a bitter taste, do not chew.

Dosage is based on your age, medical condition, and response to treatment. Do not take more than 6 doses in a day. Do not increase your dose or take this drug more often than directed.

Drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication. Fluids will help to break up mucus and clear congestion.

Tell your doctor if your cough is accompanied by a headache that doesn’t go away, fever, severe sore throat, rash, or if it lasts, returns, or gets worse after 7 days. These may be signs of a serious medical problem. Get medical help right away if you think you may have a serious medical problem.

Side Effects

Nausea or vomiting may occur. If either of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, remember that your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US –

In the US – Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada – Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: breathing problems (such as emphysema, chronic bronchitis, asthma, smoker’s cough), cough with blood or large amounts of mucus.

Liquid forms of this product may contain sugar and/or alcohol. Caution is advised if you have diabetes, liver disease, or any other condition that requires you to limit/avoid these substances in your diet. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about using this product safely

The liquid forms and powder packets of this medication may contain aspartame. If you have phenylketonuria (PKU) or any other condition that requires you to restrict your intake of aspartame (or phenylalanine), consult your doctor or pharmacist about using this product safely.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is unknown if guaifenesin passes into breast milk. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor’s approval.

Guaifenesin is available in both prescription and nonprescription products. Check the labels of all your medications to make sure you are not taking more than one product containing guaifenesin.

This medication may interfere with certain lab tests (such as urine levels of certain acids), possibly causing false test results. Make sure lab personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.

Does Expectorant interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

If your doctor prescribed this medication, do not share this medication with others.

Keep all medical and lab appointments.

This medication is for temporary use only. Do not take this medication for more than 7 days unless your doctor tells you to do so. Tell your doctor if your condition lasts longer than 7 days.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Do not freeze liquid forms of this medication. Different brands of this medication have different storage needs. Check the product package for instructions on how to store your brand, or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

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Expectorants are medications or natural ingredients that help clear mucus from the airways. People may take them to help alleviate congestion due to the common cold or flu.

Expectorants are available as a standalone drug or as an ingredient in all-in-one cold and flu medications.

In this article, we discuss the definition and uses of expectorants. We also explore the possible side effects of medicinal expectorants and the effectiveness of natural expectorants.

Share on PinterestGuaifenesin is an expectorant available in many OTC medications.

An expectorant is a medication that people can use when they have a cough that produces mucus. Doctors and pharmacists refer to these types of cough as “productive” or “wet.”

Expectorants reduce the thickness of mucus and make secretions in the airways thinner. By loosening up the mucus in these ways, expectorants make it easier for a person to cough up phlegm and clear out their throat.

Medicinal expectorants contain an active ingredient that will thin the mucus, making the cough more productive. Common medicinal expectorants include:

Guaifenesin

The most commonly available expectorant in over-the-counter (OTC) medications is guaifenesin. People can find guaifenesin in the following OTC products:

• cough, cold, and flu remedies
• decongestants
• cough suppressants
• pain and fever medications

Guaifenesin is currently the only expectorant on the market in the United States that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have approved.

Experts do not yet know how guaifenesin prevents coughing. However, some researchers have suggested that guaifenesin reduces the stickiness of mucus by hydrating it, which makes it easier for people to cough up.

According to the authors of a 2017 study, researchers consider guaifenesin a safe and effective expectorant for treating mucus-related symptoms in upper respiratory tract infections and stable chronic bronchitis.

However, in a 2019 review article, researchers suggest that the current research is weak and state the need for further studies of guaifenesin as an expectorant.

Potassium iodide

Potassium iodide is an expectorant that is only available via prescription.

Doctors prescribe potassium iodide oral solution to people with chronic lung diseases. This drug helps loosen mucus and make it easier to cough up. It does this by increasing respiratory secretions, which are more fluid than phlegm.

As OTC expectorants may not always be effective, some people try natural treatments instead. These may include:

Menthol

Menthol is a natural chemical that derives from plants belonging to the mint family. It is a common ingredient in throat lozenges and cough syrups.

Menthol provides a cooling sensation that can soothe a sore throat. A 2014 animal study suggests that menthol may relax the airway muscles, allowing more air to enter the respiratory system and helping improve cough and cold symptoms.

Further studies in humans are necessary to confirm the action of menthol on cough symptoms.

Ivy leaf extract

Ivy leaf extract is a popular natural remedy for cough and cold symptoms because of its supposed effects on mucus production, cough, and airway dilation.

A 2017 Polish study suggested that a medicine containing dry ivy extract may be effective in treating productive coughs, such as those that occur in respiratory tract infections.

However, more studies are still necessary to determine the effectiveness of ivy leaf extract for relieving cold and cough symptoms.

Hydration and steam inhalation

Other techniques to help release mucus from the airways are oral hydration therapy and steam inhalation. The mechanism of action behind each of these techniques is unknown, and doctors have questioned their effectiveness.

Different cold and flu symptoms require treatment with different types of drugs. A person with a productive cough can take an expectorant, but a dry or tickly cough usually requires a cough suppressant. Many OTC products contain a decongestant, but these are only effective for treating nasal congestion.

All-in-one cough, cold, and flu products may contain a combination of these ingredients. People who take all-in-one products are at risk of taking medicines that they do not need, and this can increase the likelihood of side effects.

Manufacturers sometimes add acetaminophen or ibuprofen to products to help treat pain or fever. Some products also contain an antihistamine, which can help control coughing. However, antihistamines can cause drowsiness.

Before choosing a product, people should decide which symptoms they want to treat. Anyone who is unsure whether a product is right for them should speak to a pharmacist.

Decongestants

Decongestants help alleviate a blocked nose. Phenylephrine and pseudoephedrine are two decongestants that people may find in OTC cold and cough medications.

These drugs work by constricting blood vessels in the nasal passages. This constriction increases the size of the airway, allowing people to breathe more easily through their nose.

Cough suppressants

Low dose codeine and dextromethorphan are two cough suppressants that people can find in OTC medicines.

These medications act on the centers in the brain that tell a person to cough.

One of the risks of taking an expectorant is that people sometimes use them for persistent or chronic coughs.

People should not use expectorants to mask the symptoms of a chronic cough that is due to smoking, asthma, chronic bronchitis, or emphysema.

People with excessive mucus should consult a doctor before taking OTC remedies.

Guaifenesin

Large doses of guaifenesin can irritate the digestive tract and may cause nausea and vomiting.

Potassium iodide

The most common side effects of potassium iodide are:

• upset stomach
• diarrhea
• nausea
• vomiting
• stomach pain
• skin rash
• salivary gland swelling or tenderness

Menthol

Although rare, one side effect of menthol is an allergic reaction, which may include hives or difficulty breathing.

Ivy leaf extract

Potential side effects of ivy leaf extract are:

• nausea
• vomiting and diarrhea
• allergic reactions, such as hives and skin rash

Expectorants are drugs or natural chemicals that may help loosen and dislodge mucus from the airways. Further studies are still necessary to prove their effectiveness.

According to the FDA, guaifenesin is the only safe and effective expectorant on the market. However, some people may prefer to try using natural expectorants, such as menthol and ivy leaf extract. Products containing guaifenesin are available to purchase in stores and online.

People should not use expectorants to mask the symptoms of a chronic cough or a cough with excessive mucus. These conditions require medical attention.

31. Expectorants. Mechanism of action. Indications for use. Side effects.

Expectorants
funds
– drugs intended for separation
mucus (phlegm) produced by bronchial tubes
glands.

Optional:
preparations of marshmallow root, istod root,
licorice root, terpinhydrate, sodium
benzoate.

why they are needed and how they work

Published: June 20

Updated: October 17

Reading time: 4 minutes

The most important characteristic of a cough is its productivity. With a cold, it is important that mucus does not linger in the airways. With the help of drugs, you can stimulate the excretion of sputum and change the cough from dry to wet.

Why expectorants are needed

Normally, mucus is constantly synthesized in the respiratory tract, softening the inner walls and preventing small foreign dust particles from entering with air. With a cold or chronic inflammation of the respiratory organs, the glands begin to intensively synthesize sputum in order to remove pathogenic bacteria, viruses and dust along with it. With the accumulation of mucus, the cough reflex is activated, the patient is tormented by an unproductive debilitating cough. The main goal of treatment in such a situation is to ensure the effective discharge of sputum from the respiratory tract so that mucus does not accumulate in the bronchial tree.

A few days after the onset of the illness, a wet cough occurs. In order to help the respiratory tract clear of sputum, expectorants are used. They make sputum less viscous, making it easier to remove from the respiratory tract.

It is important to remember that when you have a dry cough, you should be careful in choosing a medicine – in some cases, expectorant drugs may be contraindicated. This is why should first consult with a specialist.

How expectorants work

Sputum eliminators have different mechanisms of action:

• mucus thinning – the drug makes sputum less thick and viscous, so it is easily expelled during coughing;
• stimulation of the motor activity of the cilia of the ciliated epithelium of the respiratory tract – the effect of the drug is based on enhancing the work of the ciliated epithelium of the bronchi, which “push” the accumulated mucus out.

Expectorant drug enhances the secretion of the liquid part of the secretion of the bronchial glands due to irritation of receptors located in the gastric mucosa. As a result, the mucus becomes more liquid and less sticky, easily separated from the walls of the bronchi. In addition, against the background of increased work of the epithelium of the respiratory tract and the cleansing of the bronchial tree, liquid sputum independently moves from the small bronchi towards the trachea. As a result of irritation of the mucous membrane receptors with mucus, a cough occurs, during which the airways are cleared.

Mucus thinners should not be taken concomitantly with antitussives . The fact is that mucus is a breeding ground for the reproduction of pathogenic bacteria. With the simultaneous use of expectorants and antitussives, sputum does not come out due to the suppression of the cough reflex. As a result of stagnation of mucus in the bronchi, sputum stagnation can occur, followed by infection and the development of serious conditions such as bronchitis or pneumonia.

Mucolytics for coughs

Mucolytics and expectorants work in different ways, but they all serve the same purpose: they help clear mucus from the airways. Mucolytics change the consistency and density of sputum, so that it does not stick to the walls of the bronchi and does not linger in the lungs. At the same time, mucolytic agents, unlike other expectorants, do not stimulate the functioning of the glands, that is, there is no increase in sputum volume .

Preparations of this group are available in several dosage forms – in syrups with a pleasant taste, tablets, solutions for oral administration and inhalation.

Combination medicines for the treatment of coughs with anti-inflammatory action include Rengalin. The drug helps to fight both dry and wet coughs and is suitable for adults and children over 3 years old. The drug is convenient to use, as it is presented in the form of tablets for resorption and oral solution.

Rengalin may help relieve a debilitating cough. The composition of the drug includes 3 active components, so the drug acts in a complex way: it helps to reduce the activity of the cough center, reduce inflammation, eliminate edema, improve the drainage function of the respiratory tract and facilitate sputum discharge. Rengalin can be used together with expectorants and mucolytics.

The drug can also be used for prolonged wet cough associated with excessive secretion of mucus in the bronchi. The drug does not cause addiction and drowsiness, does not depress breathing and does not have a narcotic effect, therefore it is also suitable for children.

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