Cough ointments for children

When children have a cough, various ointments for rubbing are very often used. Rubbing can quickly turn a dry cough into a wet one, which helps reduce its strength. Ointments are applicable at almost any age (after 2 years), but before using such medications, you should first consult with your pediatrician.

[ 1 ], [ 2 ], [ 3 ], [ 4 ], [ 5 ], [ 6 ], [ 7 ]

Indications cough ointments for children

Similar medications are used when the first signs of this symptom of a cold appear. Among them, the following should be highlighted:

1. Increased body temperature.
2. Difficulty breathing.
3. The appearance of mucus (with a wet cough).
4. Dry mouth.
5. Loss of appetite.

[ 8 ], [ 9 ]

Release form

It is important to understand that not all ointments used for rubbing in case of cough can be used for therapy of small children. Today, the following preparations are sold in pharmacies, which help to cope with a strong cough during a cold much faster:

1. Turpentine ointment
2. Doctor Mom ointment.
3. Vicks ointment.

Let's take a closer look at all of these medications.

Turpentine ointment

100 g of turpentine ointment contains 20 g of turpentine oil (purified form), 80 g of petroleum jelly and plain water. The medicine is based on the turpentine component, has antiseptic properties and helps relieve inflammation.

In addition, turpentine ointment also has a distracting effect. When this medicine is absorbed into the skin, the receptors are irritated. Most often, this remedy is used to treat coughs due to bronchitis.

When applying turpentine ointment to the baby's skin, remember that it can cause an allergic reaction, local irritation of the skin. If the kidneys and liver are not functioning properly, as well as sensitivity to the active component, you cannot rub this ointment into the skin when coughing. Please note that turpentine ointment is contraindicated at high body temperature.

[ 10 ], [ 11 ], [ 12 ]

Doctor Mom ointment

The medicine is based on active components: various extracts of oils and medicinal herbs, so it is completely safe for the child's health. It is recommended to use it as an independent remedy in the early stages of the disease, as well as in combination with other drugs in the later stages of the disease.

What substances are included in the Doctor Mom ointment:

1. Menthol.
2. Camphor.
3. Eucalyptus oil.
4. Thymol.
5. Nutmeg oil.
6. Turpentine oil.

Thanks to menthol, pain sensations are reduced and blood vessels are dilated. With the help of camphor, pain completely disappears, it also significantly facilitates breathing and relieves nasal congestion. Thymol is a well-known antifungal and antibacterial component.

When coughing, it is necessary to massage a sufficient amount of Doctor Mom ointment into the skin on the neck, back and chest (except for the heart area) 3 times a day.

If the patient has been diagnosed with dermatitis, there are wounds on the skin, cuts, scars, bruises, local inflammation, the use of the drug is prohibited. The product can be used from the age of 2.

Vicks ointment

A medicine based on the active components of camphor, levomenthol, turpentine oil, eucalyptus oil. It has a local irritant effect, due to which it helps to cope with cough faster.

Vicks ointment can be used from the age of 2. Use 2-4 times a day, rubbing a sufficient amount of the preparation into the skin on the chest, back and neck (except for the heart area). Therapy continues for up to 5 days.

If the patient has been diagnosed with intolerance to the components of the product, bronchial asthma, bronchospasms, false croup, whooping cough, chronic cough, skin lesions, the use of Vicks ointment is prohibited.

The use of this drug may lead to allergies, bronchospasm, laryngospasm, and skin irritation.

Warming cough ointment for children

Warming cough ointments for children can be used only if the child does not have a high body temperature. As a rule, such products contain turpentine and some essential oils. They are applied to the neck, chest and back (between the shoulder blades), without touching the heart area. After this, wrap the child in a warm blanket and put him to bed. To enhance the effect of the warming ointment, you can give the patient warm fruit drink or raspberry tea. After the procedure, you do not need to wash the ointment off the child's body immediately.

Rubbing warming ointments cannot be used for therapy of children under 2 years old. The most popular means are: ointment Doctor Mom, Vitaon baby, Pulmex baby.

Cough ointment for children from one year

When choosing a cough ointment for children over one year old, you need to pay attention to its composition. It should not contain camphor oil. This substance can have a negative effect on the baby's heart. Rubbing can begin from 6 months.

It is very important not to rub the ointment into the heart area. The procedure is usually carried out in the evening. After rubbing, dress the child warmly and let him sleep. Cough ointments cannot be used at high temperatures. Consult a pediatrician-neonatologist before use.

The safest remedy for children over one year old is considered to be Pulmex Baby ointment.

Pharmacodynamics

Let's look at a cough ointment for children using the drug "Vicks" as an example.

This ointment is considered a combination drug that is used to treat the main symptoms of cough. The composition of this product contains the following active components: purified turpentine oil, camphor, eucalyptus oil. As soon as these substances enter the respiratory tract, they cause hyperemia and secretory action.

Eucalyptus oil has an expectorant and antispasmodic effect. Turpentine oil has antiseptic properties.

The medicine is not absorbed.

[ 13 ], [ 14 ], [ 15 ], [ 16 ]

Contraindications

1. Early childhood.
2. Intolerance to the components of the drug.
3. Bronchospasms.
4. Elevated body temperature.
5. Whooping cough.
6. Bronchial asthma.
7. Chronic cough.

[ 17 ], [ 18 ]

Side effects cough ointments for children

1. Allergic reactions.
2. Skin irritations.
3. Bronchospasms.
4. Edema.
5. Laryngospasm.

[ 19 ], [ 20 ], [ 21 ]

Storage conditions

Cough ointments should be stored in a place that is completely protected from children. The air temperature should not exceed +25 degrees.

[ 22 ], [ 23 ], [ 24 ], [ 25 ]

Shelf life

The shelf life is usually 4 years. More information can be found in the instructions for the drug.

[ 26 ]