Monotherapy for bronchitis

Treating bronchitis is not an easy task, but it can be made quite safe if at least some of the drugs are replaced with medicinal herbs, if possible. But many herbs have anti-inflammatory and expectorant effects and could be a help to synthetic pharmaceutical drugs. But herbal medicine is considered a rather troublesome occupation, because you need to get useful herbs and recipes, prepare infusions, tinctures, syrups and decoctions, which sometimes takes a lot of time. It is much easier and safer to use ready-made herbal preparations for bronchitis, where all the nuances of collecting, harvesting and preparing plant materials are taken into account. In addition, pharmacy drugs allow you to gain time, which is very important for preventing various complications.

Many medicinal herbs themselves can already be considered an effective remedy for cough, which is the main symptom of bronchitis. Cough is a response to inflammation and irritation of the mucous membrane, which means that to combat the symptom, it is enough to remove the inflammation and its consequence in the form of mucus accumulated in the bronchi. This is not so difficult, given the number of herbal herbs that have an anti-inflammatory and expectorant effect. It is on the basis of such herbs that drugs for bronchitis and cough are created, where the active substance is plant material.

Tussamag

A preparation based on liquid extract of thyme, intended for oral administration for bronchitis, tracheitis, tracheobronchitis.

Release form. The medicine is available as a regular syrup (contains sucrose), syrup with sorbitol (sugar-free) and drops on sorbitol for oral administration. Syrups are packaged in bottles of 200 and 175 g, bottles with drops can have a volume of 20 or 50 ml. All containers are made of dark glass so that the plant extract does not lose its properties under the influence of light.

Pharmacodynamics. Thyme is a herb with pronounced antimicrobial, bronchodilator, expectorant, mucolytic and anti-inflammatory effects. It is clear that a thyme-based preparation will also have all these properties, which makes it effective even in cases of obstructive bronchitis.

Method of administration and dosage. The drug is prescribed for diseases of the upper and lower respiratory tract in patients over 1 year old. In this case, the features of use and dosage will depend on the form of the drug and the age of the patient.

In principle, both drops and syrup can be used to treat both adults and children. Syrup is usually taken undiluted 20-30 minutes after eating. Drops can be used undiluted or diluted with water. Alternatively, you can drip them onto a piece of sugar, which will improve the taste of the medicine.

Children under 5 years of age are given the medicine 2 or 3 times a day. A single dose for syrups is 5 ml, for drop form - from 10 to 25 drops.

For older children, the frequency of taking medications can be increased to 4 times, the syrup dose - to 10 ml, the drop dose - to 50 drops.

Adult patients can take the syrup in a dosage of 10-15 ml, drop form - up to 60 drops per dose. The frequency of use remains the same (up to 4 times a day).

Contraindications for use. Despite the fact that the active substance of the drug is a plant component, the medicine is not suitable for everyone. It is not recommended to take it in case of renal or hepatic insufficiency, CHF that is not amenable to treatment, severe thyroid disorders, or individual intolerance to the components of the drug.

Sugar syrup is not recommended for people with high blood glucose levels, such as diabetes. The drops contain an alcoholic extract of the plant, which means that people with alcohol addiction and those with liver problems should be careful with them.

Pediatricians allow the use of the drug in various forms from the age of one year. However, it is better for children under 12 not to use drops on alcohol, giving preference to syrup.

Use of the drug during pregnancy is unacceptable, since the action of the herb can provoke contractions of the uterus, which will lead to premature birth or miscarriage. During lactation, taking the drug is also considered undesirable.

Side effects. The use of the drug "Tussamag" may be associated with the appearance of allergic reactions and nausea, especially against the background of hypersensitivity.

Interactions with other drugs. Since the drug has an expectorant effect, it cannot be used in combination with antitussive drugs and drugs that reduce sputum secretion.

Storage conditions. The drug does not require any special storage conditions. The maximum temperature at which syrups can be stored is 30 degrees, for drops – 25 degrees. The medicine can only be stored at positive temperatures. The shelf life of any form of the medicine is no more than 3 years.

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Bronchicum

An analogue of the drug "Tussamag" by the active substance. The drugs differ only in auxiliary components and release form.

Release form. In addition to cough syrup (100 ml bottle with measuring spoon), under the name "Bronchicum" you can also find lozenges, which due to their round shape can be mistaken for candies or tablets.

The pharmacodynamics and indications for use of the drug are completely similar to "Tussamag". This drug is used to facilitate expectoration of sputum and combat inflammatory phenomena.

Method of administration and dosage. Bronchicum lozenges are intended for the treatment of patients over 12 years of age. For children and adolescents, the syrup form is more suitable.

Children under one year of age are given 2.5 ml of syrup twice a day; children from one to two years of age are given the same dose, but three times a day.

For children aged 2-12 years, the single dose is doubled and is 5 ml, although children under 6 years of age should be given it only 2 times a day, and older children - 3 times a day.

Patients who are 12 years of age or older can be recommended to drink the syrup 2 teaspoons per dose three times a day.

Pastilles can also be given to children over 6 years old, 1 piece three times a day. The same dose is suitable for adults, but in severe cases of cough it can be increased to 6 pastilles a day.

Contraindications for use. The manufacturer states the following restrictions on the use of the drug: it is not recommended for patients with decompensated CHF, severe liver and kidney dysfunction, hypersensitivity to the components, alcoholics (both forms contain alcohol as an extractant), as well as during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Both forms of the drug contain sugar, so they are not recommended for those with fructose intolerance and glucose metabolism disorders. Caution should be exercised by those who suffer from diabetes or practice a hypoglycemic diet.

The drug is not intended for the treatment of children under six months. It is not advisable to give lozenges to children under 6 years of age.

Side effects are not varied. These are allergic reactions, including angioedema, and gastrointestinal disorders (nausea, dyspeptic symptoms, epigastric pain).

The storage conditions of the drugs are also similar. At room temperature, lozenges and syrup can be stored for 3 years.

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Pertussin

A partial analogue of the above-described preparations. In addition to liquid thyme extract, it also contains potassium bromide, which has a softening and sedative effect.

Release form. The drug is available only in syrup form.

Pharmacodynamics. It is believed that the drug accelerates and facilitates the removal of accumulated mucus from the bronchi by irritating the nerve endings of the mucous membrane, stimulating the production of bronchial secretions and liquefying sputum. It helps to transform unproductive cough into productive cough.

Method of administration and dosage. Unlike the previous drugs, the medicine contains an additional component potassium bromide, which does not allow its use in the treatment of children under 3 years of age.

For patients over 3 years of age, the medicine is prescribed 3 times a day. The optimal single dose for children under 6 years of age is 2.5 ml, for children under 9 years of age - 5 ml, for teenagers under 12 years of age - 10 ml. Adults can take the syrup three times a day, 15 ml each.

It is not recommended to give pure syrup to children under 6 years of age. It is better to dilute the recommended dose with 20 ml (4 tsp) of water.

Overdose. This phenomenon is observed due to the presence of bromine in the drug. It manifests itself as skin rashes, runny nose, inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eyes, weakness, inflammation of the stomach and intestines (gastroenterocolitis), increased heart rate, ataxia. The combination of these symptoms is called bromism and occurs when the recommended doses are exceeded.

The appearance of symptoms of bromism requires discontinuation of the drug. Then treatment is carried out aimed at reducing the severity of symptoms.

Contraindications for use. The drug is not suitable for the treatment of patients with severe CHF, liver and kidney dysfunction, anemia, low blood pressure, vascular atherosclerosis, individual intolerance to the components.

Diabetics and alcoholics should exercise caution as the medicine contains sugar and alcohol.

The use of the drug during pregnancy and lactation is also limited. In the 1st trimester of pregnancy, the ban is categorical. In the 2nd-3rd trimester, Pertussin, according to the instructions, can be used only in extreme cases, if there is a threat to the woman's life.

It is not recommended to take the medicine to people whose activities are associated with danger and require concentration. Such activities will have to be postponed for the duration of treatment.

Side effects. Usually, everything is limited to allergic reactions against the background of hypersensitivity, but if the dose was exceeded or the treatment was carried out for a long period, the appearance of signs of bromism is quite likely.

Storage conditions. At room temperatures, the preparation retains its properties for 4 years.

Prospan

A herbal preparation, the active substance of which is ivy in the form of a dry extract. Ivy also refers to expectorants due to its ability to thin sputum, stimulate the production of bronchial secretions, relieve spasms of the smooth muscles of the bronchi, which is especially important in the case of obstruction and bronchial asthma. The herb also has some antitussive effect, but it does not affect the central nervous system and does not inhibit the activity of the cough center.

Release form. The ivy medicine is produced in the form of a syrup with a fruity taste and cherry aroma. A measuring spoon is included with the bottle of syrup.

The medicine is prescribed for severe cough with difficulty removing phlegm.

Method of administration and dosage. The syrup is recommended to be used three times a day for different groups of patients. The dosage depends on the patient's age.

Babies over 1 year old but under 6 years old should be given 2.5 ml per dose. For children under 10 years old, the dose is increased to 5 ml. For older patients, the dose can be left the same or increased to 7.5 ml.

An overdose of the drug is a very rare occurrence, since only triple doses of the drug can cause danger. In this case, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are possible.

Contraindications for use. The main and absolute contraindication to the drug is hypersensitivity to its individual components.

The syrup contains sugar, so people with glucose metabolism disorders and diabetes should be careful with it.

During pregnancy and breastfeeding, taking the drug is considered undesirable due to the lack of sufficient evidence of its safety for the mother and fetus. However, if the attending physician does not see any danger in such treatment, the drug can be safely taken during these periods.

In pediatrics, it is approved for use from the age of one year.

Side effects. The drug contains sorbitol as an auxiliary component, which has a laxative effect, so in rare cases patients complain of diarrhea. Symptoms such as nausea, pain and heaviness in the stomach, vomiting are also possible.

Allergic reactions may also appear in the form of itching, skin rashes, swelling of the mucous membranes, and difficulty breathing.

Storage conditions. The medicine should be stored at room temperatures up to 25 degrees. This will allow the medicine to remain effective for 3 years. But if the bottle has been opened once, it can be stored for no more than 3 months.

Gedelix

An analogue of the drug "Prospan" based on a thick extract of ivy leaves, which is used as an expectorant and antispasmodic for respiratory diseases with difficulty removing sputum.

Release form. Syrup in a bottle with a measuring spoon. Bottle volume – 100 or 200 ml. Solution in the form of drops with a volume of 50 ml.

Method of administration and dosage. Both syrup and solution are intended for treatment of patients of different ages, but the dosage for children and adults will differ by 2 times.

Thus, adult patients are prescribed the drug in the following dosage: syrup - 5 ml, solution - 25-30 drops. Children can be given 2.5 ml of syrup and 12-15 drops per dose. In this case, it is better to dilute the medicine in a small amount of tea or juice.

The frequency of taking the medicine is 3 times a day.

An overdose is possible if you take triple doses of the drug. In this case, nausea, vomiting, and nervous excitement may occur.

Contraindications for use and side effects are identical to those of the drug "Prospan".

Storage conditions. If you store the drug at a temperature below 25 degrees and do not freeze it, it will retain its properties for 5 years, but the shelf life of an open bottle is reduced to six months.

Herbion Ivy Syrup

Another single-drug preparation based on ivy, a herb valuable for bronchitis due to its ability to facilitate expectoration and prevent bronchial obstruction.

Method of administration and dosage. The instructions say that the drug can be taken regardless of food intake, but patients with stomach diseases are better off taking it after meals due to some alcohol content in the syrup. The frequency of taking the drug is three times a day, regardless of age.

As for dosages, children under 6 years of age should be given 0.5 teaspoon of medicine per dose, children under 10 years of age – 1 teaspoon of syrup, older patients – 1-1.5 teaspoons.

Treatment with the drug is carried out for a week, even if the symptoms of the disease have disappeared earlier.

An overdose of the drug is possible if you take excessive doses of the drug. In this case, you can expect symptoms such as nervous excitement, nausea with vomiting attacks, diarrhea. If the above symptoms appear, stop taking the drug, wash the stomach and take sorbents.

Contraindications for use. The syrup should not be taken in case of hypersensitivity to any of its components. In pediatrics, it is used from the age of 2, since in younger children the drug can cause increased symptoms and breathing difficulties.

There is no data on the safety of the syrup during pregnancy, expectant mothers can take it only after consulting a doctor. It is better to stop breastfeeding during the treatment period.

Caution should be exercised by patients with diabetes mellitus, digestive system diseases, impaired glucose metabolism and fructose intolerance.

Side effects appear either due to an overdose of the drug or as a result of intolerance to its components. In any case, you will have to stop taking the medicine and seek advice and help from a doctor.

Storage conditions. The syrup should be stored under normal conditions. It does not require refrigeration, and even an opened bottle can be used for another 3 months. Hermetically sealed syrup can be stored for 2 years.

Lycorine hydrochloride

A drug containing an alkaloid found in plants from two families: liliaceae and amaryllidaceae. Depending on the dosage, the drug has an expectorant or emetic effect.

Release form. The medicine is produced in the form of tablets with a dosage of 0.1 mg or 0.2 mg.

Pharmacodynamics. Lycorine is a substance that stimulates bronchial secretion, helps to thin mucus, relieves spasms of the respiratory system muscles, due to which it can be used for bronchitis (including obstructive form), bronchial asthma, pneumonia and other acute and chronic colds of the respiratory system.

Method of administration and dosage. The drug is intended for adult patients, who are given 1-2 tablets 3 or 4 times a day. If nausea and vomiting occur, the dosage is reduced.

Contraindications for use. According to the instructions, the drug should not be used in patients with diseases that pose a risk of pulmonary hemorrhage, with organic pathologies of the central nervous system, serious diseases of the cardiovascular system, gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer, as well as if there is a high probability of developing gastric bleeding.

Side effects. In moderate therapeutic doses, unpleasant symptoms practically do not appear, unless the patient has hypersensitivity to the components of the drug. And in high doses, irritation of the esophagus and stomach is possible, resulting in nausea and vomiting.

Interaction with other drugs. Use simultaneously with drugs of the codeine group significantly reduces the effectiveness of cough treatment due to the manifestation of antagonism.

Storage conditions. It is recommended to store the tablets in a cool and dark place, out of reach of children. Use before the expiration date.

Gelomirtol

The drug in the form of capsules containing essential myrtle oil (standardized myrtole). The herbal basis of the drug has a secretolytic and secretomotor effect, i.e. it increases the amount of bronchial secretion and liquefies it, facilitating its easy removal. In large doses, the drug exhibits vasodilatory, antispasmodic and immunostimulating effects.

The drug is commonly used in treatment regimens for acute and chronic forms of bronchitis.

Method of administration and dosage. It is recommended to take the drug half an hour before meals. Like any other capsules, "Gelomirtol" should be washed down with water in large quantities, necessary for dissolving the shell.

The dosage and frequency of taking the drug depend on the patient's age and the form of the inflammatory process. So, patients over 10 years old are prescribed 2 capsules of the drug at a time, but in the acute course of the disease, such a dose is taken 4 to 5 times a day, while for the treatment of the chronic form of bronchitis, 4 times a day is enough.

If, in the case of chronic bronchitis, it is very difficult for the patient to cough up phlegm in the morning, an additional 2 capsules of the drug can be taken at night.

As for the treatment of children under 10 years old, everything depends on whether the child can swallow the capsule or not. In principle, treatment with the drug is possible from the age of three. In the acute period of the disease, a single dose of 1 capsule is given to children up to 5 times a day, in the chronic course of the disease - 3 times a day.

If treatment is carried out over a long period, it is necessary to adhere to the minimum doses (for adults no more than 6 capsules per day, for children – no more than 3).

Contraindications for use. The drug is not prescribed for individual intolerance to the components of the drug, gastritis, gastroduodenitis, stomach ulcers and other inflammatory pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract, severe liver diseases.

During pregnancy, treatment with the drug is not prohibited, but requires prior consultation with a doctor. It is especially worth taking care in the first 3 months of pregnancy. Breastfeeding should be interrupted during treatment with any drugs.

Side effects of the drug are observed very rarely. These may be pain and discomfort in the stomach and intestines. Nausea and vomiting occur less often, in some cases patients suffer from diarrhea. Allergic reactions are also possible: shortness of breath, itching and rash on the body, swelling and redness of the skin, etc.

Storage conditions. Capsules should be stored at room temperature for no more than 3 years. The storage room for medicines should be dry and dark.

Althea Syrup

A herbal preparation based on the marshmallow root has a pronounced expectorant effect, so it is often prescribed for coughing with difficult-to-remove sputum during bronchitis and other respiratory diseases. In addition, the preparation has: enveloping (protects against irritation) and anti-inflammatory effects.

A bottle or jar of the preparation contains 125g of syrup.

Method of administration and dosage. Doctors recommend taking the medicine after meals, having previously diluted it with water.

Children are prescribed the medicine in a single dose of 1 teaspoon per 50 g of water, patients over 12 years old are given 1 tablespoon per dose, diluted in 100 g of liquid. The medicine is taken 4-5 times a day for a course of 1.5-2 weeks.

Contraindications for use. There are few restrictions on taking the drug. It is not prescribed only in case of hypersensitivity to the components and serious disorders of glucose metabolism. It is important to understand that the syrup contains sugar, so you should consult a doctor about the possibilities of taking it with diabetes and a low-carbohydrate diet.

Speaking about side effects, only rare allergic reactions are reported.

Storage conditions. The syrup can be stored at room temperature up to 25 degrees, protected from direct sunlight, for no more than 1.5 years.

Marshmallow

One of the herbal preparations that doctors most often prescribe to children for bronchitis and cough. In pharmacies, you can find the medicine in plastic or glass bottles. Volume - 100 or 20 ml.

Method of administration and dosage. The preparation differs from the Althea syrup in its auxiliary components. It should be taken before meals with a small amount of water (for children) or in pure form. The dosage depends on the patient's age.

For infants under 12 months, it is recommended to give ½ teaspoon of syrup twice a day. Children under 2 years of age can take the same dose 3 to 4 times a day.

Children aged 2-7 years are given 1 teaspoon, children aged 8 years and over and teenagers under 14 years are prescribed 2 teaspoons 4-6 times a day. The same frequency of administration remains for adults, but the optimal dose will already be equal to 1 tablespoon.

The course of treatment usually takes 1-2 weeks.

Contraindications and side effects are similar to those of the drug "Althea Syrup". If taken in high doses, it can cause nausea and vomiting.

Interaction with other drugs. It is not recommended to use expectorant syrup together with antitussives, as this reduces the therapeutic effect. If "Alteika" is used in combination with antibiotics, the concentration of the latter in the respiratory tract will be higher.

Storage conditions. Like the previous drug, the syrup "Alteika" should be stored at room temperature, choosing places without access to light.

If the bottle containing the drug has been opened, it can only be used within 14 days, after which the medicine is considered unfit for use.

Mucaltin

A drug with a secretolytic effect that has been known for decades, which simultaneously liquefies phlegm and facilitates its easier removal by stimulating the bronchial glands and increasing their production of a specific liquid secretion. Some anti-inflammatory effect is also noted due to the enveloping effect of the drug.

Not everyone knows, but the active substance of the drug, produced in the form of cream or brownish tablets, is marshmallow extract, so the medicine is also classified as a herbal remedy.

Method of administration and dosage. The instructions recommend taking the tablets whole, before eating, with water. Despite the fact that the tablet forms are intended for children over 3 years old, doctors allow the use of tablets for the treatment of babies starting from 1 year.

Children are prescribed the drug in a single dose equal to 1 tablet. But up to 3 years of age, a child can take the medicine three times a day, while children aged 4-12 years can be given the medicine 4 times a day.

Adults also take the drug four times a day, but the dosage for them is twice as much, i.e. 2 tablets at a time.

Children can be given tablets in the form of an aqueous solution (one third of a glass of warm water per 1 tablet) with honey or sugar. The course of treatment is at least a week. If necessary, the tablets can be used for a long time.

Contraindications for use. The drug is not prescribed for hypersensitivity to its components, as this can cause allergic reactions in the form of itching and rash. If the drug is taken for a long time and in high doses, symptoms such as nausea and vomiting may appear.

The instructions state that the drug has not been tested on pregnant women, so it is not recommended for expectant mothers to use it. However, therapists actively prescribe 1-2 tablets three times a day to pregnant women, but advise dissolving them in a glass of water beforehand.

Storage conditions. The drug should be stored at positive temperatures below 25 degrees. The shelf life of the tablets is 4 years.