Two-part cough medicines

Now let's talk about medicines that contain 2 active herbal components at once. Medicines based on two herbs for bronchitis are good because the components of the medicine usually enhance each other's action. In addition, the likelihood that the medicine will be ineffective will be lower.

Cough syrup with bluehead and licorice

Contains extracts of roots and rhizomes of the two plants mentioned in the name. Both bluehead and licorice have good anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and expectorant effects. Bluehead also has diaphoretic, antipyretic and some antispasmodic effects.

The drug shows good results in the treatment of bronchitis and other inflammatory pathologies of the bronchopulmonary system, which are accompanied by difficult and painful discharge of sputum.

The syrup is packaged in 100 and 250 ml bottles.

Method of administration and dosage. The drug is intended for the treatment of adult patients. The syrup is prescribed in a dosage of 5-10 ml per dose. The frequency of administration is 2-3 times a day.

If there are difficulties with swallowing the medicine, the syrup in the prescribed dosage can be diluted in half a glass of water or a natural non-carbonated drink. The medicine is taken after meals, usually after half an hour.

Contraindications for use. In what cases is the drug not prescribed? In case of hypersensitivity to its components, severe liver or kidney dysfunction, consistently high blood pressure, heart and vascular diseases, hypokalemia. It is undesirable for patients with diabetes mellitus, fructose intolerance, and glucose metabolism disorders to take the sweet medicine.

The drug is not prescribed to children due to a lack of research in this area.

Use during pregnancy. Polemonium is unlikely to harm a pregnant woman, which cannot be said about licorice, the use of which is strictly prohibited during this period. Thus, it must be said that the expectant mother will have to look for a more suitable medicine to combat bronchitis.

Side effects. If the drug is taken for 1-2 weeks (the usual course of treatment), then only allergic reactions against the background of hypersensitivity may be observed.

But long-term use is fraught with disruption of water-electrolyte balance: loss of potassium and accumulation of calcium in the body (hypokalemia and hypercalcemia), edema syndrome, increased blood pressure and other failures in the work of the heart. The appearance of such symptoms indicates an overdose and is a signal to discontinue the drug.

Interaction with other drugs. It is not recommended to take the medicine simultaneously with other drugs that contain licorice root (it is this that is associated with severe overdose symptoms), laxatives (the drug already has a laxative effect), calcium preparations.

Caution is required when prescribing thiazide diuretics, which aggravate potassium deficiency, corticosteroids (the half-life may increase), cardiac glycosides (with prolonged use of syrup and drugs to support the heart, the toxic effect of the latter may increase).

There is a possibility of a decrease in the effect of drugs for high blood pressure (antihypertensive drugs).

A decrease in the therapeutic effect and deterioration of the patient's condition may be observed with the simultaneous use of expectorants and antitussives.

Storage conditions. Keep the medicine away from children and sunlight. At room temperature, it retains its therapeutic effect for 2 years.

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Plantain syrup

A sweet and rather tasty preparation, which is produced by the company "Gerbion" and some other pharmaceutical companies, for example the Ukrainian company "Ternopharm". Judging by the name of the medicine, it can be taken for a single-component remedy. In fact, in addition to the plantain extract, the syrup also contains mallow flower extract. Ascorbic acid enhances and complements the action of plant components.

Pharmacodynamics. Due to the components included in the drug, it helps to thin sputum, make it easier to expectorate, relieves inflammation and pain, improves nutrition and regenerative properties of body tissues, has an antibacterial and antiviral effect. In addition, ascorbic acid helps to reduce high temperatures and enhances the immunostimulating effect of mallow.

Method of administration and dosage. The syrup is intended for the treatment of adults and children over 2 years of age. Up to 14 years of age, the medicine is prescribed three times a day, older patients can undergo treatment with the drug up to 5 times a day.

As for the dose, children under 7 years old are recommended to take 1 teaspoon of syrup per dose, teenagers under 14 years old can take 1-2 teaspoons. The optimal dose for adult patients is considered to be 2 teaspoons.

The manufacturer recommends taking the syrup in its pure form, but washing it down with water. The course of treatment is no more than 1 week.

Contraindications for use. Treatment with plantain is not recommended for patients who have increased sensitivity to certain components of the drug, those who have been diagnosed with inflammatory or ulcerative diseases of the gastrointestinal tract or have serious disorders of glucose metabolism. Patients with diabetes mellitus should be careful, since the drug contains sugar.

Side effects. Like many other herbal preparations, the only side effect of plantain syrup is considered to be allergic reactions that occur due to hypersensitivity to the drug.

Storage conditions. The optimal storage temperature for the drug is considered to be room temperature, but not more than 25 degrees. The drug in a sealed package retains its properties for 2 years, while a once opened bottle can be stored for no more than 4 weeks.

Primrose syrup

Another sweet medicine from Gerbion. The main active ingredients of the medicine are 2 plants primrose (root) and thyme (herb) in the form of an aqueous extract, as well as menthol, which facilitates breathing, has some anti-inflammatory effect, enhancing the effects of thyme.

Pharmacodynamics. The root of the primrose provides the drug with an antitussive, secretolytic, enveloping effect, helps improve blood circulation in the respiratory system. Thyme is famous for its essential oil called "thymol", which has antiseptic, expectorant, bronchodilator and antispasmodic effects. Thyme extract is also famous for its diuretic, analgesic and antispasmodic properties.

Among the indications for the use of the drug, one can find almost all types of cough observed in bronchitis, respiratory and cardiac pathologies: unproductive (dry), difficult wet, spastic, senile cough and bronchitis in smokers.

Method of administration and dosage. The manufacturer recommends taking the medicine with food or immediately after it. The syrup should be washed down with warm water (about ½-1 glass).

Primrose syrup, like plantain syrup, is approved for the treatment of adults and children over 2 years of age. The drug is supplied with a measuring spoon, which is similar in volume to a teaspoon.

For small patients under 7 years of age, the medicine is prescribed in the amount of 1 measuring (teaspoon), for teenagers under 14 years of age, the syrup can be given in a dosage of 1-2 spoons. The recommended frequency of administration is three times a day.

Starting from the age of 14, you can take 2 teaspoons of syrup at a time, and the frequency of administration can remain unchanged or be increased to 4 times a day.

Contraindications for use. The drug is not prescribed to children under 2 years of age, patients with hypersensitivity to the components of the drug, those who have problems with the absorption of sugars, congenital disorders of glucose metabolism, diabetes mellitus (due to the high concentration of sugar in the syrup),

The use of the drug during pregnancy is somewhat limited. In the first 3 months of pregnancy and during breastfeeding, it is better to avoid treatment with primrose syrup, then taking the drug is allowed only with the permission of a doctor.

Side effects of the drug in the form of allergic reactions are rare. However, exceeding the recommended doses can lead to diarrhea and vomiting.

Storage conditions. Room conditions with a temperature of no more than 25 degrees are quite suitable for storing the medicine. In such conditions, the medicine can be safely stored for 2 years. If the bottle has been opened, it must be used within one month.

Bronchipret

A herbal preparation based on extracts of thyme and ivy leaves, which is available in the form of a sweet aromatic syrup (50 and 100 ml) and drops for oral administration (the same volumes, a bottle with a dropper). Both components of the drug are famous for their secretolytic action, as well as the ability to relieve spasms and bronchoconstriction, and fight pathogenic bacteria.

Method of administration and dosage. The medicine in the form of syrup, containing no more than 7% ethanol, is intended for the treatment of patients over 1 year old, and drops, the alcohol content of which reaches 19%, can be given to children only from the age of 6.

The manufacturers recommend taking the syrup in its pure form, with water or another non-alcoholic and non-carbonated drink. For children, the measured dose of the medicine is poured into a tablespoon and diluted with water. Drops are usually taken with water.

Bronchipret syrup does not require a measuring spoon. The required dose is measured using a measuring cap. For children under 5 years of age, the recommended dose is 3.2 ml, for children under 11 years of age - 4.3 ml, for older patients - 5.4 ml.

Regardless of the patient's age, the drug is recommended to be taken 3 times a day for a week. If the symptoms do not go away during this time, it is necessary to additionally consult a doctor.

As for the solution with herbal extracts (drops), which is used to treat patients over 6 years old, children under 11 years of age are given 25 drops, older children up to adulthood - 28 drops, adult patients - 40 drops. In this case, the frequency of administration is 4 times a day, and the course of treatment can last from 1.5 to 2 weeks with the possibility of repetitions.

Contraindications for use. The syrup is not recommended for patients with hypersensitivity to various components of the drug and fructose intolerance. During pregnancy and breastfeeding, treatment with it is undesirable, however, as well as in the period after recently conducted coding from alcoholism.

Caution is recommended for patients with diabetes, epilepsy and brain diseases, liver pathologies. Due to the alcohol content, it can cause pain in the epigastrium with gastritis, gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer.

The alcohol content in drops is even higher, which means that in the case of the above-mentioned pathologies, their use should be avoided.

Side effects. Taking the drug in any form of release in rare cases can cause allergic reactions, including severe (with swelling of the larynx and signs of suffocation), pain and cramps in the abdomen, nausea, diarrhea.

Storage conditions. The syrup and drops should be stored at room temperature for no more than 3 years.

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Dr. Theiss' Eucalyptus Cold Balm

This is a slightly unusual form of the drug when it comes to bronchitis, however, an ointment based on essential oils of eucalyptus and pine with the addition of camphor oil helps well with any colds of the respiratory system, when there is a cough with difficulty in expectorating sputum.

The balm effectively prevents congestion in the bronchi and lungs, relaxing them and increasing the secretion of bronchial glands, promotes easier expectoration of sputum, has an antibacterial and local irritant effect, which also promotes intensive removal of mucus from the bronchi.

Method of application and dosage. For bronchitis, the balm can be used in two ways:

• as a local remedy, which should be rubbed into the skin of the chest and back several times a day, after which it is recommended to cover the area of application with a warm, soft cloth,
• for inhalations (take ½-1 teaspoon of balm per glass of hot water and inhale the medicinal vapors for several minutes, periodically adding boiling water).

Treatment with balm is carried out for 5-7 days.

Contraindications for use. Local treatment of children with the drug is possible only from 2 years of age. Use in infants can cause laryngospasms and suffocation. For inhalation, the drug is used in patients over 12 years of age. By the way, inhalation is not recommended for acute inflammatory processes in the respiratory system, such treatment is more suitable for chronic forms of diseases.

In what cases is treatment with balm unacceptable? In case of hypersensitivity to the components of the ointment, bronchial asthma, whooping cough, pseudocroup, convulsive readiness. Local treatment is not suitable for patients with skin damage at the site of application (wounds, scratches, viral rashes, skin diseases). Treatment with balm is not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

The drug is not intended for internal use.

Side effects. Despite its effectiveness in treating cough, the balm is not a completely safe drug, because its use can cause extremely unpleasant symptoms. These can be skin irritation and allergic reactions when applied locally. As well as more serious general reactions: headaches, dizziness, nervous excitement, hallucinations, convulsions, increased coughing and bronchial obstruction (especially at night), bronchospasms, respiratory arrest. If the drug is used frequently on large areas of the body, there is a risk of toxic effects on the kidneys and hearing organs.

There is no need to think that the dangerous symptoms listed above appear at every step. Usually, such reactions are associated with hypersensitivity to the drug, exceeding the dosage, taking it internally, or using the drug in the acute phase of the disease. However, one should not forget about such symptoms.

Storage conditions. At room temperature, in conditions excluding exposure of the preparation to direct sunlight, the balm is stored and retains its healing properties for 3 years.

Transulmin Balsam

The preparation is identical to Dr. Theiss's Eucalyptus Balsam, but without camphor in the composition of the medicine, which somewhat expands the possibilities of its application. The active substances of the medicine are again essential oils of eucalyptus and pine.

The balm can be found on sale in aluminum tubes of various volumes, which is very convenient, given the different consumption of the drug for the treatment of adult patients and children. The volume of the medicine can be 20, 40 or 100 ml.

Pharmacodynamics. The medicinal aromatic oils of the preparation help to reduce the viscosity of sputum and its fairly easy removal from the bronchi, have a stimulating effect on the respiratory system, and reduce the production of inflammation mediators. Pine oil is also famous for its antiseptic effect.

If the balm is used for rubbing the body in the area where the bronchi pass, its penetration into the body is carried out in two ways: through the skin and directly by inhaling the essential components when they evaporate from the surface of the body. But the ointment can also be used for inhalations, which will ensure deep penetration of the medicinal components into the respiratory system and the removal of viscous mucus accumulated in its lower sections.

Method of administration and dosage. The product is used for various colds, including bronchitis with difficult cough, in patients of different ages. Rubbing the back and chest should be done 4 times a day, and inhalations - up to 3 times a day.

External use is possible even for the smallest patients, but regarding the treatment of children under 1 year and safe doses of the medicine for them, you should consult with a pediatrician. For children from one to six years old, a strip of cream about 3 cm long is used for one rub, for older children up to 12 years old, the cream can be taken 1 cm more. Starting from 12 years old, the dosage remains stable - about 6 cm.

Steam inhalations with balm can be performed for children over 6 years old. The amount of cream used for a certain age of the patient is the same as for external use. The medicine is added to hot (about 80 degrees) water and the healing aromas are inhaled for 5-10 minutes.

Contraindications for use. Doctors do not recommend using the medicine based on essential oils to patients with bronchial asthma and whooping cough, which can provoke an increase in symptoms and bronchospasms. Local use is undesirable for any damage and skin diseases. External use and inhalation are impossible in case of hypersensitivity to at least one of the components of the drug.

During pregnancy, doctors do not prohibit treatment with the drug, but during breastfeeding, they do not recommend rubbing the ointment on the chest near the mammary glands (it is better to use it in the upper back area).

Treatment options for infants are discussed with a doctor. In case of difficulty breathing through the nose, the product can be applied to the nasal area. However, such treatment is only possible for patients over 2 years of age to avoid severe irritation of the skin and eyes. In older children, care should be taken to ensure that the ointment does not get into the eyes, and if necessary, rinse them thoroughly with warm water.

The drug is not intended for oral administration.

Side effects. The most common symptoms are various allergic reactions and skin irritation at the site of injury. When performing inhalation procedures, irritation of the mucous membrane of the eye is possible, so it is recommended to keep the eyes closed at this time. Patients with concomitant respiratory diseases are at risk of bronchospasm.

Storage conditions. The drug is not afraid of high temperatures, but it is not recommended to store it at 30 degrees and above. The ointment can be used for medicinal purposes for 3 years from the date of manufacture, after which the medicinal properties of the drug are significantly reduced.

Eucabal

One of the effective herbal preparations for bronchitis. The active ingredients of the sweet medicine are liquid extracts of two plants: plantain and thyme. The syrup is released in a 100 ml bottle.

Pharmacodynamics. Essential oils of the medicinal plants used, irritating the bronchial glands, make them work actively, which leads to an increase in the volume and liquefaction of specific mucous secretion with its parallel movement up the bronchial tree. Plant extracts also help separate mucus from the walls of the bronchi. These effects are especially valuable in chronic bronchitis and the last stage of the acute disease.

Plantain additionally protects the bronchial mucosa from irritation, stopping unproductive coughing urges, and thyme fights the bacterial component of phlegm.

Method of administration and dosage. Manufacturers recommend treating patients over 4 years of age with Eucabal syrup. At the same time, a single dose of 1 teaspoon is considered optimal for children under 6 years of age. Children and adolescents under 12 years of age can be given 1 dessert spoon, and older patients, if necessary, are allowed to increase the dose to 2 dessert spoons.

The syrup has a fairly pleasant taste and low alcohol content (no more than 6.5%), so it can be used undiluted or mixed with a small amount of liquid.

An overdose is possible if the medicine is taken in large doses. This is not dangerous, but causes unpleasant symptoms of nausea and unproductive coughing. In these cases, the drug is stopped for a while, the stomach is washed and antiemetics are taken (in case of severe nausea).

Contraindications for use. The drug is not taken in case of hypersensitivity to its individual components and the occurrence of allergic reactions associated with intolerance to plants of the Labiatae family, celery, birch pollen. The drug is also not suitable for patients with fructose intolerance and glucose metabolism disorders.

The drug is recommended to be taken undiluted, which may cause increased symptoms of gastritis with high acidity of gastric juice, ulcerative lesions of the gastrointestinal tract, reflux esophagitis, severe liver and kidney diseases.

Due to the content of alcohol and sugar, caution should be exercised in prescribing the drug to patients suffering from epilepsy, alcoholism, diabetes, and various liver and brain diseases.

The use of the drug during pregnancy and lactation is considered extremely undesirable. And in childhood, its use is possible starting from the age of 4 years.

Side effects. Due to the irritating effect of the syrup on the gastrointestinal tract, symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders may occur. This includes nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and other unpleasant reactions. The possibility of allergic reactions, including shortness of breath and Quincke's edema, should not be ruled out.

Storage conditions. The preparation is well preserved for 3 years at a temperature not exceeding 25 degrees in the absence of direct sunlight.

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