Cough tablets: what they are and how they work

The main groups of drugs that are used to treat cough:

• Drugs that improve sputum discharge: expectorants,
• mucolytics.

The choice of medication should be individual for everyone. Before you start taking the drug, be sure to consult your doctor.

What types of cough tablets are there?

All that can be found in a pharmacy on the shelf with cough tablets are different drugs with different effects. All of them can be divided into three groups:

• mucolytics;
• antiseptics;
• antitussives.

Despite the fact that they have the same release form - tablets, they need to be used in different ways. Some are intended for resorption, others for systemic use, and others for the preparation of solutions.

Most cough tablets are sold without a prescription, but there are also some that are prohibited for free sale.

How to treat a wet cough?

November 4, 2022
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Content

• Causes of wet cough
• Symptoms of a wet cough
• How to treat a wet cough
• 8 most effective drugs for wet cough
• Ascoril
• Ambrohexal
• Fluimucil
• Mukaltin
• ACC
• Ambrobene
• Plantain and coltsfoot syrup from Evalar
• Lazolvan
• Traditional methods of treating wet cough

A cough is called “wet” when it is accompanied by the formation of sputum. And the main task of antitussives in this case is to liquefy this sputum and remove it. In the first days of treatment, a wet cough may intensify, but it will no longer be as severe. Today, pharmacies offer a variety of cough medications: these include syrups, tablets, and lozenges. Such drugs should be prescribed exclusively by a doctor who will determine the cause of the cough; self-medication is inappropriate here.

Mucolytics: principle of action

Mucolytics include tablets that primarily affect mucus secretion in the respiratory tract. These are so-called expectorants. Their use ensures quick and easy removal of sputum from the bronchi and lungs.

It is advisable to use such tablets when inflammation of the respiratory system is accompanied by a dry and irritating cough. For bronchitis, tracheitis and pulmonary inflammation, mucolytics are needed to increase local immunity. Acting locally, they increase the amount of sputum produced. It collects pathogenic microorganisms from the surface of the mucous membranes and removes them from the respiratory system.

Cough tablets that help soften a cough and make it productive can be found under the following names:

• Acc, Fluimucil, Bromhexine Berlin-Chemie or analogues with the active ingredient acetylcysteine.
• Ambrobene, Lazolvan or analogues with ambroxol as an active ingredient.
• Doctor Mom - herbal tablets;
• Licorice;
• Sage.

Many pharmacological companies produce lozenges containing herbal ingredients. Licorice is recognized as the most powerful in producing phlegm. It significantly reduces its viscosity and helps remove it from the respiratory tract.

Causes of wet cough

A wet cough occurs when there is inflammation in the respiratory system. Coughing is a reflex defense reaction of the body designed to clear the airways of sputum and germs.

Among the most common causes of wet cough are:

• respiratory viral diseases;
• bronchitis;
• pneumonia (pneumonia);
• bronchial asthma;
• whooping cough.

In addition, a wet cough is possible with chronic diseases such as tuberculosis, heart failure, bronchiectasis, and cystic fibrosis.

Read also How to treat dry cough: top 5 drugs The best drugs for dry cough in adults.

Antitussives

Antitussives include drugs that reduce the susceptibility of the ciliated epithelium of the respiratory system to irritants. At the same time, many antitussives act directly on the cough center of the brain. This way the cough reflex is “turned off”. Such drugs can be useful only in special cases:

• with whooping cough;
• allergic irritating cough;
• with laryngitis;
• with pharyngitis.

In other situations, the use of antitussives is not recommended, since other respiratory diseases require the removal of sputum from the lungs. And suppression of the cough reflex will lead to complications and increase the recovery period.

Antitussive tablets include:

• Rengalin;
• Codelac;
• Terpincode;
• Sinecode;
• Omnitus.

Since Codelac and Terpincode contain the narcotic drug codeine, the drugs cannot be purchased at a pharmacy without a prescription.

ACC

"ACC" is perhaps the most popular tablet for the treatment of wet cough. "ACC" is prescribed for bronchitis and pneumonia. The product thins mucus and helps it drain better. "ACC" is sold in the form of effervescent soluble tablets, which are prescribed to adults and children over 14 years of age. Doctors note the excellent effectiveness of the drug if you need to get rid of very viscous sputum. But ACC should not be taken at night - this can lead to congestion in the lungs. It is also contraindicated to take ACC alone in combination with other cough medications. Buyers in reviews say it works quickly, treats coughs well, is inexpensive and is available in all pharmacies.

ACC

Hermes Pharma, Germany; Wernigerode Pharma, Germany; Lindopharm, Germany

Respiratory diseases accompanied by the formation of viscous, difficult to separate sputum (acute and chronic bronchitis, obstructive bronchitis, tracheitis, laryngotracheitis, pneumonia, lung abscess, bronchiectasis, bronchial asthma, COPD, bronchiolitis, cystic fibrosis);
acute and chronic sinusitis; Otitis media from 102

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It is not advisable to self-medicate with a wet cough, it is fraught with complications

Photos from open sources

Local antiseptic drugs

In addition to mucolytics and drugs that suppress the activity of the cough center, there are drugs with antiseptic activity. They, containing disinfectants, destroy pathogenic flora growing on the mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract. Such tablets are effective exclusively for laryngitis, pharyngitis and tracheitis. The benefit of such drugs is that they are active against most types of microbes, acting on both bacteria, viruses and fungi.

Antiseptic cough tablets:

• Strepsils;
• Grammidin;
• Agisept;
• Anzibel;
• Faringosept;
• Lysobacter;
• Septolete Neo;
• AntiAngin.

Lysobact stands out on this list because it can be used by pregnant and breastfeeding women. It is based on no synthetic antiseptics. The effect of the drug is based only on its constituent lysozyme, a substance found in human saliva. Lysozyme is a natural antiseptic and does not harm the fetus.

Many antiseptic cough tablets contain lidocaine, which provides a pronounced analgesic effect and even numbness of the tonsils. If you have a severe sore throat, it is better to opt for such remedies, taking into account all possible contraindications.

Ascoril

"Ascoril" is a combination drug for the complex treatment of wet cough, which contains several active substances: salbutamol, guaifenesin and bromhexine. "Ascoril" is a mucolytic and bronchodilator with an expectorant effect. The drug is usually prescribed for such serious problems as obstructive bronchitis and pneumonia, that is, in cases where the sputum is difficult to clear and is very thick. "Ascoril" acts quickly - relief occurs literally in the first days of taking it. But you need to remember about the side effects of Ascoril: some patients experience tachycardia, increased sweating, and dry mouth.

Ascoril

Glenmark Pharmaceuticals, India

As part of combination therapy for acute and chronic bronchopulmonary diseases, accompanied by the formation of difficult-to-separate viscous secretions: bronchial asthma;
tracheobronchitis; obstructive bronchitis; pneumonia; emphysema; whooping cough; pneumoconiosis; pulmonary tuberculosis. from 113

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Cough tablets: instructions for use

Depending on what type of cough tablets are used, it is recommended to follow the prescribed instructions that come with each package. If we are talking about mucolytics, it is better to use them in the first half of the day, as they provoke coughing shocks. Taking mucolytics, the patient begins to actively cough up all the mucus accumulated in the respiratory tract. If you take this remedy half an hour/hour before bedtime, you will not be able to fall asleep soundly - you will be tormented by a wet cough.

Antiseptics are recommended to be taken after meals. This is important so that, together with saliva, the antimicrobial agent covers the tonsils and trachea, destroying pathogenic flora. Drinks and food will wash the active substance from the respiratory tract, which will significantly reduce the expected effect. Such tablets are usually taken 3-4 times a day. They are not intended to be washed down with water or dissolved. Antiseptic drugs usually dissolve in the oral cavity.

Antitussives are recommended to be used exclusively at night, unlike mucolytics. As an exception, we can only mention the relief of whooping cough symptoms. In this case, regular use of the drug is allowed after consultation with a specialist. In severe cases of whooping cough, drugs based on narcotic drugs are usually prescribed, sold strictly according to a prescription. Over-the-counter medications can be used 2-3 times a day in case of allergic reactions that irritate the trachea.

Ambrohexal

This mucolytic drug is used for wet coughs to thin out mucus and remove it faster. "Ambrohexal" is inexpensive, but quite effective. The remedy is prescribed for acute and chronic bronchitis, pneumonia, asthma and other problems, one of the symptoms of which is a prolonged cough. "Ambrohexal" can be taken by adults and children from 6 years of age. To enhance the positive effect, in addition to the mucolytic, an antiviral or antibacterial agent is usually prescribed (you need to look at the clinical manifestations). Reviews from doctors and patients about the drug are mostly positive due to its complex action - the product removes phlegm in the most natural way possible. The cost of Ambrohexal is quite affordable, and there are no serious contraindications or side effects.

Ambrohexal

Hexal, Germany

Ambrohexal is a mucolytic and expectorant.
Indications for use: Acute and chronic diseases of the respiratory tract, accompanied by the formation of viscous secretions: - acute and chronic bronchitis; - pneumonia; - COPD; - bronchial asthma with difficulty in sputum discharge; - bronchiectasis; - treatment and prevention of respiratory distress syndrome (for syrup and solution for oral administration and inhalation). from 92

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Traditional methods of treating wet cough

In addition to medications for wet coughs, there are proven folk methods that help thin and remove mucus. Here are some of them.

1. Milk with honey.
   You need to heat a glass of milk, add a couple of teaspoons of honey and a pinch of soda. This drink perfectly thins and removes phlegm. Another recipe is milk with butter. This recipe is suitable if you have an irritated throat (the drink eliminates soreness and soothes the mucous membranes).
2. Milk with banana.
   Add banana puree and a couple of teaspoons of cocoa to a glass of heated milk. Children will definitely appreciate this cough remedy. You need to drink the drink before going to bed.
3. Black radish.
   Radish contains an essential oil with a bactericidal effect, plus black radish is an excellent stimulant for mucus discharge. To treat a cough, take 1 teaspoon of radish juice five times a day. To “extract” the juice of a black radish, you need to cut it into two parts, remove some of the pulp, and put honey in the resulting holes. If you don't have honey, you can simply grate the radish and add a little sugar.
4. Honey compress.
   To relieve a cough, you can rub liquid honey on your chest, put parchment paper on top, and then cover yourself with a warm blanket. After half an hour, wipe off the honey with a damp cloth and wrap yourself up.
5. Chocolate for cough.
   Another recipe that kids will love. Melt 100 g of butter, add 100 g of chocolate and 2 tbsp. l. cocoa. Warm everything over low heat or in a water bath until the ingredients are well mixed. Cool and you can spread this chocolate spread on bread or cookies for your child. It’s great if the baby agrees to drink it with warm milk.

Plantain and coltsfoot syrup from Evalar

This drug is indicated for both wet and dry coughs. Effective and affordable. “Plantain and coltsfoot syrup” soothes coughs and has a good expectorant and cooling effect. Plantain and coltsfoot are excellent natural anti-inflammatory agents: they relieve irritation, disinfect, thin mucus, soothe and regenerate mucous membranes. To stimulate local immunity, the syrup is enriched with vitamin C. It also contains peppermint essential oil, which reduces the severity of cough, coats the mucous membrane of the throat, and cools it. There is no alcohol in Plantain and Coltsfoot Syrup, so taking it does not affect the speed of reactions. The drug has a pleasant taste.

Plantain and coltsfoot syrup

Evalar, Russia

Plantain and coltsfoot syrup from Evalar helps to liquefy and remove mucus.
Recommended for dry and wet cough. from 85

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Lazolvan

The active ingredient of this mucolytic expectorant for wet coughs is ambroxol hydrochloride. "Lazolvan" is prescribed for acute and chronic bronchitis, pneumonia, obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, bronchiectasis. The product helps well with non-productive cough - both in complex therapy and as a single drug. Without consulting a doctor, Lazolvan should not be taken for longer than 4-5 days. Lazolvan tablets are indicated for adults and children over 12 years of age.

Lazolvan

Boehringer Ingelheim, Germany

Lazolvan stimulates the serous cells of the glands of the bronchial mucosa, increases the content of mucous secretions and the release of surfactants (surfactant) in the alveoli and bronchi;
normalizes the disturbed ratio of serous and mucous components of sputum. By activating hydrolytic enzymes and enhancing the release of lysosomes from Clara cells, it reduces the viscosity of sputum. Increases the motor activity of the cilia of the ciliated epithelium, increases the mucociliary transport of sputum. After oral administration, the effect occurs within 30 minutes and lasts for 6–12 hours from 94

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