• DID YOU KNOW?
About 1.7% to 5.4% of the urban population in India suffers from cough.
KNOWING ABOUT COUGH MANAGEMENT
The main goal of cough medication is to relieve symptoms and allow the body to recover. Although there are several cough medications, they can be mainly divided into three types.
SUPPRESSANTS
COMBINATION COUGH PRODUCTS
EXPECTORANTS
CLICK HERE: To learn more about the various cough medicines and their right dosage
CHOOSING AN EFFECTIVE COUGH SYRUP
Selecting an effective cough syrup while you struggle with a hacking cough can seem overwhelming. How do you select the right medication from countless medicines at the pharmacy? Well, the answer lies in understanding its ingredients.
Learning about the different components of cough syrup can help you select a suitable over-the-counter cough formulation for your condition.
Let’s look at some of the active ingredients used in cough syrups.
DEXTROMETHORPHAN FOR DRY COUGH
Dextromethorphan is one of the most widely used cough suppressants or antitussives.It is effective in treating dry or productive coughs. (Dry coughs or productive coughs do not produce mucus or phlegm while coughing).
Dextromethorphan is usually present in over-the-counter cough syrups, lozenges, and several cold formulas. It can also be used in combination with several other drugs, such as antihistamines, decongestants, and pain relievers.
HOW DOES DEXTROMETHORPHAN
WORK IN YOUR BODY?
Dextromethorphan relieves cough by obstructing the cough reflex. The drug crosses the blood-brain barrier and binds to a receptor present in the central nervous system. This results in the suppression of cough.
HOW DOES DEXTROMETHORPHAN
WORK IN YOUR BODY?
Dextromethorphan relieves cough by obstructing the cough reflex. The drug crosses the blood-brain barrier and binds to a receptor present in the central nervous system. This results in the suppression of cough.
DIPHENHYDRAMINE FOR ALLERGIC COUGH
Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine drug. It is mainly used to relieve allergic symptoms and runny nose. It is also referred to as an antitussive or cough suppressant. It is present in various over-the-counter cough and cold medications.
HOW DOES PHENYLEPHRINE WORK IN YOUR BODY?
Phenylephrine reduces the swelling of the blood vessels in the nasal passages, thus reducing the discomfort and making it easier to breathe.
PHENYLEPHRINE FOR NASAL CONGESTION
Phenylephrine is a decongestant and is mainly used to relieve symptoms of common cold, flu, allergies, and certain respiratory disorders, such as sinusitis and bronchitis. This class of drug can provide relief from sinus congestion.
HOW DOES PHENYLEPHRINE WORK IN YOUR BODY?
Phenylephrine reduces the swelling of the blood vessels in the nasal passages, thus reducing the discomfort and making it easier to breathe.
SCIENCE OF INGREDIENTS
Ammonium chloride is an expectorant. It can help clear mucus or phlegm from the airways and result in a productive or wet cough.
HOW DOES AMMONIUM CHLORIDE
WORK IN YOUR BODY?
Ammonium chloride irritates the bronchial mucosa resulting in the production of respiratory fluid. This further leads to a productive cough.
SCIENCE OF INGREDIENTS
Lozenges are solid cough formulations that disintegrate slowly in the mouth. They usually consist of one or more active ingredients. This class of medications has a sweet taste and may contain added flavors. These medications can relieve several symptoms, including cough and sore throat.
HOW DO LOZENGES
WORK IN YOUR BODY?
Lozenges slowly release the medication and provide temporary relief from cough and throat irritation.
THINGS TO REMEMBER WHILE CHOOSING A COUGH SYRUP
CHECK THE INGREDIENTS
Different cough syrups may have diverse active ingredients. Therefore, read the label before buying the cough
syrup.
AVOID OVERDOSING
It’s essential to consume the correct dosage of medication to ensure minimal side effects. Moreover, intake of
the
right dosage can effectively relieve the symptoms and provide comfort.
USE COMBINATION MEDICATIONS WISELY
Several cough medications contain multiple active ingredients, such as antitussives, expectorants, pain
relievers,
and decongestants. However, your condition may not require all active ingredients.
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Although most over-the-counter medications are safe to use. It’s always best to consult your doctor before using
any new medication.
WHEN TO SEEK MEDICAL ADVICE?
Most coughs can resolve on their own and may not require clinical intervention. However, in case your cough doesn’t go away in a few weeks, or the symptoms worsen, consult your doctor immediately.