Cough suppressants

Coughing is a common cold symptom. The initial irritable cough often turns into a mucous cough. However, anyone who suffers from dry, tickly cough can join Cough suppressants To remedy the situation.

What are cough suppressants?

Cough suppressants are drugs that are used to suppress the urge to cough. They are mostly taken as a syrup or as an alcoholic solution.

Often referred to as cough syrup in colloquial language, cough suppressants are mainly used for dry, irritating coughs. In the case of a phlegmatic cough, cough removers are appropriate, which cause the mucus to be removed. It only makes sense to use a cough suppressant in this phase if the cough interferes with sleep.

However, cough suppressants and cough relievers should never be taken at the same time. Care should also be taken to ensure that there is sufficient time between the two means. Cough suppressants are also available in other forms, such as hard capsules, lozenges or drops.

Medical application, effect & use

To combat dry cough effectively, you should Cough suppressants be taken several times a day. Alcoholic or syrup based products are mostly used undiluted. Dosage, frequency and type of application vary depending on the drug, so the instruction leaflet should be observed.

The effect depends on the active ingredient. Chemical-pharmaceutical cough suppressants that contain codeine or dihydrocodeine dampen the cough center via the central nervous system and suppress the urge to cough. However, a simultaneous sedating effect can cause a relatively rapid dependence. They should therefore not be taken longer than prescribed.

Cough suppressants with the active ingredient pentoxyverine also work via the cough center, but since there is no additional sedating effect, there is no risk of addiction. Appropriate drugs inhibit the cough receptors, which are located in the bronchial mucosa. Herbal remedies do not work via the cough center in the brain, they lie on the mucous membrane of the throat and throat.

The chemical active ingredient dropropizine also unfolds its effect on the mucous membranes. In addition to herbal remedies, medicines that act on the nerve tracts between the lungs and the cough center are recommended for asthmatics. This effect is caused by benproperin. In addition, there is a simultaneous stimulation of breathing. If possible, the respective cough suppressant should also provide relief to the irritated mucous membranes.

Herbal, natural & pharmaceutical cough suppressants

There are different types of Cough suppressants. In addition to chemical-pharmaceutical and herbal remedies, homeopathic ones are also available. Natural remedies and home remedies can also help relieve coughs.

For the production of herbal cough suppressants, plants are used that relieve the urge to cough. These include Icelandic moss, ribwort, coltsfoot, marshmallow and mallow. Herbal products are freely available. The same goes for natural cough suppressants. Like herbal products, these are based on substances that naturally relieve coughs. Honey has particularly positive properties. It not only soothes dry coughs, but also soothes the irritated mucous membranes.

Onion juice can also be used as a tried and tested home remedy for coughs. Some cough suppressants combine herbal ingredients with natural ingredients such as honey. Homeopathic cough suppressants are only available in a pharmacy and primarily stimulate the body's own healing powers, but also counteract the urge to cough. In homeopathy, Bryonia and Belladonna, among others, are used for coughs.

Chemical-pharmaceutical cough suppressants (antitussives) with the active ingredients codeine, noscapine, dihydrocodeine and hydrocodone are opiate derivatives and therefore require a prescription. Prescription drugs that contain pentoxyverine or dextromethorphan are not required. Chemical-pharmaceutical cough suppressants are only available from a pharmacy.

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Risks & side effects

Lots Cough suppressants can be associated with side effects. This is especially true for chemical-pharmaceutical drugs. In many cases, dizziness and tiredness occur, and hallucinations have been observed in isolated cases.

Cough suppressants can also have a negative effect on the gastrointestinal tract. Common side effects in this context are nausea, vomiting and gastrointestinal problems. In addition, in some cases skin problems such as itching and cardiac arrhythmia have already occurred, especially when the dosage is too high. If not used properly, certain remedies can also cause addiction.

Asthmatics should consult their doctor or pharmacist before taking a cough suppressant, as many drugs can cause shortness of breath. A few intolerances were also recorded with homeopathic remedies, for example the worsening of an overactive thyroid.

Natural and herbal cough suppressants, on the other hand, can be taken without hesitation, provided that there are no intolerances to individual ingredients. However, the package insert should always be observed and a doctor or pharmacist should be consulted if you have any questions.