Precautions
- Pseudoephedrine: An over-the-counter medication used to treat nasal congestion. ...
- Guaifenesin: Often referred to as Mucinex, guaifenesin is the only over-the-counter expectorant available to aid in the relief of cold symptoms. ...
- Dextromethorphan: It is a cough suppressant that works by interfering with the brain impulses that activate the cough reflex. ...
What is the most effective medicine for cough?
What Are the Best Foods to Eat When Having Cough and Colds?
- Ginger. In addition to reducing inflammation, being an antioxidant, and helping with nausea, fresh ginger, in particular, has an antiviral effect on respiratory mucosal cells. ...
- Garlic. Garlic has medicinal properties, including the ability to reduce the likelihood of colds and shorten the duration and severity if they do occur. ...
- Raw honey. ...
- Turmeric. ...
- Lemon. ...
What are good things to eat for a cough?
Twelve natural cough remedies
- Honey tea. According to some research, honey may relieve coughs. ...
- Ginger. Ginger may ease a dry or asthmatic cough, as it has anti-inflammatory properties. ...
- Fluids. Staying hydrated is vital for those with a cough or cold. ...
- Steam. ...
- Marshmallow root. ...
- Salt-water gargle. ...
- Bromelain. ...
- Thyme. ...
- Dietary changes for acid reflux. ...
- Slippery elm. ...
What is the best thing for a cough?
Cough suppressants (antitussives), like dextromethorphan (Robitussin, Delsym), help by controlling your cough reflex. They usually work better for a “dry” (non-productive) cough, which usually results from irritation. Cough expectorants, like guaifenesin , work by loosening up and thinning the mucus in your throat so you cough it up more ...
How are cough suppressants different than expectorants?
Do expectorants make you cough more?
An expectorant will cause you to cough more to clear congestion from the respiratory tract. While you can take it at night, it will not help you sleep and may keep you awake.
When should expectorant be used for cough?
There are two kinds of cough medicines: expectorants and suppressants . Expectorants may make it easier to cough up mucus when you have a productive cough. Use an expectorant if you have a cough that produces thick mucus and you are having difficulty coughing up the mucus. Look for expectorants containing guaifenesin.
When should you not take an expectorant?
One of the risks of taking an expectorant is that people sometimes use them for persistent or chronic coughs. People should not use expectorants to mask the symptoms of a chronic cough that is due to smoking, asthma, chronic bronchitis, or emphysema.
Which is better for cough expectorant or suppressant?
Cough suppressants won't be helpful, but expectorants can be beneficial. Expectorants will increase the production of mucus and make it more effective. The extra mucus may help clear the infection quicker.
What is the fastest way to cure a cough?
How to Calm Daytime CoughingTake an Expectorant. ... Reach for a Cough Suppressant. ... Sip a Warm Beverage. ... Step Up Your Fluid Intake. ... Suck on Hard Candy. ... Consider a Cough Medicine Formulated for Nighttime Use. ... Have Some Honey. ... Zap Your Cough With a Vaporizer.More items...•
Do expectorants clear your lungs?
Expectorants are our not-so-secret weapons against wet coughs and chest congestion. They are: A medicinal or natural ingredient that thins out phlegm in the lungs and helps to bring it up and out of the airways (lungs, bronchi and trachea).
Should I take an expectorant before bed?
Expectorants are better for breaking up wet, productive coughs, but don't take them near bedtime. If a wet cough is plaguing you, take a suppressant that includes a decongestant, which can provide relief without exacerbating your cough.
Can I drink water after taking expectorant?
To help loosen mucus or phlegm in the lungs, drink a glass of water after each dose of this medicine, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
How long does it take for an expectorant to kick in?
Expectorants: Guaifenesin is a common OTC expectorant. It usually takes about 30 minutes to kick in. Cough suppressants: Dextromethorphan is the only OTC cough suppressant available. It usually takes around 15 to 30 minutes to start working.
What medicine is best to stop coughing?
Cough suppressants (antitussives), like dextromethorphan (Robitussin, Delsym), help by controlling your cough reflex. They usually work better for a “dry” (non-productive) cough, which usually results from irritation.
Should I take expectorant for dry cough?
Cough expectorants are used more commonly for wet coughs, rather than dry coughs as they thin any mucus in your throat, making it easier to cough up and expel. The OTC expectorant drug is guaifenesin, with popular brand names including Mucinex and Robitussin Chest Congestion.
How do u stop coughing at night?
How to Calm That CoughUse a humidifier to make the air moist, or breathe steam from a hot shower or teakettle before bed.Raise your head up a bit with an extra pillow.Try a saline or saltwater nose spray.Swallow a teaspoon of honey. ... Sip warm tea or soup.Suck on menthol or honey lozenges before bedtime.
Should I take expectorant for dry cough?
Cough expectorants are used more commonly for wet coughs, rather than dry coughs as they thin any mucus in your throat, making it easier to cough up and expel. The OTC expectorant drug is guaifenesin, with popular brand names including Mucinex and Robitussin Chest Congestion.
Should I take Mucinex if I am coughing up mucus?
Taking Mucinex® DM thins and loosens mucus and may help clear out yellow or green mucus. If you're experiencing other symptoms, such as fevers and body aches, try Maximum Strength* Mucinex® Fast-Max® Day Time Severe Cold & Night Time Cold & Flu for relief.
Should I take an expectorant before bed?
Expectorants are better for breaking up wet, productive coughs, but don't take them near bedtime. If a wet cough is plaguing you, take a suppressant that includes a decongestant, which can provide relief without exacerbating your cough.
What are the side effects of expectorants?
Expectorants usually don’t cause serious side effects. But the different types of expectorants do have various potential side effects.
What does an expectorant do?
Expectorants are used to treat the symptoms of respiratory tract infections. These types of infections include the common cold, bronchitis and pneumonia. These infections can cause a buildup of mucus in your throat and lungs. You may develop a cough and your chest may hurt due to mucus accumulation. Expectorants help relieve these symptoms.
How do expectorants work?
Expectorants lubricate your airway. This helps loosen up the mucus and make the secretions in your airway thinner. By loosening up the mucus, expectorants make your cough more productive. This makes it easier for you to cough up mucus effectively and clear your throat.
What are the different types of expectorants?
Expectorants can be classified as medicinal or natural . The main ingredient in medicinal expectorants helps thin the secretions in your airway. By thinning those secretions, it makes your cough more productive. Medicinal expectorants are available over-the-counter in liquid, pill and tablet forms. Medicinal expectorants include:
Do I need to worry about any interactions with expectorants?
If you’re taking other medications, it’s important to speak with your healthcare provider or pharmacist before taking an expectorant. Expectorants can alter the effects of certain other medications you take. You may have an increased risk of serious side effects as well.
What are the side effects of expectorants?
Guaifenesin is generally well tolerated at dosages recommended for use as an expectorant. Nausea and vomiting are the most commonly reported side effects; constipation, dizziness, headache, and rash are reported rarely.
What are Expectorants?
Expectorants are ingredients that increase airway secretions. They do this by increasing the water content of the secretions which decreases their stickiness, making them easier to cough up.
What is guaifenesin used for?
Guaifenesin is mostly used for the treatment of chesty, wet, productive or phlegmy coughs, which typically occur with a cold. Potassium iodide has been used to increase the water content of secretions and improve breathing in people with conditions such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, or emphysema.
How do mucolytics work?
Although both result in less viscous (sticky) mucus, mucolytics have a different way of working to expectorants and that is by breaking down the bonds within the mucus, thinning it out. Medicines that have a mucolytic action and that are available in the U.S. include acetylcysteine inhalation and dornase alfa.
Why is expectorant important?
Expectorants also help to relieve chest congestion that occurs because of a cold, the flu, or allergies.
What are the effects of a syringe?
Fatigue. Gastrointestinal effects (such as acid reflux, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain) Irregular heartbeat. Numbness, tingling, pain or weakness in the hands or feet. A severe headache.
Does potassium iodide cause headaches?
Potassium iodide has been associated with thyroid problems, high potassium levels in the blood, and iodide poisoning. People who develop neck or throat swelling, chest pain, an irregular heart rate, muscle weakness, tingly in their extremities, a severe headache, an allergic reaction or other unusual side effects should seek immediate medical advice.
What is a mucinex DM?
Robitussin DM and Mucinex DM are composed of a combination of guaifenesin and dextromethorphan. Mucaphed is a combination of guaifenesin and phenylephrine (the active ingredient in Sudafed ).
How do expectorants work?
Expectorants are designed to thin the respiratory secretions in your airways so that you can cough up excessive mucus more effectively. 3 These medications do this by lubricating the airway passages.
What is the active ingredient in mucinex?
Guaifenesin, the most commonly used expectorant, is the active ingredient in Mucinex and Robitussin. In general, expectorants are available over-the-counter (OTC) in liquid, pill, and tablet forms. Expectorants are part of the mucoactive class of drugs (i.e., those that clear mucus from the airways).
What is expectorant used for?
Expectorants are commonly used for management of the symptoms of acute (short-term) respiratory tract infections, like the common cold, pneumonia, or bronchitis. 1 .
Why do you need an expectorant?
Sometimes expectorants are used for managing congestion associated with chronic respiratory conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or emphysema. 4 If you have a chronic respiratory condition, you should not use an expectorant unless your doctor recommends it.
What is expectorant cough medicine?
Updated on April 18, 2020. An expectorant is a type of cough medicine that thins and loosens mucus. These medications are typically used for managing the effects of chest congestion, especially when symptoms are caused by persistent mucus. Eric Audras / ONOKY / Getty Images.
Can expectorants cause rash?
Expectorants do not commonly cause serious side effects. The most common side effects include dizziness, drowsiness, and rash. Combination expectorants are more likely to cause side effects. Dextromethorphan, which is found in Robitussin DM and Mucinex DM, can cause drowsiness, dizziness, nervousness, restlessness, nausea, and vomiting. 6 .
What is the best cough suppressant?
Horehound is a well known herbal remedy for coughing because of its excellent expectorant abilities. It can also help suppress coughing and soothe irritations of the lungs and throat.
Why do expectorants work?
Coughs make up a large part of the work of many doctors and especially pediatricians. Expectorants work by loosening the mucus present in the chest helping your wet cough become more productive.
Why do expectorants help with cough?
When the mucus in the lungs is broken down, breathing becomes easier and the cough becomes far more productive. Natural expectorants will help relieve your symptoms but if your cough is frequent and more troubling. It is important to speak with your doctor to check if there are any more serious underlying causes.
How to take licorice root for cough?
The best way to take licorice for your cough is in the form of a tea. Simply add half a teaspoon of licorice root to a cup of hot water, let it steep for ten minutes and drink it down three times each day until you feel better.
What is the best way to reduce coughing?
Some of the best home remedies include raw honey, herbal teas, peppermint, certain essential oils, steam treatments and garlic.
What is my grandmother's favorite remedy for a cough?
My grandmother’s favorite remedy for a cough and I am sure the favorite of many Grandmas the world over. Honey is absolutely delicious, antibacterial and incredibly soothing. It is full of goodness and can also help loosen up and thin out the nasty phlegm which has built up in your lungs.
What essential oils are good for coughing?
Many Essential oils have expectorant qualities. Some of the best for cough relief and to help you breathe more comfortably are clove, peppermint, rosemary and eucalyptus essential oils but there are many others. There are several ways to use your essential oils for their expectorant qualities.
What are the two main classes of cough medicine?
Two major classes of cough medicines are marketed for self-treatment— expectorants and suppressants. Expectorants, also known as mucolytics, are medications that thin mucus in the bronchial passages making it easier to cough up phlegm from the lungs. The most common active ingredient in expectorants is guaifenesin which is contained in ...
What is the active ingredient in expectorants?
The most common active ingredient in expectorants is guaifenesin which is contained in the brand name medications, Mucinex and Robitussin Chest Congestion. Cough Suppressants, also known as antitussives, work in an entirely different manner than expectorants.
Why do people cough?
Coughing helps to clear the respiratory system of irritants and secretions associated with a cold or flu. With most minor respiratory infections it is best not to interfere with this mechanism. When someone is unable to rest because of the cough or needs “help” in clearing secretions, they often consider taking an over-the-counter cough medicine. Two major classes of cough medicines are marketed for self-treatment— expectorants and suppressants.
Can you take expectorant with cough?
Some general guidelines if considering taking an over-the-counter cough medicine with a cold or flu are to: 1) take an expectorant with a “wet” cough to help clear secretions from the lungs or 2) use a suppressant when the cough is “dry” cough and is keeping you awake or interfering with your daytime activities.
Can expectorant and cough suppressant be used together?
If symptoms related to a cold or flu are more limited, you may end up taking medicine that you don’t need. In some instances, a cough suppressant and expectorant are included in the same medication.
Can you take cough suppressant with cold medicine?
Otherwise, the removal of phlegm from the lungs should be encouraged. Combination cold medicines mix a suppressant or expectorant with other medicines to treat cold symptoms. As with cough medicines, a combination cold medication’s name followed by the letters DM indicates that it also contains a cough suppressant.
Is codeine a cough suppressant?
Codeine is a more potent antitussive that is also included in many cough medicines but is only available by prescription. The most appropriate use of a cough suppressant is for a severe cough that is keeping someone up at night or interfering with activities.
How to treat cough with expectorant?
Water increases the moisture in mucus making it easier to expel. You can use water as an expectorant by drinking plenty of it alone or in the form of herbal tea or by gargling with salty water.
Why do expectorants help with coughing?
Expectorants — even though they are a class of medicine used to treat cough — don't prevent coughing, but they help stop mucus from building up in your respiratory system. This is important because coughing up mucus is your body's way of removing microorganisms, foreign bodies, and excess mucus from your airways. .
What are expectorants?
Some Natural Expectorants. Expectorants are chemicals that help you clear phlegm or mucus from your respiratory tract — or your airways . They add moisture into the mucus, making it less sticky and easier to cough up.
How to get rid of cough and congestion?
Honey has been used to relieve cough and congestion for ages, with studies proving that it is an effective expectorant. To use honey as an expectorant, dissolve a tablespoon of honey in a glass of warm water.
What is the best oil to use for cough?
Eucalyptus. Eucalyptus is used in many cough lozenges, inhalants, and vaporizers to loosen mucus and ease congestion. You can use it by placing two drops of eucalyptus oil in water and using it for steam inhalation. But, eucalyptus oil is toxic when consumed orally.
What is the best way to relieve cough?
Garlic. Garlic has many uses, and it is grown all over the world. It contains a chemical called allicin, which has medicinal properties. Garlic can help relieve cough if you crush it and then add it to hot water, which you can use during steam inhalation.
What is the best oil for chest infections?
Peppermint. Peppermint contains menthol, which can relieve the symptoms of throat and chest infections. Peppermint oil is also an antispasmodic — i.e., it alleviates or stops muscle spasms in your respiratory tract. To use it as an expectorant, place a drop of peppermint oil in hot water and use it for steam inhalation.
How do expectorants work?
Expectorants work by reducing the thickness of mucus to make it easier to breath.
How to make cough mucus lighter?
In a glass of warm water, add a teaspoon of salt and stir until the salt is wholly dissolved. Gargle the mixture for about 3 minutes about 3 times a day. The salt provides an environment that is not conducive for the cough virus while the steam in the warm water helps in making the mucus in the breathing system lighter.
What is an expectorant?
An expectorant is a substance that helps in breaking down and thinning of mucus and phlegm to make breathing easier.
How to treat chest congestion?
Here’s how to use apple cider vinegar as a cough expectorant to help relieve chest congestion. Mix apple cider vinegar with water in the ratio of 0.5:1.
What is the best cough medicine?
Licorice. Use licorice. As an expectorant, licorice root is one of the best in this regard. With this natural cough remedy, you can do away not only with the coughing, but also with the inflamed and irritated throat. Using licorice root is quite simple.
How to get rid of cough after eating?
If you have the right essential oils, you can use them in several ways to do away with the coughs. Massage the oil on your chest when you mix it with a carrier oil. ALSO SEE: Wet Chronic Cough after Eating Causes, Treatment. If you do not prefer massaging the oil, here’s how to use it to clear a cough fast.
What is the best way to relieve coughing?
2. Essential oils. A lot of essential oils can relieve chronic cough and congestion. You can use them to treat coughing. Most essential oils can be used in the form of a steam treatment or other form. Among the most common essential oils are eucalyptus, rosemary, peppermint, clove and many others.
Uses
Guaifenesin is used to treat coughs and congestion caused by the common cold, bronchitis, and other breathing illnesses. This product is usually not used for ongoing cough from smoking or long-term breathing problems (such as chronic bronchitis, emphysema) unless directed by your doctor.
May Treat: Cold symptoms · Cough
Alternate Brand Names: Guiatuss · Robitussin
Drug Class: Expectorants - Single Agents, General
Availability: Prescription sometimes needed
Pregnancy: Consult a doctor before using
May Treat: Cold symptoms · Cough
Alternate Brand Names: Guiatuss · Robitussin
Drug Class: Expectorants - Single Agents, General
Availability: Prescription sometimes needed
Pregnancy: Consult a doctor before using
Lactation: Consult a doctor before using
Alcohol: Avoid intake while taking this medication
Driving: May cause drowsiness or dizziness. Use caution
- Drink plenty of water to help loosen mucus
- Call doctor if you are not getting better
- Call doctor if you get a fever
- Drink plenty of water to help loosen mucus
- Call doctor if you are not getting better
- Call doctor if you get a fever
- Room temperature
- For granules in packet products : Wash down as directed. DO NOT chew granules.
- For liquid products : Unless MD directs, do not use in kids less than 6. Measure dose using a dosing spoon/cup/syringe. Avoid other medicines containing the same drug. Before using tell Dr. if you have phenylketonuria. Protect from heat, light, & moisture.
- For tablet products : Tell lab personnel and MD you are taking this drug.
- For tablet, extended release products : Do not use in kids less than 12 years. Do not chew or crush. OK to split tablet if scored. Check warnings on OTC medications. Store at room temperature away from heat & sunlight.
Before Taking
Precautions and Contraindications
Dosage
Side Effects
Warning and Interactions
- You won’t typically need to have any tests before taking an expectorant. Your healthcare provider may recommend that you use one fairly early in the course of your illness, as soon as it becomes clear that mucus is the cause of your symptoms. You should not take an expectorant if you have had an adverse reaction when using one in the past.