Cough Syrup - Uses, Side Effects, and More
Coughs are common among people who have caught a cold. It's nature's way of guarding our airways, a reflex reaction to any discomfort in the throat. But, because coughs are so bothersome, especially when they wake us up in the middle of the night, we'd prefer to get rid of them.
Today there are many cough syrups available not only for adults but for kids as well. You can buy many types of cough syrups such as honey-based, ginger-based, and even organic baby cough syrup for nighttime are available in different flavours. Here in this article, we will discuss uses, side effects, and more.
Which cough medicines should I buy?
If you have a dry cough, you should try a product that contains an antitussive like dextromethorphan or pholcodine. If you have a chesty cough, you should try a product that contains an expectorant like guaifenesin or ipecacuanha. Your pharmacist can help you decide which one is best for you. If you buy these drugs at a store, they are usually clearly labelled and specify on the packaging which sort of cough they are intended to treat.
Two commonly used cough and cold medicines are:
Dextromethorphan (DXM) cough syrup, tablets, and gel capsules: If taken as prescribed, these cough remedies are safe for stopping coughs during a cold.
Promethazine-codeine cough syrup: These prescription drugs contain codeine, an opioid painkiller that relieves coughing but causes a "buzz" or "high" when used in greater dosages.
How to use cough syrups?
The medicine's dosage will vary depending on the patient. Follow your doctor's instructions or the label's instructions. The amount of medicine you take is determined by the medicine's strength. In addition, the number of dosages you take each day, the duration between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine are all determined by the medical problem for which the medicine is being used.
What are the possible side effects?
The majority of people who take cough medications do not experience any adverse side effects. Some cough medicines (such as pholcodine and diphenhydramine) can make you dizzy. You should not drive or operate machinery if you feel drowsy after taking a cough remedy. If your medicine can cause drowsiness, it will be stated in the patient information booklet that comes with it.
Pholcodine may cause constipation in some cases.
What is the average treatment time?
Cough medicines, like any medicines, should only be used for the shortest time possible, and most individuals only need to take them for a few days. Most coughs continue no more than two to three weeks. If your cough lasts longer than this, you should seek medical attention.
Who should not take cough medicines?
The majority of people can take cough syrup. Children under the age of six are exemption.