- 1. Ambroxol
- How to use
- Contraindications
- Possible side effects
- 2. Acetylcysteine
- How to use
- Contraindications
- Possible side effects
- 3. Bromhexine
- How to use
- Contraindications
- Possible side effects
- 4. Carbocysteine
- How to use
- Contraindications
- Side effects
- 5. Guaifenesina
- How to use
- Contraindications
- Possible side effects
- 6. Acebrophylline
- How to use
- Contraindications
- Possible side effects
Cough with sputum is a reflex of the organism to expel mucus from the respiratory system and, therefore, cough should not be suppressed with inhibitory medications, but with drugs that make the phlegm more fluid and easier to eliminate and that promote its expulsion, in order to treat cough more quickly and effectively.
Generally, the active expectorant substances used in children are the same as those used by adults, however, pediatric formulas are prepared in lower concentrations, more suitable for children. In the majority of packages of these drugs, "child use", "pediatric use" or "children" are mentioned, to make it easier to identify.
Before giving the syrup to the child, it is important, whenever possible, to take the child to the pediatrician, so that he prescribes the most suitable and to understand what may be the cause of the cough. Know what each phlegm color can mean.
Some of the drugs indicated to treat cough with phlegm are:
1. Ambroxol
Ambroxol for children is available in drops and syrup, in generic or under the trade name Mucosolvan or Sedavan.
How to use
The dose to be administered depends on the age or weight and the pharmaceutical form to be used:
Drops (7.5 mg / mL)
For oral use:
- Children under 2 years: 1 mL (25 drops), 2 times a day; Children from 2 to 5 years: 1 mL (25 drops), 3 times a day; Children from 6 to 12 years old: 2 mL, 3 times a day; Adults and adolescents over 12 years old: 4 mL, 3 times a day.
The dose for oral use can also be calculated with 0.5 mg of ambroxol per kg of body weight, 3 times a day. The drops can be dissolved in water and can be ingested with or without food.
For inhalation:
- Children under 6 years: 1 to 2 inhalations / day, with 2 mL; Children over 6 years and adults: 1 to 2 inhalations / day with 2 mL to 3 mL.
The dose for inhalation can also be calculated with 0.6 mg of ambroxol per kg of body weight, 1 to 2 times a day.
Syrup (15 mg / mL)
- Children under 2 years old: 2.5 mL, 2 times a day; Children aged 2 to 5 years: 2.5 mL, 3 times a day; Children aged 6 to 12 years: 5 mL, 3 times a day.
The dose of pediatric syrup can also be calculated at the rate of 0.5 mg per kg of body weight, 3 times a day.
Contraindications
Ambroxol should not be used in people who are hypersensitive to the components of the formula and should only be administered to children under 2 years of age if advised by the doctor.
Possible side effects
Although it is generally well tolerated, some side effects can occur, such as changes in taste, decreased sensitivity of the pharynx and mouth and feeling sick.
2. Acetylcysteine
Acetylcysteine for children is available in pediatric syrup, in generic form or under the trade names Fluimucil or NAC.
How to use
The dose to be administered depends on the child's age or weight:
Syrup (20 mg / mL)
- Children from 2 to 4 years: 5 mL, 2 to 3 times a day; Children over 4 years: 5 mL, 3 to 4 times a day.
Contraindications
Acetylcysteine should not be used in people who are hypersensitive to the components of the formula and in children under 2 years old, unless recommended by the doctor.
Possible side effects
Some of the most common side effects that can occur during treatment with acetylcysteine are gastrointestinal disorders, such as feeling sick, vomiting or diarrhea.
3. Bromhexine
Bromhexine is available in drops or syrup and can be found in generic or under the trade name Bisolvon.
How to use
The dose to be administered depends on the age or weight and the pharmaceutical form to be used:
Syrup (4mg / 5mL)
- Children from 2 to 6 years old: 2.5 mL (2mg), 3 times a day; Children from 6 to 12 years old: 5 mL (4mg), 3 times a day; Adults and adolescents over 12 years old: 10 mL (8mg), 3 times a day.
Drops (2 mg / mL)
For oral use:
- Children aged 2 to 6 years: 20 drops (2.7 mg), 3 times a day; Children from 6 to 12 years: 2 ml (4 mg), 3 times a day; Adults and adolescents over 12 years: 4 ml (8 mg), 3 times a day.
For inhalation:
- Children aged 2 to 6 years: 10 drops (approx. 1.3 mg), 2 times a day; Children aged 6 to 12 years: 1 ml (2 mg), 2 times a day; Adolescents over 12 years: 2 ml (4 mg), 2 times a day; Adults: 4 ml (8 mg), 2 times a day.
Contraindications
This medicine should not be used in people who are hypersensitive to the components of the formula and in children under 2 years of age.
Possible side effects
Some of the side effects that can occur during treatment are nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
4. Carbocysteine
Carbocysteine is a remedy that can be found in syrup, in generic or under the trade name Mucofan.
How to use
Syrup (20 mg / mL)
- Children between 5 and 12 years of age: half (5mL) to 1 measuring cup (10mL), 3 times a day.
Contraindications
This medicine should not be used in people who are hypersensitive to the components of the formula and in children under 5 years of age.
Side effects
Some of the most common side effects that can occur during treatment are gastrointestinal disorders, such as nausea, diarrhea and gastric discomfort.
5. Guaifenesina
Guaifenesin is an expectorant that is available in syrup, in generic or under the trade name Transpulmin honey children's syrup.
How to use
The dose to be administered depends on the child's age or weight:
Syrup (100 mg / 15 mL)
- Children from 6 to 12 years old: 15 mL (100 mg) every 4 hours; Children from 2 to 6 years old: 7.5 ml (50 mg) every 4 hours.
The maximum daily limit for administration of the drug for children aged 6 to 12 years is 1200 mg / day and for children aged 2 to 6 years is 600 mg / day.
Contraindications
This medication should not be used in people with hypersensitivity to the components of the formula, people with porphyria and in children under the age of 2 years.
Possible side effects
Some of the side effects that may occur during treatment with guaifenesin are gastrointestinal disorders, such as nausea, diarrhea and gastric discomfort.
6. Acebrophylline
Acebrophylline is a remedy that is available in syrup, in generic or under the brand name Brondilat.
How to use
The dose to be administered depends on the child's age or weight:
Syrup (5mg / mL)
- Children aged 6 to 12 years: 1 measuring cup (10mL) every 12 hours; Children aged 3 to 6 years: half measuring cup (5mL) every 12 hours; Children aged 2 to 3 years: 2mg / kg of weight per day, divided into two administrations, every 12 hours.
Contraindications
Acebrophylline should not be used by people with hypersensitivity to the components of the formula, patients with severe liver, kidney or cardiovascular disease, active peptic ulcer and a past history of seizures. In addition, it should also not be used on children under 2 years of age.
Possible side effects
Some of the side effects that can occur during treatment are constipation, diarrhea, excessive salivation, dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, generalized itching and fatigue.
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