Cough Syrup

Cough Syrups are specialized medications for the treatment of cough or problems in upper respiratory tract. In pharmaceutical field, cough syrup is classified as antitussives which are also known as cough suppressant. It is important, however, to understand what is cough and why it occurs in human, and how these are treated for gaining a better understanding about medications classified as sough syrups.

Cough is a general term that denotes the action of taking out mucus from respiratory tract. It is a reflex action to clear the throats of expel out foreign irritants. Nonetheless this is commonly done by people to clear their throat but some condition can lead to increased coughing because of the irritants present in the respiratory tract. Therefore, if frequent coughing lasts for a few days then the person is suffering from acute cough and requires medical attention. The type of medications will be prescribed by finding out the source of irritation in the respiratory tract which is causing more frequent coughing.

The common cause for coughing is bacterial or viral infections which manifest as cold or flu. The infections take place in the respiratory tract by viruses and will require antibiotics to complete relieve the person from frequent coughing. Bacterial infection such as pneumonia can trigger heavy coughing known as whooping cough. Conditions, like pulmonary embolism and heart problems also lead to acute coughing. Other causes are smoking or asthma. Children are more vulnerable to be attacked by asthma that causes shortness of breath and frequent coughing with wheezing of the respiratory tract.

Generic formulations for cough syrup

Cough syrup may have different formulations as prescribed medications for treating the symptoms. Let’s take a look at some of the generic medicines used to treat cough:

Chlorpheniramine Maleate – Chlorpheniramine Maleate is an antihistamine that works in hay fever, common cold, cough and allergy. The medication works to relieve from allergic coughing caused by the production of histamine in the body. This medication is recommended to adults only; the children can develop some side effects

Prenoxdiazine – Prenoxdiazine is a cough suppressant formulated to treat non-productive or dry cough.

Ambroxol Hydrochloride – this medication is a clinically proven mucolytic agent. It is sputum thinner that helps in decongesting the mucus in the respiratory tract. The medicine is used for treating coughing caused by several conditions like chronic inflammatory pulmonary conditions, bronchitis with bronchospasm asthma.

Diphenhydramine – Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine formulated to relieve symptoms of hay fever, allergy, and the common cold. The medicine also treats dry cough and frequent coughing.

Levosalbutamol – Levosalbutamol is used for treating chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases and asthma. It helps in relieving coughing, shortness of breath and wheezing. It relaxes the muscle in the respiratory tract and bolsters airflow in the lungs.

Benefits of Cough Syrup

·       A few of the health benefits of cough syrup include:

• Reduces the symptoms of dry & wet cough
• Helps in relieving the irritation in respiratory tract
• Relives from wheezing and allergy
• Provides relief from acute cough 

Cough syrups are formulated for treating acute coughing problems. It helps in dealing reliving from different symptoms that cause frequent coughing. Though there are generic medicines available for the treatment of cough but sough syrups should be taken in consultation with a doctor who will understand the exact reason behind coughing and prescribe the medications accordingly.