A wet cough is one of the main companions for colds. And it is necessary to fight it, since stagnation of sputum can provoke obstruction of the bronchi. Terpinghydrate and medicines based on it are suitable for the treatment of wet cough.
Material Content:
What is terpinghydrate?
Terpinghydrate is a pharmaceutical preparation with an expectorant effect. Its effectiveness is to stimulate the secretion of bronchial glands. As a result, the amount of the liquid part of sputum increases, which greatly facilitates its discharge.
It is curious that the good therapeutic effect of the drug is due to small dosages. When taking large doses (up to 3 g), the opposite effect is observed. The amount of the liquid part of sputum is sharply reduced and its discharge is difficult. An overdose of the drug is fraught with the development of obstruction.
Description and composition of the substance
Refers to secretolytic drugs and substances that improve the motor function of the respiratory tract. Available in tablet form. In the form of cough syrups, it is combined with other medicinal substances and herbal components.
Physical and chemical properties of terpinghydrate - the active substance of the same drug:
- has a white color (or colorless), in the form of crystals;
- no smell;
- the taste is weak, slightly bitter;
- well soluble in ethanol;
- sparingly soluble in ethers, water;
- toxicity is small.
Important! The drug is not particularly common in medicine. It is used little in medical practice, since the advantage is given to more effective substances. It is not included in the ATX classification.
Mechanism of action
After ingestion (in tablet form), the active component is absorbed into the bloodstream. By blood, it enters the bronchial glands. Terpinghydrate stimulates the secretory activity of bronchial glands, thereby provoking liquefaction and elimination of sputum. This is due to the expectorant effect of the substance.
In some cases, the medicine may be used as a diuretic. The diuretic effect of the drug is due to the ability to irritate the kidney tissue, thereby coping with swelling.
Important! For the best therapeutic effect, it is necessary to use drugs based on terpinghydrate with physiotherapeutic procedures. So, carrying out inhalations will allow delivering drugs directly to the bronchi and alveoli. Such therapy contributes to a powerful local antitussive effect.
What preparations does it contain?
Such drugs with terpinghydrate in the composition have been released to the pharmaceutical market:
- Codterpin. Contains codeine, sodium bicarbonate and terpinghydrate. It produces an antitussive effect (central action).
- Codeine phosphate, sodium bicarbonate and terpinghydrate.
- Terpincode. Structural analogue of Codterpin.
- Alex Plus. Contains terpinghydrate, dextromethorphan and levomenthol. An antitussive drug that suppresses cough of any genesis (affects the cough center of the medulla oblongata).
Indications for use, dosage
Pharmaceuticals include the use of drugs for the treatment of dry cough caused by diseases of the lungs and respiratory tract (of various etiologies). It is approved for use for children from 2 years of age (as a symptomatic treatment method).
The dosage is calculated individually based on the age of the patient and the severity of the disease. The initial dose is 0.25 g (1 tablet). In the future, the dose may increase to 2-3 tablets per day.
Important! For elderly patients and children, the dose is selected strictly individually. You may need to reduce the initial dosage by 2 times.
Contraindications, side effects and overdose
The use of terpinghydrate has some contraindications:
- individual intolerance to the components of the drug or allergic reactions;
- children under 2 years old;
- period of pregnancy and breastfeeding;
- bronchial asthma (during seizures);
- pulmonary insufficiency.
Side effects:
- nausea, vomiting, stool disturbance, dyspeptic symptoms;
- allergic reactions (burning, itching, urticaria);
- drowsiness, headaches, dizziness.
Important! With long-term administration of terpinghydrate, codeine dependence develops together with codeine.
Symptoms of an overdose: impaired vision, drowsiness, arrhythmia, bradycardia, respiratory depression.
Therapy: flush the stomach with plenty of fluids, administer atropine and respiratory stimulants. If terpinghydrate was used in conjunction with codeine, then enter the antidote - Naloxone.
Therapy with terpinghydrate and medicines based on it cannot be carried out independently. This drug affects one of the most important vital functions. Therefore, its admission must be agreed with a medical specialist (therapist, pulmonologist).
