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Cough with sputum is a reflex of the body to expel phlegm from the respiratory system and, therefore, should not be avoided with drugs that inhibit the elimination of phlegm, but with drugs that make phlegm more liquid and easy to eliminate and that promote its expulsion, in order to treat the cough more quickly and effectively.
Generally, the expectorant active substances used in children are the same as those used by adults, however, pediatric formulas are prepared in lower doses. On most of the packaging of these medicines, "child use", "pediatric use" or "children" is mentioned, to make it easier to identify.
Before giving the syrup to the child, it is important to take the child to the pediatrician, so that the most suitable expectorant is prescribed individually and to identify what may be causing the cough. Find out what each color of phlegm can mean.
Some of the drugs indicated to treat cough with phlegm are:
1. Ambroxol
Ambroxol for children helps to make phlegm less thick, facilitating its elimination and can be found in the form of 15mg/5mL pediatric syrup or 7.5mg/mL oral solution for children from 2 years old, as generic or with the trade names Mucosolvan or Sedavan.
Ambroxol drops or syrup are not recommended for children under 2 years of age.
How to use
Doses of pediatric ambroxol depend on age or weight and on the intended dosage form, drops or syrup, and include:
|
Introduction |
Recommended dose |
How to use |
|
|---|---|---|---|
|
Orally |
Ambroxol syrup (15 mg/mL) |
|
Take orally, using the measuring cup provided in the package. |
| Ambroxol solution in drops 7.5 mg/mL |
|
Take orally, preferably during a meal, it is recommended to dilute the drops in water, fruit juice, milk or tea, for example. | |
|
By inhalation |
Ambroxol solution in drops 7.5 mg/mL |
|
Add the drops mixed in saline solution, in the proportion of 1:1, that is, you must put the same amount of drops and saline solution in all types of modern inhaler, however, it must not be used steam inhaler. |
The doses of ambroxol drops or pediatric syrup can also be calculated by the pediatrician considering the child's weight.
Contraindications
Ambroxol should not be used by children who are allergic to ambroxol or any other component of the formula and should only be given to children under 2 years of age if advised by a doctor.
Possible side effects
Although it is generally well tolerated, ambroxol can cause some side effects such as altered taste, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, heartburn or poor digestion.
2. Acetylcysteine
Acetylcysteine for children helps relieve coughing, as it makes the phlegm more liquid, facilitating its elimination, and is available as a 20mg/mL pediatric syrup, as a generic or under the trade names Fluimucil or Cisteil.
How to use
Acetylcysteine syrup should be taken orally, using the measuring cup provided in the package. The normally recommended doses are:
- Children from 2 to 4 years old: the recommended dose is 5 mL, 2 to 3 times a day, as recommended by the pediatrician;
- Children over 4 years: the recommended dose is 5 mL, 3 to 4 times a day, as directed by the pediatrician.
The treatment time with pediatric acetylcysteine syrup should be guided by the pediatrician and is usually 5 to 10 days.
Contraindications
Acetylcysteine should not be used by children who are allergic to acetylcysteine or any other component of the formula and in children under 2 years of age, unless recommended by a doctor.
Possible side effects
Some of the most common side effects that can occur during treatment with acetylcysteine are gastrointestinal disorders such as nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.
3. Bromhexine
Bromhexine helps dissolve phlegm, allowing it to be eliminated more easily, and is available as drops or in 4mg/5mL children's syrup and can be found generically or under the trade names Bisolvon or Pulmed.
How to use
The doses of bromhexine in children depend on age or weight and the pharmaceutical form to be used, drops or syrup, and include:
|
Introduction |
Recommended dose |
How to use |
|
|---|---|---|---|
|
Orally |
Bromhexine syrup (4mg/ 5mL) |
|
Take orally, using the measuring cup provided in the package. |
Bromhexine solution drops (2 mg/mL) |
|
Take orally, as recommended by your doctor. | |
|
By inhalation |
Bromhexine solution drops (2 mg/mL) |
|
Add the drops mixed in saline solution, in the proportion of 1:1, that is, you must put the same amount of drops and saline solution, being recommended to heat the bromhexine bottle before use, rubbing it between your hands, so that it reaches body temperature.
It is important to use the inhalation solution with bromhexine drops immediately after preparation. |
The treatment time with bromhexine syrup for children or drops should be guided by the pediatrician.
Contraindications
This medication should not be used by children who are allergic to bromhexine or any other component of the formula and in children under 2 years of age.
Furthermore, bromhexine syrup should not be used by children who have a fructose intolerance.
Possible side effects
Some of the side effects that can occur during treatment with bromhexine are nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.
4. Carbocysteine
Carbocysteine is an expectorant remedy that facilitates the elimination of phlegm and can be found in the form of a 20mg/mL infant syrup, as a generic or under the trade name Mucofan.
How to use
Carbocysteine should be used orally and should not be used by children under 2 years of age.
To use carbocisteine syrup for children, use the measuring cup provided in the package. The dose normally recommended for children between 2 and 12 years of age is 0.25 mL of syrup for each kg of body weight, which is equivalent to 5 mg of carbocysteine per kg of weight, 3 times a day, or as directed by the doctor. pediatrician.
The duration of treatment with carbocysteine syrup for children should be guided by the pediatrician.
Contraindications
This medication should not be used by children who are allergic to carbocysteine or any other component of the formula and in children under 2 years of age.
Side Effects
Some of the most common side effects that can occur during treatment with carbocysteine are gastrointestinal disorders such as nausea, diarrhea and gastric discomfort.
5. Guaifenesin
Guaifenesin is an expectorant that works by making the phlegm less thick, which facilitates its elimination.
How to use
To use guaifenesin syrup for children, use the measuring cup provided in the package. Doses depend on the age or weight of the child and include:
- Children aged 2 to 6 years: the recommended dose is 7.5 mL (50 mg) every 4 hours, ie 1 dose every 6 hours, or as per pediatrician's guidance;
- Children from 6 to 12 years: the recommended dose is 15 mL (100 mg) every 4 hours, ie 1 dose every 6 hours, or as directed from the pediatrician.
The maximum daily limit for administration of the drug for children is 6 doses per day, that is, for children aged between 2 and 6 years, it should not exceed 300 mg per day, and for children aged 6 to 12 years, maximum dose is 600 mg per day.
The duration of treatment with guaifenesin syrup for children should always be guided by the pediatrician.
Contraindications
This medication should not be used by children who are allergic to guaifenesin or any other component of the formula and in children under 2 years of age.
Furthermore, this syrup should be used with caution by diabetic children as it contains sugar.
Possible side effects
Some of the side effects that may occur during treatment with guaifenesin are gastrointestinal disturbances such as nausea, diarrhea, gastric discomfort, drowsiness or headache.
6. Acebrophyllin
Acebrophylline is a drug that helps to eliminate phlegm more easily and is available in pediatric syrup 5 mg/mL, as a generic or under the trade names Brondilat or Filinar.
How to use
Pediatric acebrophylline syrup is indicated for children from 2 years of age and must be taken orally, using the 10 mL measuring cup provided in the package. The normally recommended doses are:
- Children from 2 to 3 years: the recommended dose is 2 mg per kg of body weight per day, divided into two administrations, every 12 hours, or as directed from pediatrician;
- Children from 3 to 6 years old: the recommended dose is half a measuring cup, which corresponds to 5 mL of syrup every 12 hours, or according to the pediatrician's guidance;
- Children from 6 to 12 years: the recommended dose is 1 measuring cup, which corresponds to 10 mL of syrup, every 12 hours, or according to the pediatrician's guidance;
- Adolescents from 12 years of age: the recommended dose is 1 measuring cup, which corresponds to 10 mL of syrup, every 12 hours, or as directed by the pediatrician.
The duration of treatment with pediatric acebrophylline syrup should be guided by the pediatrician.
Contraindications
This syrup should not be used by children who are allergic to acebrophyllin or any of the other ingredients in the formula, or by children with severe liver, kidney or cardiovascular disease, active peptic ulcer disease, or a history of seizures.
Also, it should not be used on children under 2 years of age.
Possible side effects
Some of the side effects that may occur during treatment with acebrophylline syrup for children are constipation, diarrhea, excessive salivation, dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, generalized itching or excessive tiredness.
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