15 best expectorants

When bacteria and viruses enter the body, the receptors become irritated - this provokes a protective reaction called a cough. The symptom is rather unpleasant, but there are effective ways to cope with the malaise. To combat cough, expectorants have been developed that help remove phlegm from the body in adults and children. Antitussives and mucolytic agents are also used. Here is an overview of the best medicines in these categories at the time of 2020.

There are contraindications. Consult a physician before use.

The most common causes of cough

A cough in itself is not a disease - it is a bell that signals a problem. Sometimes the causes of malaise can be ordinary - the penetration of pathogens into the nasopharynx, an excess of secretory fluid or dust particles. Here are some other common factors:

1. smoking;
2. aggravated cold;
3. respiratory system diseases (embolism, pneumonia);
4. asthma;
5. nervous disorders;
6. viral or bacteriological infection;
7. penetration into the esophagus of gastric juice;
8. injury to the vocal cords (mechanical damage).

The cough differs depending on its origin. The greatest discomfort is delivered by dry coughing - in this case, the sputum does not go away, which provokes the emergence of new attacks. Excretion of phlegm also provokes swelling of the larynx, which makes barking sounds. With asthma, breathing is difficult, and with bronchial lesions, characteristic wheezing is heard. There is also neurological coughing, the source of which is stress. If the cough is moist and the phlegm is coughing up well, rejoice - you are on the way to recovery.

The best mucolytic remedies for expectoration

This group of drugs acts directly on sputum and does not affect the area of ​​secretion of the bronchopulmonary system. Enzymes are activated that are responsible for the breakdown of mucins (mucous molecules) and the formation of more mobile elements. Do not forget that you will need a lot of warm drink - without this, mucolytic agents will not bring the desired effect. You will have to drink one and a half liters of liquid every day. See below for the best expectorants for removing phlegm.

5 Libeksin Muko

The medicine is French, therefore it meets European quality standards. The active ingredient (carbocysteine) is a modified variation of acylcysteine. The effect is on the mucus and glycoproteins of the bronchi, as a result of which an enzyme called sialic transferase is synthesized. The mucous membrane secretes and the acid balance is normalized. The result is a thinning of mucus and stimulation of tissue repair.

Carbocisteine ​​stimulates the secretion of class A immunoglobulins. Therefore, the drug is prescribed for patients suffering from viscous sputum. If you need a bronchoscopy, Libeksin Muko will facilitate the procedure. The syrup is used by both adults and children, but in the second case, the dosage is calculated by the doctor. Adults are recommended to drink 15 milliliters of syrup three times a day. The bottle contains 125 ml of liquid.

Pros:

• Treatment of the bronchopulmonary system and ENT organs
• High efficiency
• European quality
• Convenient form

Minuses:

• High price
• Abundance of contraindications (cystitis, peptic ulcer, pregnancy)
• Ban for children 2 years of age (and younger)
• Sugar (not suitable for diabetics)

4 Carbocisteine

The best expectorant for dry coughs. This drug is considered the safest today, so even children take it. Syrup is produced by three countries - Italy, Germany and Slovenia. The remedy is indicated for wet and dry coughs.Sputum liquefies and is well excreted from the body, its re-formation is blocked. Carbocisteine ​​copes well with bronchospasm, but at the same time it is secreted in the niche due to the low level of side effects.

Patients claim that the first effect is noticeable one day after the start of admission. The intensity of coughing increases, the amount of wet discharge increases. The doctors noticed that the cells of the mucous membrane were being restored in parallel. It is recommended to purchase "pure" syrup, abandoning numerous budget counterparts. This will save you money on extra medications and keep you healthy.

Pros:

• Reasonable by European standards price
• Lack of side effects
• Security
• No contraindications noted
• Convenient form
• High efficiency

Minuses:

• Absent

3 Acetylcysteine

A cheap and effective drug manufactured in Germany. The form of the medication is effervescent tablets, which are rapidly absorbed into the gastrointestinal tract. The active ingredient breaks down viscosity and allows you to quickly get rid of bronchial mucus. Tablets are indicated for colds, tuberculosis, cystic fibrosis. The pills have a peculiar aroma and are very popular in the post-Soviet space.

The power of the ACC also has a downside - numerous side reactions. The most common complaints of patients are dyspnea and bronchospasm. The dosage is calculated by the doctor, you should not do it yourself. The phlegm breaks down and is quickly removed from the lungs when consumed regularly. Contraindications include exacerbation of peptic ulcer disease, bronchial asthma, pneumonia and early childhood (up to two years). The drug has successfully passed all tests and is universally recommended by WHO experts.

Pros:

• German quality
• Cheapness
• Effective treatment
• Convenient tablet form
• Copes with stubborn sputum

Minuses:

• Specific taste
• Side effects

2 Bromhexine

The best remedy for sputum removal in adults. Apricot syrup with a cheerful elephant on the package. There is also a tablet form produced jointly by Russia and Germany, as well as drops. Improvements will begin on the second day after the start of admission. The main indication is bronchitis. It is more profitable to buy pills, but children like syrup more (designed specifically for small patients).

Bromhexine acts on the ciliated epithelium and successfully copes with dry coughing. The phlegm becomes profuse and is promptly removed from your body when you cough up. Clots liquefy, and this contributes to their enhanced detachment from the mucous membrane. Note that tablets and drops are in greatest demand - the latter are intended for inhalation. The medicine has been tested by many years of consumer experience and deserves every confidence.

Pros:

• Powerful bronchodilator effect
• Low price
• Versatility (sold in three different formats)
• Produced by multiple companies for more choice

Minuses:

• There are contraindications

1 Ambroxol

The best expectorant for removing phlegm and the leader in popularity among the population. Pills are produced by domestic manufacturers. A proven remedy with anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. Regular use leads to a decrease in hyperemia, redness and swelling of the mucous membrane. The phlegm is liquefied and promptly removed. The tablet form of Ambroxol is usually used by adults, syrup is shown to babies.

There are very few side effects of the drug, Ambroxol is perfectly tolerated by patients. Occasionally, migraines and nausea are observed. A nice bonus is the protection of the nasopharynx from harmful infections. Doctors prescribe medication to diagnose bronchitis or to prevent similar diseases. The substance also copes with chronic and acute forms.In addition to syrup and pills, capsules are produced - they have a prolonged effect. There is Ambroxol for inhalation and injection.

Pros:

• Very low price
• Versatility (capsules, pills, syrup, etc.)
• General availability
• Fast effect

Minuses:

• There is a minimal side effect (dry mouth, taste disorders, nausea)
• Prohibition at the beginning of pregnancy
• There are contraindications (renal and hepatic failure)

The best herbal expectorants

This group of medicines affects the ciliated epithelium that covers the inner surface of the bronchi. Efficiency is based on the stimulation of the movement of bronchioles - the process can be compared with intestinal motility. Peristaltic waves push phlegm to outer levels while decreasing its density. The group is dominated by drugs of natural origin, which reduces the likelihood of side effects.

5 Bronchipret

This German syrup has a very mild effect and is recommended for children from three months. The syrup is based on thyme extract, which is famous for its thinning properties. Additional bonuses are relief of coughing attacks and reduction of swelling. The secretory functionality of the glands decreases, expectoration is normalized. The anti-inflammatory qualities prevent the further spread of the infection.

Consumers describe Bronchipret as an effective, convenient and economical drug. The first results will please you 48 hours after the start of regular use of the syrup. Numerous analogues are cheaper, but they affect the body more severely and can provoke an unpleasant side effect. Mucus is separated abundantly, and small patients do not have difficulty in receiving it. Doctors recommend supplementing therapy with copious hot drinks to speed up the healing process.

Pros:

• Natural ingredients
• There are no contraindications for young children
• Bronchodilator effect
• Gentle effect on the respiratory system
• Reasonable cost by European standards

Minuses:

• Allergic reactions should not be ruled out.

4 Mucaltin

Cheap Russian remedy. Mukaltin is sold in lozenges, capsules and tablets. Active ingredients - marshmallow root, betaine, asparagine. There is an age limit (you cannot take up to six years), but Mukaltin is not contraindicated for pregnant women. The enveloping and emollient action leads to an expectorant effect. The inflammation is removed, the mucous membrane is restored.

It is best to entrust the determination of the dosage to the doctor - it all depends on the individual tolerance of the components and the nature of the disease. The advantage of the tablets lies in the film that forms on the bronchi - you get a prolonged effect on the mucous membrane. It is recommended to include Mukaltin in complex therapy by adding sodium bicarbonate to the bundle. It is also not forbidden to combine with bromhexine - this way you can stop irritation. Dry cough disappears quickly enough - many buyers write about it.

Pros:

• Normalization of the state of the bronchi
• Ridiculous price
• Cleansing the respiratory system
• Natural ingredients
• Can be taken by pregnant women

Minuses:

• Risk of individual intolerance

3 Herbion

The line includes natural syrups from ivy, plantain and primrose. Herbion has immunostimulating characteristics, thanks to which the body strengthens and fights infection on its own. The natural base allows syrups to be consumed even by two-year-old babies (the minimum permissible threshold). Children like the sweet taste, so they do not have to beg for a long time to drink a spoonful of tasty liquid.

It is better to buy herbion with primrose with wet coughing, the composition with plantain is better suited for the dry variety of the symptom. Full recovery is achieved about a week after the start of the course.Make sure that there are no oppositely acting substances in the complex therapy. Pleasant bonuses are the presence of vitamin C and bactericidal properties. Thanks to these characteristics, Herbion reduces the level of intoxication, strengthens the immune system and prevents the spread of infection.

Pros:

• Efficiency
• Natural ingredients
• Removal of bronchospasm
• Sparing action
• Can be taken by children

Minuses:

• The cost is not quite budget
• Not recommended for diabetics

2 Gedelix

Hypoallergenic syrup of German origin with no age restrictions. Gedelix helps with wet and dry types of cough, prevents bronchial spasms and promptly removes phlegm. Ivy serves as a natural base, while allergic reactions are completely excluded. The syrup is recommended for exacerbations of bronchitis. Pharmacists endowed the drug with antispasmodic, mucolytic and expectorant properties.

Experts recommend consuming the syrup after meals. Babies can dilute the dose with a small amount of drinking water, since the substance cannot boast of a pleasant taste. In addition to ivy extract, the formula includes eucalyptus oil, peppermint and star anise. The absence of sugar allows diabetics to safely use Gedelix. Of the contraindications, we note only lactation and pregnancy.

Pros:

• It removes phlegm well
• Natural composition
• No allergic reactions
• German quality
• No age restrictions

Minuses:

• Specific taste
• Relatively high price

1 Stopussin phyto

This Israeli drug embodies the perfect combination of price and quality. The syrup contains extracts of plantain, thyme and thyme, sucrose, purified honey and water. The main advantages are anti-inflammatory and expectorant effects. The medicine copes with chronic and acute diseases (bronchitis, tracheitis, tracheobronchitis). The viscosity of sputum decreases, due to which it begins to be better excreted from the body.

Of the contraindications, we note individual hypersensitivity, galactose and lactose intolerance, hepatic and renal failure. Babies up to one year old, pregnant and lactating mothers should not use the remedy either. At risk are diabetics and epileptics. The standard therapeutic course is a week. The dosage for an adult is three to five tablespoons daily. Occasionally, there is a side effect (nausea, cramps, swelling and skin rashes).

Pros:

• Israeli quality
• Natural ingredients
• 100% efficiency
• Expectorant and antiseptic properties

Minuses:

• Age restrictions
• A number of contraindications
• Side effects

The best antitussives

This is a heavy artillery piece, since antitussive medications affect peripheral receptors and specific centers in the brain. Medicines cope with acute viral infections and relieve a painful cough. The action of the substances is based on the suppression of the cough reflex. At the same time, no one canceled the pathological processes. We recommend using antitussive drugs as part of complex therapy.

5 Falimint

These tablets are used as a local anesthetic, as the mucous membrane becomes numb and becomes insensitive to irritants. Dragees are not swallowed, but are absorbed, spreading mint coolness in the oral cavity. At the same time, there is no drying effect, and numbness is also not observed. Falimint is ideal for bronchopulmonary diseases, accompanied by painful coughing, as well as for inflammation of the nasopharynx.

Doctors prescribe the drug for patients suffering from gingivitis, stomatitis, laryngitis, or sore throat. In ENT studies, a medicine is useful for prophylaxis - this applies primarily to instrumental studies.Proper use of Falimint allows you to prevent secondary infection of the nasopharynx and possible complications. An adult will need to dissolve 3-5 pills daily (after the session, do not drink cold water or eat for some time).

Pros:

• German quality (manufacturer - "Berlin-Pharma")
• Cumulative action
• Versatility
• Mild antitussive effect

Minuses:

• You can't call it a budget tool
• It is almost impossible to buy Falimint in ordinary pharmacies

4 Codelac

Russian anti-inflammatory medication, produced in the form of tablets, capsules and lozenges. The active ingredients are ambroxol hydrochloride, thyme extract and sodium glycyrrhizinate. Improved expectoration is stimulated by ambroxol (the same substance restores the balance between the mucous and serous layers). Nice bonuses - a decrease in the viscosity of the secretion and the fight against viral infection. The airways are cleared with thyme.

The minimum age limit is 12 years, so pills are not suitable for small children. Indications - COPD, bronchitis and pneumonia. An adult needs to take three pills daily. If there is no success, consider changing the therapeutic course. It is prohibited to combine Codelac with antitussive agents.

Pros:

• Reasonable cost
• There are natural ingredients
• Improved expectoration
• Antiviral action

Minuses:

• Severe age limit
• The likelihood of individual intolerance

3 Libexin

The product is produced by Hungarian pharmacists. The active ingredient is prenoxdiazine, which has moderate analgesic qualities. Libeksin successfully relieves bronchospasm and reduces the susceptibility of vessels to irritation. The phlegm liquefies and quickly leaves the body.

Care should be taken not to confuse the Hungarian medicine with the Libeksin Muko brand - the actions of these medicines are opposite. Doctors prescribe Libexin in the diagnosis of an unproductive cough (something similar is observed in the heart at night). If the contractility of the myocardium is not spurred, the patient runs the risk of overflow in the pulmonary circulation - and here the Hungarian remedy is very useful. The tablets are taken three times a day, for children the dosage is calculated by the doctor based on the body weight.

Pros:

• High level of security
• Long-term cumulative effect
• Copes with pathologies of a non-pulmonary nature

Minuses:

• Overdose side effects (skin rash, dry mouth)
• Contraindication - lactose intolerance
• Not recommended for children

2 Omnitus

This syrup with rainbow circles on the packaging is produced in Serbia and is recommended for patients suffering from dry expectoration. You can't call syrup cheap, but there's no need to talk about overstating the price tag either. The active substance is butamirate. The effectiveness is explained by the direct effect of Omnitus on the nervous system and suppression of the cough. The tablet form of Omnitus is also found in pharmacies.

High absorption contributes to the immediate absorption of the syrup in the gastrointestinal tract. Contraindications include pregnancy, breastfeeding and hypersensitivity to certain components. For the successful treatment of an adult, six measuring spoons daily are enough, the children's dosage is calculated by weight. The side effect is minimal - diarrhea, nausea, allergic reactions, dizziness.

Pros:

• Fast results
• Pleasant taste
• Improving well-being
• Multi-age orientation

Minuses:

• Not to be taken by pregnant women
• The need for medical supervision

1 Sinekod

Another butamirate antitussive syrup with a pleasant vanilla flavor. There is no codeine in Sinekod, which means that you do not need to be afraid of drug effects on the body. The closest analogues are Omnitus and Codelac. Recall that butamirate affects the central nervous system, suppressing the coughing reflex.

For adults, manufacturers recommend syrup, for babies - special drops. Regular use leads to cleansing of the breath, improved oxygen flow to the bronchial region and their concomitant expansion. If you are undergoing rehabilitation after chest surgery, it is better to refuse to purchase Sinekod. Contraindications also include bronchoscopy. But for whooping cough, Sinekod is an excellent solution (long and painful attacks are stopped in a short time).

Pros:

• Pleasant taste
• Fast and pronounced impact
• Sugar free
• Natural constituents
• Helps with whooping cough

Minuses:

• Fructose intolerance is a contraindication

Good folk expectorants. The best things to do at home

If the medicines sold in pharmacies do not suit you, it's time to remember about traditional medicine. There are proven recipes that have been used by our ancestors since time immemorial. Let's list the options that you should pay attention to in the first place:

1. Milk.This product has mucolytic, expectorant and emollient properties. If you mix milk with garlic, you can enhance the effect, but such a medicine is contraindicated for lactating, pregnant women and young children. The right choice is warm milk with melted butter or honey.
2. Black radish.After cutting the root vegetable, make a depression in one half and pour honey there. Sugar and carrot juice will also work. The juice secreted by the radish, mixed with the above ingredients, will act as a medicine.
3. Gargling.You can rinse with iodine, a mixture of salt and soda, beet-vinegar and honey juices. Herbal decoctions based on calendula, eucalyptus and chamomile will also come in handy.
4. Hot chocolate.You will have to boil 100 grams of chocolate with the addition of cocoa and fat (three tablespoons each), as well as butter (100 grams). The mixture cools down, and the resulting consistency can be spread on sandwiches and there is.
5. Compresses.The most famous compress is made from boiled and grated potatoes. An alternative is radish juice with honey and mustard powder. The compress is applied to the chest and tied with a scarf.

Cough has long ceased to be a problem - pharmacies are overflowing with medicines that eliminate this ailment. When choosing, pay attention first of all to contraindications, dosage calculation and possible side effects. As for folk remedies, we recommend using them in combination with pharmaceutical preparations. And do not forget to consult a doctor, because you cannot do without an accurate diagnosis. We hope that the best expectorants at home will help you cope with the disease as soon as possible.