If you're suffering from a cough and would like to alleviate the discomfort, a cough syrup might be what you need. Cough syrups are a widespread drug that may be purchased without a prescription. However, it is crucial to understand how cough syrups work before self-medicating.
Cough syrups contain different active chemicals with varying mechanisms of action. The chemical constituents augment each other to relieve your cough.
This article will inform you about the primary active chemicals in cough syrups and the specific action methods each ingredient employs to suppress coughing and soothe throat irritation.
Active Ingredients and Their Mechanisms of Action
Cough syrups contain various active ingredients that work through different mechanisms to relieve cough symptoms and soothe throat irritation. The main active ingredients in many cough syrups and their mechanisms of action include:
1. Codeine
The main active ingredient in many cough syrups is codeine. Codeine is an opiate analgesic often used for its antitussive (cough-suppressing) and analgesic (pain-relieving) properties. When you take codeine syrup, the codeine is absorbed into your bloodstream from your stomach and intestines.
It then travels to your brain and nervous system, binding to opioid receptors. This binding action suppresses your cough reflex and provides pain and relief.
Codeine works by acting on the parts of your brain that control coughing. Specifically, it depresses the cough center in your medulla oblongata, the part of your brainstem that regulates involuntary actions like coughing, vomiting, and breathing.
It acts as a moderate analgesic in the throat and airways, relieving pain associated with a sore throat. Codeine's analgesic and antitussive properties alleviate coughing and sore throat discomfort in around half an hour to an hour.
2. Expectorants
Many cough syrups contain expectorant ingredients like guaifenesin that loosens mucus and makes it less thick and sticky. This allows mucus to be coughed up more easily from the lungs and throat.
By clearing excess mucus from the throat and airways, expectorants can reduce irritation and soothe cough symptoms. Guaifenesin works by stimulating glands in the lungs and throat to produce more mucus, thinning out the mucus already present.
3. Cough Suppressants
A typical cough suppressant ingredient in cough syrup is dextromethorphan. It works on the brain and nervous system to suppress the cough reflex. Dextromethorphan blocks receptors in the brain that trigger the cough reflex response. By suppressing cough, dextromethorphan allows the throat tissues to rest and heal.
4. Local Anesthetics
Some cough drops and tablets contain local anesthetic ingredients like benzocaine that temporarily numb the throat tissues when dissolved or sucked. This numbing effect helps reduce throat irritation and the urge to cough. By anesthetizing nerve endings in the throat, local anesthetics provide fast relief from cough and sore throat symptoms.
5. Antihistamines
A few cough syrups contain antihistamine ingredients, like dextromethorphan, that have anti-inflammatory properties. Antihistamines work by blocking histamine receptors. Histamine is a chemical released by the body during allergic reactions or colds/flu cases, which causes inflammation and increased mucus production. By blocking histamine, antihistamines can reduce throat inflammation, mucus production, and cough symptoms.
6. Demulcents
Many cough syrups contain demulcent ingredients like honey and sugar syrups. Demulcents work by creating a protective coating over irritated throat tissues. This coating soothes irritation and forms a physical barrier protecting throat tissues from further coughing damage. Demulcents also have a soothing, anesthetic effect when coating the throat.
7. Decongestants
Some cough syrups also contain a decongestant like pseudoephedrine. Decongestants work to relieve nasal and chest congestion by constricting blood vessels in the nasal and lung passages. This shrinks these tissues and opens breathing channels.
For coughs caused by congestion, decongestants can temporarily relieve cough and throat irritation. They work within 30 minutes to four hours after ingestion.
How to Ensure Proper Use of Cough Syrup?
When using cough syrup, it's essential to carefully read and follow all dosage instructions on the product label or package insert. Taking too much or too little cough syrup can reduce its effectiveness or potentially cause side effects.
Use an accurate dosing device, such as a calibrated spoon or oral syringe, to measure the correct amount for your age and weight. Only use cough syrup intended for your age group, as formulations differ for children versus adults. For example, many cough syrups for children contain lower concentrations of active ingredients.
It's also essential to check for potential drug interactions with prescription or over-the-counter medications you may already be taking. Some common medicines that can interact with cough syrup include antihistamines, antidepressants, antacids, and blood thinners.
Take cough syrup as needed based on cough frequency and severity rather than on a set schedule to get the best results. Allowing 6 hours between doses is generally recommended. This spacing between doses allows the active ingredients time to take full effect and prevents overuse.
Storing cough syrup as directed, usually below 86°F (30°C), helps maintain potency and quality. Always replace the cap securely after each use to prevent spillage or contamination. Proper use and storage help ensure cough syrup's effectiveness.
Final Thoughts
Cough syrups contain various active ingredients that work through different pathways to relieve cough symptoms. Codeine, expectorants, cough suppressants, local anesthetics, antihistamines, demulcents, and decongestants are the most common chemical constituents.
The different mechanisms of action include reducing cough reflex, loosening mucus, numbing the throat, reducing inflammation, coating the throat, or opening airways.
To use cough syrups safely and effectively, follow proper dosage instructions and storage guidelines. And with the understanding of how cough syrup can help soothe your throat, you'll be more confident reaching for a cough syrup the next time you cough.
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