Pediatr. praxi. 2013;14(1):30-38

Current treatment of cough

PharmDr.Jan Juřica, Ph.D.

Farmakologický ústav LF MU a CEITEC, Brno

The article reviews current knowledge on drugs and preparations for treatment of dry and mucus-producing cough which are currently

available in the Czech Republic. In the introduction, there are given some suggestions concerning frequent and inappropriate combination

of antitussive and mucoregulating drugs. The part of the article is denoted to antitussives, with respect to mechanisms of action,

pharmacokinetics, and adverse effects of opioid-derived antitussives. Another part reviews the drugs for treatment of mucus-producing

cough with respect to categorization according to the major mechanism of action, adverse effects, pharmacokinetics, and additive actions

of distinct drugs. By conclusion, it is suggested not to use opioid-derived antitussives in children but rather butamirate or levodropropizine

and also some suggestions on use of mucoregulating drugs in children.

Keywords: antitussives, expectorants, mucolytics, mucoregulators, children

Published: February 15, 2013  Show citation