Effects
Bronchial pastilles have anti-irritant, anti-inflammatory, cough-irritant, and/or expectorant effects, among others, depending on the product.
Indications
Used for symptomatic treatment of irritable cough, cough with mucus production (catarrh), and for sore throat and hoarseness.
Abuse
Bronchial pastilles containing codeine can be abused as an intoxicant in overdose.
Active ingredients
Bronchial pastilles usually contain herbal ingredients such as anise oil, fennel oil, eucalyptus oil, licorice juice, senega root extract, ipecacuanha extract, menthol, and sundew extract. Some also contain the opioid codeine, but some in low and possibly ineffective doses. Ephedrine and lidocaine are other possible ingredients. In a broader sense, any candy used to treat cold symptoms can be called a bronchial lozenge.
Precautions
Depending on the composition, a whole range of precautions must be observed (e.g., pastilles containing codeine and ephedrine)! The complete precautions can be found in the drug information leaflet.
Adverse effects
Side effects depend on the composition. Possible side effects of codeine include nausea, vomiting, constipation, drowsiness, and dependence.
