Dextromethorphan – against chesty cough | Drugs against flu

Dextromethorphan – against chesty cough

Dextromethorphan is used in the treatment of irritable cough. The active substance belongs to the group of so-called antitussives (suppresses the coughing stimulus) and acts in the central nervous system at the cough center. Dextromethorphan is available in both liquid and solid form and can be taken several times a day after meals.

In case of overdose the active substance has a psychoactive effect. Dextromethorphan is used in the treatment of irritable cough. Dextromethorphan should not be taken in case of hypersensitivity.

Preexisting conditions in the lungs and respiratory tract are also a contraindication. These include bronchial asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia and other diseases associated with insufficient respiratory function. The most common side effects of taking dextromethorphan are constipation, dizziness and nausea.

In addition, increased fatigue symptoms may occur. There are interactions with so-called monoamine oxidase inhibitors, which include various antidepressants (moclobemide, selegiline) and drugs used to treat Parkinson’s disease. Serotoninergic drugs and dextromethorphan also interact.

For this reason a combination is contraindicated. The consumption of alcohol should be avoided when taking dextromethorphan. There is a risk of increased side effects.

The drug should only be taken in consultation with a doctor and after evaluation of the benefits and risks during pregnancy. Dextromethorphan must not be taken while breast-feeding. The respiratory paralyzing effect of dextromethorphan on the infant is possible.

Home remedies are often used in conjunction with drug therapy. However, they also help to alleviate less severe symptoms. Various home remedies are used to reduce fever and to loosen mucous in the airways.

A household remedy that has been tried and tested for many generations to reduce fever is the so-called calf compress. Two towels are soaked in lukewarm water and then wrung out. The still damp towels are wrapped around the calves without tension and covered with dry towels.

They remain there for about 15 minutes. The increased body temperature caused by the fever is transferred to the cooler towels in the form of heat. In this way, the fever is reduced.

The procedure can be repeated two or three times. Chicken broth is another well-tried household remedy in the fight against symptoms of illness. Influenza, with all its symptoms, weakens the body and requires not only a sufficient fluid intake but also the absorption of vitamins and minerals.

These are abundantly contained in the broth. It also has an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effect. Vegetarians can alternatively resort to vegetable broth and supplement it with fresh vegetables.

During a flu, special emphasis should be placed on hydration. In this way, two symptoms are combated at once: fever destabilizing the circulation and mucus in the respiratory tract. The thinner the mucus, the easier it is to remove from the nasopharynx.

Some types of tea are particularly suitable for this purpose. Ginger tea has an anti-inflammatory and pain-reducing effect. Tea made from lime blossom supports the dissolution of the mucus.

Elderflower tea is said to have a similar effect. For several centuries, chamomile has been known for its anti-inflammatory and soothing effects. Peppermint tea and sage tea are also considered to be among the tea varieties that relieve symptoms.

If nasal breathing is impeded and the mucous membranes in the nasopharynx are irritated, inhaling hot steam can help. It dissolves mucus, moistens the mucous membranes and alleviates coughing symptoms. Special steam inhalers from the pharmacy are best suited for this.

Alternatively, salted water can be brought to the boil in a pot, taken off the stove and tea leaves added as desired. Then inhale the rising steam for about ten minutes. If you put a towel over your head and cloth, less steam is lost to the surroundings.