The content of cough medicine varies. Although both are used to relieve cough complaints, the way each cough medicine ingredient works can be different and needs to be adjusted to the type of cough you want to treat. So that the benefits of cough medicine can be maximized, pay attention to the content in it and its function.
Based on the content, cough medicine is divided into 2 types. The first type of cough medicine is an antitussive to relieve a dry cough. The content of this cough medicine is sometimes combined with antihistamine or decongestant drugs to treat allergy symptoms, nasal congestion, or runny nose that accompanies a cough.
The second type of cough medicine is expectorant or mucolytic. The content in this cough medicine serves to thin the phlegm and facilitate the removal of phlegm from the respiratory tract. That is why, expectorant cough medicines are used to treat coughs with phlegm.
The content of cough medicine and its benefits
For proper use and optimal results, cough medicine needs to be adjusted to the type of cough you want to treat. Therefore, first pay attention to the content in it before you buy cough medicine.
The following are some of the contents of cough medicine and how they work and their benefits:
1. Dextromethorphan HBr
Dextromethorphan HBr is the content of antitussive cough medicine that is most often used to treat dry cough. Dextromethorphan HBr It works by suppressing the cough reflex in the brain, reducing the urge to cough.
If you have a dry cough that is difficult to stop, let alone interfere with your rest, this cough medicine is the right choice for you to consume.
2. Diphenhydramine HCl and Chlorpheniramine Maleate
Diphenhydramine HCl and Chlorpheniramine Maleate is an antihistamine drug that is often combined with antitussive cough medicines, such as Dextromethorphan HBr. The benefit of this combination cough medicine is to treat a dry cough accompanied by allergy symptoms, such as sneezing or itching in the nose and throat.
Diphenhydramine HCl and Chlorpheniramine Maleate has the same way of working, namely inhibiting the release of histamine substances that can trigger allergic reactions.
3. Pseudoephedrine HCl
Pseudoephedrine HCl is a decongestant drug that is also often combined with Dextromethorphan HBr. This combination of cough medicine ingredients is used to treat coughs accompanied by a runny nose or stuffy nose.
Pseudoephedrine HCl works by reducing swelling of the blood vessels in the nose, so that the airways are more open and the breath becomes easier.
4. Bromhexine HCl and Guaifanesin
Bromhexine HCl and Guaifenesin is a type of mucolytic and expectorant drug used to treat cough with phlegm. Both of these cough medicine ingredients work by thinning phlegm to make it easier to expel from the respiratory tract, so that the breath feels easier and coughs can heal faster.
Cough medicine with the above ingredients can be purchased freely without a doctor's prescription. However, remember, each content of cough medicine has its own benefits. So, choose a cough medicine that contains according to your complaint and type of cough. In addition, take cough medicine according to the dosage and instructions for use listed on the package.
The most common complaint after taking cough medicine, especially antitussive cough medicine, is drowsiness. However, not everyone experiences these side effects.
Do not force yourself to keep doing activities when you are sleepy, especially activities that require alertness. Take a break so that you can get fit faster and recover from a cough.
If the content of over-the-counter cough medicine does not work to relieve the cough you are experiencing, you should check with your doctor. You also need to see a doctor immediately if you have a cough that is accompanied by fever, wheezing, shortness of breath, greenish-yellow phlegm, or phlegm mixed with blood.
