How does expectorant work

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Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph. What is an expectorant? Share on Pinterest. Ivy leaf. The bottom line. Read this next. Ivy leaf extract is a popular natural remedy for cough and cold symptoms because of its supposed effects on mucus production, cough, and airway dilation.

A Polish study suggested that a medicine containing dry ivy extract may be effective in treating productive coughs, such as those that occur in respiratory tract infections.

However, more studies are still necessary to determine the effectiveness of ivy leaf extract for relieving cold and cough symptoms. Other techniques to help release mucus from the airways are oral hydration therapy and steam inhalation. The mechanism of action behind each of these techniques is unknown, and doctors have questioned their effectiveness.

Different cold and flu symptoms require treatment with different types of drugs. A person with a productive cough can take an expectorant, but a dry or tickly cough usually requires a cough suppressant. Many OTC products contain a decongestant, but these are only effective for treating nasal congestion.

All-in-one cough, cold, and flu products may contain a combination of these ingredients. People who take all-in-one products are at risk of taking medicines that they do not need, and this can increase the likelihood of side effects.

Manufacturers sometimes add acetaminophen or ibuprofen to products to help treat pain or fever. Some products also contain an antihistamine, which can help control coughing. However, antihistamines can cause drowsiness.

Before choosing a product, people should decide which symptoms they want to treat. Anyone who is unsure whether a product is right for them should speak to a pharmacist. Decongestants help alleviate a blocked nose. Phenylephrine and pseudoephedrine are two decongestants that people may find in OTC cold and cough medications.

These drugs work by constricting blood vessels in the nasal passages. This constriction increases the size of the airway, allowing people to breathe more easily through their nose. Low dose codeine and dextromethorphan are two cough suppressants that people can find in OTC medicines.

One of the risks of taking an expectorant is that people sometimes use them for persistent or chronic coughs. Dextromethorphan, which is found in Robitussin DM and Mucinex DM, can cause drowsiness, dizziness, nervousness, restlessness, nausea, and vomiting. Expectorant medications may be combined with dextromethorphan—a drug that may induce dependence and can also be a drug of abuse. Phenylephrine, a component of Mucaphed, can cause high blood pressure and bradycardia a slowed heart rate.

This medication may interact with antidepressants and heart medications. Keep in mind that home remedies for a cough and cold can help you feel better too. When you are sick, it is important to get enough sleep and follow a healthy diet. Looking to avoid getting the flu? Our free guide has everything you need to stay healthy this season.

Sign up and get yours today. Kardos P. Management of cough in adults. Parsons J. What does the color of phlegm mean? National Library of Medicine. Clinical issues of mucus accumulation in COPD. Updated September 29, Food and Drug Administration. Highlights of prescribing information—phenylephrine hydrochloride. Role of guaifenesin in the management of chronic bronchitis and upper respiratory tract infections.

Multidiscip Respir Med. A pilot study of safety of sulfamethoxazole, trimethoprim and guaifenesin in pediatric and adult patients with acute bronchitis. BMC Res Notes. They relieve your cough by blocking the cough reflex. Expectorants thin mucus. This may help your cough clear the mucus from your airway. Drinking extra fluids also helps keep mucus thin. Dextromethorphan and guaifenesin are sometimes combined with each other 1 brand name: Robitussin DM.

They are also available in combination with other medicines, such as pain relievers, decongestants, or antihistamines. These combination products such as multi-symptom cold medicines are meant to treat many symptoms at the same time.

However, if your main symptom is cough, be careful of the drying effect of antihistamines and decongestants in combination medicines. This effect can make mucus thicker and harder to clear from the airways, which can make a cough worse. Store all medicines up and away, out of reach and sight of young children. Keeping medicines in a cool, dry place will help prevent them from becoming less effective before their expiration dates. Do not store medicines in bathrooms or bathroom cabinets, which are often hot and humid.