Patient's question:
A 15-month-old child has a cough without phlegm, with occasional episodes of coughing up phlegm. What medication should be taken? (I am currently taking Xiao'er Xiaoji Ke Zhi Koufuye. Please advise if it is correct.)Doctor's answer:
A cough without phlegm or with very little phlegm is called a dry cough, also known as a dry cough, and is commonly seen in the initial stages of acute pharyngitis and acute tracheitis. Currently, over-the-counter medications for treating dry cough include Cepacol, Mekotuss, CoughDrop, and Compound Cabbage Tablets, among others. Although all are antitussive drugs, their pharmacological effects are not the same, so the choice of medication may vary depending on the disease.Cepacol's active ingredient is pertussin, and it is commonly used for dry cough without phlegm caused by upper respiratory infections and whooping cough, among others. It is available in tablet and syrup forms. Due to taste and dosage reasons, syrup is preferably chosen for children. Taking this medication occasionally may cause mild dizziness, dry mouth, nausea, bloating, and constipation as side effects. Patients with glaucoma or heart failure accompanied by pulmonary congestion should use this medication with caution.
Mekotuss's active ingredient is dextromethorphan, and it is primarily used for allergic cough or bronchitis caused by colds. The validity period of this product is two years, and it should be stored away from light and sealed. Additionally, this product is a red, transparent, viscous liquid with a fragrant aroma and should be kept out of reach of children to prevent accidental ingestion. Taking this medication occasionally may cause dizziness, mild drowsiness, and dry mouth as side effects.
CoughDrop's active ingredient is phenylpropanolamine, and it is suitable for acute bronchitis. It is particularly effective for irritative dry cough, with a stronger antitussive effect than the previous two cough remedies. It is easily absorbed orally and takes effect quickly, but it must be swallowed whole—do not chew—to avoid oral numbness. Taking this medication occasionally may cause dry mouth, a burning sensation in the stomach, loss of appetite, fatigue, dizziness, and rash as adverse reactions. It is contraindicated for children.
Compound Cabbage Tablets are suitable for general cough. The dry cabbage tincture powder in this medicine can cover the inflamed pharyngeal mucosa, reducing irritation to the throat. It should be used with caution in young children. Chew or hold the medicine in the mouth. The medicine has viscous sputum.