Best expectorants for 2024

The cold season inevitably leads to colds, and where they are there is a cough. When coughing, phlegm forms, and it needs to be coughing up, otherwise pulmonary edema may occur. To effectively get rid of phlegm, there are all kinds of expectorants. Our article will demonstrate a ranking of the best expectorants for 2024.

How to choose

When choosing a remedy, three factors must be taken into account: the type of cough, the presence or absence of phlegm, and the disease that caused it. If the cough is dry and there is nothing to expectorate, then antitussive drugs are prescribed. If the cough is lingering and a small amount of mucus is secreted, then the doctor advises something from mucolytic agents. But when there is really a lot of sputum, then expectorant medicines come to the rescue.

What are the types

Doctors divide expectorants into two categories: secretomotor and thinning. The first medications are aimed at strengthening the cough reflex, due to which the mucus that appears naturally comes out. Such drugs, definitely, will not eliminate a cough, since their action is directed to the opposite result, which means that you will cough stronger. Medicines in this category include licorice, thermopsis, and various essential oils.

But the thinning category of drugs makes bronchial mucus more liquid and it is more freely removed from the human body. Most often, such drugs are prescribed for a wet cough, when sputum is difficult to separate.

What can be done at home

When there is no way to go to the pharmacy or you cannot take pharmacy drugs (for example, during pregnancy or breastfeeding), homemade products come to the exit. For example, such a drink as warmed milk with honey and a piece of butter is very popular. Some patients turn up their noses from such a "delicacy", while others, on the contrary, drink to a sweet soul.

If you don't like milk and butter, then you can buy black radish, grind it, squeeze the juice and mix with 2-3 tablespoons of honey. It is recommended to eat 1 tablespoon per day for adults. You do not have to suffer with grinding, but cut the lid off the radish, add honey inside and wait for the vegetable to let out the juice, which, mixing with the sweet substance, turns into the necessary medicine.

Inhalation can be done even at home. Probably everyone remembers how they breathed in childhood over a saucepan with boiled potatoes. Although the method is outdated, it still remains relevant. You can do oil inhalations using healing essential extracts, but you must remember that you cannot often use the method, otherwise the smallest particles of oils will accumulate inside the lungs. This leads to the appearance of pneumonia.

You can make an expectorant syrup yourself, as long as you have the necessary products. Combinations such as honey and horseradish or onions and honey are suitable. Many people have got used to preparing decoctions for expectoration on their own. For this, elecampane, oats and thermopsis are most often used.

Rating of the best expectorants for 2024

Herbion

Herbion is considered an excellent remedy with an immunostimulating effect. It was created on a natural basis and can be consumed by babies from 2 years old. Thanks to the pleasant and sweet taste, children open their mouths without objection to receive a spoonful of delicious medicine. There are two types of Herbion, the first with plantain, is prescribed for the treatment of dry cough, and the second with primrose, is recommended for wet cough. As a rule, complete recovery occurs after a week of treatment. Please note that you cannot use the drug with medications that have the opposite effect. All components of the syrup are enriched with active substances with antibacterial properties. The composition contains vitamin C, which helps to strengthen the immune system and reduce the intoxication of the body.

You can buy from 270 rubles and more, depending on the pharmacy's margin.

• According to customers, one of the best syrups;
• Suitable for removing phlegm;
• Does not contain alcohol;
• Helps with different types of cough;
• It has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects.

• There are many contraindications.

Gedelix

An excellent herbal remedy allowed for children from birth is Gedelix. Its purpose is to treat dry and wet coughs by thinning and removing mucus. In addition, the drug relieves bronchial spasm, which is why doctors prescribe it in the early stages of bronchitis. The consistency is entirely of vegetable origin, its functionality includes expectorant, mucolytic and antispasmodic properties. Usually Gedelix is ​​advised to drink after meals. Babies are advised to dilute in a little water. Judging by the numerous reviews, patients do not have allergies, the only thing is that not everyone likes the taste, but this is not the main thing in health. Contains ivy leaf extract, eucalyptus oil, star anise and peppermint oil. There is no sugar in the composition, so it can be taken by people with diabetes. However, there are contraindications, and the medicine is not recommended for lactating and pregnant women, since there is little clinical data.

Cost: from 385 rubles.

• Can be for children;
• Suitable for removing mucus;
• Quality German manufacturer;
• Natural composition;
• No allergies.

• Specific taste.

Ascoril

One of the most popular expectorant drugs is Ascoril. It comes in the form of syrup and tablets. The tablets are prescribed for children from 6 years old, and the doctor selects the dosage according to the age in the liquid format. The list of the main medicinal substances in the composition is the same as in syrup and in tablets. The difference is in the concentration of active ingredients. Usually, ascoril is prescribed for coughing with poorly separated mucus. Bromhexine, included in the composition, accelerates the process of sputum separation, due to which there is an expectorant effect. Guaifenesin lowers the viscosity of sputum, it also facilitates the excretion of sputum from the body. The syrup tastes good, so the kids drink it without disgust. Unfortunately, Ascoril has a significant list of contraindications, which include heart defects, diabetes mellitus, glaucoma, ulcers of the digestive tract and other diseases. Pregnant women should not be taken either.

Cost: ascoril syrup 100 ml - from 270 rubles, tablets - from 330 rubles.

• You can choose the form of the medicine between syrup and tablets;
• Effective and quick effect on the body;
• Delicious taste in liquid form;
• Bronchodilator and mucolytic effects;
• Sold in every pharmacy.

• A large list of contraindications.

Acetylcysteine

ACC or Acetylcysteine ​​is another popular expectorant among the inhabitants of Russia. They are produced in the form of effervescent tablets and have a characteristic weak aroma. Due to the high activity of acetylcysteine, the viscosity of bronchial mucus is broken. The action of the medicine allows you to cope with both a cold cough and more serious diseases. The indications include pneumonia, bronchial asthma and other diseases. Contraindications: children under two years of age, lactation and peptic ulcer disease during an exacerbation. Regarding children, it is impossible for them to mindlessly prescribe a drug, a doctor must prescribe it. The form of admission is not only standard when you drink a drink, but also inhalation and intratracheal. Acetylcysteine ​​is very powerful in its effect and has a significant number of side effects, which you can read about in the instructions.

You can buy it for 250 rubles or more.

• Effective impact;
• Convenient form of administration, especially for those who find it difficult to swallow tablets;
• Cheaper than existing analogues;
• Helps with difficult to separate phlegm.

• Taste for an amateur;
• Decent side effects.

Pertussin

Perhaps the most budgetary remedy for expectoration, which is also suitable for smokers, is the famous Pertussin. It is made in the form of tincture, potion and syrup. The main active medicines are thyme, thyme and potassium bromide. According to numerous positive reviews, it becomes clear that Pertussin is an ideal assistant for sputum discharge. The volume of the secreted secretion increases markedly, the sputum liquefies and it becomes much easier to cough up thick and viscous mucus. You need to take the medicine 1 tablespoon three times a day. Children are given half a teaspoon, but be careful, since the treatment and dosage is prescribed by the doctor based on the patient's age. Do not take it during pregnancy or breastfeeding. People with diabetes should take into account that the composition contains sugar.

You can buy it at a price of 23 to 90 rubles.

• The most budgetary expectorant:
• Soft and effective impact;
• Suitable for smokers;
• Sweet and herbal;
• Suitable for children from three years old.

• Contains alcohol and sugar.

Mucaltin

Many pregnant and lactating women with coughs do not know what to do. But there is a way out. A good expectorant that can be used during pregnancy and lactation is Mukaltin. The only "but", the doctor should prescribe it, you should not self-medicate. The product is produced in the form of lozenges, capsules and tablets. The preparation is of plant origin and has excellent expectorant properties. Doctors allow it for dry coughs even for children from 6 years old. Thanks to the gentle enveloping of the mucous membrane with the medicine, a softening and expectorant effect occurs. The dosage depends on the nature of the disease, indications include acute and chronic respiratory diseases and coughing with poorly separated sputum.

The cost, like that of Pertussin, is budgetary, from 20 rubles and above.

• Excellent efficiency;
• Best price;
• Remarkable expectorant properties;
• They dissolve well in water;
• Vegetable origin.

• Not everyone is helped.

Bromhexine

Another budget drug that is popular with buyers is Bromhexine. It comes in the form of tablets and syrup. Tablets, of course, are more profitable at a price, but children are more willing to drink syrup. An expectorant drug is considered a mucolytic, its active active ingredient begins to function in full force a day after ingestion. During a dry cough, Bromhexine helps the formation of a decent amount of mucus and promotes its early excretion. During application, it was noticed that the clots become the least viscous and quickly separate. There are also drops, with the help of which useful, healing inhalations are carried out.

The cost depends on the form of the medicine and starts at 25 rubles.

• Powerful in its effect;
• Available in various forms;
• Adequate price;
• Produced by different companies, you can choose the right one.

• There are contraindications, so read the instructions carefully.

Prospan

From the first days of life, doctors recommend sleepless, which has a mild sedative effect. Prospan is a herbal drop that gently affects the body and eliminates phlegm. In addition, there was an improvement in blood circulation in the lungs and excellent support for immunity. The substance has a light brown color and a slight cherry aroma. The composition contains an active substance - a dry extract of ivy leaves and auxiliary components. Vials are available in dosages of 100 and 200 ml. Indications for use are acute and chronic diseases of the respiratory organs and cough with poorly separated sputum. Contraindications include fructose intolerance and sucrose deficiency. In rare cases, the manifestation of an allergy is possible, which may appear on the intolerance of any component. Prospan copes with dry coughing with dignity and has shown itself well in the fight against purulent bronchitis.

Price: from 380 rubles.

• Available in the form of drops for inhalation and syrup;
• Suitable for small children;
• High speed of impact;
• Perfectly eliminates dry cough.

• There may be allergies.

Bronchipret drops

Bronchipret drops are produced by a German company and are of the highest quality. The product is created from natural ingredients, including thyme extract and ivy leaf tincture. Drops are considered universal and perform several actions at once: secretomotor, anti-inflammatory and secretolytic. While taking Bronchipret, the sputum becomes less viscous and due to this, it is easier to separate and normal breathing is restored faster. The medicine is often prescribed for acute and chronic bronchitis.

Price from 390 rubles and above.

• Qualitatively separates mucus;
• Renowned manufacturer;
• Not addictive;
• Does not affect transport management.

• Alcohol in the composition;
• Doesn't help everyone.

Conclusion

In order not to start the disease and to cure as soon as possible, you need to understand that there are three stages in coughing: dry, wet and deep strong. It all starts with a dry cough, when there is no sputum yet. The virus has just settled in the body and begins its insidious work. At this point, it is important to start softening the throat and taking medications that cover it. Be sure to start taking expectorants for dry coughs and avoid wet coughs. If its stage has already begun, called productive cough, then it is necessary to dilute the phlegm and remove it from the body.

Bronchitis and pneumonia are usually accompanied by a deep, violent cough. Be careful as they can leak without temperature rise.

During treatment, it is important to avoid mistakes that occur due to confusion, for example, the patient begins to use mucolytics in the absence of phlegm. The bronchi will begin to suffer from such abuse. Also, improper treatment or its absence leads to the development of complications and the occurrence of pneumonia, therefore it is very important not to self-medicate, but to consult a doctor who will correctly determine the type of cough and prescribe the necessary medications. It must be remembered that the causes of a cough can be allergic, colds, or maybe due to an inattentive attitude to one's health.

Do not let any cough symptoms take their course, because if you do not deal with the problem, then everything can end in more serious problems.