Question

what are the dose of OTC drugs that use for acute cough?

Answer 1

WHAT ARE THE DOSE OF OTC DRUGS THAT USE FOR ACUTE COUGH?

OTC Drugs & Acute cough

OTC (Over-the-counter) drugs are the medications which is sold directly to the consumer without the prescription from health care professionals. The regulatory body has ensured that it contains incrediants that are safe and effective and can be used without doctor's prescription.

Acute cough is a common symptom of upper respiratory tract infection. OTC drugs are usually recommended as a first line treatment for acute cough, whereas there is a little evidence of its effectiveness

OTC drugs and its dosage for acute cough

OTC drugs for cough are classified based on their mode of action;

1. Antitussives: centrally acting opioid derivetive (cough supressants)

eg: a) Syrup.Codeine,7.5-30mg,per oral, 4 times daily for 4 days (adult)

<12 years not recommended, for >12 years 7.5-30 mg, per oral, 4 times daily for 4 days

b) Dextromethorphan: 10-20 mg orally every 4 hours, 60 mg every 12 hours and maximum dose in 120 mg in 24 hours (adult)

under 4 years not recommended

4-6 years: 15mg, oral every 12 hours

6-12 years: 30 mg oral every 12 hours

12 years or older: 60 mg oral every 12 hours

2. Expectorants: drugs leading to increase bronchial mucus production, it helps to reduce congestion of throat

eg: a) Guaifenesin: 200-400 mg orally every 4 hours, 600-1200 mg every 12 hours orally (adult)

less than 2 years: 12 mg/kg/day orally in 6 divided doses

2-5 years: 50-100 mg orally every 4 hours

6-11 years: 100-200 mg orally every 4 hours

12 years or older: 200-400 mg orally every 4 hours

3. Mucolytics: drugs which helps to reduce the viscosity of bronchial secretions

eg: a) Bromhexine: 8mg tablet every 12 hours, syrup-10ml 3 times daily (adult and 12 years or older)

6-12 years: 5ml 3 times daily

2-5 years: 2.5 ml 3 times daily

b) Letosteine: 25mg 3 times daily only for children

4. Antihistamines: antihistamine H1-receptor agonists.it act as a decongestant

eg: a) Loratadine: 5mg/120mg twice daily for 4 days (adult)

b) Brompheniramine: 2mg/12.5mg half dose 4th hourly(children)