The only way I can figure it, is that cough suppressant "suppresses" coughs, but those that do break through are more productive. Is that right? I guess I'm trying to understand why/when would someone take both of these. Children's Mucinex is formulated with both ingredients. Help? Thanks
2006-11-17 06:26:34 · 4 answers · asked by curious1223 3 in Health ➔ Other - Health
I understand that it has 2 ingredients and know what they are (DM & Guafenesin) -- I'm just trying to understand their combined effect. The first answer looks good so far.
2006-11-17 06:44:24 · update #1
=Codeine does both but this is a prescribed medication not off the shelf. I am wondering about this medication that you refer to. It cannot be an over the counter narcotic like Codeine is..
2006-11-20 13:25:52 · answer #1 · answered by sunshinysusan 7 · 5⤊ 1⤋
A cough medication that is both cough suppressant and expectorant is a compound of two different medications. The suppressant portion does that, it helps discourage the cough center of the brain from triggering a cough reflex, and it often soothes the irritated membranes and helps cut down on the amount of mucous produced. The expectorant portion works on the mucous membranes, to encourage them to produce a thinner, more easily spit up or swallowed mucous. The combined effect is less desire to cough because less is being produced and what is produced is thinner. This type formula is good for the throaty coughs and runny nose colds, where you gag and cough from all the gunk being produced. It's common enough in childrens cough/cold preparations because little ones don't much care to blow their noses anyway, or aren't very good at it. By thinning it all out, it will drain to the stomach easier. They cough less to clear the pathways, and tend to sleep easier. And so does the parent. So they are useful, if both cough and runny nose are present.
2006-11-17 06:38:27 · answer #2 · answered by The mom 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I am suffering from this also. It has been several week and I am having a harder time breathing right now! I have two children that need rides to school in the morning, after that I think I should go to the hospital. I can bearly breath now I hope my inhaler can get me through the night. Pamela Andrews
2016-03-28 23:44:26 · answer #3 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Usually when you get a suppressant and a expectorant, it has two different medicines mixed together.
2006-11-17 06:38:40 · answer #4 · answered by Jeffrey S 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋