Many physicians prescribe for the same patient anti-cough drug (Dextromethorphan or Dihydrocodeine) with mucolytic drug (Mucosolvan or Bisolvon or Prospan)?I think that cough is necessary for the clearance of mucus from the airways but the anti-cough drug will stop this clearance of airways.
Dear Ammar,
This does not really answer your specific question, but nevertheless:
From a clinical pharmacology point of view this is a relatively moot point. The clinical efficacy of mycolytics and anti-cough drugs is poorly documented; especially the latter.
Some will argue that for COPD there is some effect of mucolytics - but the clinically efficacy is rather unimpressive especially when looking to recent studies.
So I'd argue that these drugs are generally prescribed with no-to-dubious effect and should simply be avoided altogether ;-)
I have linked to two Cochrane reviews of relevance.
Best
Per
http://www.cochrane.org/CD001831/ARI_over-the-counter-otc-medications-for-acute-cough-in-children-and-adults-in-community-settings
http://www.cochrane.org/CD001287/AIRWAYS_mucolytic-agents-chronic-bronchitis-or-chronic-obstructive-pulmonary-disease
Dear Ammar,
This does not really answer your specific question, but nevertheless:
From a clinical pharmacology point of view this is a relatively moot point. The clinical efficacy of mycolytics and anti-cough drugs is poorly documented; especially the latter.
Some will argue that for COPD there is some effect of mucolytics - but the clinically efficacy is rather unimpressive especially when looking to recent studies.
So I'd argue that these drugs are generally prescribed with no-to-dubious effect and should simply be avoided altogether ;-)
I have linked to two Cochrane reviews of relevance.
Best
Per
http://www.cochrane.org/CD001831/ARI_over-the-counter-otc-medications-for-acute-cough-in-children-and-adults-in-community-settings
http://www.cochrane.org/CD001287/AIRWAYS_mucolytic-agents-chronic-bronchitis-or-chronic-obstructive-pulmonary-disease
No, such combination has been shown (in adults - by prof. A. Chuchalin, Ido not have the reference) to decrease pulmonary function. Antitussives are indicated for childrfen with dry cough? those who have viscose sputum have toget mucolytics and a cough enhansing procedure (such as vibromassage, postural drenage or the like).
in a word, No.
Yet it is often done. I suggest mucolytics when the patient is awake and anti-tussives when the patient needs sleep.... This is not perfect, but seems to work.
Dear Ammar,
From the pharmacologic point of view, It is not recommended to use together. The possibility to expectorate is significantly lower if antitussive is administered.
dear colleague Ammar,
I think you set a clear question but also gave the correct answer to these drugs should not be administered to the patient together, because antutusici significantly reduce the possibility of productive cough .In when we have a strong and dry cough may have a limited time to give careful with monitoring of clinical symptoms and when mucus by coughs patient immediately stop antitussives!
This is not pharmacologically reasonably know or are often given in clinical practice and if it is necessary to put it together but not as colleagues suggests J.Nile Barnes properly mucolytic morning and antitussives bedtime!
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