CoughXpert - Symptom Checker

Fixed Dose Combinations refer to formulations that combine multiple active ingredients in a single dosage form. They are designed to enhance clinical effectiveness while streamlining treatment by reducing the number of pills and prescriptions required. FDCs also simplify packaging, promote better patient adherence, and decrease administrative costs.

HCPs are advised to judiciously use these formulations based on their clinical judgment and discretion, considering the individual patient's needs and condition. It's crucial to adhere to short-term use recommendations and rely on the treating physician's assessment of the patient.

Fixed Dose Combinations are recommended for short-term use in productive cough conditions. They can aid physiotherapy in patients having trouble in expelling phlegm and cough.

It's essential to consider potential drug interactions with concomitant medications when prescribing cough therapy. Additionally, Fixed Dose Combinations are recommended for dry cough only and should not be used in productive or infectious cough conditions. Similarly, caution is advised when administering them alongside inhalational LABA/SABA due to potential increased side effects.

HCPs should adhere to the recommendation for short-term use only and carefully monitor patients for any adverse effects or changes in their condition. Prolonged or inappropriate use should be avoided, and treatment should be adjusted as necessary based on the patient's response.

No, the use of mucolytics in advanced airway disease is not advised, and alternative treatment approaches should be considered in such cases.

If a patient experiences any adverse effects, such as allergic reactions, gastrointestinal discomfort, or dizziness, they should immediately discontinue the medication and seek medical attention. HCPs should document the adverse event, report it to the relevant regulatory authorities if required, and consider alternative treatment options for the patient.

Antihistamines are known to act either as antitussives or cough suppressants when alleviating a cough. Firstgeneration antihistamines can antagonize acetylcholine at neuronal and neuromuscular muscarinic receptors, while second-generation antihistamines cannot. Antihistamines act by decreasing the cholinergic transmission of nerve impulses in the coughing reflex thus suppressing the cough.  The sedative effect of first-generation antihistamines is highly beneficial for a cough that disturbs sleep

The combination of an antihistamine and an expectorant is not recommended because these two classes of medications have conflicting effects. While an antihistamine suppresses cough, an expectorant promotes coughing, leading to a potential lack of therapeutic benefit.

Using a combination medicine containing an expectorant and an anti-tussive is not recommended because these two pharmacological classes have contradictory effects. An expectorant promotes coughing to clear mucus, while an anti-tussive suppresses coughing, potentially leading to ineffective treatment.

Organoleptic properties refer to the sensory characteristics of a substance that can be perceived by the senses, such as taste, odor, color, texture, and appearance. The organoleptic properties of a cough syrup, including its color, taste, viscosity, mouthfeel, flavor, aroma, and aftertaste, play a significant role in its overall acceptability and effectiveness. These are the essential parameters determining the organoleptic properties:

·       Colour of the syrup

·       Taste of the syrup

·       Viscosity of the syrup

·       Mouth feel of the syrup

·       Flavour of the syrup

·       Aroma of the syrup

·       After taste of the syrup

Levodropropizine inhibits afferent pathways involved in the generation of the cough reflex. It helps reduce the sensitivity of the cough reflex, providing relief from cough symptoms.

Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide is a cough suppressant that reduces the urge to cough. It does not have narcotic, analgesic, or dependence-inducing properties. Dextromethorphan works by decreasing the feeling of needing to cough.

Chlorpheniramine Maleate works by blocking histamine released during allergic reactions. It provides relief in cough due to its sedative and anticholinergic actions, which help reduce cough reflex sensitivity.

Phenylephrine hydrochloride is an alpha-1 adrenoceptor agonist. It causes vasoconstriction, which reduces edema and increases drainage of the sinus cavities, providing relief from cough associated with congestion.

Ambroxol stimulates surfactant synthesis, which gives it effective mucokinetic and secretagogue properties. It helps in the clearance of mucus from the respiratory tract, providing relief from cough.

Guaifenesin acts as an expectorant by increasing the volume and reducing the viscosity of secretions in the trachea and bronchi. This helps in the removal of mucus from the airways, providing relief from cough.

Terbutaline is a bronchodilator that relaxes smooth muscles in the airways, from the trachea to the terminal bronchioles. It helps in opening up the air passages, making breathing easier and providing relief from cough.

Levosalbutamol relaxes smooth muscles in all airways, from the trachea to the terminal bronchioles. It also inhibits the release of mediators from mast cells in the airways, reducing inflammation and providing relief from cough.

Bromhexine Hydrochloride disrupts the structure of acid mucopolysaccharide fibers in mucoid sputum, making the mucus less viscous. This helps in making the mucus easier to cough out, providing relief from cough.