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Chronic dry cough, which is a defensive reaction of the respiratory tract, can be really troublesome. If we do not expectorate the secretions during coughing, and it seems that the irritation caused by coughing significantly extends the duration of the cough, then we are dealing with dry cough. It is caused by irritation of the nerve endings located in the mucosa of the pharynx and larynx, which in turn causes contractions of the muscles of the chest and bronchi, accompanied by a rapid ejection of air. Dry cough is most often caused by viral infections that damage the mucosa – the symptom persists until it heals even after removal of the initiating pathogen.
Dealing with dry cough is one of the more popular elements of folk medical science – some of the practices to eliminate this unpleasant symptom find their basis in modern science, while others still remain in the realm of magic and belief. Phytotherapists successfully use linden infusions to treat dry cough, as well as the soothing properties of lemon balm.
The active ingredient, Dexacaps, is a right-handed variant of levomethorphan, used as a pain reliever, but with different properties. Dextromethorphan inhibits the cough reflex by activating the antagonist σ1 receptors. Dexacaps is a combined preparation in which the effectiveness of dextromethorphan is additionally supported by the forces of nature concentrated in extracts of lemon balm and linden inflorescences.
Dexacaps and drugs with similar effects
By itself, coughing is the body’s defense mechanism to remove anything that shouldn’t be there from the airways. Unfortunately, in addition to the significant benefits we derive from its occurrence, it causes us many unpleasant experiences. In the long run, coughing is tiresome and weakens the body, especially if it does not throw out the element that causes this reaction. A dry cough may persist long after other symptoms of viral infection have healed, as it often damages the mucosa that lines the airways. In this case, the mere movement of air irritates the inadequately shielded nerve endings responsible for causing the cough.
Two substances authorized for pharmaceutical marketing are effective in inhibiting the impulses sent by them: codeine, which acts on the respiratory center located in the brain, and dextromethorphan, which acts at the level of the medulla. Both chemical compounds are derivatives of morphine and for this reason they often arouse controversy related to the possibility of their misuse in order to achieve narcotic states. The disadvantage of codeine-containing preparations compared to Dexacaps is the possibility of causing physical addiction, which is not caused by dextromethorphan.
Pharmacotherapy does not have substances with higher safety in the treatment of bothersome dry cough attacks, and herbal medicine is not able to cope with the high intensity of this symptom. Dexacaps is a preparation combining the effectiveness of natural methods of treating dry cough and a minimized therapeutic dose of dextromethorphan, thanks to which the symptom subsides, allowing the patient a peaceful, uninterrupted night rest.
Dexacaps dosage
The pack of Dexacaps contains 10 capsules. The capsule form of the preparation increases the absorption of the active substance, enabling its faster and more effective action. Each capsule contains 50 mg of lemon balm herb dry extract, 167 mg of linden inflorescence dry extract and 20 mg of dextromethorphan in the form of hydrobromide. Dexacaps is taken three times a day with or after a meal by swallowing one capsule whole with water.
Dexacaps – warnings and contraindications
As you can easily guess, Dexacaps cannot be used by people who are hypersensitive to dextromethorphan, linden and lemon balm, as well as other ingredients of the preparation. Contraindications are also the presence of profuse discharge (wet cough) and bronchial asthma. Dexacaps should not be used in patients with severe liver disease where dextromethorphan is metabolized. It is forbidden to use the preparation simultaneously with drugs belonging to MAO inhibitors and mucolytics. Due to the lack of adequate data, it is not recommended to reach for Dexacaps during pregnancy and lactation.
Possible side effects include, first of all, the relatively high risk of an allergic reaction caused by the release of histamine. As part of it, redness and itching of the skin as well as increased body temperature, and even anaphylactic shock may occur. Other inconveniences that reaching for Dexacaps may cause: drowsiness and dizziness, diarrhea, nausea and an increase in blood pressure in the arteries.