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Hederasal is used as an expectorant to dilute the residual thick secretion in the throat, larynx and bronchi. It is intended for both adults and children. Read on how to dose Hederasal and who should avoid it.
Hederasal – composition and mechanism of action
Hederasal contains ivy leaf dry extract (Hederae helicis foli extractum siccum). The auxiliary substances are:
- potassium sorbate,
- anise oil,
- propylene glycol,
- sorbitol 70 proc.,
- Purified Water.
Hederasal is used to treat coughs and colds. According to the leaflet of the Hederasal drug, it belongs to expectorant drugs, with the exception of combined preparations with antitussive drugs. Common ivy leaf.
Ivy leaf extract has an expectorant effect and relaxes the smooth muscles of the bronchi. It reduces the frequency and pain of coughing attacks. It thins the thick secretions in the throat, larynx and bronchi. It facilitates expectoration, soothes the cough reflex, does not block cough reflexes.
See also: Dry cough syrup – how to choose the best one? What are the most common causes of dry cough? How to distinguish between a dry and a wet cough?
Hederasal – dosage
Hederasal syrup is used in different doses, depending on the age of the person taking the syrup:
- children from 2 to 5 years of age – 2 to 3 times a day with a measuring spoon of 2,5 ml or ½ teaspoon,
- children from 6 to 11 years of age – 2 times a day with a measuring spoon of 5 ml or 1 teaspoon,
- adults and adolescents from 12 years of age – 3 to 4 times a day with a measuring spoon of 5 ml or 1 teaspoon each.
A measuring cup is attached to the package of Hederasal syrup. The syrup should be taken undiluted, washed down with water. Hederasal should not be used in children under 2 years of age.
Hederasal does not contain sucrose. It can be used by people with diabetes. 1 teaspoon (6,2 g or 5 ml) of the syrup contains 3,36 g of Dsorbitol, which corresponds to 0,28 bread units (BE).
If the symptoms persist for more than a week while using the medicinal product, a doctor or pharmacist should be consulted.
The ivy leaf extract can be found not only in Hederasal syrup, but also in in preparations: Hedelix, PiniHelix, Prospan.
Hederasal – contraindications
Hederasal cannot be used if the patient is hypersensitive to any of the ingredients of the drug. In addition, due to the possibility of worsening of respiratory symptoms when using drugs with a secretolytic effect, the drug should not be used in children under 2 years of age.
See: Diseases of the respiratory system that most often affect children
Hederasal – precautions
The use of Hederasal with opioid antitussives such as codeine or dextromethorphan is not recommended without consulting your doctor. Caution is advised in the case of people with gastritis or peptic ulcer disease. The drug contains sorbitol. Hederasal should not be used by people with rare hereditary problems of fructose intolerance.
Hederasal can be used by pregnant and lactating women only after consulting a doctor. During pregnancy and breastfeeding, a woman should not take any medications without first consulting a doctor.
Discontinuation of treatment with Hederasal syrup may increase the difficulty in coughing up the remaining thick secretion in the throat, larynx and bronchi. The duration of the treatment depends on the type and clinical picture of the disease, it should not be less than a week. If symptoms persist or worsen during treatment, medical advice should be sought.
Hederasal – side effects
So far, no side effects have been reported when taking the indicated doses of Hederasal. However, if you take it more than recommended, it may irritate the stomach and intestines, develop diarrhea and vomiting, as well as disturb the immune system (allergic reactions: rash, hives, dyspnoea).
Hederasal – opinion
Reading the opinions about the drug Hederasal on the web, you do not meet any negative. Parents give him positive reviews and praise him, among other things, for the speed and effectiveness of action, good taste and a very affordable price.
Another advantage is the fact that Hederasal is available without a prescription and can be obtained at a pharmacy at any time. It is widely available and there should be no problems with purchasing it.