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Licorice root syrup: how to give to children? Video
Licorice root syrup is a herbal cough medicine. It is prescribed for flu, colds, bronchitis, asthma and pneumonia. Despite its high efficiency, the drug has practically no side effects. That is why it is widely used in pediatric practice.
The use of licorice root syrup in children
Licorice root syrup belongs to expectorant drugs, and therefore, in most cases, it is prescribed for diseases of the respiratory tract. It promotes the liquefaction and discharge of phlegm, softens cough, relieves inflammation, and has an antimicrobial effect. It can also be used for prophylaxis – when there is still no stagnation of mucus in the bronchi, but there is a possibility of its appearance. Most often this happens in the postoperative period.
Licorice root syrup is approved for use in children over a year old, however, according to the indications and recommendations of the doctor, the age bar may be shifted to an earlier date. In this case, the medicine is prescribed to the crumbs literally drop by drop, otherwise the likelihood of allergies and such unpleasant symptoms as heartburn and nausea is high.
Side effects can occur in older children, but all of them, with the exception of allergies, do not pose any danger and do not require discontinuation of the drug.
It is not recommended to use pure licorice syrup until the child reaches the age of 12 years. It is better to give the medicine after dissolving it in 50 ml of warm water. For preschoolers, the optimal dosage is 1/4 tsp. at one time. For children aged 7–12 years, the dosage of the drug can be doubled. The medicine should be taken 3-4 times a day. The duration of therapy is usually 7-10 days. In rare cases, a monthly course of treatment is acceptable, for example, with bronchial asthma during an exacerbation, but it is important to regularly show the child to the doctor so that he can assess the effectiveness and safety of therapy.
Children over the age of 12 do not need to dilute the syrup with water. You can drink the medicine half a teaspoon three times a day after meals.
Contraindications for taking licorice root
Like any drug, licorice root syrup has a number of contraindications.
You can not use the medicine in the following cases:
- in the presence of individual intolerance
- with gastritis during an exacerbation
- with gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer
- with diabetes mellitus
If the child does not tolerate treatment well, for example, complains of nausea or heartburn, the syrup can be dissolved in more water (not 50 ml, but 70 or even 100)
If this measure did not have the desired effect, you should consult your doctor about adjusting the dose or discontinuing the drug.
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