Licorice root syrup for cough for children. Licorice root syrup - instructions: purpose, dosage and contraindications

Natural natural medicines are held in special esteem by parents of young children. That is why most mothers and fathers use licorice root syrup to treat their child’s colds. It guarantees safety and greater efficiency. Let's look at how to take this medication correctly.

About the syrup

The drug belongs to the group of mucolytic agents. Licorice root helps treat coughs by thinning and removing mucus from the body. The syrup components help relieve spasm of the respiratory organs, reducing coughing attacks.

The main active ingredient is licorice extract (rhizomes and roots) or otherwise licorice (licorice). Ethyl alcohol and syrup made from sugar were added as additional substances.

The syrup has a sweet smell and taste, the consistency is thick and viscous, and the color is dark brown (amber). Natural sedimentation may occur. Available in dark glass bottles.

Licorice root is prescribed for the treatment of children starting from 1 year.

The syrup has such beneficial effects on the body as:

When using syrup in the initial stages, the fastest cure is observed. The use of the drug in more advanced conditions is possible only in complex therapy with antiviral drugs.

The advantage of syrup can be considered the presence of tannins, which also have a beneficial effect on the state of the gastrointestinal tract. In addition, the pleasant sweet taste of the medicine is easily accepted by children. The syrup should be mixed with warm and boiled water in a 1:1 ratio.

Indications

The syrup is used for diseases such as:

• tracheitis;
• pneumonia;
• tracheobronchitis;
• asthma;
• atelectasis;
• all degrees of bronchitis;
• infectious diseases of the respiratory system;
• bronchiectasis;
• Gastrointestinal diseases outside the acute phase.

Contraindications

The syrup should not be given to infants. This is due to the content of ethyl alcohol in the composition. Reception can begin from one year. Pay attention to the content of this component and carefully dose the drug for children.

If you have diabetes, you should avoid licorice syrup. You also need to carefully give the drug to children with bronchial asthma and hypertension.

Contraindications include liver diseases of any etymology, as well as hypersensitivity to individual components of the syrup.

Side effects often include rash and itching. Since licorice acts as a strong allergen. Symptoms of diarrhea, swelling, and even nausea are possible.

If your baby experiences at least one of the listed symptoms, you must immediately stop taking the syrup and consult a doctor to adjust the treatment process.

Licorice syrup: instructions for use and dosage for children

The medicine has a fairly simple regimen of use. Licorice syrup should be used after feeding the baby. The number of doses is from 3 to 4 times a day.

Dosage

It is possible to give syrup to a child according to another scheme: the number of drops of the drug corresponds to the number of full years. A special plastic measuring spoon, or in the case of drops, a pipette, will help you dose the drug correctly.

The duration of treatment with syrup is individual in each case. Your pediatrician can advise you on the correct timing.

In order for the syrup to show all its positive qualities, you must adhere to some notes:

1. It is forbidden to take the medicine during the acute phases of gastrointestinal diseases.
2. Concomitant use with thiazide diuretics is prohibited. The risk of developing hypokalemia increases.
3. Taking syrup for children for more than one week leads to potassium deficiency. To prevent this phenomenon, it is necessary to take a course of taking minerals, as well as adjust and diversify the baby’s diet.
4. The exact dosage and duration of administration are prescribed by the doctor.

Price

Analogs

Based on the mucolytic effect, the following substitutes for licorice root syrup can be distinguished:

• mucaltin;
• bromhexine;
• Travisil;
• chest collection;
• mucosol;
• ascoril etc.

But it is worth considering that these drugs are not capable of surpassing licorice root syrup for children. After all, this drug is as natural as possible in composition, therefore it is safest for young people.

Throat diseases can bring a lot of anxiety to babies and their parents. Often the child refuses to take medications. This is when sweet licorice syrup comes to the rescue, which, thanks to its natural ingredients, can cope with any cough.

Video

Licorice has long been recognized in medicine for the treatment of various diseases. If a child suddenly gets sick, then every parent strives to make the treatment as safe as possible and at the same time effective. Therefore, many mothers prefer natural, plant-based products.

Syrup from licorice roots has been known to everyone since ancient times. It is most often used to treat coughs, since licorice has a good expectorant effect. Despite the natural herbal ingredients, the use of syrup should be carried out according to the instructions and the dosage should be observed.

• Pneumonia
• Bronchitis (chronic and acute)
• Asthma
• (chronic and acute)

Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, in which the drug promotes the production of mucus and accelerates the healing of ulcers.

• Gastritis
• Ulcer
• Enteritis
• Enterocolitis
• Gastroduodenitis

Inflammatory diseases:

• Rheumatism
• Stomatitis
• Urethritis

Properties of licorice root syrup:

1. The syrup is an excellent expectorant. Due to the high content of flavinoids and glycyrrhizin, stimulation of the epithelium on the inner walls occurs. As a result, liquefaction and removal of sputum occurs.
2. The antispasmodic effect is determined by the ability to relax smooth muscle muscles, which is important in the treatment of cough and gastrointestinal diseases.
3. The anti-inflammatory effect is achieved due to the presence of sitosterol. Syrup from licorice roots can be used for prevention during epidemics.
4. The immunostimulating effect helps the weakened body get stronger and fight the disease.

Prescriptions and dosage for children

Children are more often susceptible to colds and viral diseases, so this syrup can be a good help in the fight against such ailments.

Licorice root syrup can be consumed starting from the age of 2 years. It has a sweet taste, so children are usually treated with pleasure with this remedy. It is important to note that before the age of 2 years, the use of licorice syrup should be prescribed by a doctor, and not by a parent.

Sometimes it is prescribed because other medications are not able to help the child properly. Since the composition contains alcohol, it is not advisable to give licorice root syrup to newborn children. In any case, treatment should occur under the supervision of the attending physician.

Most often, treatment lasts 10 days.

Use the syrup as follows:

• If the child is under 2 years old, then, as a rule, one or two drops of syrup mixed with a teaspoon of water are prescribed.
• If the child is from 2 to 12 years old, then, as a rule, 0.5 teaspoon of syrup mixed with 25 ml of water is prescribed.
• If the child is over 12 years old, then, as a rule, 1 teaspoon of syrup mixed with 25 ml of water is prescribed.

You can also use the following scheme to calculate the dosage: one drop of syrup for one year of life. The syrup should be consumed no more than three times a day. It is recommended to consume the syrup after meals.

You should not take syrup at the same time as anti-inflammatory drugs, as they inhibit sputum production. And if the sputum does not drain properly, then there is a high probability of developing pneumonia. To facilitate the removal of sputum, it is necessary to drink a sufficient amount of liquid. In this case, the mucus will be diluted and removed much more efficiently.

Contraindications and side effects

Syrup has contraindications, however, like any medicine.Let's look at them in more detail:

• Diabetes.
• Kidney disorders.
• Hypertension.
• Intestinal disorder.
• Allergy or individual intolerance.
• Liver diseases.
• Hypokalemia (lack of potassium in the body).
• Ulcer and gastritis in the process of exacerbation.

In addition, licorice root syrup should not be consumed by pregnant or lactating women. The fact is that licorice can affect a woman’s hormonal balance, and this can negatively affect the health of both the child and herself.

It is important to consider that long-term use of syrup can cause swelling, nausea and heartburn, rash and increased blood pressure.

There is another unpleasant property, which is the removal of potassium from the body.In case of overdose, side effects may become worse, including fever, muscle weakness and dizziness. If any side effects occur after consuming licorice syrup, you should immediately consult a doctor.

You can make your own licorice syrup from the root at home. The collection of licorice roots occurs in early spring.

After collection, they must be cleaned and dried at a temperature not exceeding 60 degrees. The finished raw material should break, but not bend. Prepared licorice roots can be stored for up to ten years in a cold room, away from light. Using these roots you can prepare tinctures and decoctions. But in order to get syrup, you need to purchase ready-made licorice root extract. It is done under high pressure under special conditions that cannot be replicated at home.

If you read the composition of many medicines made from plants, you will find licorice. Its other name is licorice. Almost all over the world, the plant is used in medicine. And in Ancient China, healers classified licorice as one of the most important plants with medicinal properties, consisting of 50 names.

The taste of licorice is quite easy to recognize. When taking medications with it, you will feel a sweet taste and a slight anise tint. Such notes are usually provided by licorice root, which is most often used in medicine. It began to be used in ancient times by Greek, Chinese and Indian healers. They knew that licorice has an expectorant effect, helps with constipation, and also strengthens the body and makes a person not only healthier, but also more beautiful.

With the advent of the 19th century, people began to perceive licorice differently. It is no longer just a familiar medicine with a sweet aftertaste. Moreover, the British made candy from licorice. These lollipops are still considered practically the hallmark of Great Britain. They help improve coughing, and also come to the aid of anyone who is tormented by a thirst for something “sweet.”

However, in most countries, licorice continues to be actively used as a medicinal plant. Most often it is used to make syrup. Dry and thick licorice root extract is also available in pharmacies.

Licorice syrup is a popular expectorant used for children and adults. Many people bought it in pharmacies and know what it looks like and what it tastes like.

This drug contains:

• Sugar syrup, which makes up the majority of the volume;
• Ethanol;
• Water;
• Licorice root extract.

The medicine contains about 5 g of the plant itself per 100 ml. The bulk is occupied by additional substances.

The drug has the appearance of a thick liquid, which is typical for syrups. The color of the medicine is dark brown. The syrup has a sweet taste and a characteristic smell that is easy to recognize.

The chemical composition of the plant itself is very rich. It contains triterpene compounds, starch, glucose, gum, mucus, and sucrose. It also contains bitterness, essential oils, pectins, minerals, a lot of ascorbic acid and pigments.

Medicinal properties

What made licorice so popular? The plant contains many components beneficial to humans. These are sugars and acids, vitamins, micro and macroelements. But almost all the healing properties of licorice are provided by a large number of flavonoids; there are about 3 dozen of them in the plant

Such compounds actively act on the side of the human body in the fight against various diseases. They are useful for:

• Strengthening capillaries and reducing their fragility;
• Relieving spasms;
• Eliminate inflammation;
• Acceleration of regeneration of various tissues.

It has licorice and antioxidant properties. Thanks to these abilities, the plant helps strengthen the immune system and leads the fight against allergies and infections. Licorice also contributes to the active resistance of the human body to stress. It is worth remembering that licorice is successfully used in the treatment of ulcers and gastritis. It also has analgesic properties.

This plant has one more ability. Liquorice contains glycyrrhizin. This substance is very similar to the hormone produced by the adrenal glands. Thus, licorice has recently been used for some serious diseases of this organ.

Licorice is also used in the treatment of cancer. Its roots have antitumor properties.

This plant also helps with skin diseases. Its antimicrobial properties, as well as antispasmodic abilities, help treat eczema, dermatitis, and allergic rashes.

Intoxication and constipation are diagnoses for which licorice is also used. This remedy helps restore intestinal functions and reduces acidity. As an antidote, licorice is suitable for treating intoxications of chemical and infectious origin.

And, of course, everyone knows the benefits of licorice for coughs. Due to its expectorant effect, doctors prescribe it for bronchitis, pneumonia, and dry cough.

Many doctors say that people either really like licorice or they simply hate the taste. The second one will definitely not like cough syrup based on this plant. But licorice lovers can use it very successfully, achieving the desired results.

Licorice syrup can be considered an almost universal remedy. The fact is that it is excellent for both combating dry cough and treating wet cough. The upper respiratory tract “loves” licorice. The syrup helps relieve sore throat and discomfort.

The product is also suitable as an immunomodulatory drug. It helps strengthen the body. The syrup only needs to be taken for 10 days. In the absence of exacerbations, licorice syrup is prescribed for the treatment of gastritis and ulcers.

One of the most important advantages of this drug is the possibility of use in very young children. It is prescribed for the treatment of cough from the age of 2 years. Of course, the dosage must be strict. And the sweet taste provides parents with peace of mind when their baby takes this medicine.

Use for cough

Licorice syrup is actively taken for various types of coughs. But it is believed that most of all it helps relieve discomfort in the throat with a dry cough and irritation of the mucous membrane. At the same time, the product helps remove phlegm. It's just important to keep one caveat in mind. If the cough is already being treated with other drugs, then it is not recommended to start drinking licorice syrup. Concomitant use with cough medicines can cause complications.

Although licorice is sometimes used for small children, this must be done strictly according to the instructions. The package or insert usually states that this product is intended only for children over 12 years of age. However, in practice, licorice syrup is often prescribed to younger children - from 2 years of age. It helps to improve the condition not only with a simple cough, but also with quite serious illnesses such as bronchitis or pneumonia.

Doctors prescribe licorice syrup for children under 2 years of age. But giving this medicine to your baby yourself is strictly prohibited. Only a specialist can prescribe it and determine the required dose for a certain age.

Usually after 12 years the syrup is taken 1 tsp. up to 3 times a day. For those under 12 years of age, it is recommended to consume half a teaspoon of syrup. In both cases, you need to dissolve it in ¼ glass of water. It should also be taken up to 3 times a day. The general course of treatment reaches a week or even 10 days if necessary.

Adults can take licorice syrup 3 times a day, 1 small dessert spoon. The substance must be dissolved in water or tea - about half a glass is enough for the indicated dose. The course of treatment also lasts 7-10 days. But there is one more note - it is recommended to consume licorice syrup only after meals.

For pregnant

Although licorice is known for its beneficial properties, it is one of those plants that is strictly prohibited for pregnant women. In the situation, it is usually recommended to be treated with traditional methods. After all, Mother Nature gives many useful herbs, flowers, berries and roots that can help fight colds, coughs and other diseases. But pregnant women should absolutely not use licorice when coughing. Why? There are several reasons.

1. Firstly, licorice affects the water-salt balance of the human body. Pregnant women should not allow this to happen; the consequences can be very unpleasant. If the water-salt balance is disturbed, then completely unwanted swelling begins to occur, and they, in turn, lead to gestosis. This is a serious disorder that greatly complicates pregnancy. The consequence may be a threat to the life of both the unborn baby and his mother.
2. Secondly, the use of licorice can lead to changes in hormonal activity. This is very undesirable for pregnant women. In fact, such a problem is a direct threat of miscarriage.

These two reasons are compelling arguments for prohibiting the use of licorice during pregnancy. The same applies to all drugs based on it, including syrup. It preserves all the active substances of the plant, which can bring both benefit and harm during pregnancy.

Another option for using licorice syrup is to cleanse the lymphatic system. To do this, the detoxifying property of the plant is used. It has been known about since ancient times, even by ancient healers. For example, in China and Tibet, licorice was often used as an antidote. Licorice helps to cleanse the body of toxins and waste that pollute it and lead to various diseases.

Why is lymph cleansing necessary? It helps improve the functioning of various organs - liver, kidneys. In addition, this procedure can normalize metabolism and strengthen the immune system. It has a positive effect on the condition of the skin and hair. After it the swelling disappears.

To cleanse the lymphatic system, licorice syrup must not be taken in its pure form. The procedure also necessarily includes taking a sorbent. How is this treatment performed:

1. First of all, licorice is taken. You need to take a glass of hot water and dilute 1 tbsp in it. l. licorice syrup. All this is drunk. Don’t be afraid if a reaction occurs – watery eyes, runny nose. This is considered normal.
2. An hour after taking licorice, you need to take the next step - take the sorbent. Most often in such cases, the well-known Enterosgel is recommended. It is he who performs the main task - removing accumulated toxins from the intestines.

This treatment is carried out for 2 weeks. All this time it is necessary to repeat taking the medications 3 times a day.

As with other uses of licorice, it is important to consult with your doctor before doing a lymph cleanse. And you should not neglect this recommendation. After all, it is almost impossible to predict how the human body will react to such a medicine. Side effects are quite possible. These may include disorders of the nervous system and digestion. In some cases, chronic diseases begin to worsen.

Licorice syrup is contraindicated not only for pregnant women. For all its positive characteristics, this substance has a whole list of contraindications that you simply need to know about. Otherwise, the consequences can be very sad.

The bad effects of licorice on the body have been known for a long time, since the history of the use of the medicine is very long. So, what contraindications does this substance have:

• Intolerance. It is impossible to predict a person’s reaction to a particular substance. Therefore, it is necessary to take into account that a person may have a personal intolerance to licorice, especially if he is taking it for the first time. This applies to all preparations containing licorice.
• Hypertension. This disease is a complete ban on taking licorice. It is capable of retaining fluid in the human body, disrupting the water-salt balance. The substance also has a vasoconstrictor effect. All this results in increased blood pressure. It is also worth considering the fact that taking licorice-based drugs simultaneously with medications that lower blood pressure neutralizes the effect of the latter. Therefore, if you have high blood pressure, it is better to avoid treatment with licorice.
• The simultaneous use of licorice and medications with a diuretic effect is also strictly prohibited. This combination can lead to serious consequences. As a result, the striated muscles begin to break down. A similar problem is called rhabdomyliosis.
• Another contraindication is heart and vascular diseases. The fact is that licorice can provoke heart rhythm disturbances. This can lead to very serious problems.
• Pregnancy. This has already been mentioned, but it wouldn’t hurt to mention it once again. Even if you have been repeatedly treated with licorice syrup, you should abandon this method during pregnancy. This is fraught with too serious consequences for the expectant mother and her baby.

Another important point is overdose. Even if you have no contraindications, and the doctor has prescribed a drug containing licorice, you must strictly follow the instructions. Licorice can cause discomfort if too much is taken. In case of overdose, the following symptoms occur:

• Edema;
• Nausea;
• Allergic reaction.

Interestingly, you can not only buy licorice syrup, but also prepare it yourself at home. And it's not that difficult to do. You need to stock up on the following ingredients:

• Thick licorice root extract, of which you will need 4 g.
• Sugar syrup, you need to prepare it 80 g.
• Alcohol, pharmaceutical grade is suitable, dose – 10 g.

All this is thoroughly mixed. Place the syrup in a container that closes tightly. Then the product should only be stored in the refrigerator.

Price in pharmacy

You can find large quantities of licorice syrup in pharmacies. In its pure form, this substance is usually sold in 100 ml jars. The cost of such a drug can range from 25 to 55 rubles. The price depends on the manufacturer, sometimes packaging, country, etc.

But the main thing is the composition of the product. If you come across inexpensive licorice syrup, feel free to buy it. After all, by overpaying for a well-known company name or beautiful packaging, you will not get more or less health.

A child's cough is a common symptom of colds and infectious diseases. Gradually, from a dry form it turns into a wet one, becomes less frequent and the baby recovers. It happens that the period of coughing is prolonged, which worries parents. Licorice root syrup, an affordable and effective expectorant, helps overcome it. When and for what symptoms its use is justified is described in the annotation for the drug.

One of the cough remedies is licorice root syrup.

How does licorice root help?

Licorice root (licorice) from the legume family has many beneficial properties and is used for medicinal purposes in the form of various dosage forms - tinctures, concentrated syrups, thick decoctions. It contains the natural antioxidant ascorbic acid, a number of essential oils, flavonoids, and other useful components. Initially, the laxative, diuretic, wound-healing, and immunostimulating effects of the root were noted. Later, its effectiveness in coughs was proven.

The plant is allergenic, so children should be given medications containing it with caution.

Composition and features of the drug

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Ready-made industrial licorice root syrup is a thick, chocolate-brown liquid. It has a sweet taste, and it usually doesn't take long to ask little ones to drink it at the right time. The viscous structure ensures a quick and gentle action of the medicine, which envelops and soothes the respiratory tract. In 100 ml. 4 ml of medicinal liquid was measured. licorice root extract (active ingredient) and additional components - 10 ml of 96% ethyl alcohol, 86 ml. sugar syrup.

The syrup contains alcohol, so the medicine is not prescribed to small children

The therapeutic effect of the drug is due to the high content of natural bioflavonoids (liquiritin and liquiritoside), which have a general strengthening effect on the body. It also contains glycyrrhizic acid, systosterol, glycyrrhizin - ingredients for enhancing immunity. Syrup (additional component) consists of sugar, starch and pectin. Since the drug is based on alcohol, doctors prescribe it with caution before the age of two.

For colds, medicine based on licorice root has a complex effect:

• expectorant;
• anti-inflammatory;
• restorative;
• regenerating;
• antiviral.

For long-term storage, the drug is released in dark glass bottles. A number of manufacturers can add water, specially prepared glycerin, and natural preservatives to the medicine, but children should choose syrups with a minimum amount of components (only licorice, sugar, alcohol). The drug has an affordable price: a bottle produced by Samaramedprom, EKOlab, and other domestic pharmaceutical plants costs about 50 rubles.

Effect of cough syrup

Many biologically active substances that licorice root syrup contains have a beneficial effect on the state of the respiratory system during ARVI and colds. Flavonoids and glycyrrhizin stimulate the activity of the epithelium lining the bronchi. Under their influence, the villi actively produce bronchial secretions, bind pathogen cells and push liquefied sputum to exit through the bronchial tree.

The therapeutic effect of the syrup is as follows:

• liquefaction and removal of sputum;
• respiratory tract disinfection;
• regeneration of microcracks that form after coughing;
• relief of coughing attacks of any kind (frequent dry, wet);
• gradual cessation of cough and inflammation in the bronchi.

The syrup works well to liquefy and remove mucus from the child’s lungs.

Indications for use

Main indications for the use of licorice root syrup:

• bronchitis;
• tracheitis;
• pneumonia;
• laryngitis (we recommend reading:);
• diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (remission stage);
• inflammation of the urinary tract.

For complicated coughs, the drug is prescribed in combination with other medications. However, when the baby takes tablets that are incompatible with licorice root (containing codeine), the syrup is put aside. It is drunk for 10 days. If in the first two days the child does not experience relief or swelling is observed, you should contact the clinic for a re-examination so as not to miss complications of the disease.

Contraindications

Before giving the drug to an infant or older child, you should study the contraindications and side effects. Its use is unacceptable in the following situations:

• sensitivity to the components of the drug;
• exacerbation of peptic ulcer;
• arrhythmia;
• bronchial asthma;
• disruption of the kidneys and liver.

Licorice root has contraindications, so its use is possible after consulting a doctor.

The side effect of the drug is expressed in an allergic reaction, an undesirable increase in blood pressure. In the first case, a rash, diathesis, and other skin reaction on the arms, legs, and face are possible. In the second case, the pulse quickens, and when listening, the pediatrician observes a heart murmur. The child complains of feeling hot and gets tired quickly. Stomach discomfort and nausea may occur. For diabetes, doctors usually select medications that have similar effects, but without sugar.

General rules for taking syrup for children under 12 years of age

You cannot prescribe licorice root syrup on your own before the age of 12. It is important that the pediatrician examines the child and determines the appropriateness of its use in a particular situation.

The medicine is given to the child after meals, in an individually prescribed dosage. The doctor selects it based on the weight, age, and well-being of the little patient. When calculating, the specialist relies on the dose for an adult weighing 65 kg.

For 1 kg. babies are supposed to weigh about 0.3 ml. syrup (single dose 20 mg divided by 65). Knowing the weight of the baby, you can determine the prescribed volume of medication. For example, a baby weighing 9 kg. you need to give about 2.7 ml of syrup (0.5 tsp) at a time, which is important to dilute in a dessert spoon of water before serving.

When treating a cough in a child, it is important to remember the need for frequent and abundant drinking for better sputum removal.

The basic rules for taking syrup are:

1. When the infant's correct weight is unknown or controversial, dosage can be adjusted based on age. Up to six months it is 1/10 of the adult, in a year - 1/6.
2. Take licorice no more than 3 times a day. The course lasts no more than one and a half weeks.
3. Before serving to children, the drug is carefully diluted in boiled water or weak tea. To enhance the expectorant effect, frequent drinking is recommended during its use - water, fruit drinks, compotes, tea.
4. The medicine is prescribed to infants with caution, in extremely rare cases. For infants, pediatricians select expectorants without ethanol.

Dosages for children of different ages

When measuring the correct amount of syrup (in drops, teaspoons), take into account that the maximum single dose for a two-year-old child is two drops (see also:). Sometimes experts use a simpler dosage regimen, prescribing to take as many drops at a time as the child’s current age. Dosages according to instructions:

• up to 2 years - 1-2 drops per 1 tsp. water 3 times/day;
• from 2 to 6 years - 2-10 drops per 1 tsp. water 3 times/day;
• from 6 to 12 years - 50 drops per 0.5 tbsp. water 3 times/day;
• from 12 years - 0.5 tsp. for 1 tsp. water 3 r/day.

Alternatives for cough treatment

For children under one year old, it is necessary to use other drugs, for example, Gedelix

Parent reviews of licorice syrup are mostly positive. However, not only this dosage form is effective for coughing. Pharmacies offer licorice in the form of tablets, herbal teas, mixtures based on it, and complex antitussive syrups. In addition, you can use special candies that, in addition to licorice extract, contain sugar and molasses. They make breathing easier when you have a runny nose, and gradually reduce the number of coughing attacks in childhood.

Instead of licorice syrup for coughs, one-year-old children and infants are prescribed:

• "Gedelix" syrup with ivy extract, without sugar and ethanol (we recommend reading:);
• anti-inflammatory syrup "Eucabal" with plantain herb and thyme leaf extract;
• expectorant herbal medicine “Prospan” based on ivy extract.

These drugs also contain flavonoids and essential oils, which relieve shortness of breath, relax bronchial tissue, and improve children's breathing. They suppress the development of bacteria and viruses and help remove phlegm.

With long-term use of drugs based on licorice root, an intensive removal of potassium from the body occurs. At this time, children's diet should include dried apricots, peeled peanuts, walnuts, bananas and other foods containing large amounts of this microelement.

Diseases of the respiratory system are the most common among the population. Adults and children suffer from them. Licorice root syrup will help get rid of a cough - it is a natural preparation based on herbal ingredients that has expectorant and antitussive properties. The instructions for using licorice syrup will help you become familiar with the properties of the product.

Uses of licorice syrup

According to the accepted classification, licorice syrup is a drug used in the treatment of respiratory pathologies accompanied by cough syndrome. It is used for pathogenetic and symptomatic therapy, it facilitates the removal of thick sputum from the lungs, reduces the severity of cough due to its emollient properties.

Composition of licorice syrup

Licorice root syrup is produced in the format of a thick brown liquid with a sweetish taste. Composition of the drug:

Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics

The expectorant works due to the glycyrrhizin component, which enhances the secretory function of the mucous membranes. In addition to glycyrrhizin, which licorice root contains 6-12%, the product is rich in glycyrrhizic acid and its salts, flavonoids (liquiritin), isoflavonoids (formononetin), coumestane derivatives (isoglycyrol), hydroxycoumarins (gerniarin), steroids (stigmasterol) and essential oils.

Glycyrrhizin increases the activity of the ciliated epithelium, exhibits antiulcer and anti-inflammatory effects, reducing platelet aggregation. Due to this, the medication inhibits the enzyme dehydrogenase in the kidneys, which reduces the synthesis of cortisol to cortisone. Cortisol has a mineralocorticoid effect, which leads to a decrease in potassium concentration and an increase in sodium content in the blood serum. Violation of this activity leads to a decrease in edema (fluid retention in the body decreases), a decrease in body weight, and normalization of blood pressure.

Metabolites of glycyrrhizic acid suppress the peripheral metabolism of cortisol, causing a pseudoaldosterone-like effect. One of the components of licorice root, liquiritoside, exhibits an antispasmodic effect on the smooth muscles of the respiratory organs and relieves increased tone. In addition, the instructions indicate the following properties of the plant:

• anti-inflammatory;
• regenerating;
• immunostimulating;
• antispasmodic;
• antiviral;
• antibacterial (kills staphylococci, mycobacteria, pathogenic infections, destroys their walls);
• antitumor.

Indications for use

According to the instructions, licorice syrup is used in the treatment of diseases of the upper respiratory system, which are accompanied by cough, inflammation, thick, viscous, difficult to separate secretions from the alveoli of the lungs. These are the following diseases:

• bronchitis, laryngitis, pneumonia;
• tracheitis;
• atelectasis when the bronchi are blocked by a plug of mucus;
• bronchial asthma;
• bronchiectasis;
• cough caused by prolonged use of nicotine;
• sanitation of the bronchial tree before and after surgery.

How to take syrup

The instructions for use of the drug indicate that it is intended for oral administration. Adults should take a teaspoon orally diluted in half a glass of water three times a day.. Children over 12 years of age are advised to take half a teaspoon diluted with a teaspoon of water three times a day. The course of taking the medication lasts 7-10 days. You can repeat the course with your doctor's permission. If the patient has difficulty producing sputum, drinking plenty of warm fluids will help the expectoration process.

special instructions

Licorice root syrup is used with caution for diabetes; the instructions warn that the drug contains a lot of sugar. Long-term use of the drug can lead to hypokalemia, hypernatremia, edema, functional cardiac disorders and arterial hypertension. The syrup should not be used to treat dry cough; it will not have any effect. Taking the drug may slightly slow down psychomotor reactions.

During pregnancy

Due to the presence of ethanol in the composition, the use of licorice root syrup during pregnancy and breastfeeding (lactation) is prohibited. Also, the active components contained in the plant can relax smooth muscles, which during pregnancy can lead to increased uterine tone, the risk of premature birth or miscarriage.

Licorice syrup for children

According to the instructions, the use of licorice syrup for children is prescribed with caution due to the presence of ethyl alcohol in the composition. You can start taking a respiratory medication in the following dosages:

Child's age, in years	Amount of syrup, drops	Amount of water for dilution, teaspoons	Frequency of administration, once/day	Reception course, days

Drug interactions

The instructions for use do not recommend using thiazide diuretics simultaneously with licorice root syrup - this increases the risk of developing hypokalemia. Long-term use of the drug leads to hypokalemia, which potentiates the toxic effect of carbohydrate cardiac glycosides. The combination of licorice and corticosteroids may increase the half-life of cortisol in the body.

Side effects and overdose

Rarely, there may be side effects from licorice syrup. The instructions highlight the most common: allergic reactions (burning, itching, urticaria, burns), dyspeptic symptoms (heartburn, diarrhea).

Contraindications

Long-term use of exceeded dosages can cause hypokalemia, increased blood pressure, the appearance of peripheral edema, disturbances of water-salt metabolism, and disorders of the reproductive system. If increased side symptoms appear, you should stop taking the medication and seek help from a doctor.

• The instructions for use highlight a number of contraindications prohibiting the use of the product. Prohibitions include:
• hypersensitivity to the components of the drug;
• pregnancy, breastfeeding;
• exacerbation of bronchial asthma;
• disturbances in the functioning of the immune system;
• gastritis;
• peptic ulcer of the duodenum or stomach;
• chronic hepatitis;
• liver diseases with cholestasis, cirrhosis;
• severe renal failure;
• heart rhythm disturbances;
• arterial hypertension;