What medicine should be used for dry cough?
Sep 30, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Guo Xiheng
Introduction
There are many causes of dry cough, and the main approach is to select appropriate medications based on the underlying cause. Anti-inflammatory drugs and antiallergic medications are commonly used for treatment. Common anti-inflammatory drugs include penicillins, cephalosporins, and macrolides, while frequently used antiallergic drugs include ketotifen tablets and promethazine tablets. Medications should be taken under the guidance of a doctor.
There are many causes of dry cough, and the main approach is to select appropriate medications based on the underlying cause. Anti-inflammatory drugs and antiallergic medications are commonly used for treatment. Common anti-inflammatory drugs include penicillins, cephalosporins, and macrolides; frequently used antiallergic drugs include ketotifen tablets and promethazine tablets. Note that medication should be taken under a doctor's guidance.
1. Anti-inflammatory Drugs
When a patient's cough is caused by mycoplasma or bacterial infection, particularly when yellow sputum is present indicating bacterial infection, anti-inflammatory drugs are usually the first choice. Common anti-inflammatory drugs include cephalosporins such as cefuroxime axetil tablets, cefdinir dispersible tablets, and cefixime dispersible tablets. Quinolones such as norfloxacin capsules and moxifloxacin hydrochloride tablets are also commonly used.
2. Antiallergic Drugs
If a dry cough is triggered by allergies, antiallergic medications are recommended. Commonly used antihistamines include first-generation drugs like chlorpheniramine, second-generation drugs such as loratadine and cetirizine, and third-generation drugs including levocetirizine and desloratadine. Calcium supplements, such as calcium gluconate and amino acid chelated calcium, can also help in managing allergic reactions. Mast cell stabilizers like ketotifen are commonly used, as well as immunosuppressants such as corticosteroids. Additionally, vitamin C helps eliminate oxygen free radicals, improves capillary stability, and reduces allergic responses.
Patients with a persistent dry cough are advised to visit a hospital for relevant examinations to determine the specific cause and receive targeted treatment, which will facilitate symptom relief and recovery.
