Dosage and features of using the drug Mucaltin during pregnancy

Possibility of using Mucaltin for cough

Cough itself is not a disease, but just a symptom of various infectious, respiratory and even systemic and somatic diseases. It is formed as a reflex due to irritation of receptors on the mucous membranes of the upper and lower respiratory tract, sending impulses to the brain, to the cough center area and forming responses from the muscles of the chest, diaphragm and respiratory tract with the formation of a sharp, forced exhalation with a characteristic sound. But coughing during gestation can be dangerous due to the fact that it can increase intrathoracic and intra-abdominal pressure, cause the uterus to tense, and provoke tissue hypoxia. The most alarming situation is with the development of cough in the first trimester, when the fetus is most vulnerable and sensitive to the influence of all external factors.

Important

A cough is not always a symptom of a cold or ARVI; it can be allergic reactions, somatic diseases, or even serious complications. It is important to see a doctor immediately if you develop a severe and frequent cough.

In the second and third trimesters, the fetus is already more reliably protected by the placenta and the thick wall of the uterus from various external influences, but increased pressure inside the abdominal cavity with frequent coughing can threaten increased uterine tone and fetal hypoxia. In addition, frequent coughing may result in:

Strengthening false contractions, and at the end of pregnancy – provocateur of the onset of labor;
Increased risk of birth complications or problems during pregnancy;
Risk of placental abruption if it is located abnormally (incomplete or complete presentation);
Risk of rupture of membranes and the onset of premature labor.

It is important to treat a cough as soon as possible, from the very first days of its development. But the tactics of its treatment depend on the nature of the cough - it is dry or with sputum (wet or productive). In addition, therapy depends on the timing of gestation and the characteristics of the health status, the type of disease that provokes the cough.

Active ingredient and principle of its operation

The active ingredient of the medicine is marshmallow, known in classical and traditional medicine as a powerful bronchodilator and secretolytic agent. The mucoltic effect is based on the stimulation of ciliated epithelial cells covering the tracheal mucosa. With an increase in the activity of epithelial cells, their villi begin to move more actively, thereby pushing out viscous mucus, which accompanies the course of inflammatory and infectious processes in the respiratory tract. Marshmallow also affects the nature of mucus, making it less viscous and facilitating expectoration.

The natural origin of the drug inspires confidence among most doctors, however, when taking it, one should take into account the various effects that the drug has on the body. A positive aspect of taking Mucaltin for cough during pregnancy is considered to be its safety for the life and health of the fetus, however, under unfavorable circumstances, the drug can cause a number of negative effects that complicate the course of pregnancy.

Contraindications for use, side effects of Mucaltin

Although the drug is relatively safe during pregnancy in any trimester, like any other medicine, it has a number of general contraindications. The main contraindications are:

Acute allergic reaction to the drug or its individual components,
Previously occurring negative reactions to taking drugs with marshmallow,
Acute gastritis, peptic ulcer, erosive processes in the gastrointestinal tract, nausea and vomiting, exacerbation of chronic digestive lesions - gastroduodenitis, enteritis,
Threat of miscarriage, vaginal bleeding,
Taking medications that suppress the cough reflex (this will lead to swamping of the lungs and secondary pneumonia).

The drug can only be prescribed by the attending physician after evaluating all indications and eliminating all contraindications. But even when using the drug strictly as directed, side effects are quite possible, which you need to know in advance:

Irritation of the mucous membranes of the stomach and intestines, especially in women during toxicosis, when there is nausea and vomiting;
Allergy to the components of the drug in the form of skin rash and itching, redness of the mouth and skin, rarely - Quincke's edema.

The risk of allergies and other side effects becomes higher when taking medications independently, violating the rules of administration, and exceeding recommended dosages.

General information about the drug Mucaltin

Mucaltin is an inexpensive, time-tested expectorant drug used for the complex treatment of infectious and inflammatory diseases of the oral cavity and pharynx. The medicine is produced in the form of grayish tablets with a sour taste based on the medicinal plant - marshmallow root.

Mucaltin has the following pharmacological properties:

stimulates the activity of the epithelium of the upper respiratory tract;
enhances the secretion of bronchial glands;
reduces the inflammatory process;
facilitates the release of sputum;
relieves irritation from the respiratory system;
protects the lining of the respiratory tract.

The drug is generally well tolerated and has few contraindications. Among them:

personal intolerance;
stomach and duodenal ulcers;
age up to 12 years.

Among the negative manifestations of taking Mucaltin, the official instructions highlight allergic reactions and digestive disorders.

Mucaltin is produced by different manufacturers and is sold in pharmacies without a doctor’s prescription.

The cost of Mucaltin depends on the manufacturer and the number (10, 30, 50) of tablets in a pack/jar. The price for the drug ranges from 6 to 47 rubles.

Use during pregnancy

The official annotation for the drug states that Mucaltin can be used to treat pregnant women only as prescribed by a doctor. The medication does not have scientifically proven research for reasons of humanity, but has a long-term positive practice of use in expectant mothers.

Surely, an abortifacient effect is possible only when large doses of the drug are used for a long time without the supervision of a doctor. But it is unlikely that a sane expectant mother is capable of such an act. If the pregnancy proceeds without complications, then there will be no harm from Mucaltin. In medical practice, gynecologists and therapists actively prescribe an expectorant drug to pregnant women.

Use of Mucaltin in the 1st trimester of pregnancy

Among all cough remedies, Mukaltin is considered one of the safest, which does not have a negative effect on the health of the fetus and mother; it does not affect the process of intrauterine development, in comparison with many other drugs of similar action. Let’s say strictly according to the indications for use, even in the first trimester, when the range of approved drugs is extremely limited, the vital systems and organs of the fetus are laid down, and the placenta is formed.

However, although the drug is relatively safe and is of plant origin, it should be avoided during pregnancy during the first trimester unless there is an urgent need or it is not prescribed by a doctor. During the period of embryogenesis, which lasts almost the entire first trimester, you should protect yourself from contracting any infections and using any medications. This is important so that viruses, bacteria or drug components do not have a negative effect on certain organs during critical periods of gestation.

But, on the other hand, if a strong and painful cough develops in the first trimester of pregnancy, it is also impossible to leave it without treatment. The infection itself and coughing attacks with increased intra-abdominal pressure provoke the threat of miscarriage, can provoke serious complications of gestation, and lead to fetal hypoxia due to a decrease in the background of cough and inflammation of the mucous membranes, problems with proper ventilation of the lungs. Chronic fetal hypoxia has an extremely negative effect on the process of formation and differentiation of internal organs, so a severe cough requires medical supervision and the prescription of certain therapeutic measures, including taking medications. Herbal preparations, including Mucaltina, will have an advantage in treatment.

Method of administration and dosage

To understand how safe it is to take the drug during pregnancy, you need to carefully consider the composition of the tablets, the effect of the main and additional components that are included in the product. This will help to accurately determine the possibilities of use, indications and the range of contraindications for taking the medicine. In addition to the main active ingredient - marshmallow root extract, the tablets also contain a number of additional substances that help mutually enhance the effect and increase the strength of the effect on the respiratory tract. Additional components of the tablets include:

Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda, used in the kitchen). It is added to the composition of the drug by almost all well-known manufacturers of Mucaltin. The combination of soda with marshmallow extract helps enhance the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, soothing effect on the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract. The addition of sodium bicarbonate enhances the effectiveness of the main active ingredient, and the concentration of this component does not in any way affect the body’s functions and blood acidity. In addition, the composition contains several other components that have a positive effect on the respiratory system.
Tartaric acid is an additional component that has the effect of “quenching” one of the effects of sodium bicarbonate. If pure soda enters the stomach, where there is a lot of hydrochloric acid, it can have certain negative effects: first, it extinguishes stomach acid, due to which new portions of it are actively produced, which threatens heartburn and discomfort, pain in the stomach. Tartaric acid helps neutralize this side effect, which improves tolerability of the drug. It is a safe and natural component present in many berries and fruits with a sour taste.
Calcium stearate is a colorless powdery component that is added to Mucaltin tablets to give them shape. It does not dissolve in water or fat, is not absorbed into the blood and is excreted unchanged in the feces.

Among the leading indications for taking the drug are:

Diseases of the upper respiratory tract with a productive cough, which produces viscous and difficult to separate sputum;
Auxiliary treatment for acute respiratory viral infections, bronchitis and after-treatment of pneumonia;
As a complex therapy in the treatment of COPD (against the background of emphysema and chronic bronchitis, bronchiectasis);
In the treatment of attacks of bronchial asthma with difficult sputum separation;
For acute and chronic diseases of the lower respiratory tract.

Before using the drug during pregnancy, you should consult your doctor and carefully read all the instructions for use of the drug. It is prohibited to use Mucaltin with antitussive drugs (which suppress the cough reflex), as well as products containing codeine - they will impede coughing and sputum discharge. In adults, use 1 to 2 tablets per dose with a frequency of up to 4 times a day. On average, treatment lasts from 1 to 2 weeks. The drug can be dissolved in a small volume of water and drunk in small sips, keeping the solution in the mouth and throat for as long as possible. The slow resorption of Mucaltin will not be so effective, and swallowing the tablets almost completely neutralizes their beneficial effect; the active substances can be neutralized in the digestive tract.

It is important to know that when using Mucaltin at different stages of pregnancy, you need to be careful, which is associated with possible individual reactions and side effects of therapy.

How to use correctly

The attending physician prescribes Mucaltin starting from the second trimester. At this stage of pregnancy, the formation of the main organs and systems of the fetus has already occurred.

Each case of illness must be considered separately, taking into account the health characteristics of the pregnant woman, past illnesses, and the presence of chronic illnesses.

Mucaltin can be taken during pregnancy starting from the second trimester

Mucaltin is prescribed in combination with other medications to carry out a course of therapy, with maximum safety for the health of the expectant mother and baby.

Before taking, the tablet must be dissolved in a small amount of warm water and taken in small sips. It is pointless to dissolve, since in this case the therapeutic effect will not occur.

During treatment with the drug you need to drink plenty of fluids. It promotes the removal of sputum. It is recommended to take the last tablet of the day two hours before going to bed at night - as it provokes coughing. The dosage, frequency and duration of administration are prescribed only by a doctor. Self-medication can cause irreparable harm.

For dry cough, Mucaltin tablets are ineffective. The use of other medications is necessary.

Use of Mucaltin during breastfeeding

It is believed that all drugs that are acceptable for use during pregnancy can also be safely taken while breastfeeding, but it is important to exercise caution, since drugs penetrate into breast milk in a slightly different way than through the placenta during pregnancy. But everything is fine with Mukaltin; it helps fight cough in a nursing mother, without changing the composition of breast milk in any way and without harming the baby. The drug consists of organic components, does not harm the baby’s body, and is well tolerated.

However, it should be used as part of complex therapy and only after the doctor’s permission, monitor the individual reactions of your body and the baby.

Important

No special studies have been conducted on this drug for breastfeeding, but long-term observations of nursing mothers and their children have not revealed any negative effects of the drug on health.

In combination with the drug, the prescription of drinking plenty of fluids and humidifying the air in the room, frequent ventilation and exposure to fresh air, gargling with herbal infusions and antiseptics will be indicated. It is important to take Mucaltin after meals so as not to irritate the gastric mucosa.

Alena Paretskaya, doctor, medical columnist

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