Expectorante
A nagging cough and a congested chest can make it difficult to complete even the simplest activities of your day and get in the way of your sleep at night. Fortunately, you can take steps to help address chest congestion using over-the-counter medications called expectorants. CVS makes it simple for you to purchase the best expectorant medicine for your needs with a wide range of products available for you to browse and buy online.
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What Is An Expectorant?
An expectorant is a type of medication that comes in strengths that are available for purchase over the counter. People typically take expectorant medications for coughing, but the medicines are typically not intended to stop a cough. Instead expectorants work by helping to thin mucus. This can enable you to breathe easier and make coughs more productive, so that you can clear congestion from your airways. The active ingredient typically used in over-the-counter expectorants is called guaifenesin.
Standalone Expectorant Medications
One way to take an expectorant is in a standalone medicine. The liquids, not just for children, are in lower concentrations. Some standalone expectorants are available as tablets with extended-release formulas, meaning that they can gradually break down in your body to continue to provide benefits over an extended period of time, usually up to 12 hours.
Expectorant With Cold and Flu Medicine
Expectorants are also available in combination medicines that contain two or more active ingredients. To help temporarily relieve a cough and thin mucus, you can take a combination cough medicine that features guaifenesin and dextromethorphan, an over-the-counter medication that helps to block your body's cough reflex. Guaifenesin is also found in a number of cold and flu medications. These products often contain a nasal decongestant that can alleviate inflammation in the airways to help make it easier to breathe. Some combination cold and flu products also include a pain reliever like ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
Expectorant Health Tips
The expectorant medications sold here at CVS do not require a doctor's prescription; however, you should still consult your medical provider before taking any new over-the-counter medicine for the first time. Some people may not be able to safely take an expectorant due to health conditions or other medicines that they are using. Always follow the directions for use printed on the packaging of the expectorant medicine that you purchase unless your health care provider gives you other instructions. If symptoms of chest congestion persist or worsen, seek medical treatment, as you may require prescription medications or other interventions.