"Omnitus" belongs to a group of antitussive drugs that are in demand for a painful and dry cough, which is also called unproductive. In childhood, this medicine is used in the form of a syrup. But so that this medication does not harm the baby and bring the expected benefits, it is worth learning more about its effect on the body and the permitted dosages before taking it.
Release form and composition
Liquid "Omnitus" is sold in bottles made of dark glass. One bottle contains 200 ml of solution. It is colorless and transparent, with a slightly viscous texture and smells like vanilla. It tastes sweet, so it's easy to give to children. A 5 ml measuring spoon is attached to the bottle, on which there is a risk, allowing you to measure 2.5 ml.
The main component of Omnitus in syrup is called butamirate and is contained in the medicine in the form of citrate at a dose of 0.8 mg per milliliter. It is complemented by inactive compounds, among which are sorbitol, sodium hydroxide, 96% ethanol, vanillin and sodium saccharin. In addition, the drug contains anise oil, benzoic acid, purified water and glycerol.
In addition to the liquid form, "Omnitus" is also available in tablets. They are covered with a membrane, due to which the active substance is released gradually. The action of the tablets is also provided by butamirate. Tablets with 20 mg of such a substance can be used instead of syrup from 6 years of age, and a medication with a higher dosage (50 mg) is not prescribed for children.
Operating principle
The active component of "Omnitus" has a direct effect on the cough center located in the tissues of the brain (this action is called central). Butamirate is able to reduce the activity of this center, as a result of which nerve impulses are no longer sent to the bronchi, which leads to the cessation of coughing. At the same time, the syrup is a non-narcotic agent, which allows it to be used for a dry cough for a long period without the risk of addiction.
However, during treatment with Omnitus, not only the suppression of the cough center occurs. Under the influence of butamirate, the lumen of the bronchi expands slightly, and the resistance of the airways decreases, which contributes to a better saturation of blood with oxygen. As a result of these effects, breathing is facilitated, and oxygen starvation of tissues is eliminated, thanks to which the patient recovers faster.
Indications
Omnitus is prescribed as a symptomatic medicine if the patient has a dry cough in which there is very little phlegm. This symptom is found in whooping cough, laryngotracheitis, influenza, bronchitis, tracheitis and many other diseases. It occurs due to inflammation and swelling of the mucous membrane, and can also occur when the respiratory tract is irritated. In addition, the syrup is used when performing bronchoscopy and various operations on the bronchi, both before an intervention or procedure, and to suppress cough in the postoperative period.
At what age is it allowed?
According to the annotation to liquid "Omnitus", this medicine is not used in patients under 3 years of age. If an antitussive drug is required for a younger child or for an infant, analogs of such a syrup with a lower concentration of butamirate (drops) are used. Since the composition of the drug includes ethyl alcohol, it is recommended to give it to children of any age only after a doctor's examination.
Contraindications
Treatment with Omnitus is prohibited not only at an early age, but also in case of hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients in the syrup. There are no other contraindications for the use of this medicine in children, but it is not recommended to give such a syrup with a wet cough. For adults, it is not prescribed for breastfeeding and in the first trimester of pregnancy.
Since there is no sugar in liquid "Omnitus" (the sweetness of the drug is provided by saccharin and sorbitol), the drug is not contraindicated in diabetes mellitus. Since it does not contain lactose, such syrup can be substituted for Omnitus tablets for children over 6 years of age and adults, if they are diagnosed with lactase deficiency. Due to the presence of ethanol in the medication, its use in epilepsy, as well as in children with liver pathologies and brain diseases, requires medical supervision.
Side effects
Diarrhea or nausea may occur during treatment with Omnitus. The drug can also provoke a skin rash or other allergic reaction. Some children feel dizzy after taking the syrup. With all such negative symptoms, the medicine is immediately canceled.
Application
According to the instructions, the drug is dosed with a measuring spoon, which is in the box along with the bottle. When determining the frequency of admission and the required dosage, they are guided either by the age of the patient, or by his body weight, if it differs from the average age indicators.
- If the child is 3-6 years old or his body weight is between 15 and 22 kg, then a single dosage of "Omnitus" will be 10 ml, that is, two measuring spoons. The drug is taken three times a day.
- If the patient's weight is between 22 and 30 kg, and his age is between 6 and 9 years, then the single dosage is increased to three measuring spoons (15 ml of the drug per dose). The medicine is given three times a day.
- For children over 9 years old or with a body weight of more than 40 kg the frequency of using the syrup increases - up to 4 times a day. In this case, a single dose of the drug will be, as for younger children, 15 ml.
Overdose
When taking a much larger amount of syrup than prescribed for a child by age, drowsiness, vomiting, dizziness, diarrhea, nausea and other symptoms of an overdose are noted. To eliminate them, the patient should be given a sorbent and a laxative, and if the condition worsens, a doctor's examination is needed to prescribe symptomatic therapy.
Interaction with other drugs
Omnitus should not be used with any other medication that affects the brain, such as sedatives.
Terms of sale
You can buy liquid "Omnitus" in a pharmacy without a prescription from a doctor, but a specialist consultation before using such a medicine in childhood is required. The average price of one bottle is 200 rubles.
Storage
The syrup has a rather long shelf life and is 5 years. Until it expires, you can keep the medication at home at a temperature of +15 - +25 degrees (you do not need to put the bottle in the refrigerator). Since the drug is sweet, it must be hidden from young children to reduce the risk of overdose.
Reviews
In most reviews of Omnitus syrup, the medicine is called a good remedy for dry and barking coughs. Its advantages also include low cost, pleasant taste, a short list of contraindications and good tolerance. According to moms, the medication helped with laryngitis, whooping cough, tracheobronchitis and other diseases, when an unproductive painful cough arose. However, there are also negative reviews in which they complain that the drug did not help.
Analogs
Other butamirate-based preparations are suitable to replace Omnitus. Among them, Sinekod is especially popular, which is produced in two liquid forms - drops (they are prescribed for babies from two months) and syrup (it is used in the treatment of children over three years old). Its analogue is also "Codelac Neo", represented by the same dosage forms. Both medicines are in demand for dry coughs and act on the child's body in the same way as "Omnitus".
In addition to these drugs, the following drugs can also be attributed to the Omnitus analogues in terms of their therapeutic effect.
- Drops "Stoptussin" who are prescribed from 6 months. Their composition includes not only butamirate, but also a substance called guaifenesin. Thanks to this combination of ingredients, the solution has both antitussive and expectorant effects. These drops are used for dry, irritating cough.
- Paxeladin syrup, allowed for children over two and a half years old (if their weight exceeds 15 kg). Its active ingredient is oxeladine. Such a substance acts on the center of the cough, and also has a stimulating effect on breathing.
- Syrup "Bronholitin", assigned to children over three years old. Its effect on the cough reflex and bronchi is provided by two ingredients - ephedrine and glaucine. Thanks to such substances, the use of the drug eliminates edema and dilates the bronchi. Analogs of this drug are the drugs "Bronchoton" and "Bronchocin", which are also produced in the form of a syrup.
For instructions on using the Omnitus syrup, see the following video.
