Ingested expectorants
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These are all administered by mouth.
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Some are nauseants and can induce vomiting, but are administered in subemetic doses.
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Others are absorbed from the gut and are excreted, at least in part, via the bronchial mucosa.
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Reflex or nauseant expectorants include ipecaacuanha, squill, balsam of tolu and cocillana, all of which are of vegetable origin.
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Ipecacuanha contains an emetic alkaloid, emetine and squill contains a glycoside with emetic and cardiotonic properties.
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Bronchial secretions are stimulated as a physiological prelude to vomiting.
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Locally acting, systemically administered expectorants of value in chronic conditions are represented by sodium iodide and potassium iodide.
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The iodide is rapidly excreted through the bronchial mucosa and increases its secretory activity.
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Ammonium chloride is one of the many ammonium salts, which have been used as expectorants despite lack of agreement as to their mode of action.
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Guiacol and Glyceryl guiacolate (guaifenesin), a derivative of guiacol obtained from creosote are common stimulant expectorants in cough medications,
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Last modified: Wednesday, 25 April 2012, 12:01 PM