Adult Meltus Chesty Coughs, sugar free and colourfree (Guaifenesin, Cetylpyridinium chloride), provides symptomatic relief of coughs and catarrh associated with influenza, colds and mild throat infections.
Aside from its effective dual action formula, this product is also suitable for diabetics.
Other products in the Meltus range include Baby Meltus Cough Linctus (Dilute acetic acid), Adult Meltus Dry Coughs with Congestion (Dextromethorphan hydrobromide, Pseucloephedrine hydrochloride) and Adult Meltus Chesty Coughs with Congestion (Guaifenesin, Pseudoephedrine hydrochloride).
Adult meltus chesty coughs with congestion linctus contains two active ingredients, guaifenesin and pseudoephedrine hydrochloride.
Guaifenesin is a type of medicine called a cough expectorant. Expectorants are used to treat a productive or chesty cough, in which phlegm is coughed up.
Expectorants such as guaifenesin are thought to work by stimulating receptors in the stomach, causing a reflex increase in the volume of fluid produced in the airways. This decreases the thickness of the secretions in the airways, thus loosening phlegm and making it easier to cough up.
Pseudoephedrine is a type of medicine called a decongestant. It works by acting on alpha receptors that are found in the walls of blood vessels in the linings of the nasal passages and sinuses. It causes these blood vessels to contract and narrow, thereby decreasing blood flow into the linings of the nose and sinuses. This reduces the feeling of congestion and also reduces the production of mucus.
Pseudoephedrine also has a weak effect on receptors in the lungs called beta 2 receptors. By acting on these receptors it causes the muscles in the airways to relax. This allows the airways to open, making breathing easier.
The combination of guaifenesin and pseudoephedrine in this medicine may be useful for relieving chesty coughs with associated nasal or sinus congestion.