Pediatria pre prax 1/2009

Mucoactive drugs – mechanism of effect and use in pediatric practice

Examination and using of the mucoactive drugs last very long time from the process of evolution of vegetable substances to the modern multifunctional medications. Over the years, a diverse terminology has been used to describe cough influencing drugs or „mucoactive medication“. New recent classification system of mucoactive medication can serve not only to the better understanding of small differences of drugs effects but for prescription of the most appropriate drug for patients as well. This publication deals with of complex problematic of mucoactive drugs. Authors describe mechanism of effects, terminology, indication for prescription and short characterization of mucoactive drugs groups.

Keywords: mucoactive medication, respiratory mucus, mucociliary clearance, cough.