Pronunciation key ( ik-spek′tə-rənt ) |
ex•pec•to•rant
adj.
[L. expectorans ppr. of expectorare].
- Promoting the secretion or expulsion of fluids from the mucous membrane of air passages. To cause or stimulate expectoration.
n.
- Any medication that facilitates this function.
An expectorant is an agent, or medication (common forms; ammonium chloride, ipecac and ammonium carbonate) that aides in the expulsion of excretions from the breathing passages; trachea, bronchi and lungs and contributes to coughing up from the lungs and air passages. Expectorants may accomplish this by stimulation of secretions, helping to thin sputum. But are more often used to relieve inflammation of the respiratory tract. Three types of expectorants exist.
- Sedative expectorant that increase the protective secretions of the respiratory system to relieve acute inflammation. Some of these mixtures include salts of sodium, potassium and ammonia often dispensed in the form of a demulcent such as cherry syrup.
- Stimulant expectorants which stimulate repair of acute inflammation and reduce secretion of respiratory fluids. Mixtures that fall into this class are composed of creosote carbonate, eucalyptol (obtained from eucalyptus oil) and terpin hydrate, all may be used as stimulant expectorants.
- Anodyne expectorants which suppresses coughing reflex. Among these are codeine which belong to the phenathrene group of opium alkaloids. Expectorants may be administered in the form of an inhalant, some of which are steam and carbon dioxide that tend to liquify the sputum and facilitate expectoration.
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