definition and type of expectorants

1. Mr. MANOJ KUMAR YADAV
(NIPER-RBL)
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR
KRISHANA INSTITUTE OF PHARMACY AND SCIENCES
KANPUR

2. Expectorants
Expectorant are the drugs that help in removing sputum for respiratory tract either by increasing
fluidity of sputum or increasing the volume of fluid. That have to be expel from the respiratory
tract by coughing.
Expectorants aim to make coughing up mucus easier; they do not actually stop coughing. This is
important because a productive cough should not be suppressed because it is the body's way of
removing excess mucus, foreign particles, or microorganisms from the airways.
Expectorants also help to relieve chest congestion that occurs because of a cold, the flu, or
allergies.
On the basis of activity the classification of expectorants
1. Sedative expectorant
2. Stimulant expectorant
Sedative expectorant
These are stomach irritant expectorants, which are able to produce their effect through stimulation
of gastric reflexes. e.g. Bitter drugs –Ipecac, Senega, Indian Squill
Inorganic Compounds – Antimony potassium tartrate, Ammonium chloride, Sodium citrate,
Potassium iodide
Stimulant expectorant:
These are the expectorants, which bring about a stimulation of the secretory cells of the respiratory
tract directly or indirectly. Since these drugs stimulate secretion, more fluid in respiratory tract and
sputum is diluted.  e.g. Eucalyptus, Lemon, Anise