CLINICAL APPLICATIONS
Cough
with associated symptoms such as sputum, chest congestion, wheezing and dyspnea
from acute conditions, such as common cold, influenza and lung infection
chronic cough induced by various conditions, such as post-nasal drip, infection, drugs, and smoking
cough in tuberculosis or lung cancer
 
WESTERN THERAPEUTIC ACTIONS
Antitussive effect to suppress cough
Expectorant effect to eliminate phlegm and reduce congestion
Bronchodilating effect to relieve wheezing and dyspnea
Antibiotic effect to treat cough with infection
Anti Allergic and antihistamine effects to dry up nasal discharge and stop post-nasal drip
 
CHINESE THERAPEUTIC ACTIONS
Releases wind from the exterior
Eliminates phlegm
Nourishes yin
Descends Lung qi
 
DOSAGE
The standard dosage for adults is 4 to 6 capsules three times daily. This is a potent formula; therefore, the dosage must be carefully adjusted based on age, body weight and severity of the condition, especially for pediatric and geriatric patients.
 
INGREDIENTS
 
Gan Cao (Radix et Rhizoma Glycyrrhizae)
Jie Zi (Semen Sinapis)
Ku Xing Ren (Semen Armeniacae Amarum)
Mai Dong (Radix Ophiopogonis)
Sheng Jiang (Rhizoma Zingiberis Recens)
Tian Zhu Zi (Fructus Nandina)
Wu Mei (Fructus Mume)
Zi Su Ye (Folium Perillae)
Zi Su Zi (Fructus Perillae)
 
CAUTIONS & CONTRAINDICATIONS
Cough is a symptom that has many causes, such as infection (bronchitis or pneumonia), pre-existing diseases (tuberculosis or emphysema), airway irritation (smoke, dust and fumes), and aspiration (upper airway secretion or gastric contents). It is very important to identify and treat the underlying cause, in addition to treating the symptom.
In cases of lung infection, cough is a beneficial protective mechanism for clearing respiratory secretions and foreign materials. Optimal treatment in these situations requires use of medicines to treat the infection and the cough (if necessary) concurrently. Suppressing the symptom without treating the cause may delay the overall recovery. Though this formula contains herbs with antibiotic effect, it is necessary to combine with additional formulas to reinforce the overall effect to treat infection.
Do not use an excessive amount of this formula, as gross overdose of any medicinal substances will inevitably contribute to unwanted reactions. Due to the potent effect of these herbs, this formula should be used with caution for pediatric or geriatric patients, and is contraindicated during pregnancy and nursing.
 
CLINICAL NOTES
Respitrol (CF) is most effective when:
The cause of the cough is not known or a specific treatment is not possible.
The cough performs no useful function, or causes significant discomfort.
If the cause is known, then this formula may be used as a useful adjunct to suppress cough.
Certain drugs, such as angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors [Capoten (captopril), Zestril (lisinopril) and Vasotec (enalapril)], may cause non-productive cough in up to 20% of patients. This drug-induced cough may begin as soon as one week after starting that therapy, but may be delayed by as much as six months. This type of cough may be treated with Respitrol (CF) and Nourish (Fluids).
Gastroesophageal reflux is a common cause of cough that should be remembered but is often overlooked.