I Hate Dialysis Message Board

Dialysis Discussion => Dialysis: General Discussion => Topic started by: kickingandscreaming on February 16, 2017, 01:53:12 PM

Title: Renal friendly cough medicine
Post by: kickingandscreaming on February 16, 2017, 01:53:12 PM
Seems that I have come down with a doozy of a cough. Tickling. Urgent.  Annoying.  I know there are issues for a lot of OTC medications for us kidney folks so I thought I'd ask if anyone knows of a safe cough suppressant and expectorant that I can easily get.  Thanks.
Title: Re: Renal friendly cough medicine
Post by: Charlie B53 on February 17, 2017, 08:56:34 AM

I learned long ago a simple lemon or minty hard candy soothes a cough or scratchy throat.  Sugar isn't a problem for me dispite being diabetic, I am pretty well controlled.

Hot drinks, tea's, with a splash of honey and/or lemon can help also.

Sometimes the old simple ways work well.
Title: Re: Renal friendly cough medicine
Post by: kickingandscreaming on February 17, 2017, 10:51:50 AM
My neph recommended Mucinex DM  and/or Mucinex with nasal decongestant.  I'm not just trying to soothe. I''m trying to expectorate and tea or candy won't do that.
Title: Re: Renal friendly cough medicine
Post by: cattlekid on February 17, 2017, 11:21:52 AM
Have you tried gargling with warm water and salt?  It helps me a lot when there is "stuff" hanging in my throat that causes that nasty cough.  I also use a Neti pot to help with the post-nasal drip that can cause that annoying tickle cough that just won't go away.

My neph recommended Mucinex DM  and/or Mucinex with nasal decongestant.  I'm not just trying to soothe. I''m trying to expectorate and tea or candy won't do that.
Title: Re: Renal friendly cough medicine
Post by: Charlie B53 on February 17, 2017, 03:02:24 PM

I use a CPAP nightly, well, actually any time I lay down and nap even.

When I have problems with my sinus or congested lungs I ad one or two drops of eucalyptus oil to the water in the tank.  It works well for me.
Title: Re: Renal friendly cough medicine
Post by: cattlekid on February 17, 2017, 09:47:29 PM
That's a really good idea and I will squirrel it away for the next time I have a sinus issue.


I use a CPAP nightly, well, actually any time I lay down and nap even.

When I have problems with my sinus or congested lungs I ad one or two drops of eucalyptus oil to the water in the tank.  It works well for me.
Title: Re: Renal friendly cough medicine
Post by: Charlie B53 on February 18, 2017, 05:26:12 AM

A couple of words of warning.

Eucalyptus oil is NOT cheap.  At our small town pharmacy it cost me IIRC $72 for the quart b ottle I have.  Only using a drop or two at a time it should last a few lifetimes.  I can put a drop one a cold light bulb before turning it on, and spread the smell, filling the whole room.


I don't remember if it was my PD Nurse or another at the VA, almost blew a gasket when I told her how I was using it in my CPAP.  Told me I should NEVER breath ing the 'oil vapor'.

Been doing this at least a dozen years already.  Ain't hurt me yet that I know of.

All things in moderation.
Title: Re: Renal friendly cough medicine
Post by: cassandra on February 18, 2017, 05:34:06 AM
Fantastic idea Charlie, I'm gonna try that in my elec cigarette when I'm having a cold
Title: Re: Renal friendly cough medicine
Post by: Charlie B53 on February 18, 2017, 03:44:50 PM

I never thought of using an E-Cig.  That may be a bit too strong.


I did find a box of lozenges on the coffee table in with the Wife's stuff.  I ordered these on-line as they are the closest thing to ones my Gramma used to get when I was young.  These are a gray lozenge  containing licorice powder and peppermint oil.

The local ppharmicist (Old Guy) remembered them but had no idea where to get them.  I Google it but never saved the link

The name is

SOOTHE
Throats Discs  Throat Lozenges

Monticello Drug Company, Jacksonville, FL
Made in Canada



Ingredients;
Sugar, Corn Starch, Glucose (or Tapioca Syrup), Licorice Powder, Agar, Gum Tragacanth, Flax Oil, Anethole Oil, Anise Oil, Capsicum, Peppermint Oil.


They do not taste sweet. But worked well for a young scratchy throat when she wouldn't let me have any candy.


Title: Re: Renal friendly cough medicine
Post by: kickingandscreaming on February 18, 2017, 05:49:23 PM
Licorice is something to be cautious around if you have hypertension.
Title: Re: Renal friendly cough medicine
Post by: Charlie B53 on February 18, 2017, 06:35:32 PM

As a kid I loved licorice.  Now, I hardly touch it.  Daughter lives jelly beans but saves the black ones.  Once she gets a zip lock full she gives them to me.  A couple at a time is enough.

I've learned a couple can calm an upset stomach.

Again that thing I am always saying,    All things........

You cannot taste the licorice in these lozenges, nor can you tell a peppermint taste, they tend to semi-cancel each other but have a sidtint calming effect on a scratchy throat.  And it isn't a sugary coating.   I'd be tempted to wrap a few in tissue paper, stuff it in an envelope and send it to you so you can find out for yourself.   Unless you are severely allergic I wouldn't think you should have too bad a reaction.  PM me if interested.   I have two more boxes put up as these should last us for quite a while yet.