How do you give cough syrup?

Simba&NalasMom, LPN · Dec 4, 2005

With tube feeders, definitely flush with water as cough syrup is so sticky it can affect the patency of the tube.

sjrn85 · Dec 4, 2005

The majority of the medication is absorbed in the gut; if the effect took place primariy in the "throat," there would be no reason to give cough suppressants to G-tube/peg-tube pts. Besides, saliva will wash down whatever medication remains in the "throat" rather quickly.

meownsmile, BSN, RN · Dec 4, 2005

I guess what it boils down to is what kind of cough syrup your giving and what its intended result is. There are some that are given to suppress the cough reflex and act as a decongestant, and i suppose those that are ment to work systmeically should be given with water,, however,the ones that are ment to coat the irritaiton in the throat should NOT have water given until 10 or more minutes afterward. Consult your PDR and see what the mechanism of action is for the medication you are giving is, and give as directed.

sjrn85 · Dec 4, 2005

Here is a site that lists tons of cough medicines; with the exception of sustained release oral suspensions, the instructions are to take with plenty of water.

Cute_CNA, CNA · Dec 4, 2005

I always thought that part of the function of the cough syrup was to COAT the throat! Therefore, if it is washed away, how can it coat the throat and offer relief?

GooeyRN, ADN, BSN, CNA, LPN, RN · Dec 4, 2005

So if it is best to drink water for better absorption, can you drink water before taking the cough syrup to still get the benefits of coating the throat??

cathyish · Dec 4, 2005

some nurses say you are suppose to give water immediately after you give cough syrup. other nurses say:nono: you should give no water for 5-10 minutes after you give cough syrup. opinions please.:wink2:

i remember a cough syrup tv commercial from my youth (and perhaps a variation is still being shown?) with a line about "coating" the throat with soothing relief. however, as a student, during pharmacology we we told to (have the patient) force fluids and that the "coating the throat" line was little more than a marketing line...sounds like a potential "evidence-based practice" study to me ;-)

sharann, BSN, RN · Dec 5, 2005

I give it from a distance of approximately 5 feet from the patients mouth. Sticky red syrup is really hard to get out of my hair!

As for the original ?, I think that if the taste is so awful to the patient, follow with water, if they can staand it, then let the "coating" action(whether real or myth) occur.

Marie_LPN, RN, LPN, RN · Dec 5, 2005

I can't stand the coating action of green Nyquil. Gag.

Blackcat99 · Dec 5, 2005

OK.:chuckle Thanks so much for all the opinions. I think I will just let the patient decide if he/she wants water after the cough syrup. It may be "all in my head" but I'm not going to drink water after I take cough syrup. I want it to coat my throat and help relieve my sore throat pain. :rolleyes:

sherichance · Dec 5, 2005

When I was younger I was told to take it with water. As doing my nursing training, I now know that you should wait to drink anything after you take the cough syrup. I was told by waiting to drink water, it helps to coat everything and to supress the cough more.

Blackcat99 · Dec 5, 2005

What about maalox?:chuckle I always tell the patient not to drink water afterwards. I have seen other nurses give water right after maalox. Won't the water just wash it away?