13 best solutions for inhalation

*A review of the best according to the editors. About the selection criteria. This material is subjective, not an advertisement and does not serve as a guide to purchase. It is necessary to consult with a specialist before buying.

For prevention and treatment of the upper or lower respiratory tract is often resorted to inhalation therapy. It allows you to achieve maximum local therapeutic effect with little or no systemic side effects.

Through inhalation achieve the following:

1. Restoration of purging drainage function of the bronchi;
2. clearing the tracheostomy tube and trachea of accumulated mucus;
3. reduction of swelling;
4. Relieving inflammation in the respiratory tract;
5. elimination of bronchospastic syndrome;
6. improvement of immunity of the respiratory tract.

Solutions belonging to different pharmacological groups are used for the above tasks: bronchodilators, mucolytics and secretolytics, hormonal agents and phytopreparations. Our experts conducted a study and ranked the best of them.

Rating of the best solutions for inhalation

Best bronchodilator solutions for inhalation

The main drugs used in the treatment of bronchial obstruction are drugs with bronchodilator action. They have a symptomatic effect, but do not significantly affect the activity of inflammation in the respiratory tract.

Berodual

Rating: 4.9

The first place of the rating is occupied by the German drug Berodual. Inhalation solution contains 2 active components: ipratropium bromide and fenoterol. The combination of these substances in the composition prevents the development of bronchospasm. Berodual solution is prescribed for bronchial asthma, COPD, and various forms of chronic bronchitis.

Inhalation solution sold in 20 ml vials. Dispensed in drops. To each patient an individual approach is used, focusing on the severity of the pathological process, but always starting with the lowest effective dose. To dilute Berodual, 0.9% sodium chloride solution is used. Can be applied by inhalation with a nebulizer.

Berodual is said to work very quickly – your breathing returns to normal within 5 minutes after inhalation. Our experts included this solution in the rating because it is approved for use in both adults and very young children. The drug has no odor. The solution is very effective and, despite the extensive list of possible side effects, is usually well tolerated by patients.

Advantages

• Suitable for family members of any age;
• Saves you from a stifling cough;
• quality dispenser;
• Lack of aroma.

Disadvantages

• An intimidating list of possible side effects.

Ventolin Nebulas

Rating: 4.8

Next in the ranking is another German drug Ventolin Nebulas. The active ingredient of this inhalation solution is salbutamol. It acts on the β2-adrenoreceptors of bronchial smooth muscle and dilates the bronchi for 4-6 hours.

Ventolin Nebulas is primarily used in bronchial asthma attacks. But the preparation is also required for other pathologies accompanied by reversible bronchial tree permeability failure. Available in ampules (nebulas) of 2.5 ml. Usually does not need to be diluted. And if the inhalation lasts longer than 10 minutes, the contents of the ampoule are further diluted with saline solution.

Advantages

• Convenient delivery of the remedy in the form of nebulas;
• Bronchospasm is relieved 5 minutes after inhalation;
• Suitable for children from 1.5 years of age.

Disadvantages

• List of possible adverse reactions.

Berotek

Rating: 4.7

German solution for injection Berotec, produced by the same manufacturer as Berodual, is located in the third position in the rating. It contains one active ingredient – fenoterol (in 1 drop 50 mcg). It belongs to the selective β2-adrenomimetics. Is an effective bronchodilator. Sold in 20 ml vials.

Berotek is used to relieve bronchospasm, as well as a bronchodilator before inhaling other drugs (antibiotics, mucolytics, GCS). The drug starts to work 2-3 minutes after inhalation and its bronchodilator effect lasts for 3-5 hours. Berotek in a nebulizer is diluted with 0.9% sodium chloride solution.

Reviews about this solution for inhalation are mostly positive. The drug is especially praised by parents who have used it to relieve their children from the symptoms of obstruction. Berotek deserves to be in the ranking of the best, because it acts very quickly, is easy to use, conveniently dosed, and with strict adherence to the instructions rarely causes adverse reactions of the body.

Advantages of

• The effect begins 2-3 minutes after inhalation;
• convenient dispenser;
• It is used in pediatrics.

Disadvantages

• An increased concentration of fenoterol has a cardio toxic effect.

Atrovent

Rating: 4.6

Closes the rating of the best bronchodilators another German drug Atrovent. Its active ingredient is ipratropium bromide. It belongs to m-cholinoblockers. It blocks the m-cholinoreceptors of smooth muscles in the bronchial system and inhibits reflexive failure of bronchial permeability. Like Berotek is available in dark glass vials of 20 ml.

With Atrovent, a significant improvement in lung function is observed 15 minutes after inhalation, reaches its maximum after 1-2 hours and lasts for 4-6 hours. Add saline solution to the recommended dose of the drug to make 3-4 ml. The ready mixture is poured into a nebulizer and the procedure of inhalation is performed.

According to reviews, Atrovent helps children and adults breathe with full chest. Along with other drugs, it helps defeat obstructive bronchitis and pneumonia. Our experts included Atrovent in the rating of the best, because it is an effective bronchodilator, which is less threatening to the cardiovascular system (does not contain selective β2-adrenomimetics).

Advantages

• Effectively suppresses reflex bronchoconstriction;
• Packaged in vials with a convenient dispenser;
• Causes fewer side effects.

Disadvantages

• Takes effect 15 minutes after the treatment.

The best inhalation solutions that liquefy sputum

Wet cough with sputum that is difficult to detach is treated with mucolytic and expectorant agents. Such drugs are also available as solutions for inhalation.

Fluimucil

Rating: 4.9

The first place in the rating is occupied by the Italian mucolytic solution for inhalation Fluimucil. The active ingredient of this drug is acetylcysteine. It liquefies mucous secretions of the respiratory tract, increases their quantity and facilitates the excretion of. The solution is used for inhalations for various diseases of the respiratory tract and ENT organs with difficult discharge of sputum and purulent secretions.

Fluimucil is sold in dark glass ampoules of 3 ml. Unopened ampoule is good for 24 hours if kept in the refrigerator. sent to the inhaler diluted with saline (1:1). Inhalations are recommended in the morning and evening 2 hours after meals. The manipulation itself should take 10-15 minutes.

According to reviews, Flumucil is a very effective solution, but its smell discourages many. Some people do not tolerate procedures with this drug, because they hear the aroma of “rotten eggs”. And yet our experts included Fluimucil in the rating of the best, because it effectively removes sputum from the depths of the lungs and has a small list of possible side.

Advantages

• Packaged in ampoules;
• The opened ampoule is stored for 24 hours;
• an effective mucolytic;
• Causes virtually no side effects.

Disadvantages

• odor of the solution.

Lazolvan

Rating: 4.8

The second position of the rating is given to Lasolvan inhalation solution, which contains ambroxol hydrochloride. It increases secretion in the respiratory tract, promotes active expectoration of sputum and relieves coughing fits. Lazolvan is actively used in the presence of viscous sputum against the background of acute and chronic respiratory tract diseases.

Steam inhalers are not used for the use of Lazolvan, and otherwise there are no restrictions. To achieve optimal hydration during the procedure, the drug is mixed with saline solution, adhering to a ratio of 1:1. The solution is sold in bottles (100 ml), complete with a dropper and measuring cup, which is convenient for dosing the liquid for small and adult patients.

Patients in the reviews note that inhalations with Lazolvan are very effective. The cough becomes productive as early as the second day after treatment. This solution was in the ranking of the best, because it markedly improves the evacuation of sputum, economically consumed, suitable for inhalations and for ingestion.

Advantages

• In a matter of days makes the cough productive;
• Effectively clears the airways of sputum;
• The bottle is complete with a dropper and measuring cup.

Disadvantages

• Taste sensations are often impaired after the procedure.

Ambrobene

Rating: 4.7

German solution for inhalation comes next in the ranking. Its active ingredient is also ambroxol. It makes sputum less viscous and reduces its adhesive properties. It facilitates secretion of mucous secretion from the respiratory tract. It has the same uses as Lasolvan and Flumucil.

Ambrobene solution is mixed with physiological sodium solution before inhalation. For best hydration when diluting, adhere to a 1:1 ratio, and warm the product to body temperature. Inhalations are performed in normal breathing mode, so as not to cause cough jolts. Ambrobene is available in 40 ml and 100 ml bottles with a dropper cap and measuring cup.

According to reviews, as early as the second day after inhalation, the cough ceases to stifle, and the sputum is dynamically expelled. Our experts included it in the rating of the best, because Ambrobene solution is suitable for both inhalation and ingestion. The effect of its use does not make you wait long. It is suitable for the treatment of adults and infants. It rarely causes side effects.

Advantages

• It effectively liquefies sputum and discharges it;
• Completion of the bottle;
• economical consumption;
• Suitable for inhalations and for oral administration.

Disadvantages

• bitter taste.

The best hormonal solutions for inhalation

Inhaled glucocorticosteroids (hormonal) are the basis of anti-inflammatory therapy for bronchial asthma.

Pulmicort

Rating: 4.9

Tops the rating of the best hormonal means for inhalation Swiss Pulmicort suspension. It contains budesonide, which eliminates inflammation, reduces the severity of symptoms and the frequency of bronchial asthma attacks. This drug is also actively used to treat COPD, pneumonia, laryngotracheitis, and barking cough.

Pulmicort is sold in single-dose sterile containers of 2 ml. They are soldered together and 5 pieces are packed in additional envelopes. An open container may be stored for no more than 12 hours, and the diluted suspension for no more than 30 minutes. The drug is available in two dosages: 250 or 500 mcg. The suspension is mixed with physiological solution or with other preparations.

According to reviews, relief comes after just a few treatments, but treatment should still be continued. Our experts included Pulmicort in the rating of the best, because it is effective in bronchospasm and relieves the cough after the first use. It has a convenient packaging and clear dosing regimen. Does not cause severe adverse reactions after use if all doctor’s recommendations are followed.

Advantages

• eases the cough;
• Eliminates asthmatic attacks;
• is convenient to use;
• Causes minimal adverse reactions.

Disadvantages

• With prolonged use, it can cause impaired growth in children.

Budenit Steri-Neb

Rating: 4.8

In second place in the rating is a cheaper analogue of Pulmicort – Budenit. This suspension for inhalation is produced in Great Britain and is synonymous (fully repeats the composition and formulation) to the Swiss GCS drug. Budesonide effectively prevents bronchial asthma attacks provoked by physical exertion, but does not eliminate an acute attack of bronchospasm.

After inhalation, the primary effect is achieved after 2-3 hours. The maximum therapeutic effect develops 1-2 weeks after a course of inhalations. Budesonide Steri-Neb is used inhaled with nebulizer inhalers. In pediatric practice, the drug is used from 6 months of age.

In reviews, adult patients or parents of sick children often note that Budesonid-Nativ is not inferior to Pulmicort in effectiveness. However, the latter is the original drug, so it is better researched. Budenit Steri-Neb deserves to be in the top list as a quality generic of Pulmicort. In the shortest time it allows to achieve a positive result. However, it is hormonal, so it should be used with caution.

Advantages

• Relieves the obstructive syndrome;
• Convenient packaging;
• Effect occurs within a few hours.

Disadvantages

• Can darken teeth enamel if used for a long time.

Budesonide-Nativ

Rating: 4.7

The Russian drug Budesonid-Nativ closes the rating of the best hormonal solutions for inhalation. It is a domestic analogue of Pulmicort. It is available in 2 ml vials. The active ingredient of the same name may contain 0.25 or 0.5 mg in 1 ml. Appoint inhalation with this drug in bronchial asthma and COPD.

Budesonide-Nativ is not used to treat children who have not yet reached 16 years of age. It is used exclusively with a nebulizer. The dosage is chosen individually for each patient. Timely inhalation of budesonide prevents attacks of bronchial asthma, but does not relieve acute bronchospasm.

Patients who have had occasion to use Pulmicort, in reviews note that Budesonide-Nativ does not start acting as quickly. But in the case of limited financial resources, the use of the Russian drug becomes the best option. Despite the fact that at the beginning of treatment with this solution the condition of the patient may worsen, Budesonide-Nativ still deserves its place in the ranking, since in general it retains all the properties of the active component.

Advantages of

• It contains budesonide;
• Helps to cope with attacks of laryngotracheitis;
• Packaged in individual vials;
• attractive price.

Disadvantages

• At the beginning of the procedure, an intensification of coughing is possible;
• Is only approved for use from 16 years of age.

The best herbal solutions for inhalation

Sometimes pulmonologists and ENT doctors prescribe their patients herbal syrups and drops, which are used as solutions for inhalation.

Sinupret

Rating: 4.9

First place in the rating is given to the German combined drug of herbal origin – Sinupret. It is available in the form of drops. The active components of this remedy relieve inflammation, eliminate edema, liquefy the pathological secret and promote its exodus, and also have a moderate antibacterial and antiviral effect.

When prescribed by a doctor, Sinupret can be used not only for ingestion, but also for inhalation. Dilute the drops with saline solution. For adults, this ratio is 1:1, for children over 6 years of age – 1:2, and for the youngest – 1:3. Under the influence of Sinupret from the sinuses and upper respiratory tracts, pathological secretion is actively expelled, which helps to avoid complications.

Those who have decided to use Sinupret for inhalation, in their reviews note that they do not regret it at all. They like the natural composition of the remedy and it is in this method of application that it is most effective. Our experts included it in the rating of the best, because the herbal components of the composition quite gently get rid of diseases accompanied by the formation of viscous secretion.

Advantages

• natural components of the composition;
• Easy to dose;
• economical consumption;
• Get rid of a runny nose or cough.

Disadvantages

• contains alcohol.

Gedelix

Rating: 4.8

German Gedelix drops are located in the second position in the rating. The active ingredient is an extract of ivy leaves. Has expectorant, mucolytic and antispasmodic effect due to the presence of saponins. It is appointed for oral intake or for inhalations in case of infectious-inflammatory diseases of the upper respiratory tract and bronchi accompanied by cough with difficult to separate sputum.

Available in dark glass vials of 50 ml of Gedelix. For inhalations take 1 ml of herbal drops and 2 ml of saline solution. The smell of the drug is quite specific, so children have to be persuaded quite a long time before the procedure. At least 2 inhalations should be done daily.

According to reviews, Gedelix noticeably improves the condition after 2-3 days already. These drops proved to be good in the complex treatment of inflammatory processes in the respiratory tract. It is deservedly in the ranking of the best, as its composition does not contain alcohol, the active ingredient is natural and it is well tolerated by patients.

Advantages of

• natural composition;
• Mild effects on the respiratory tract;
• Makes the cough productive;
• does not contain alcohol.

Disadvantages

• specific smell.

Rotocan

Rating: 4.7

Closes the rating of the best solutions for inhalation Russian phytopreparation Rotokan. It contains 3 active components: calendula, chamomile, yarrow. And the basis is ethyl alcohol. According to the instructions, this extract is used for dental problems for gargles and for gastroenterological diseases for ingestion. But pulmonologists also recommend its use for inhalations.

Before the procedure, Rotokan must be diluted in a ratio of 1:40. Take 1 ml of the alcohol extract and 40 ml of saline solution. Ready-made remedy can be stored in the refrigerator for no more than 2 days. Use 4 ml of diluted Rotokan for one procedure. Because of its alcohol content, it is not recommended for the treatment of children under 1 year of age.

Reviews on the use of this plant extract are mostly positive. Patients note that inhalation with this drug is quite pleasant. The product effectively eliminates inflammation of the upper respiratory tract and does not cause unwanted adverse reactions.

Advantages

• plant components of the composition;
• acts mildly and does not cause side effects;
• The treatment is very aromatic.

Disadvantages

• ethyl alcohol content.