Demulcent
Demulcent is a substance that relieves irritation of the mucous membranes in the mouth by forming a protective film. The term can also refer to a drug that has a soothing effect on irritated or inflamed internal body tissues.
Overview[edit | edit source]
Demulcents are often used to relieve respiratory tract inflammation and irritation. They are also used in the treatment of gastrointestinal conditions, where they can soothe and protect the lining of the stomach and intestines.
Mechanism of Action[edit | edit source]
Demulcents work by forming a protective barrier over the mucous membranes, which helps to shield them from further irritation or damage. This can help to reduce inflammation and promote healing.
Examples of Demulcents[edit | edit source]
Some common examples of demulcents include glycerin, honey, and certain types of herbs such as marshmallow root and slippery elm.
Uses in Medicine[edit | edit source]
In medicine, demulcents are often used in cough syrups and lozenges to soothe irritated throats and reduce coughing. They are also used in certain types of eye drops to relieve dryness and irritation.
Side Effects[edit | edit source]
While generally considered safe, some people may experience allergic reactions to certain demulcents. It's always important to discuss any potential side effects with a healthcare provider before starting a new medication.
See Also[edit | edit source]
Demulcent Resources | ||
---|---|---|
|
|
|
Find a healthcare provider anywhere in the world quickly and easily!
Translate to: East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
Urdu,
বাংলা,
తెలుగు,
தமிழ்,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
русский,
português do Brasil,
Italian,
polski
WikiMD is the world's largest, free medical and wellness encyclopedia edited only by professionals. Advertise!
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Admin, Prab R. Tumpati, MD