Noscapine/ Narcosine Hydrochloride?

[lucy123]

Does anyone know what this is? (They are suppositaries for dd. They say "Clorhidrato de Noscapina", but apparently this can be Narcosine or Noscapine in English)

Dd has a terrible chest infection. That is my diagnosis as the doctor just said "she has a cold. Give her these" whilst thrusting some sachets of antibiotics and some of these suppositaries at me.

I can't find anything out about them in English on the net - does anyone know? (well, i can find Spanish articles, but these are generally about as helpful as said doctor).

Of for the (sometimes) patient-friendly NHS!

I wonder if you can contact NHS direct from wherever you are ? The number is 0845 46 47. I've sent an online request for info about the drug as info is only avail to those in England apparently. It could be upto 5 days before they respond, will post the answer on here when I get it.

Noscapine is a cough suppressant used widely throughout Europe. At higher doses, it has been shown to have anti-cancer activity in laboratory animals. Not on the WHO list of approved drugs.

Sory, must dash out, but if I find anymore info, will ost later

Agree with alibubbles -cough suppressant, possibly also an analgesic and sedative?
If it is a cheat infection surely supressing the cough would make it worse? Maybe use them at night so she can get some sleep if she can't stop coughing.

Think your doctor has their wires crossed -if its a cold they shouldn't be giving you antibiotics! Maybe your chest infection diagnosis is correct.

They probably gave you suppositaries as they are more rapidly absorbed into the blood than oral drugs, so are faster acting.

Thanks all.

Can't phone NHS direct as I am in Spain - they refuse to answer to foreign calls and fair enough really.

Katypie, you're right, its not coughing that's the problem, its wheezing: I wish she would coughmore. She seems better today though - I may give her another one later if she wakes up in the night.

My last sentence was supposed to read "Oh for the NHS" by the way. Its funny how many extra drugs they give out here - we had gelatine for diahorrea too, which I'm sure they don't do in the UK.