止嗽散

• Total crude herb weight per dose: 29.02 g (sum of all ingredients).
• Converted to 5:1 granules: 29.02 g crude herb ÷ 5 = 5.804 g granules.

Dosing regimen:

Following conventional usage for patent formulas, this amount is generally the total daily dose.

• Recommended usage: Take 2-3 times daily, dissolved in warm water, 2-3 g per dose.

5. Cautions and clinical notes

Contraindications:

1. Not suitable for those with cough due to yin deficiency and consumptive disorders (such as cough from pulmonary tuberculosis).
2. Use with caution in cases of exuberant Lung heat presenting with cough and thick, sticky yellow phlegm, fever, and thirst.
3. This formula is warm in nature; for early-stage wind-heat colds, it may be appropriately combined with heat-clearing herbs.

Safety warning:

This formula is mild in nature, but its use should still be based on pattern differentiation. If there is no improvement in symptoms after one week of use, or if high fever or worsening cough and wheezing occur, discontinue use and seek medical attention.

Modern application: Mainly used for upper respiratory tract infection, acute bronchitis, and pertussis, where the pattern is wind pathogen invading the Lung, presenting with cough, itchy throat, and difficult expectoration. Especially suitable for cough that persists and fails to resolve after a common cold.

Duration of use: This formula is for cough due to external contraction, and is generally taken for 3-7 days. Discontinue once the cough symptoms have resolved.