At the pharmacy this weekend i asked about taking a bronchodilator (like a cough syrup) as a preventative measure for my exercise induced asthma. I want to know if there is any risk in taking a cough medicine two or three times a week (it helps with the asthma). She didn't have any problem with taking it, but the pharmacist cautioned me about using it with my a-fib. This the first i have heard this and it never crossed my mind before.
Anyone being advised similarly?
Many cough medicines are contra indicated for ANYBODY with ANY heart issues. You need to read the warning slips with these products. Carvonia for example is VERY bad if you have AF.
Thanks
I am using Bisolvin Linctus, which fortunately doesn't have carvonia in it. I am going to speak to my GP about this.
My first episode of tachycardia was after taking a decongestant with pseudoephedrine in it. If your asthma is not well controlled you should have a review asap.
I agree with Buffafly, if you have Asthma and it is not controlled a visit to the GP is called for, cough linctus is not the answer....
Thanks for these comments. Just to clarify. I have exercised induced asthma/bronchospasm and i use an inhaler before i exercise.
So what sort of cough syrup should us a-fibbers take?
I will admit that i felt pretty crap yesterday after taking bisolvin linctus, but I am not sure how psychosomatic that was!
If you use a Salbutamol inhaler those aren’t advised either, I’m afraid. Look in the search facility.
Thanks, I use ipvent (ipatromium bromide ... or something like that) - but I asked my EP about this and he says he doesn't think there is any risk in taking salbutomol. Although it increases the heart rate he doesn't think it triggers a-fib.
my cardiologist also didn't have a strong opinion on this either.
Cough syrup. You can buy simple linctus which does nothing or try melting manuka honey and blackcurrant jam in a little hot water. Anything that acts as a bronchodilator is likely to be theoretically contraindicated in AF but some get away with it. All you can do is trust your cardio/EP and suck it and see.
I like these organic suggestions, thanks.
I have never come across manuka honey before, but thats probably because its ridiculously expensive here (South Africa)!
Will normal pukker organic honey do the same trick?
Yeah any good quality organic honey in warm water/ I use fresh lemon- juice in mine and take co- codamol : it always works
Agree with angell1950
I have a STRONG feeling NyQuil brought my Afib back. No evidence, but mighty suspicious.
Thanks all for the comments here. I am seeing my EP for a check up next week (holding thumbs) and will ask him what he thinks about this. I seldom use cough medicine so was very interested to see the responses to the questions.
@Buffafly I have seen a pulmonologist and the only thing of value he did was recommend Ipvent over salbutomal. I think my asthma issues (that i still get symptoms despite using a pump) are caused by the beta blockers I am taking.
Have anyone of you tried or heard of this prospan.de/en/about-prospan
I can't see any reason why taking that would be a problem for a-fib?
Hi Jonathan 
''Prospan® Special-Ivy-Extract EA 575®''
As someone who has asthma and AF I would not risk taking some obscure cough mixture, I would save my money and have my asthma medication reviewed by a doctor.
It is your decision of course
Thanks. I have been to a pulmonologist and he put me onto Ipvent and that is mostly effective.
I really want to know from you as what seems to be the only other person on the planet with a-fib and asthma: Have you ever been on beta blockers? And what effect did they have on your asthma?
Hi Jonathan there are a number of members here with both conditions.
Yes I take a beta blocker Nebivolol which I was told is the one best tolerated by asthmatics. I seem ok with my asthma which is well controlled.
I also take a Seretide 'preventer' inhaler twice daily and Ventolin as and when needed which is rarely.
Feedback on two issues raised in this thread, from my EP. Cough mixtures - yes, there is a risk, but you are safe to take as much as you NEED to get better (i.e. don't exceed the daily recommended dose).
On salbutomal his view is that the strain that asthma puts on your heart is much more likely to trigger a-fib than a few puffs of salbutomal. He did say don't take too much, like Mr Froome did, but definitely rather use salbutomal to avoid asthma than avoid the use of salbutomal.
Vagal a fib
PPI’s Gaviscon advance and A-Fib meds 
