:Demulcent

{{short description|Agent forming a soothing film over irritated mucous membranes}}

File:Hustenbonbons 02.jpg]]

A demulcent (derived from the {{langx|la|demulcere}} "caress") is a mucilaginous or oleaginous preparation{{Cite web|title=Definition of DEMULCENT|url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/demulcent|access-date=2022-02-19|website=www.merriam-webster.com|language=en}} that forms a soothing protective film over a mucous membrane, relieving minor pain and inflammation of the membrane.{{cite journal|last1=Mandel|first1=I. D.|title=The Functions of Saliva|journal=Journal of Dental Research|volume=66|issue=2 suppl|year=1987|pages=623–627|issn=0022-0345|doi=10.1177/00220345870660S203|pmid=3497964|s2cid=23498530}} However, they generally help for less than 30 minutes.{{cite journal|last1=Frye|first1=R|last2=Bailey|first2=J|last3=Blevins|first3=AE|title=Clinical inquiries. Which treatments provide the most relief for pharyngitis pain?|journal=The Journal of Family Practice|date=May 2011|volume=60|issue=5|pages=293–4|pmid=21544279}}

Demulcents are sometimes referred to as mucoprotective agents. Demulcents such as pectin, glycerin, honey, and syrup are common ingredients in cough mixtures and cough drops.{{cite journal |last=Boyd |first=Eldon M. |title=Cough medication and antihistaminic drugs |journal=Can Med Assoc J |year=1952 |volume=67 |issue=4 |pages=289–92 |pmid=13009543 |pmc=1822606 }}