Indication

Dry irritating cough, this is indicated as an antitussive for the night time relief of persistent, dry, irritating cough, and aiding restful sleep.

Adult Dose

Oral\r\nSyrup\r\nAdults and children aged 12 years and over:\r\n2 tsf at bedtime followed by 2 tsf every 6 hours Or \r\n2 tsf 4 times a day.\r\n\r\nDo not take more than 4 doses (1 dose = 2 tsf) in 24 hours.

Child Dose

Oral\r\nSyrup\r\nChildren12 years and over:\r\n2 tsf at bedtime followed by 2 tsf every 6 hours Or \r\n2 tsf 4 times a day.\r\n\r\nDo not take more than 4 doses (1 dose = 2 tsf) in 24 hours.

Contraindication

This medicine is contraindicated in individuals with known hypersensitivity to the product or any of its components.\r\n\r\nThis medicine is contraindicated in individuals who are taking, or have taken, monoamine oxidase inhibitors within the preceding two weeks. The concomitant use of a dextromethorphan-containing product and monoamine oxidase inhibitors can occasionally result in symptoms such as hyperpyrexia, hallucinations, gross excitation or coma.\r\n\r\nDextromethorphan, in common with other centrally acting antitussive agents, should not be given to subjects in, or at risk of developing respiratory failure.\r\n\r\nNot to be used in children under the age of 12 years.

Mode of Action

Dextromethorphan\r\n\r\nDextromethorphan is a non-opioid antitussive drug. It exerts its antitussive activity by acting on the cough centre in the medulla oblongata, raising the threshold for the cough reflex. A single oral dose of 10-20 mg dextromethorphan produces its antitussive action within 1 hour and lasts for at least 4 hours.\r\n\r\nDiphenhydramine\r\n\r\nDiphenhydramine possesses antitussive, antihistaminic, anticholinergic properties. Experiments have shown that the antitussive effect (resulting from an action on the brainstem) is discrete from its antihistaminic effect. The duration of activity of diphenhydramine is between 4 and 8 hours.\r\n\r\nMenthol has mild local anaesthetic and decongestant properties.

Precaution

Drowsiness Alert: Diphenhydramine causes significant drowsiness. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how it affects you.
Alcohol Interaction: Do not consume alcohol while taking this medication, as it can dangerously increase the sedative effects.
Breathing Issues: Use with caution if you have asthma, COPD, or chronic bronchitis, as the antihistamine can thicken lung secretions.
Glaucoma & Prostate: Avoid use if you have narrow-angle glaucoma or an enlarged prostate, as it may worsen these conditions.
Cough Type: This is for dry coughs. Do not use if your cough produces a lot of mucus (productive cough) unless advised by a doctor.
MAOIs Warning: Do not use if you are currently taking or have taken Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) in the last 14 days, as serious interactions can occur.
Liver Health: Patients with liver disease should consult a doctor, as the ingredients are processed in the liver.
Children: Ensure the dosage is correct for age. Some formulations are not suitable for children under 6 or 12 years old.
Mental Alertness: Be aware that Dextromethorphan can occasionally cause dizziness or confusion in elderly patients.
Pregnancy/Nursing: Consult a healthcare professional before use, as antihistamines can pass into breast milk and may affect the baby.

Side Effect

Diphenhydramine may cause: drowsiness; dizziness; gastrointestinal disturbance; dry mouth, nose and throat; difficulty in urination or blurred vision.\r\n\r\nDextromethorphan: dizziness, nausea, vomiting, or gastro-intestinal disturbance may occur.

Interaction

The concomitant use of a dextromethorphan-containing product and monoamine oxidase inhibitors can occasionally result in symptoms such as hyperpyrexia, hallucinations, gross excitation or coma.