Description
Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide, Phenylephrine Hydrochloride, and Chlorpheniramine Maleate Syrup comes with the branding “CAFKIL-D” and is a group of drugs known as ‘cough and cold preparations’, and it is mainly prescribed for the relief of a dry cough. Coughing (dry or productive) is the body’s response to removing irritants, such as allergens, mucus, or smoke, from the airways and avoiding infection. There exist two kinds of coughs, that is, dry cough and chesty cough. Dry cough is tickly and does not produce any thick or viscous mucus, whereas a chesty cough (wet cough) does produce mucus or sputum.
Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide, Phenylephrine Hydrochloride, and Chlorpheniramine Maleate Syrup contains Chlorpheniramine maleate, Phenylephrine and Dextromethorphan hydrobromide. Chlorpheniramine maleate acts by inhibiting the activity of histamine, an allergen responsible for producing allergic reactions. Phenylephrine assists in narrowing the blood vessels present in the nasal passage, thus alleviating the stuffiness in the nose. Dextromethorphan hydrobromide acts by preventing the transmission of nerve impulses from the cough centre of the brain to the cough-producing muscles. Combined, this drug provides relief from a dry cough.
Uses of Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide, Phenylephrine Hydrochloride, and Chlorpheniramine Maleate Syrup
- Relief from Cough: It provides relief from chronic and dry coughs due to respiratory diseases such as colds and allergies.
- Treatment of Allergic Conditions: It relieves allergic symptoms and respiratory infections, such as a runny nose and throat discomfort, bringing relief to the patients.
- Decongestant: It serves as a decongestant since it has phenylephrine, which constricts blood vessels in the nostrils, thereby decreasing swelling and helping to relieve congestion.
Medical Benefits
- This is a combination drug that falls under a category of medications known as ‘cough and cold preparations’, chiefly utilised to relieve a dry cough.
- Chlorpheniramine maleate acts by inhibiting the effect of histamine, a chemical which triggers allergic reactions.
- It relaxes allergy symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, watering of the eyes, itching, swelling, congestion or stiffness.
- Phenylephrine is a decongestant that has the effect of shrinking the blood vessels in the nasal passage, thus decreasing the stuffiness of the nose.
- Dextromethorphan hydrobromide functions by inhibiting the transmission of nerve impulses from the cough centre of the brain to the cough-producing muscles.
Directions for Use
- This syrup may be consumed with or without meals, as directed by your physician.
- Take your doctor’s advice on the dose and timing of this medicine.
- Shake the bottle hard before using it.
- Take the dose orally from the measuring cup/dosing syringe/dropper supplied with the pack.
- Do not use general domestic spoons as the dose cannot be measured accurately using them.
Storage
- Keep it in a cool, dry place away from heat or light sources.
- Tightly close the lid of this syrup after use.
- Store out of children’s reach to prevent accidents.
Precautions
- It may interact with anti-allergic medication (diphenhydramine), pain killer (aspirin), cold medications (acetaminophen), antibiotics (amoxicillin), anti-depressants (linezolid, phenelzine, selegiline, rasagiline, isocarboxazid, tranylcypromine), beta-blockers (metoprolol, atenolol), and muscle relaxants (carisoprodol, cyclobenzaprine).
- Inform your physician if you have liver or kidney disease, asthma, diabetes, glaucoma, cardiovascular diseases, an enlarged prostate gland, chronic bronchitis or emphysema (a lung disorder producing shortness of breath).
- Avoid the use of alcohol with this composition since it can enhance drowsiness.
- It can cause dizziness or drowsiness in certain individuals. Hence, drive only when you are alert following this syrup.
- Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide, Phenylephrine Hydrochloride, and Chlorpheniramine Maleate Syrup is not recommended for children below 12 years of age.
Side Effects
- Constipation
- Restlessness or excitation
- Blurred vision
- Headache
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is this syrup used for?
It is used to relieve symptoms of cold, cough, nasal congestion, sneezing, and a runny nose.
Can this syrup help with a dry cough?
Yes, Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant that helps control a dry, irritating cough.
Is it effective for a stuffy or blocked nose?
Yes, Phenylephrine is a decongestant that relieves nasal congestion.
Does this syrup alleviate symptoms of allergies such as sneezing or watery eyes?
Yes, Chlorpheniramine is an antihistamine and can be used to minimize sneezing, itching, and watery eyes.
Does this syrup induce drowsiness?
Yes, Chlorpheniramine can induce drowsiness. Do not drive or work with machines after taking the syrup.
Is it of use for a sore throat?
It may alleviate throat inflammation due to coughing, but it’s not a treatment for infection of the throat.
Can individuals with hypertension use this syrup?
Use caution, as Phenylephrine may increase blood pressure. Always consult your physician before use.
