Chlorpheniramine+codeine+menthol
About
Chlorpheniramine+codeine+menthol is a combination medicine used to relieve cough and symptoms associated with the common cold or upper respiratory allergies. Coughing is the body's way of clearing irritants (like allergens, mucus or smoke) from airways, thereby preventing respiratory infection. An allergy occurs when your body is attacked or invaded by allergy-causing agents known as allergens. The common cold is an infection caused by viruses, mainly 'rhinovirus' affecting your nose and throat (upper respiratory tract).
Chlorpheniramine+codeine+menthol is a combination of three drugs, namely: Chlorpheniramine, Codeine, and Menthol. Chlorpheniramine blocks the action of histamine, a substance responsible for causing allergic reactions. Codeine is a cough suppressant which reduces cough by acting on the cough centre in the brain. Menthol provides relief from throat irritation and provides a cooling sensation. Together, Chlorpheniramine+codeine+menthol provides relief from cough and allergy symptoms.
You are advised to use Chlorpheniramine+codeine+menthol for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you depending on your medical condition. In some cases, you may experience certain common side-effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, constipation, dry mouth, nausea, and vomiting. Most of these side-effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience these side-effects persistently.
Do not take Chlorpheniramine+codeine+menthol if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Be cautious while driving or operating machinery as Chlorpheniramine+codeine+menthol may cause dizziness and drowsiness. Avoid consuming alcohol with Chlorpheniramine+codeine+menthol as it could lead to increased dizziness and drowsiness. Chlorpheniramine+codeine+menthol should not be given to children below 18 years as the safety and effectiveness have not been established. Inform your doctor about your health condition and the medicines you are taking to rule out any side-effects/interactions.
Uses of Chlorpheniramine+codeine+menthol
Medicinal Benefits
Chlorpheniramine+codeine+menthol is a combination of three drugs, namely: Chlorpheniramine, Codeine, and Menthol. Chlorpheniramine+codeine+menthol is used to provide relief from cough. Additionally, Chlorpheniramine+codeine+menthol is also used to treat symptoms associated with the common cold or upper respiratory allergies. Chlorpheniramine blocks the action of histamine, a substance responsible for causing allergic reactions. Codeine is a cough suppressant which reduces cough by acting centrally on the cough centre in the brain. Menthol provides relief from throat irritation and provides a cooling sensation. Together, Chlorpheniramine+codeine+menthol provides comfort from cough, allergy and common cold symptoms.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Chlorpheniramine+codeine+menthol
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Constipation
- Dry mouth
- Nausea
- Vomiting
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Do not take Chlorpheniramine+codeine+menthol if you are allergic to any of its contents; if you have taken any antidepressants (monoamine oxidase inhibitors - MAOI) in the last 14 days, have severe breathing problems, or have stomach or bowel obstruction. Inform your doctor if you have asthma, COPD, glaucoma, peptic ulcer disease, epilepsy/fits, diabetes, enlarged prostate or urination problems, low blood pressure, alcoholism or drug addiction, heart, kidney or liver problems. Do not take Chlorpheniramine+codeine+menthol if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Chlorpheniramine+codeine+menthol should not be given to children below 18 years as safety and effectiveness have not been established. Chlorpheniramine+codeine+menthol should not be used along with benzodiazepines, CNS depressants and alcohol as it may cause profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma and death.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Chlorpheniramine+codeine+menthol may interact with an anti-convulsant (carbamazepine, phenytoin, pregabalin), antibiotic (rifampin), pain killers (oxycodone, celecoxib), benzodiazepine (lorazepam, diazepam, alprazolam), anti-psychotic (quetiapine), anti-depressant (duloxetine, fluoxetine, sertraline), antihistamine (diphenhydramine, cetirizine).
Drug-Food Interaction: No interactions found/established.
Drug-Disease Interaction: Inform your doctor if you have breathing problems, stomach or bowel obstruction, peptic ulcer disease, epilepsy/fits, diabetes, enlarged prostate or urination problems, low blood pressure, alcoholism or drug addiction, heart, kidney or liver problems.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAvoid consumption of alcohol while taking Chlorpheniramine+codeine+menthol as it may cause increased dizziness and drowsiness.
Pregnancy
unsafeAvoid taking Chlorpheniramine+codeine+menthol if you are pregnant as Chlorpheniramine+codeine+menthol contains codeine which might make the baby dependent on the drug leading to withdrawal symptoms in the baby after its birth.
Breast Feeding
unsafeAvoid taking Chlorpheniramine+codeine+menthol if you are breastfeeding as Chlorpheniramine+codeine+menthol contains codeine which might pass into breastmilk leading to life-threatening side-effects.
Driving
unsafeChlorpheniramine+codeine+menthol may cause dizziness and drowsiness. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are alert.
Liver
cautionDose adjustment may be needed in patients with liver impairment. Please consult your doctor if you have a liver impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Kidney
cautionDose adjustment may be needed in patients with kidney impairment. Please consult your doctor if you have kidney impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Children
unsafeChlorpheniramine+codeine+menthol should not be given to children below 18 years as safety and effectiveness have not been established. Chlorpheniramine+codeine+menthol contains codeine which causes respiratory depression when given to children below 18 years who have undergone surgery to remove tonsils or adenoids.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Wash your hands regularly to avoid spreading of germs.
- Gargle with salt water for relief from sore throat.
- Avoid smoking and consumption of alcohol.
- Avoid dairy products such as milk as it may increase mucus production.
- Replace baked foods, fried foods, white bread, white pasta, French fries, sugary desserts and chips with green leafy vegetables.
- Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dry throat.
- Avoid citrus fruits as it may worsen the cough.
- Eat fruits rich in water content such as pears, watermelon, peaches and pineapples.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Cough: Coughing is the body's way of clearing irritants (like allergens, mucus or smoke) from airways and preventing infection. Cough can be dry or productive. A productive cough (wet cough) develops sputum (phlegm or mucus) from the lungs, where a dry cough does not produce sputum. Cough is commonly caused as a response to allergy or viral infection but coughing up mucus is possibly an indication of infection in the respiratory tract.
Common cold: The common cold is an infection caused by viruses, mainly 'rhinovirus' affecting your nose and throat (upper respiratory tract). In most cases, cold symptoms are recovered within a week or ten days. However, symptoms might last longer in people who smoke or are exposed to allergens like dust, pollutants etc. Symptoms of a common cold might include stuffy or runny nose, sore throat, cough, congestion, mild body pain or a mild headache, sneezing, low-grade fever, and feeling unwell (malaise).
Allergy: This occurs when your body is attacked or invaded by allergy-causing agents known as 'allergens'. These allergens cause the body to release a chemical messenger called histamine, which causes inflammation, redness, itchiness, stuffy nose, watery eyes, etc. Allergies can be caused due to chemicals, air pollution, pet danders, pollens of plants, and seasonal allergies like hay fever.
FAQs
Chlorpheniramine+codeine+menthol is a combination of three drugs, namely: Chlorpheniramine, Codeine, and Menthol. Chlorpheniramine blocks the action of histamine, a substance responsible for causing allergic reactions. Codeine reduces cough by acting on the cough centre in the brain. Menthol provides relief from throat irritation and provides a cooling sensation. Together, Chlorpheniramine+codeine+menthol provides relief from cough and allergy.
Chlorpheniramine+codeine+menthol should not be taken for longer durations as it may cause dependence. If your condition does not improve despite taking Chlorpheniramine+codeine+menthol for 5 days, consult your doctor, he/she may prescribe an alternate medicine.
Constipation could be a side-effect of Chlorpheniramine+codeine+menthol. Eat fibre-rich food and drink plenty of fluids if you experience constipation. Consult your doctor if you experience severe constipation.
Chlorpheniramine+codeine+menthol contains chlorpheniramine, an antihistamine that helps in providing relief from an upper respiratory allergy such as a runny nose, sneezing, itching, and watery eyes.
Dry mouth could be a side-effect of Chlorpheniramine+codeine+menthol. Limiting caffeine intake, avoiding smoking, drinking water regularly and chewing sugar-free gum/candy might stimulate saliva and prevent drying of the mouth.
Chlorpheniramine+codeine+menthol contains codeine; therefore, it might cause addiction. Use Chlorpheniramine+codeine+menthol only for as long as your doctor has prescribed.