Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide, Chlorpheniramine Maleate, and Phenylephrine Hydrochloride Syrup

Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide, Chlorpheniramine Maleate, and Phenylephrine Hydrochloride Syrup come with the brand name “NETCOLD SYP” and belongs to a class of medication called ‘cough and cold preparations’ primarily used to treat dry cough. Coughing (dry or productive) is the body’s way of clearing irritants (like allergens, mucus, or smoke) from airways and preventing infection. There are two types of coughs, namely: dry cough and chesty cough. A dry cough is tickly and doesn’t produce any vicious or thick mucus, while a chesty cough (wet cough) means mucous or sputum is produced to help clear the airways.

Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide, Chlorpheniramine Maleate, and Phenylephrine Hydrochloride Syrup is a combination of three drugs, namely: Chlorpheniramine maleate (antihistamine), Phenylephrine hydrochloride (decongestant), and Dextromethorphan hydrobromide (cough suppressant). Chlorpheniramine maleate works by blocking the action of histamine, a substance responsible for causing allergic reactions. Phenylephrine hydrochloride helps in shrinking the blood vessels located in the nasal passage, thereby reducing the stuffy nose. Dextromethorphan hydrobromide works by blocking the transmission of nerve signals from the cough center in the brain to the muscles that produce cough. Together, it helps to provide relief from dry cough.

Medical Benefits

• Chlorpheniramine maleate works by blocking the action of histamine, a substance responsible for causing allergic reactions.
• It helps provide relief from allergy symptoms such as sneezing, running nose, watery eyes, itching, swelling, congestion or stiffness.
• Phenylephrine hydrochloride is a decongestant that helps in shrinking the blood vessels located in the nasal passage, thereby reducing the stuffy nose.
• Dextromethorphan hydrobromide works by blocking the transmission of nerve signals from the cough centre in the brain to the muscles that produce cough.
• Thus, it helps to relieve cough, cold and allergic symptoms.

Direction of Use

• Shake the bottle well before use.
• Check the label for directions and take it with or without food in doses as advised by your doctor with the help of a measuring cup provided with the pack.
• Take the prescribed dose of Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide, Chlorpheniramine Maleate, and Phenylephrine Hydrochloride Syrup at the same time each day.

Storage

• Keep it away from sunlight.
• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Store in a cool and dry place.

Precautions

• It may have interaction with anti-allergic drugs (diphenhydramine), anti-psychotic (escitalopram, desvenlafaxine, vilazodone), pain killer (aspirin), cold medicines (acetaminophen), antibiotics (amoxicillin), etc.
• Avoid consumption of alcohol with this syrup as it may increase drowsiness.
• Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide, Chlorpheniramine Maleate, and Phenylephrine Hydrochloride Syrup is not recommended for children below 12 years of age. However, please consult a doctor before using it.
• Avoid taking it and inform your doctor if you have taken medicines such as linezolid, phenelzine, selegiline, rasagiline, isocarboxazid, tranylcypromine and methylene blue injection in the past 14 days.

Side Effects

• Dizziness
• Blurred vision
• Headache
• Constipation
• Restlessness or excitation

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How does this medicine work?

It contains Chlorpheniramine maleate, Phenylephrine hydrochloride, and Dextromethorphan hydrobromide. Chlorpheniramine maleate works by blocking the action of histamine, a substance responsible for causing allergic reactions. Phenylephrine hydrochloride helps in shrinking the blood vessels located in the nasal passage, thereby reducing the stuffy nose. Dextromethorphan hydrobromide works by blocking the transmission of nerve signals from the cough centre in the brain to the muscles that produce cough.

Can I take this syrup if I need to undergo surgery?

Consult your doctor before taking it if you need to undergo surgery as it may lead to excessive drowsiness and sleepiness when given along with anaesthesia. Your doctor may advise you to stop taking this medicine 72 hours prior to the surgery.

Can I take this syrup with anti-depressant medicines?

It is not recommended to take this composition along with any anti-depressant medication, especially MAO inhibitors (linezolid, phenelzine, selegiline, rasagiline, isocarboxazid, tranylcypromine), as it may lead to unpleasant side-effects or drug interaction. Also, it should be taken at least 14days after your last dose of anti-depressants.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take this syrup and skip the missed dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for the missed dose.

Can this medicine be used in patients with glaucoma?

It may rarely worsen the symptoms of glaucoma. Therefore, this composition should be used with caution and only when prescribed by a doctor in patients with glaucoma.