Guaiphenesin + Diphenhydramine + Levomenthol

Indications

Guaiphenesin + Diphenhydramine + Levomenthol is used for: Relief of cough with associated congestive symptoms

Adult Dose

Adults: Syrup 2 tsf 4 times a day. For night time cough relief 2 tsf at bedtime followed by 2 tsf every 6 hours. Hepatic dysfunction Subjects with moderate to severe hepatic dysfunction should exercise caution when using this product

Child Dose

Children>12 years and over: Syrup 2 tsf 4 times a day. For night time cough relief 2 tsf at bedtime followed by 2 tsf every 6 hours. Children<12 years: Safety & Efficacy not established

Renal Dose

Subjects with moderate to severe renal dysfunction should exercise caution when using this product

Administration

May be taken with or without food.

Contra Indications

Known hypersensitivity to the product or any of its constituents. Not to be used in children under the age of 12 years.

Precautions

This product should be not used for persistent or chronic cough, such as occurs with asthma, or where cough is accompanied by excessive secretion. May impair ability to drive or operate machinery. Should be used with caution in patients with narrow-angle glaucoma or symptomatic prostatic hypertrophy. Avoid alcohol.

Pregnancy-Lactation

Interactions

This product contains diphenhydramine and therefore may potentiate the effects of alcohol, codeine, antihistamines and other CNS depressants. As diphenhydramine possesses some anticholinergic activity, the effects of anticholinergics (e.g. some psychotropic drugs and atropine) may be potentiated by this product. This may result in tachycardia, dry mouth, gastrointestinal disturbances (e.g. colic), urinary retention and headache.

Adverse Effects

Side effects of Guaiphenesin + Diphenhydramine + Levomenthol : Diphenhydramine may cause drowsiness, dizziness, gastrointestinal disturbance; dry mouth nose and throat; difficulty in urination or blurred vision. Less frequently it may cause palpitations, tremor, convulsions or paraesthesia. Hypersensitivity reactions have been reported, in particular, skin rashes, erythema, urticaria and angiodema. Gastro-intestinal discomfort, nausea and vomiting have occasionally been reported with guaifenesin particularly in large doses. Adverse reactions to levomenthol at the low concentration present are not anticipated.

Mechanism of Action

Diphenhydramine is a potent antihistamine and antitussive with anticholinergic and sedative properties. Recent experiments have shown that the antitussive action is discrete from H1-receptor blockade and is located in the brain stem. Guaifenesin is reported to reduce the viscosity of tenacious sputum and is used as an expectorant. Levomenthol has mild local anaesthetic and decongestant properties.