Diphenhydramine HCl 5 mg, Promethazine 2.5 mg, Ammonium chloride 90 mg, Sodium citrate 45 mg
Class: Antihistamine + Expectorant / Cough & cold syrup
Manufacturer: Benmed Pharmaceutical Ltd (Kenya)
Dosage Form: Oral syrup
Similar Brands:
Uses:
Symptomatic relief of cough, cold, flu, and allergic upper respiratory symptoms, including:
- Congested airways, stuffed/runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes.
- Irritating coughs, hay fever/allergic coughs.
- Throat irritation, congestion from common cold/flu.
Helps reduce allergy-related symptoms and promotes mucus clearance. Not for dry cough (may thicken secretions further) or as primary treatment for bacterial infections (antibiotics if needed)—adjunctive for symptom relief.
Dosage:
Take orally, with or without food (often after meals to reduce GI upset). Typical (follow label/pharmacist/doctor advice; do not exceed):
Adults: 10 mL (2 teaspoonfuls) every 4–6 hours as needed (max 4 doses/24 hours).
Children (if advised): Lower dose based on age/weight (e.g., 5 mL every 6–8 hours for older children)—consult pediatrician; not recommended for young children/infants without guidance due to sedation risk.
Duration: Short-term (e.g., 3–5 days); seek medical advice if symptoms persist > few days or worsen (e.g., fever, shortness of breath).
Adults: 10 mL (2 teaspoonfuls) every 4–6 hours as needed (max 4 doses/24 hours).
Children (if advised): Lower dose based on age/weight (e.g., 5 mL every 6–8 hours for older children)—consult pediatrician; not recommended for young children/infants without guidance due to sedation risk.
Duration: Short-term (e.g., 3–5 days); seek medical advice if symptoms persist > few days or worsen (e.g., fever, shortness of breath).
Side Effects:
Common (mild/transient): Drowsiness/sedation (prominent due to antihistamines), dizziness, dry mouth/nose/throat, thickened bronchial secretions (may worsen productive cough), nausea, epigastric distress.
Less common: Disturbed coordination, constipation, blurred vision, headache.
Serious (rare, seek immediate care): Severe allergic reactions (rash, swelling, breathing difficulty), excessive sedation/confusion (especially children/elderly), respiratory depression (high doses), or paradoxical excitation (restlessness in children).
Less common: Disturbed coordination, constipation, blurred vision, headache.
Serious (rare, seek immediate care): Severe allergic reactions (rash, swelling, breathing difficulty), excessive sedation/confusion (especially children/elderly), respiratory depression (high doses), or paradoxical excitation (restlessness in children).
Warnings & Precautions:
Causes significant drowsiness—avoid driving/machinery, alcohol, sedatives (enhanced CNS depression).
Use caution in asthma/COPD (thickened secretions risk), glaucoma, prostate issues, urinary retention, or elderly (anticholinergic effects).
Not for infants/young children without doctor (sedation/respiratory risks).
Monitor for persistent cough, high fever, wheezing, or bloody sputum—seek doctor (may indicate infection).
Contains excipients (e.g., sugars—caution in diabetes).
Use caution in asthma/COPD (thickened secretions risk), glaucoma, prostate issues, urinary retention, or elderly (anticholinergic effects).
Not for infants/young children without doctor (sedation/respiratory risks).
Monitor for persistent cough, high fever, wheezing, or bloody sputum—seek doctor (may indicate infection).
Contains excipients (e.g., sugars—caution in diabetes).
Pregnancy & Lactation:
Pregnancy: Limited data; antihistamines like diphenhydramine/promethazine may pose risks (e.g., sedation)—use only if clearly needed; consult doctor.
Lactation: Not recommended (passes into milk; risk of infant sedation/respiratory depression).
Lactation: Not recommended (passes into milk; risk of infant sedation/respiratory depression).
Drug Interactions:
CNS depressants (alcohol, sedatives, opioids, hypnotics): Enhanced drowsiness/respiratory depression.
Anticholinergics: Additive effects (dry mouth, constipation).
MAO inhibitors: Potential interactions (avoid).
Anticholinergics: Additive effects (dry mouth, constipation).
MAO inhibitors: Potential interactions (avoid).
Contraindications:
Hypersensitivity to diphenhydramine, promethazine, ammonium chloride, sodium citrate, or excipients.
Newborns/premature infants (high sedation risk).
Severe respiratory depression or acute asthma exacerbation.
Newborns/premature infants (high sedation risk).
Severe respiratory depression or acute asthma exacerbation.
Price: Ksh 150/- (Benahist Syrup 100ml), 50/- (Benahist Syrup 60ml)
Notes:
Pack Size: 100ml, 60ml