Diphenhydramine HCl 12.5 mg, Codeine phosphate 10 mg, Ammonium chloride 125 mg per 5 mL
Class: Antitussive + Antihistamine + Expectorant cough syrup
Manufacturer:
Dosage Form: Oral syrup
Similar Brands:
Uses:
Symptomatic relief of dry, persistent, non-productive (irritating/hacking) coughs in adults, including:
- Cough from common cold, flu, or upper respiratory irritation.
- Irritating cough without mucus/phlegm.
Helps suppress cough reflex and reduce related symptoms for better rest. Not for productive/wet coughs (may hinder mucus clearance), asthma/emphysema/chronic bronchitis coughs, or coughs from smoking—consult doctor. Not recommended for children under 18 for cough relief (many guidelines restrict codeine in pediatrics due to risks).
Dosage:
Oral, every 4 hours as needed (shake bottle; use measuring device).
Adults 18 years and older: 5–10 mL (1–2 medicine measures/teaspoonfuls) every 4 hours.
Maximum: Do not exceed 4 doses per day; use lowest effective dose for shortest duration (DO NOT USE FOR LONGER THAN 3 DAYS without medical advice).
Children under 18: Contraindicated for cough relief (risk of respiratory depression, especially ultra-rapid metabolizers of codeine).
Duration: Short-term only (max 3 days); seek medical help if cough persists/worsens.
Side Effects:
Common (mild/transient): Drowsiness/sedation, dizziness, dry mouth, constipation, nausea, vomiting, sweating, facial flushing, vertigo.
Less common: Confusion, euphoria, itching, orthostatic hypotension, urinary retention, depression, paradoxical coughing.
Serious (rare, seek immediate care): Respiratory depression (slow/shallow breathing), severe constipation, dependence/addiction (with prolonged use), anaphylaxis (rash, swelling, breathing difficulty), seizures, or overdose symptoms (extreme drowsiness, coma).
Warnings & Precautions:
Codeine can cause addiction/dependence—use only as directed/short-term.
Significant drowsiness—avoid driving/machinery, alcohol, sedatives (potentiates CNS depression).
Risk higher in CYP2D6 ultra-rapid metabolizers (convert codeine to morphine faster—toxic levels possible).
Not for acute asthma attacks, alcoholism, head injury/raised intracranial pressure, impaired liver/renal function, or children under 18 for cough.
Monitor for respiratory depression (especially high doses).
Contains sugar (1 g sucrose + 2.3 mL glucose per 5 mL)—caution in diabetes.
Contains alcohol (ethanol 5% v/v)—caution in alcohol-sensitive individuals.
Seek doctor if cough persists >3 days, worsens, or includes fever/rash/headache (may indicate serious issue).
Significant drowsiness—avoid driving/machinery, alcohol, sedatives (potentiates CNS depression).
Risk higher in CYP2D6 ultra-rapid metabolizers (convert codeine to morphine faster—toxic levels possible).
Not for acute asthma attacks, alcoholism, head injury/raised intracranial pressure, impaired liver/renal function, or children under 18 for cough.
Monitor for respiratory depression (especially high doses).
Contains sugar (1 g sucrose + 2.3 mL glucose per 5 mL)—caution in diabetes.
Contains alcohol (ethanol 5% v/v)—caution in alcohol-sensitive individuals.
Seek doctor if cough persists >3 days, worsens, or includes fever/rash/headache (may indicate serious issue).
Pregnancy & Lactation:
Pregnancy: Avoid (codeine risks fetal dependence/respiratory depression); consult doctor.
Lactation: Not recommended (codeine/diphenhydramine pass into milk; risk of infant sedation/respiratory issues).
Drug Interactions:
CNS depressants (alcohol, sedatives, opioids): Enhanced drowsiness/respiratory depression.
MAO inhibitors: Avoid (or within 14 days)—risk of excitation/hypertension.
Other cough/cold medicines: Additive effects (avoid overlap).
Contraindications:
Hypersensitivity to diphenhydramine, codeine, ammonium chloride, or excipients.
Children under 18 years for cough relief.
Acute asthma attacks, alcoholism, head injury/raised intracranial pressure, severe liver/renal impairment.
Concomitant MAO inhibitors (or within 14 days).
CYP2D6 ultra-rapid metabolizers.
Children under 18 years for cough relief.
Acute asthma attacks, alcoholism, head injury/raised intracranial pressure, severe liver/renal impairment.
Concomitant MAO inhibitors (or within 14 days).
CYP2D6 ultra-rapid metabolizers.
Price: Ksh 1329/-
Notes:
Do not exceed recommended doses or use long-term