Alcof Expectorant

Description

DESCRIPTION

Alcof is a cough and cold preparation.

COMPOSITION

Each 5 ml contains Ammonium Chloride BP 110mg, Chlorpheniramine maleate BP 2.0mg, Sodium Citrate HCl BP 50mg.

PHARMACODYNAMICS

Chlorpheniramine competes with histamine for histamine H1-receptor sites on smooth muscle of the bronchi, gastrointestinal tract, uterus, and large blood vessels; it binds to cellular receptors, preventing access of histamine, thereby suppressing histamine-induced allergic symptoms. Chlorpheniramine does not directly alter histamine or its release. It is rapidly and well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract; action begins within 10 to 30 minutes, and peaks in 2 to 6 hours. It is distributed extensively into the body fluids; the drug is about 72% protein-bound.

It is metabolized largely in the mucosal cells and liver.

Chlorpheniramine’s half-life is 12 to 43 hours in adults and 10 to 13 hours in children; drug and metabolites are excreted in urine.

Ammonium Chloride exerts an expectorant action by irritating the gastric mucous membranes.

It is well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. The ammonium ion is converted into urea in the liver; the anion thus liberated into the blood and extracellular fluid causes a metabolic acidosis and decreases the pH of the urine;

this is followed by transient diuresis in large doses.

Sodium Citrate is an expectorant that works by thinning the mucus so it’s easier to eliminate mucus.

• It is metabolised, after absorption, to bicarbonate ions and then to carbon dioxide.

INDICATIONS

Alcof is indicated for the relief of cough and cold symptoms, symptomatic relief of nasal congestion, Allergic rhinitis, Hay fever, and sinus headache.

CONTRAINDICATIONS AND PRECAUTIONS

Alcof is contraindicated in-patients with known hypersensitivity to any of the components of the preparation. Ammonium salts are irritant to the gastric mucosa and may produce nausea and vomiting particularly in large doses. Ammonium salts are contra-indicated in patients with hepatic or renal impairment.

ADVERSE REACTIONS

The most common adverse reactions include:

• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, abdominal pain, loss of
• Rash, urticaria, itching, erythema
• Drowsiness, tinnitus, and euphoria and occasionally
• Tachycardia, anxiety, restlessness, and insomnia; skin rashes and urinary

DOSAGE

Adults and children over 12 years: Three – Four 5ml spoonfuls 3 – 4 times a day Children above 6 to 12 years: 5ml (one teaspoonful) 3 -4 times a day

Children age 2 to 6 years: 2.5ml (half teaspoonful) 2 – 4 times a day.

PRESENTATION

Syrup in 60ml and 100ml amber coloured bottles.

STORAGE

Alcof should be stored below 30oC, in a dry place protected from light. Keep out of reach of children.