Actophlem 200ml, a popular expectorant cough syrup in Nigeria:
Actophlem 200ml - Complete Drug Profile
📌 Therapeutic Classification:
Expectorant + Bronchodilator Combination
✅ Active Composition (per 5ml):
-
Diphenhydramine HCl (12.5mg) - Antitussive/Antihistamine
-
Ammonium Chloride (100mg) - Expectorant
-
Sodium Citrate (60mg) - Mucolytic/Alkalizer
-
Menthol (1mg) - Local soothing agent
🎯 Primary Clinical Indications:
-
Productive cough with thick mucus
-
Bronchitis-associated cough
-
Post-nasal drip cough
-
Mild allergic cough
-
Whooping cough symptom management
💊 Precise Dosage Regimen:
-
Adults: 10ml (2 teaspoonfuls) every 6-8 hours
-
Children 6-12 years: 5ml every 6-8 hours
-
Maximum Daily Dose:
-
Adults: 40ml/24hrs
-
Children: 20ml/24hrs
-
Administration Note: Best taken with warm liquids
⚖️ Pharmacokinetics:
⚠️ Critical Contraindications:
-
Asthma attacks (can thicken secretions)
-
Severe respiratory depression
-
Concurrent MAOI therapy
-
Neonates/infants (<2 years)
-
Porphyria patients
🔄 Significant Interactions:
-
Potentiates CNS depressants (alcohol, opioids)
-
Anticholinergic synergy (with TCAs, antipsychotics)
-
Reduced efficacy with urinary acidifiers
-
Increased sedation with benzodiazepines
📉 Adverse Effect Profile:
-
Common: Drowsiness, dry mouth, mild GI upset
-
Less frequent: Urinary retention, blurred vision
-
Rare: Paradoxical excitation (in children)
🔬 Therapeutic Monitoring:
💡 Essential Patient Counseling:
-
Maintain adequate hydration
-
Avoid driving/operating machinery
-
Not for persistent dry cough
-
Shake well before each use
-
Sugar content: ~3.2g per 10ml dose
🛒 Therapeutic Alternatives:
-
For pure expectoration: Bisolvon Syrup
-
Non-sedating option: Carbocisteine
-
Children's formula: Benylin Expectorant
📦 Packaging Economics:
