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