Duro-Tuss Linctus 200ml, a popular cough syrup formulation:
Duro-Tuss Linctus 200ml - Comprehensive Profile
๐ Therapeutic Classification:
Antitussive + Expectorant Combination
โ
Active Ingredients (per 5ml):
Pholcodine (5mg) - Opioid-derived cough suppressant
Pseudoephedrine HCl (30mg) - Decongestant
Guaifenesin (50mg) - Expectorant
๐ฏ Primary Clinical Indications:
Dry, irritating cough (non-productive)
Congestive cough with nasal blockage
Post-viral cough
Night-time cough suppression
๐ Precision Dosage Guide:
Adults & Children โฅ12yrs: 10ml every 4-6 hours (Max 40ml/24hrs)
Children 6-11yrs: 5ml every 4-6 hours (Max 20ml/24hrs)
Not recommended for children under 6 years
Best taken undiluted at bedtime for nocturnal cough
โ๏ธ Pharmacokinetic Profile:
Onset: 15-30 minutes (pholcodine)
Peak effect: 2-3 hours
Duration: 4-6 hours
Half-life: Pholcodine ~40 hours (prolonged in renal impairment)
โ ๏ธ Critical Contraindications:
Respiratory depression/asthma
MAOI use (current or within 2 weeks)
Severe hypertension
Coronary artery disease
Prostate enlargement with urinary retention
๐ Significant Drug Interactions:
โ CNS depression with alcohol/opioids/benzodiazepines
โ Stimulant effects with other sympathomimetics
โ Anticholinergic effects with TCAs/antipsychotics
โ Efficacy with urinary acidifiers
๐ Adverse Effects Spectrum:
Common: Drowsiness, dry mouth, mild dizziness
Less common: Headache, nausea, tachycardia
Rare: Urinary retention, hallucinations (high doses)
๐ฌ Essential Monitoring:
Respiratory rate (especially in elderly)
Cough pattern changes
Blood pressure in hypertensive patients
Mental status in children
๐ก Key Patient Counseling Points:
Avoid alcohol completely
May cause drowsiness - caution when driving
Not for productive ("wet") coughs
Maintain adequate hydration
Sugar-free formulation (diabetic-friendly)
Potential false-positives in drug tests (opioid screens)
๐ Clinical Alternatives:
For pure suppression: Codeine Linctus
Non-drowsy option: Dextromethorphan syrups
Children's formula: Simple Linctus Pediatric
๐ฆ Product Specifications:
200ml bottle = 20-40 adult doses
Storage: Below 25ยฐC
Shelf-life: Typically 2-3 years unopened
Important: Pholcodine may affect anesthesia outcomes - patients should inform surgeons about recent use. Discontinue if cough persists beyond 5 days or if fever develops. Not recommended during pregnancy/lactation. Always use measuring device provided.
