Codylex Linctus
Antitussive
Description
Codylex Linctus is an antitussive preparation that contains codeine phosphate and chlorpheniramine maleate to effectively treat dry, hacking, painful and unproductive cough associated with respiratory diseases.
Indications
Codylex Linctus is indicated for symptomatic relief of coughs and related upper respiratory symptoms associated with infection, allergy or the common cold. It is particularly useful for treating dry, painful, unproductive, hacking cough that is unduly exhausting, sleep interfering and hazardous.
Recommended Dosage
Adults: One teaspoonful (5ml) every 6 hours.
Children: ( Above 6 years):½ teaspoonful (2.5ml) every 6 hours.
Children: (Between 2-6 years):¼ teaspoonful (1.25ml) every 6 hours.
Codylex Linctus is generally not recommended for Children under 2 years of age.
Action
Actions
The pharmacological properties of the following ingredients explain the rationale for their presence in Codylex Linctus and their combined beneficial antitussive effect.
Codeine phosphate:
It is an opioid derivative, which has a good analgesic and antitussive property. Codeine phosphate is usually administered by mouth in the form of Linctus for the relief of cough as it acts selectively by suppressing cough center in the Central Nervous System. Its cough suppressant effect is exerted through opioid receptors which actually increases the threshold of the cough centre in the brain to incoming cough stimuli.
Following ingestion of Codeine phosphate, peak plasma concentrations are reached in about one hour. Codeine’s plasma half-life is about 3-4 hrs. and it is metabolized in the liver to morphine, norcodeine and other metabolites. The parent drug and its metabolites are excreted mainly via the kidneys as conjugates of glucuronic acid.
Chlorpheniramine maleate:
It is a time-tested antihistamine, which plays a useful role in suppressing cough. Its anticholinergic and sedative actions are suggested to be responsible for its beneficial effect in treating cough. It is of great value in treating cough caused by post-nasal drip and allergic rhinitis.
Following oral dosing, Chlorpheniramine maleate is slowly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract with a bioavailability of about 25-50%. Its duration of action is about 4-5 hrs. It is about 70% protein bound and widely distributed in the body. The parent drug and its metabolites are excreted primarily in the urine.
Safety
Codylex Linctus is generally safe and well tolerated in recommended doses. The occasional side effects observed with its usage include constipation, drowsiness, anorexia, nausea, blurring of vision, dryness of mouth, dysuria and paradoxical stimulation of CNS. Codeine has a low abuse liability. At toxic doses, Codeine causes respiratory depression and profound drowsiness. Patients on Codylex Linctus are advised to abstain from alcohol ingestion and advised against engaging in hazardous activities like driving or operating dangerous machineries. Codeine and antihistamines are contraindicated in patients with diminished respiratory reserve, asthmatics and in individuals with a history of hypersensitive reaction to any of the ingredients in Codylex Linctus.
Presentation
Codylex Linctus is available in 50ml and 100ml bottles as a sugar-free, menthol-based, raspberry flavoured antitussive medicament.
Composition
Each 5ml of Codylex Linctus contains :
| Codeine phosphate IP | 10 mg |
| Chlorpheniramine Maleate IP | 4 mg |
