Codylex Plus
Anticold-Antitussive
Description
Codylex Plus is a comprehensive formulation that can be clinically useful for the relief of cold or flu symptoms such as fever, body aches, headaches, sore throat, runny nose and coughs.
Indications
Codylex plus is indicated for symptomatic relief of cough, nasal itching, sneezing, runny nose, sore throat, headache, bodyache and fever associated with common cold, allergy or upper respiratory tract infections.
Recommended Dosage
Generally 1-2 tablets 3-4 times daily is recommended.
Action
The pharmacological properties of the following ingredients explain the rationale for their presence in Codylex Plus 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.
Paracetamol :
It is a clinically proven safe analgesic-antipyretic that is commonly used for the relief of fever and mild to moderate pain. Paracetamol produces analgesia by elevation of the pain threshold and antipyresis through action on the hypothalamic thermo-regulatory center. The usual adult dose by mouth is 0.5 - 1 g every 4-6 hrs up to a maximum of 4 g per day. Given the dosage range of 0.5 - 1 g / dose, paracetamol 500 mg has been incorporated in the above preparation for better clinical efficacy and safety. Paracetamol is readily absorbed from the GIT with peak plasma concentrations occurring about 10-60 minutes after oral administration. Its elimination half-life is about 1-3 hours.
It is evident from the above that all the ingredients present in Codylex plus have specific related actions, different modes of action and favourably matching pharmacokinetic profile. Therefore, this comprehensive preparation containing codeine phosphate, chlorpheniramine maleate and paracetamol has been designed to synergistically treat fever, bodyache, headache, sore throat, cough, nasal itching, sneezing and runny nose of upper respiratory tract inflammatory symptomatology.
Safety
Codylex plus 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 plus 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 plus. Side effects of paracetamol are rare and usually mild although hematological changes have been seldom reported. Overdosage with paracetamol can result in liver damage and renal dysfunction.
Presentation
Codylex plus is available as 10 tablets per strip. 10 strips packed in a carton (10 X 10)
Composition
Each uncoated tablet of Codylex Plus contains :
| Codeine phosphate I.P. | 10 mg |
| Chlorpheniramine Maleate I.P. | 2 mg |
| Paracetamol | 500 mg |
