Dhasedyl, Procodin, Codipront & Dextromethorphan - Cough Medicines in Singapore
A cough is a common reflex action that helps clear your airways of mucus, foreign particles, and irritants. It is a symptom of many underlying conditions such as the common cold, flu, chest infections and even allergies. A cough can be either dry or productive, meaning that it brings up phlegm or mucus. While a mild cough is usually not a cause for concern, a persistent or severe cough should be evaluated by a doctor to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment. Remember, a cough is a natural defense mechanism, so don’t suppress it completely! Make an appointment to see us to diagnose the underlying cause of your cough!
Dhasedyl Syrup
Dhasedyl syrup is a cough suppressant used to relieve cough, and contains active ingredients (per 5 mls)
- Codeine Phosphate 9mg
- Promethazine HCl 3.6mg
- Ephedrine HCl 6mgÂ
Promethazine is a first-generation antihistamine, anti-psychotic, sedative, and anti-vomiting medication used to treat allergies, insomnia, and nausea. It may also help with some symptoms associated with the common cold and upper respiratory tract infections. Promethazine is generally well tolerated. Side effects of promethazine include sleepiness and confusion.
Ephedrine HCl is a medication that belongs to a class of drugs named alpha/beta adrenergic agonists. It is used to treat the symptoms of low blood pressure (hypotension) during general anesthesia. Ephedrine is included in cough syrup as it increases energy and enhances one’s mood. Common side effects of ephedrine include trouble sleeping, anxiety, headache, hallucinations, high blood pressure, fast heart rate, loss of appetite, and inability to urinate.
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Dhasedyl syrup is frequently prescribed by general practitioners for symptoms of cough and the common cold. The standard dose for adults is 10mls thrice daily. Patients should exercise extreme caution driving and not operate heavy machinery whilst taking Dhasedyl syrup.
Dhasedyl DM
There is a variation of Dhasedyl syrup labelled Dhasedyl DM. Instead of codeine, dextromethorphan (described below) is used as the active ingredient. The amount of Promethazine and Ephedrine are similar to Dhasedyl syrup.
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As a result, Dhasedyl DM side effects such as vomiting, constipation, lightheadness and drowsiness are less pronounced.
Procodin Syrup
Procodin is also a cough suppressant used for cough relief, and contains (per 5mls)
- Codeine Phosphate 10mg
- Promethazine HCl 6.25mgÂ
What Is The Difference Between Dhasedyl And Procodin?
What Is The Difference Between Dhasedyl And Procodin?Referring to the ingredients above, we note the following (at an equivalent dose):
- Dhasedyl syrup contains ephedrine HCl, whereas Procodin does not
- There is a slightly higher content of codeine phosphate in Procodin, and significantly more promethazine HCl in Procodin.
What does this mean? At a similar dose,
- Procodin likely has more sedative effects due to the higher amount of codeine and promethazine
- Dhasedyl will likely have less sedative effects due to the lower amount of codeine and promethazine, as well as due to the addition of ephedrine.
Codipront Tablet
Codipront tablet is an extended release cough suppressant, and contains the following (per tablet):
- Codeine Phosphate 30mg
- Phenyltoloxamine 10 mg
Phenyltoloxamine is an antihistamine with sedative and pain-relieving effects. It is frequently combined with codeine in cough medications as it increases the effectiveness of codeine as a cough suppressant; and has anti-cough properties of its own. It is particularly useful in coughs which are productive due to its moderate drying action of the upper airways. Side effects include multiple drug interactions, dizziness, drowsiness, constipation, stomach upset, blurred vision, or dryness of the mouth, nose or throat.
Codipront is available in a syrup or tablet form, but the tablet form is more commonly seen in Singapore. The dose of Codipront for adults is 1 tablet up to thrice daily.
Codipront is thought to be more effective than Dhasedyl or Procodin due to its higher codeine content; although that increases the risks of side effects associated with codeine. It as also conveniently administered as it comes in the form of a tablet.
Dextromethorphan Syrup Singapore
Dextromethorphan is also a cough suppressant, and contains the following (per 10mls):
- Dextromethorphan 30mg
It works by decreasing the feeling of needing to cough. Studies have shown that it appears to be less effective compared to codeine when used as a medication for cough. Adverse effects include dizziness, lightheadedness, drowsiness, nervousness, restlessness, nausea and vomiting. In patients who are taking antidepressants at the same time, it can rarely cause a condition called serotonin syndrome.
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In Singapore, Dextromethorphan comes in both tablet and syrup forms. The dose of Dextromethorphan for adults is 30mg thrice daily, either in tablet or syrup form. There are also formulations of dextromethorphan available over the counter. This can be found as Robitussin DM (green box).
Comparison Table
| Cough Medicine | Active Ingredients | Type of Medication | Recommended Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dhasedyl | Codeine phosphate Ephedrine hydrochloride Promethazine HCL | Opioid Antitussive, Decongestant, Antihistamine | Used to treat coughs, colds, and respiratory infections |
| Dhasedyl DM | Dextromethorphan HBr Ephedrine HCl Promethazine HCl | Antitussive, Decongestant, Antihistamine | Used to treat dry, non-productive coughs and associated symptoms such as nasal congestion and allergies |
| Procodin | Codeine phosphate Promethazine HCl | Opioid Antitussive, Antihistamine | Used to treat coughs, particularly those associated with respiratory infections |
| Dextromethorphan | Dextromethorphan HBr | Antitussive | Used to treat dry, non-productive coughs |
| Codipront | Codeine phosphate Phenyltoloxamine | Opioid Antitussive, Antihistamine | Used to treat coughs, particularly those associated with respiratory infections |
Conclusion
Please remember that this article is provided as an outline – different countries may have different constituents for a similarly branded medication; as well as have different dosage regimes. The constituents may be also changed from time to time by the manufacturer, which may not be updated in this article. Please consult your doctor before starting any of these medications.
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Cough suppressant medications are not meant to be used as a long-term solution. While a mild cough is usually not a cause for concern, a persistent or severe cough should be evaluated by a doctor to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment. Remember, a cough is a natural defense mechanism, so don’t suppress it completely!Â
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Make an appointment to see us to diagnose the underlying cause of your cough!
Frequently Asked Questions
References:
Cough Medicines: Suppressants, Expectorants and More | WebMD
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