Alcophyllex is a South African pharmaceutical product commonly used to manage respiratory conditions such as breathing problems caused by bronchial congestion. It helps with conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, tracheitis, and colds by acting as a bronchodilator, antihistamine, and expectorant. It works by opening the airways, reducing allergic reactions, and loosening mucus for easier breathing.
Composition
Each 5 ml contains:
| Ingredient | Amount per 5 ml |
|---|---|
| Theophylline | 16.667 mg |
| Hydroxyethyl theophylline (Etofylline) | 1.667 mg |
| Diphenhydramine hydrochloride | 6.667 mg |
| Ammonium chloride | 120 mg |
| Sodium citrate | 50 mg |
Preservatives:
| Preservative | Amount |
|---|---|
| Methylparaben | 0.1% |
| Propylparaben | 0.015% |
| Alcohol | 0.5% |
Other Ingredients:
- Sucrose (Sugar): 3.266 g
- Caramel colorant
- Citric acid monohydrate
- Purified water
- Raspberry flavor
Pharmacological Classification
Belongs to the category of antitussives and expectorants.
How It Works
Properties
- Bronchodilator: Opens the airways, making breathing easier.
- Antihistamine: Reduces allergic reactions like sneezing and runny nose.
- Expectorant: Helps loosen mucus and clear airways.
Absorption and Breakdown in the Body
| Ingredient | Absorption and Effects |
|---|---|
| Theophylline | Absorbed quickly, peaks in 1-2 hours, broken down in the liver. |
| Diphenhydramine | Absorbed well, peaks in about 2 hours, reaches the brain, metabolized in the liver. |
| Ammonium chloride | Absorbed in the stomach, increases urine acidity. |
| Sodium citrate | Converts into bicarbonate, affecting body pH. |
Uses
ALCOPHYLLEX helps relieve breathing problems due to mucus buildup, including:
- Asthma
- Coughs from colds
- Bronchitis
- Tracheitis (windpipe inflammation)
Do Not Use If You Have
- Allergy to any ingredient
- Premature baby or newborn (not safe)
- Severe asthma attack (not for emergency use)
- Blood pH imbalance (alkalosis)
- Liver or kidney issues
- Epilepsy (risk of seizures)
- Porphyria (rare blood disorder)
- Children under 2 years old
Warnings and Precautions
- Use with caution in people with stomach ulcers, high blood pressure, heart disease, or thyroid issues.
- Elderly patients or those with heart failure and fever should use cautiously.
- Contains sugar – Avoid if diabetic or with sugar intolerance.
- May cause drowsiness – Avoid driving or using machinery.
Interactions with Other Medicines
| Medicine | Interaction Effect |
|---|---|
| Theophylline | Increased effects with antibiotics, birth control pills, caffeine. |
| Decreased effects with smoking, epilepsy drugs, TB medicines. | |
| Lowers potassium when combined with asthma meds, steroids, or water pills. | |
| Diphenhydramine | Increases drowsiness with alcohol, sleeping pills, sedatives. |
| Interacts with antidepressants and antihistamines. | |
| Sodium Citrate | Increases aluminum absorption in the stomach. |
Use During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
- Safety during pregnancy is unknown.
- Theophylline and diphenhydramine pass into breast milk, possibly affecting the baby.
Dosage
| Age Group | Dosage |
|---|---|
| Adults | 10 to 15 ml every 4 hours |
| Children (2-6 years) | 2.5 to 5 ml every 4 hours |
| Children (7-12 years) | 5 to 10 ml every 4 hours |
| Children under 2 | Not recommended |
Detailed Side Effects of Alcophyllex
Alcophyllex is a bronchodilator commonly used for treating respiratory conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, and other breathing disorders. While it can be effective in improving breathing, it may also cause several side effects. Below is a detailed list of possible side effects:
Nervous System Side Effects
- Sleep problems (insomnia): Difficulty falling or staying asleep, leading to restlessness and fatigue.
- Anxiety and restlessness: Feeling nervous, jittery, or on edge.
- Headache and dizziness: Common complaints that may worsen with prolonged use.
- Nervousness and drowsiness: Feeling overly alert or excessively sleepy, sometimes leading to mood changes.
- Blurred vision: Difficulty seeing clearly, which may impact daily activities.
Cardiovascular Side Effects
- Fast heartbeat (tachycardia): An increased heart rate, which may feel like palpitations or pounding in the chest.
- Low blood pressure (hypotension): A drop in blood pressure, which may cause dizziness or fainting.
Gastrointestinal Side Effects
- Stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting: Discomfort in the stomach that may lead to an urge to vomit.
- Changes in appetite: Loss of appetite or, in some cases, increased hunger.
- Dry mouth: A lack of saliva, leading to discomfort and difficulty swallowing.
- Constipation: Difficulty passing stools due to slowed digestion.
Metabolic and Muscular Side Effects
- Blood acidity changes (metabolic disturbances): Can lead to symptoms like confusion, rapid breathing, or weakness.
- Low potassium levels (hypokalemia): May result in muscle weakness, cramps, or irregular heartbeat.
- Muscle weakness: Feeling fatigued or unable to perform normal physical activities.
When to Seek Medical Help
If you experience severe dizziness, chest pain, fainting, or an irregular heartbeat, seek immediate medical attention.
Persistent vomiting, extreme drowsiness, confusion, or difficulty breathing should also be reported to a healthcare professional.
If you are taking Alcophyllex and notice any unusual symptoms, it’s best to consult your doctor for advice on whether to continue the medication.
Overdose Symptoms and Treatment
| Overdose Type | Symptoms | Treatment |
|---|---|---|
| Theophylline | Nausea, vomiting, tremors, abnormal heartbeat, low blood pressure, confusion, seizures | Activated charcoal and supportive care |
| Diphenhydramine | Hallucinations, convulsions, extreme drowsiness, breathing problems, heart collapse | Supportive care and monitoring |
| Sodium Citrate | Muscle weakness, shortness of breath, confusion | Supportive care |
Identification
Dark brown liquid with a raspberry smell.
Packaging
Available in 100 ml, 200 ml, and 2.5 L bottles.
Storage Instructions
- Store below 30°C.
- Keep in an airtight container.
- Protect from light.
- Keep out of reach of children.
4 thoughts on “Alcophyllex:Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, and More”