Corex D syrup is a combination medicine used to treat cough and cold symptoms. Corex D syrup is used to treat dry, unproductive coughs that are often caused by allergies, the common cold, or the flu. It can also be used to relieve coughs that are caused by smoking or other irritants. The following are some common uses and indications of Corex D Syrup:

  1. Relief of Allergic Symptoms:

    Corex d syrups can help relieve symptoms associated with allergies, such as hay fever, seasonal allergies, or allergic reactions to certain substances.

  2. Cough Relief:

    The cough suppressant component of Corex D is used to reduce dry or non-productive coughing. This can be helpful in cases of irritation-induced cough, such as those caused by allergies or colds.

Off-label Uses of Corex D Syrup

  1. Sleep Aid: The antihistamine component, Chlorpheniramine, can cause drowsiness, and some individuals might use it as a sleep aid.
  2. Nausea and Vomiting: Dextromethorphan has been shown to have mild antiemetic (anti-nausea) effects in some studies, so it might be used off-label to help with nausea and vomiting.
  3. Mild Anxiety: Dextromethorphan may have some anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) effects in certain situations.
  4. Motion Sickness: The antihistamine Chlorpheniramine can help relieve symptoms of motion sickness, such as nausea and dizziness.
Corex D Syrup Uses and Indications

What is Corex D?

Corex D Syrup is a combination of Antihistamine and Cough Suppressant, manufactured and marketed by Pfizer Laboratories Inc.

Corex D Alternatives : Other Cough Syrup

Here are some other cough syrups that can be used as an alternative to Corex D Syrup.

  • Acefyl Syrup : Nabiqasim Industries (Pvt) Ltd, Pakistan.
  • Hydryllin Syrup : Searle Pakistan (Pvt) Ltd.
  • Siroline Syrup : Chas. A . Mendoza, Pakistan.
  • Reltus DM Syrup : Pharmatec Pakistan (Pvt) Ltd.
  • Combinol D Syrup : Atco Laboratories Ltd, Pakistan.
  • Bronochol Syrup : Ferozsons Laboratories Ltd, Pakistan.
  • Cosome-E Syrup : Martin Dow Marker (Pvt) Ltd, Pakistan.
  • Actifed DM Syrup : GlaxoSmithKline (GSK).
  • Adicos : Zafa Pharmaceutical Laboratories (Pvt) Ltd, Pakistan.

Corex D : Available Formulations and Strengths

Presently, Corex D is available in Syrup form only.

Each 5ml of Corex D syrup Contains:

  • Chlorpheniramine Maleate: 4mg
  • Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide: 10mg
  • Ephedrine HCl: 5mg
  • Sodium Citrate: 150mg

Chlorpheniramine: It is an antihistamine used to relieve symptoms of allergies, such as sneezing, runny nose, and itchy or watery eyes. Additionally, it can help alleviate symptoms of the common cold, such as a runny nose and sneezing.

Dextromethorphan: It is a cough suppressant that helps to control and reduce coughing. It does not treat the underlying cause of the cough but provides temporary relief from the discomfort associated with persistent coughing.

Ephedrine: This component is a decongestant that helps to reduce nasal congestion and sinus pressure by constricting blood vessels in the nasal passages. It aids in relieving the stuffy nose that often accompanies colds and allergies.

Sodium Citrate: It is commonly used as a pH adjuster and may also have a mild antacid effect. When combined with other ingredients, it can help soothe irritated throats or reduce stomach acidity that may be associated with coughing.

Who Should Not Use Corex D?

Corex D syrup has several contraindications, meaning there are specific situations in which its use is not recommended or should be avoided.

  1. Hypersensitivity: Individuals who have a known hypersensitivity or allergic reaction to Dextromethorphan, Chlorpheniramine, or any other component of Corex-D syrup should not use this medication.
  2. MAO Inhibitors: Corex-D syrup should not be used by individuals who have taken or are currently taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) within the past 14 days. The combination of Corex-D with MAOIs can lead to potentially life-threatening interactions and is contraindicated.
  3. Severe Respiratory Conditions: Corex-D syrup contains Dextromethorphan, which is a cough suppressant. It should be used with caution or avoided in individuals with severe respiratory conditions, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, or respiratory depression.
  4. Glaucoma: The antihistamine component, Chlorpheniramine, can exacerbate the symptoms of glaucoma and increase intraocular pressure. Therefore, Corex-D syrup should be avoided in individuals with closed-angle glaucoma.
  5. Prostate Problems: Chlorpheniramine, like other antihistamines, may cause urinary retention and worsen symptoms in individuals with prostate problems, such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It should be used with caution or avoided in such cases.
  6. Children: Corex-D syrup may not be suitable for children under a certain age, and its use in children should be based on the specific dosing recommendations provided by a pediatrician.
  7. Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: The safety of Corex-D syrup during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been well-established, and it should be used only under the supervision of a healthcare professional.
  8. Liver and Kidney Impairment: Corex-D syrup contains active ingredients that are metabolized by the liver and excreted by the kidneys. Individuals with severe liver or kidney impairment should use this medication with caution, as their bodies may process the drug differently.

Recommended Daily Dosage of Corex D Syrup

Corex D Syrup Dose for Adults and Children (12 Years Above):

  • 10 ml (2 teaspoons) every 4 to 6 hours, as needed.
  • The maximum daily dose is 60 ml (12 teaspoons).
  • Corex D syrup should not be taken for more than 7 days without consulting a doctor.

Corex D Syrup Dose for Children: (the dosage is based on age)

  • Children 6 to 12 years: 5 ml (1 teaspoon) every 4 to 6 hours, as needed.
  • Children 2 to 6 years: 2.5 ml (½ teaspoon) every 4 to 6 hours, as needed.
  • Children under 2 years: Not recommended.

How Corex D Works?

Corex D syrup is a combination medication. Its mode of action is dependent on the active ingredients of syrup.

Let’s look at the mode of action of each active ingredient:

  1. Chlorpheniramine: It is an antihistamine that works by blocking the effects of histamine, a chemical released during allergic reactions. By doing so, it helps to relieve symptoms like sneezing, runny or itchy nose, and itchy or watery eyes caused by allergies.
  2. Dextromethorphan: It is a cough suppressant that acts on the cough center in the brain. Dextromethorphan helps to reduce the urge to cough and provides relief from dry, non-productive coughs, common in cold and upper respiratory infections.
  3. Ephedrine: It is a decongestant that works by constricting blood vessels in the nasal passages. This action helps to reduce nasal congestion, making it easier to breathe, especially in cases of cold or allergies.
  4. Sodium Citrate: While it is not directly related to the relief of respiratory symptoms, sodium citrate acts as an alkalizing agent and can help soothe the throat by reducing acidity and irritation caused by coughing.