Reltus syrup is used to treat cough and other symptoms of common cold and allergy. It provides bronchodilator and decongestant effects, that help to thin and loosen mucus and also reduce congestion in airways. Following are some common and off-label uses of Reltus Syrup:

Common Uses of Reltus Syrup

  1. Cough and Cold: Reltus syrup is commonly used to relieve symptoms associated with respiratory conditions, including coughs and congestion caused by the common cold, bronchitis, or other respiratory infections. Its active ingredients work together to help loosen and expel mucus, relieve coughing, and ease breathing.
  2. Expectorant: Reltus syrup also acts as an expectorant it helps to thin and loosen mucus secretions in the respiratory tract, that easier to cough up and clear out excess phlegm.
  3. Bronchodilator: Reltus syrup also has bronchodilator effects. It helps to relax and widen the airways, allowing for easier breathing, while Chlorpheniramine acts as an antihistamine to reduce allergic responses and associated respiratory symptoms.
  4. Nasal Congestion: Reltus syrup may also provide relief from nasal congestion associated with allergies or respiratory infections. The use of Reltus syrup helps to reduce nasal congestion by constricting blood vessels in the nasal passages and reducing swelling.

Off-label uses of Reltus Syrup

  1. Sinusitis: Sinusitis, inflammation of the sinus cavities, may involve symptoms such as nasal congestion, facial pain or pressure, and sinus headaches. Reltus Syrup is used off-label to relieve nasal congestion and sinusitis-associated symptoms.
  2. Allergic Rhinitis: Allergic rhinitis refers to inflammation of the nasal passages caused by allergens. While Reltus syrup is not specifically indicated for allergic rhinitis. However, it is used off-label to relieve symptoms such as sneezing, itching, nasal congestion, and runny nose.
  3. Asthma Symptoms: Ephedrine, one of the components in Reltus syrup, has bronchodilator properties that may be used off-label to alleviate symptoms of asthma, such as wheezing and shortness of breath.
  4. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): In some cases, Reltus syrup may be used off-label as part of the management of symptoms associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), such as chronic bronchitis and emphysema. The expectorant and bronchodilator properties of its ingredients may help relieve cough, mucus production, and breathing difficulties.
Reltus Syrup Uses and Indications

What is Reltus?

Reltus Syrup is a combination of Ammonium Chloride, Ephedrine, Chlorpheniramine, and Menthol, manufactured and marketed by Pharmatec Pakistan (Pvt) Ltd.

Reltus Alternatives Brands : Other Bronchodilators/Cough Syrup

The following are some other syrups that can be used as an alternative to Reltus Syrup.

Bronochol : Efrozsons Laboratories Ltd, Pakistan.

Combinol-D : Atco Laboratories Ltd, Pakistan.

Reltus : Available Formulations and Strengths

Presently, Reltus is available in Syrup form with the following Generic and Brand names.

Reltus Syrup (Bronchodilator/Cough Syrup)

Each 5ml Contains:

  • Ammonium Chloride: 100mg
  • Ephedrine: 7mg
  • Chlorpheniramine (Maleate): 2mg
  • Menthol: 1mg
  • HONEY (Natural Ramdy)

Reltus DM Syrup (Decongestant/Non-Productive Cough Syrup)

Each 5ml Contains:

  • Chlorpheniramine (Maleate): 2mg
  • Dextromethorphan: 10mg
  • Pseudoephedrine (HCl): 30mg

Who Should Not Use Reltus?

Reltus syrup has several contraindications. Contraindications are specific situations or conditions in which the use of the syrup is not recommended due to potential risks.

  1. Hypersensitivity: Individuals who have a known allergy or hypersensitivity to Ammonium Chloride, Ephedrine, Chlorpheniramine, Menthol, or any other ingredients in Reltus syrup should not use it.
  2. Severe Hypertension: The use of Reltus syrup is contraindicated in individuals with severe hypertension (high blood pressure) or uncontrolled high blood pressure. Ephedrine, one of the components in the syrup, can increase blood pressure and worsen hypertension.
  3. Severe Cardiovascular Disease: Reltus syrup is contraindicated in individuals with severe cardiovascular disease, including coronary artery disease, angina, arrhythmias, or other serious heart conditions. Ephedrine can potentially exacerbate these conditions and increase the risk of cardiovascular complications.
  4. Closed-Angle Glaucoma: Reltus syrup should not be used by individuals with closed-angle glaucoma, a specific type of glaucoma characterized by increased pressure in the eye. Ephedrine, one of the ingredients, can further increase intraocular pressure and worsen glaucoma symptoms.
  5. Hyperthyroidism: The use of Reltus syrup is contraindicated in individuals with hyperthyroidism, a condition characterized by an overactive thyroid gland. Ephedrine can stimulate the thyroid gland and worsen hyperthyroidism symptoms.
  6. Prostate Hypertrophy: Individuals with prostate hypertrophy (enlarged prostate) should avoid using Reltus syrup. Ephedrine can potentially worsen urinary symptoms associated with prostate hypertrophy.

Recommended Daily Dosage of Reltus Syrup

Reltus Syrup Dose for Adults and Children (12 years and older):

  • 10 ml (2 teaspoons) of syrup every 4 to 6 hours, up to a maximum of 40 ml (8 teaspoons) in 24 hours.

Reltus Syrup Dose for Children (6 to 12 years):

  • 5 ml (1 teaspoon) of syrup every 4 to 6 hours, up to a maximum of 20 ml (4 teaspoons) in 24 hours.

How Reltus Works?

Reltus syrup is a combination of four active ingredients and each ingredient has its own mode of action.

  1. Ammonium Chloride: Ammonium Chloride acts as an expectorant. It works by thinning and loosening mucus secretions in the airways, making it easier to cough up and expel excess phlegm.
  2. Ephedrine: Ephedrine is a sympathomimetic bronchodilator. It stimulates certain receptors in the lungs, leading to the relaxation of the smooth muscles in the airways. This action helps to widen the air passages, allowing for improved airflow and easier breathing.
  3. Chlorpheniramine: Chlorpheniramine is an antihistamine with anticholinergic properties. It blocks the effects of histamine, which is released during allergic reactions and can cause symptoms such as sneezing, itching, runny nose, and watery eyes. By inhibiting histamine receptors, Chlorpheniramine helps to alleviate these allergy symptoms.
  4. Menthol: Menthol is a compound that produces a cooling sensation and has mild local anesthetic properties. It acts as a topical nasal decongestant, providing temporary relief from nasal congestion and opening up the air passages.