Corex syrup is a prescription cough syrup manufactured and marketed by Pfizer Limited. It is anti-allergic cough syrup and an effective treatment for dry cough. The anti-histamine component of the syrup combats common cold symptoms, itchy throat, and allergic cold, and other associated symptoms.
This syrup comes in liquid form and is packaged in 50 ml and 100 ml bottles. Corex syrup is strictly a prescription drug that should be taken no longer than 7 days in a row.
Composition and Nature of Corex Syrup:
Corex syrup composition mainly includes two salts.
- Chlorpheniramine Maleate-4 mg
This salt aids in relief from symptoms of allergic cough and cold. It is an anti-histamine of the first generation and acts as an inverse agonist.
- Codeine Phosphate-10 mg
It is the phosphate salt of codeine, which is a mild opioid. Codeine is a naturally occurring phenanthrene alkaloid and is widely used for its pain relief properties.
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Uses and benefits of Corex:
Corex syrup is used in the control and treatment of various allergic manifestations of the common cold. It controls the itchiness and inflammation that occurs due to an allergic cough.
- Common cold:
It is prescribed for the treatment of common cold symptoms like sore throat, congested nose and headache, coughing, and sneezing.
- Dry cough:
Unproductive coughing can damage the throat apart from being an uncomfortable nuisance. Allergic triggers can start an acute coughing episode. Corex syrup functions by bringing down the allergy and associated coughing.
- Hay Fever:
Allergy to specific allergens like dust particles and pollen grains can result in hay fever. This is accompanied by itching, swollen eyes and nasal turbinate, sneezing, runny nose, and watery eyes. The anti-histamine component of this syrup helps to ease out these symptoms upon administration.
- Mild Pain:
Continuous coughing stresses the throat and chest. This may cause pain and discomfort. Corex syrup provides symptomatic relief from mild throat pain and headache.
- Urticaria:
Urticaria or hives are allergic skin reactions seen in sensitive individuals when they encounter allergens. It is also prescribed for anti-allergic action in the treatment of hives.
- Rhinitis:
An irritated nasal mucosal membrane can cause painful swelling. This is also a symptom of an allergic cold. Administering Corex syrup can bring the tone down the allergic rhinitis and allow easier breathing.
Apart from the above conditions, Corex prescription can be given to treat other conditions as seen fit by the doctor.
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Side Effects of Corex:
Corex syrup components may cause some unwanted effects on the patient during the treatment phase. Proper Corex syrup use, under the guidance of the doctor, can mitigate many of the drug side effects.
- Drowsiness and dizziness are the most common side effects that come with Corex Syrup consumption.
- Corex syrup usage may be accompanied by nervousness and lightheadedness.
- In the gastrointestinal system, the side effects may manifest as nausea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal cramps and pain.
- The altered mood may cause depression while being on Corex syrup.
- Micturition (little urination) and dysuria (painful urination) is a less common Corex syrup side effect. The pain can be associated with burning sensation and discomfort.
- Sleep disorder like insomnia can day time sleepiness are other side effects.
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Common Dosage of Corex:
Corex Syrup dosage is decided by the doctor, depending on the condition and age of the patient. Generally, taking 4 divided dosages is advised by the doctor. Usually, it is 5 ml/dose for adults, 2.5 ml/dose for 6-12-year-old kids, and 1.25 ml/dose for 2-6-year-olds.
The medicine should be taken orally, with or without meals. Corex syrup treatment is not recommended beyond 7 days.
Overdosing or self-prescription should be completely avoided since it may have serious complications. Immediately contacting a health care provider in case of an accidental overdose is the best way to avoid complications.
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How Corex Syrup Works?
Corex syrup exerts combined effect on allergic reaction and pain. Chlorpheniramine maleate is a first-order anti-histamine drug, which acts by blocking H1 receptor sites and provides relief in respiratory mucosal edema due to allergic cold.
Codeine phosphate has mild analgesic properties. It binds to the pain receptors in the brain and disrupts the transmission of pain sensation to the target body part. It also maximizes the pain toleration limit, though the pain doesn’t disappear completely.
Related Warnings/Precautions: When to avoid Corex?
Corex cough syrup should be taken as per the doctor’s advice, to avoid complications. A full medical history along with any ongoing treatment should be brought to the notice of the doctor.
- Corex syrup can result in excessive sleepiness or calmness when taken with alcohol. Hence alcohol should be avoided during the entire Corex syrup treatment phase.
- The consumption of Corex syrup during pregnancy is debatable. It may have some effects on the fetus and hence doctor’s discretion should be used.
- It is comparatively safe to use during lactation. But excessive usage may cause sleepiness and other effects on the baby.
- Driving during Corex syrup course is not recommended. Drowsiness and mental fog may result in an untoward situation.
- Corex syrup dose adjustment might be required in patients with kidney and liver disease.
- Counseling might be required in conditions like glaucoma, asthma and respiratory diseases.
- Patients with acute pancreatitis, Addison’s disease and biliary tract disease should consult a doctor before ensuing treatment.
- It should not be used in conditions like hypersensitivity, hypercarbia, paralytic ileus and after tonsillectomy or adenoidectomy.
Corex Syrup Substitutes:
Corex syrup can be substituted by any one of the following formulations.
- Coscodin Syrup by Biological E. Limited.
- Codzi Syrup by FDC Limited.
- Codylex Linctus from Anglo-French Drugs and Industries Limited.
- Lupicof Syrup by Lupin Laboratories.
- Codelite Cough Syrup manufactured by Tablets India Limited.
Corex Interactions:
Corex syrup interactions with other medications or OTC products may reduce its efficacy or cause unwanted reactions. Following are the groups of medicines that interact with Corex syrup.
- Antianxiety drugs, antipsychotic drugs and anti-depressants.
- It interacts profoundly with alcohol and other sedatives.
- Anti-cholinergic agents and anti-histamines.
- General anesthetics, hypnotic drugs and tranquilizers.
- Nalbuphine, Butorphanol, monoamine oxidase inhibitors and other opioids.
- Anti-emetic medicines and Phenytoin.
FAQS:
Ans: Indiscriminate use of this syrup can lead to addiction, just like opioid addiction. Hence it should be used only as per the doctor’s advice.
Ans: It can be taken with or without food. But those who suffer from abdominal discomfort can take it after meals to minimize side effects.
Ans: Yes, it contains 8 mg alcohol per 5 ml of Corex syrup.
Ans: No, Corex syrup is not recommended for children below 2 years of age.
Ans: Corex Syrup should be stored at room temperature, away from direct light and heat.
