Alex Syrup

Alex syrup is a ‘’cough and cold preparations’’ type of medicine which is used in the treatment of dry cough. Coughing is a body’s own protective mechanism which allows clearing of the respiratory pathway of any irritants like dust, germs or mucus. This syrup helps the body to get rid of the condition which is quite discomforting.

Alex Syrup consists of Chlorpheniramine, Phenylephrine and dextromethorphan. Chlorpheniramine is an antihistamine drug which prevents risks of allergic reactions by blocking the action of histamine.

Common allergic reactions include sneezing, running nose, irritation in throat, coughing, watery eyes etc. Phenylephrine does the function of reducing a stuffy nose. It causes shrinking of the blood vessels in the nasal passage.

Dextromethorphan helps to block the nerve impulses generated from the cough centre located in the brain and spinal cord. These impulses are sent to the muscles involved in coughing but are blocked by the action of dextromethorphan.

There are certain side effects associated with the consumption of alex syrup. Some of them include dry mouth, nose or throat, blurred vision, constipation, dizziness, drowsiness, restlessness or excitation.

These are not a serious concern and can be resolved themselves without any need for treatment. In case of prolonged or chronic side effects, consultation with the doctor is important.

• Dry Cough

• Allergy

• Sedation

• Sleepiness

• Fatigue

• Vomiting

• Weakness

• Dehydration

• Dizziness

• Light Headedness

• Headache

• Sweating

• Anemia

• Nausea

• Edema (Swelling)

• Constipation

• Dry Mouth

• Is It safe with alcohol?

  This may cause excessive drowsiness and calmness with alcohol.

• Are there any pregnancy warnings?

  This Syrup is unsafe to use during pregnancy.
  Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the foetus, however, there are limited human studies. The benefits from use in pregnant women may be acceptable despite the risk. Please consult your doctor.

• Are there any breast-feeding warnings?

  Unknown. Human and animal studies are not available. Please consult your doctor.

• Is it safe to drive while on this medicine?

  Caution is advised when driving or operating machinery.

• Does this affect kidney function?

  Contraindicated in patients with moderate to severe renal impairment.

• Does this affect liver function?

  Caution must be taken in patient with liver disease. Adjustment of dose might be needed. Kindly consult your doctor before taking it.

Below is the list of medicines, which have the same composition, strength and form as Alex Syrup , and hence can be used as its substitute.

• Alex Syrup

  Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd

• Are there any missed dose instructions?

  If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.

• Are there any overdose instructions?

  Seek emergency medical treatment or contact the doctor in case of an overdose.

Alex Syrup works as a decongestant by suppressing the nervous system and the part of your brain which is responsible for coughing. It does not really thin the mucus, but certainly provides relief. This drug binds to the histamine H1 receptor, which prevents the action from endogenous histamine and also reduces adhesiveness and surface tension of congealed mucous in upper respiratory tract to increase flow of mucous, stimulating and increasing efficiency of the cilia to remove the accumulated mucous.

Whenever you take more than one medicine, or mix it with certain foods or beverages, you"re at risk of a drug interaction.

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• Interaction with Alcohol

  Consumption of alcohol with Alex Syrup must be avoided. As this might enhance the sedative effect. Thus is is not advisable to consume alcohol with this medicine.

• Interaction with Medicine

  Concomitant use of Antipsychotics, High blood pressure medicines, Amiodarone, Digoxin, Phenytoin, Monoamine oxidase inhibitors, and Haloperidol along with Alex Syrup must be avoided.

• Interaction with Disease

  This medicine is strictly prohibited in Pregnancy, Lactation, Liver Impairment and Renal Dysfunction.

• Ques : What is Alex Syrup?

  Ans : This Syrup is used for Cough, Common cold, Bronchitis, Allergy, Temporarily relief of cough caused by common cold, Flu, Or other conditions. It contains Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Dextromethorphan, Guaiphenesin and Phenylephrine as active ingredients. Alex Cough Formula Syrup works by thinning the mucus in the air passages; decreasing activity in the part of the brain that causes coughing.

• Ques : What is Alex Syrup used for?

  Ans : Alex Syrup is used for the treatment, control and prevention of the following diseases, conditions and symptoms such as Cough, Common cold, Bronchitis, Allergy, Temporarily relief of cough caused by common cold, flu, or other conditions. Apart from these Itchy throat/skin, Congestion, Breathing illnesses, Hay fever, Watery eyes, Anaphylactic shock, Rhinitis, Urticaria, Hypotensive conditions, Nasal decongestant, Eye mydriasis and Intraocular tension. Are also few other uses of Alex Syrup.

• Ques : What are the side effects of Alex Syrup?

  Ans : Major & minor side effects for this Syrup are listed below. Patients are advised to consult a doctor before taking this medicine to avoid these side effects. If the patients have any kind of allergy-related to the constituents of Alex Syrup, this medication should be immediately stopped. The common side effects include Lozenges, Confusion, Constipation, Dizziness, and Drowsiness. Further, it can sometime cause Headache, Nausea or Vomiting and Stomach pain too.

• Ques : Can Alex Syrup Syrup be used for cough and common cold?

  Ans : Alex Syrup is a cough suppressant used for treating cough that is caused by asthma, smoking or emphysema. It affects the signals in the brain that trigger cough reflex. The dosage for adults and children are different depending on the intensity of the cough. The amount and frequency of the dose will be prescribed by your doctor.

• Ques : Is Alex Syrup safe to use when pregnant?

  Ans : No, this syrup is usually unsafe to use during pregnancy, as it may have adverse effects.

• Ques : Is Alex Syrup safe while breastfeeding?

  Ans : No, Using Alex Syrup is not safe while breastfeeding.

• Ques : How long do I need to use Alex Syrup before I see improvement of my conditions?

  Ans : Usually, Alex Syrup takes 2-3 days to show its effectiveness. It is advised to take proper dosage till the symptoms disappear.

• Ques : Should I use Alex Syrup empty stomach, before food or after food?

  Ans : It is advised to consume Alex Syrup after taking meals to avoid stomach irritation.

• Ques : Can we consume alcohol along with Alex Syrup ?

  Ans : Taking alcohol along with Alex Syrup may lead to some serious health issues such as confusion, inability to think and judge, depression of the central nervous system etc.

• Ques : Can Alex Syrup be consumed prior to surgery ?

  Ans : Alex Syrup should not be consumed prior to surgery as it may cause extreme drowsiness or sleepiness when given along with anesthesia. It should be stopped at least 72 hours before the surgery.

• Ques : Can Alex Syrup be given to patients with glaucoma ?

  Ans : Consultation with a doctor or physician is necessary before giving Alex Syrup to the patients of glaucoma as the syrup is known to worsen the condition in some cases.

• Ques : Can Alex Syrup be taken along with antidepressant medicines ?

  Ans : Alex Syrup should not be preferred to be taken along with antidepressant medicines as doing so may lead to some serious side effects due to drug interactions. The syrup should be taken at a gap of at least 15 days from the last day of consuming antidepressant.

• Ques : What can happen if I miss a dose of Alex Syrup ?

  Ans : In case of missing any dose of Alex Syrup, one should take the missed dose as soon as he/she remembers it. But if it is the time for the next dose, it is preferred to skip the missed dose and take the next one.

• Dextromethorphan- Drug Information Portal [Internet]. druginfo.nlm.nih.gov. 2019 [Cited 24 April 2019]. Available from:

  https://druginfo.nlm.nih.gov/drugportal/rn/125-71-3

• Guaifenesin- Drug Information Portal [Internet]. druginfo.nlm.nih.gov. 2019 [Cited 23 April 2019]. Available from:

  https://druginfo.nlm.nih.gov/drugportal/name/guaifenesin

• Chlorphenamine- Drug Information Portal [Internet]. druginfo.nlm.nih.gov. 2019 [Cited 23 April 2019]. Available from:

  https://druginfo.nlm.nih.gov/drugportal/name/chlorpheniramine