Kuffdryl Cough Syrup

Kuffdryl Syrup is a combination of three medicines namely Diphenhydramine, Ammonium chloride and Sodium citrate. This medicine is used to reduce cough associated with thick sputum. It also reduces a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, watery eyes and congestion.

This medicine should not be used with other anti-allergic medicines and medicines used to treat psychiatric illnesses. If you are suffering from glaucoma, prostate, liver and kidney problems use this medicine cautiously. This medicine should not be used in children below 2 years of age without proper medical consultation.

Side effects such as drowsiness, dryness of the mouth, constipation and an upset stomach can be experienced while using this medicine. Do not use this medicine in breastfeeding mothers. Avoid alcohol if you are driving or operating heavy machinery.

According to the advisory issued by the Union Health Ministry, cough and cold medications should not be prescribed or dispensed to children under two years of age. These medications are generally not recommended for children under five years old. For children above that age, any use should be based on careful clinical evaluation and close supervision.

Dosage

Overdose

In case of an overdose, contact your doctor immediately or visit the nearest hospital.

Missed a Dose

If you have missed taking any dose of this syrup, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose of this medicine to compensate for the missed one.

Mode of Action

How Does It Work?

The contents of this medicine help in reducing cough with phlegm. Diphenhydramine blocks the effects of allergic chemicals and provides relief from allergic symptoms such as a runny nose and watery eyes. Ammonium chloride is an expectorant agent which increases the water content in the windpipe. Therefore, cough associated with thick mucous (phlegm) is relieved by making the mucous easy to expel. Sodium citrate is a mucolytic agent which decreases the consistency of this mucous and makes it thin. Thus, these agents help to remove this mucous from the windpipe and lungs and improves the patient’s condition.

Directions for Use

• Take this medicine as instructed by your doctor.
• Shake it well before use.
• Read the instructions on the bottle before usage.
• Use a measuring cup, spoon or dropper for the exact quantity.
• Do not stop taking Kuffdryl Syrup on your own.
• Do not take it for more than 4 doses in a day.

Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy

Can I take Kuffdryl Syrup during pregnancy?

Kuffdryl Syrup should be avoided during pregnancy as it may cause harm to the unborn baby. If you are pregnant or think you may be or are planning for a baby, you should consult your doctor before starting this medicine.

Breast Feeding

Can I take Kuffdryl Syrup while breastfeeding?

Kuffdryl Syrup should not be used during breastfeeding as it passes into the breastmilk and could harm the breastfed baby. Consult your doctor before using it while breastfeeding.

Driving

Can I drive if I have consumed Kuffdryl Syrup?

Kuffdryl Syrup may cause blurring of vision and drowsiness as a side effect. It is advisable to avoid driving, operate heavy machinery or any activity that needs alertness or clear vision during the treatment.

Alcohol

Can I consume alcohol with Kuffdryl Syrup?

You should not consume alcohol while taking Kuffdryl Syrup as it may worsen the side effects of this medicine.

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if

• You have any breathing problems, pneumonia, asthma or any other diseases.
• You have glaucoma or fits.
• You have any problems with your liver or kidney.
• You consume alcohol regularly.
• You are above 65 years of age as older individuals should be cautious while using this medicine as they are more prone to develop dizziness and urination problems with this medicine.
• Do not use this medicine to make a child sleepy.
• In young children, this medicine may produce excitement instead of drowsiness. So, be cautious while using it.
• Stop using this medicine and ask a doctor if the cough lasts more than 7 days, comes back or is accompanied by fever, rash or persistent headache. These could be the signs of a serious condition.
• Do not share this medicine with anyone even if they have similar symptoms.

Contraindications

• If you are allergic to this medicine or any other ingredients of this medicine.
• If you are taking medicines like MAO inhibitors (Selegiline, Phenelzine, etc.) which are used for a psychiatric illness.
• If you have glaucoma (increased pressure in the eyes which produces painful, red eyes and gradual vision loss).
• If you have ulcers in the stomach and intestine (symptoms like vomiting, acidity, indigestion, bleeding, black stool) or any problems related to your stomach.
• If you have prostate problems (conditions like benign prostatic hyperplasia which are characterised by difficulty in urination, frequent urge to go to urination and dribbling of urine).
• If you have liver or kidney problems.
• If you have an asthma attack.
• If you are breastfeeding.
• If you are taking other sedating antihistamines medicines like Promethazine and Chlorphenamine.

Side effects

• Drowsiness
• Dizziness, fatigue
• Nausea, vomiting
• An upset stomach, constipation, diarrhoea
• Dryness of the mouth, nose or throat or eyes
• Blurry vision
• Nervousness, fits
• Thicker phlegm
• Difficulty in breathing and swallowing
• Skin rashes and itching

Interactions

Interactions with other medicines

• Kuffdryl Syrup should not be used concomitantly with MAO inhibitors like Selegiline and Isocarboxazid (used for psychiatric illness). It produces a condition called serotonin syndrome which is a life-threatening condition that can occur rapidly due to a build-up of an excessive amount of serotonin in the body. In serotonin syndrome, a person may experience high body temperature, high blood pressure, fast heart rate, excitability, tremor (shakiness) and sweating. In such a situation, patients should rush to a nearby hospital immediately.
• Concomitant use of this medicine with other anti-allergic medicines like Cetirizine, medicines like Atropine, Benztropine (used to treat travel or motion sickness, stomach cramps, Parkinson’s disease), opioids like Codeine, Morphine (to relieve severe painful conditions), medicines like Propranolol, Metoprolol (used to treat heart problems, to decrease blood pressure) and may alter the effects of this medicine.
• Other medicines like Amitriptyline, Doxepin and Ephedrine should be used with caution.

Storage and disposal

• Store Kuffdryl Syrup below 30°C in a cool and dry place.
• Keep this medicine out of sight and reach of children and pets.
• Do not use this medicine after its expiry date.
• You need to properly discard this medicine when it is expired or no longer needed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I take Kuffdryl Syrup with other anti-allergic medicines?

Kuffdryl Syrup already contains an anti-allergic medicines in it. If you use it with other anti-allergic medicines, it will increase the side effects of this medicine which can be serious and needs emergency treatment, so always avoid using other medicines with it or inform your doctor about that.

Can Kuffdryl Syrup be used for anxiety?

No, this medicine should not be used for anxiety. Kuffdryl Syrup is used to treat cough, cold and relieve symptoms like sneezing, a runny and stuffy nose, watery eyes, etc.

How often can I take Kuffdryl Syrup?

You should take Kuffdryl Syrup in the correct doses and for the exact duration as recommended by your doctor. You should not take more than 4 doses in a day.

My colleague has similar symptoms can I recommend Kuffdryl Syrup for use?

No, you should not, as different underlying conditions produce similar symptoms which the doctor will decide after careful clinical examinations. Kuffdryl Syrup also has many contraindications and side effects which ignored can lead to severe conditions. So, this medicine should be used only if prescribed by a doctor. Self-medication should be avoided.

Can we use Kuffdryl Syrup in elderly patients?

Elderly patients are more prone to the side effects of this medicine. Also, conditions like glaucoma, prostate problem, liver and kidney diseases are more prevalent in the elderly population which aggravates the side effects of this medicine. So, always consult a doctor before using it in elderly patients.

Does Kuffdryl Syrup make you sleepy?

Kuffdryl Syrup may produce drowsiness or sleepiness as a side effect.

How long does it take for Kuffdryl Syrup to show its effect?

Kuffdryl Syrup approximately acts within 15 to 30 minutes after taking it but it may differ from person to person.