E-DRUG: E-DRUG Demazin Syrup Response

[Tim Dodd <timdodd@brain.net.pk>]

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E-DRUG Demazin Syrup Response

Phenyephrine is used in a number of combination proprietary syrups
promoted and sold as cough medicines and night sedation.  These are not
prescribable under the NHS in UK and so only appear in the small print
of the BNF.

I'm giessing at the logic of the combination cited in Demazin, but I
suspect that the phenylephrine is there to promote bronchodilation in
generalised allergic reaction, while the chlorpheniramine is there for
it's sedatie as well as the antihistaminic properties.

Chlorpheniramine is not recommended in children under 1yr (BNF) and 1-2
years, 1mg twice daily.  I leave you to do the sums.

Phenylephrine is probably not a good choice if bronchodiltation is
required and could be dangerous in as much as it is believed to be
treating the problem.  The dose is probably sub-therapeutic anyway.

As for preservatives there have been some reactions to these and many
mixture now contain more appropriate preservatives.

In general then, if allergic reaction is present then this should be
treated appropriately with b-agonists, antihistamines, and steroids if
necessary.  Mild skin rashes etc are probably better managed with
topical therapy.  In the venacular it sounds like a 'filthy product'
with little evidence of efficacy.

Tim Dodd
Director of Pharmacy,
Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital, Lahore. Pakistan (land of the
nuclear mountain!)





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