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Codilar® Syrup 120 mL
1. Disclaimer
This information is provided strictly for educational and informational purposes and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, prescribing information, or individualized treatment. Always consult a qualified physician or pharmacist regarding the appropriate use of this medication, particularly in children, pregnancy, chronic disease, or when other medicines are being taken.
We do not guarantee the accuracy, currency or completeness of information regarding medications or medical products, and official sources should be verified before making any decisions. Readers are responsible for independently verifying the information before relying on it.
Product formulations, approved indications, dosage recommendations, contraindications, regulatory status, and other labeling information may change over time and may differ between countries. The current package insert approved by the Egyptian Drug Authority (EDA) and the product labeling supplied with the medicine should therefore take precedence over secondary sources.
2. Summary
Codilar® Syrup is an oral fixed-dose combination preparation manufactured by El-Nile Company for Pharmaceuticals and Chemical Industries, Egypt. It contains three active ingredients: dextromethorphan hydrobromide, a centrally acting antitussive; chlorpheniramine maleate, a first-generation H1 antihistamine; and phenylephrine hydrochloride, a sympathomimetic nasal decongestant.
The combination is intended for the temporary symptomatic relief of dry, irritating cough together with upper-respiratory symptoms such as nasal congestion, rhinorrhea, sneezing, and allergic symptoms. It does not treat the underlying infectious cause of a cold and is not an antimicrobial medicine. Current Egyptian pharmacy listings identify Codilar as a 120 mL syrup and describe its indications as allergy, cough, dry cough, nasal allergy, and nasal congestion.
The formulation consistently identified in the available product-specific information is dextromethorphan hydrobromide 5 mg, phenylephrine hydrochloride 2 mg, and chlorpheniramine maleate 1 mg per 5 mL. This corresponds to 10 mg, 4 mg, and 2 mg respectively per 10 mL.
3. Brand Name
Codilar® Syrup
Commonly marketed pack size: 120 mL oral syrup.
The product is manufactured by El-Nile Company for Pharmaceuticals and Chemical Industries (El-Nile) in Egypt. Current Egyptian pharmacy listings identify the product as Codilar Syrup 120 mL.
4. Category
- Therapeutic category: Cough, cold, allergy, and upper-respiratory symptomatic preparation.
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Pharmacological classification: Fixed-dose combination of:
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Antitussive — dextromethorphan.
- First-generation H1 antihistamine — chlorpheniramine.
- Sympathomimetic nasal decongestant — phenylephrine.
Codilar is a symptomatic preparation and is not an antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, or antiparasitic drug.
5. Active Ingredient
Each 5 mL contains:
- Dextromethorphan hydrobromide — 5 mg
- Phenylephrine hydrochloride — 2 mg
- Chlorpheniramine maleate — 1 mg
The corresponding quantities per 10 mL are 10 mg dextromethorphan hydrobromide, 4 mg phenylephrine hydrochloride, and 2 mg chlorpheniramine maleate. Product-specific information and an analytical publication concerning Codilar support this formulation.
6. Pharmaceutical Form & Strength
- Dosage form: Oral syrup.
- Pack size: 120 mL.
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Strength per 5 mL:
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Dextromethorphan hydrobromide 5 mg
- Phenylephrine hydrochloride 2 mg
- Chlorpheniramine maleate 1 mg
The product is supplied as a ready-to-use liquid oral preparation. Current Egyptian pharmacy listings identify the marketed product as a 120 mL syrup.
7. Manufacturer & Marketing Authorization Holder
Manufacturer:
El-Nile Company for Pharmaceuticals and Chemical Industries (El-Nile), Egypt.
Codilar is identified in Egyptian pharmaceutical and pharmacy sources as an El-Nile product.
Marketing Authorization Holder:
No sufficiently reliable current publicly accessible source was identified that independently establishes a separate legal Marketing Authorization Holder distinct from the manufacturer. Therefore, no separate MAH is stated here without current regulatory documentation.
8. Mechanism of Action
Dextromethorphan
Dextromethorphan is a centrally acting, non-opioid antitussive. It suppresses the cough reflex through central nervous system activity, including NMDA receptor antagonism and sigma-1 receptor activity, thereby increasing the threshold for coughing.
At therapeutic doses it does not possess the classical analgesic profile of opioid analgesics. Excessive doses, however, can produce significant CNS toxicity and other serious effects.
Chlorpheniramine
Chlorpheniramine is a first-generation H1 antihistamine. It reduces histamine-mediated symptoms such as sneezing, rhinorrhea, itching, and watery eyes.
It also has anticholinergic activity, which contributes to drying of nasal secretions but can also cause adverse effects such as dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, and urinary retention. Because it readily enters the central nervous system, it may cause drowsiness.
Phenylephrine
Phenylephrine is a sympathomimetic agent with predominantly α1-adrenergic agonist activity. It causes vasoconstriction of nasal mucosal blood vessels, reducing mucosal edema and helping to relieve nasal congestion.
9. Spectrum of Activity
Not applicable.
Codilar does not have antimicrobial activity against bacteria, viruses, fungi, or protozoa. Its role is limited to symptomatic relief of cough, congestion, and associated upper-respiratory/allergic symptoms.
It therefore should not be considered a treatment for the infectious cause of a common cold or other respiratory infection.
10. Pharmacokinetics
Dextromethorphan
Dextromethorphan is rapidly absorbed after oral administration and undergoes extensive hepatic metabolism. CYP2D6 is an important metabolic pathway and produces the active metabolite dextrorphan. Genetic variation in CYP2D6 activity and concomitant CYP2D6-inhibiting medicines can therefore substantially alter dextromethorphan exposure.
The drug and its metabolites are eliminated predominantly through the kidneys. The elimination half-life is commonly reported at approximately 2–4 hours in extensive metabolizers, although it may be substantially prolonged in poor CYP2D6 metabolizers.
Chlorpheniramine
Chlorpheniramine is well absorbed orally and undergoes hepatic metabolism. Its elimination is relatively prolonged compared with the other components, with commonly reported adult terminal half-life values of approximately 14–25 hours, although pharmacokinetic parameters vary among individuals and populations.
Elimination occurs primarily through the urine as metabolites and unchanged drug.
Phenylephrine
Phenylephrine is absorbed after oral administration but undergoes extensive first-pass metabolism in the gastrointestinal tract and liver, resulting in relatively low and variable systemic bioavailability.
Its metabolism involves pathways including sulfation and oxidative/deamination processes, including monoamine oxidase-related metabolism. Elimination occurs predominantly through the urine, mainly as metabolites.
The pharmacokinetic behavior of the fixed combination should not automatically be assumed to be identical to that of each component administered separately.
11. Indications
Codilar is used for the temporary symptomatic relief of:
- Dry, irritating, non-productive cough.
- Cough associated with the common cold or upper-respiratory irritation.
- Nasal congestion or stuffiness.
- Runny nose/rhinorrhea.
- Sneezing and associated allergic upper-respiratory symptoms.
- Nasal allergy symptoms accompanying cough and congestion.
Current Egyptian pharmacy listings specifically identify allergy, cough, dry cough, nasal allergy, and nasal congestion among the product indications.
The product does not treat the underlying cause of an infection and should not be used as a substitute for evaluation of persistent or unexplained respiratory symptoms.
12. Administration
Route: Oral.
The syrup should be measured accurately using an appropriate dosing device. The bottle should be shaken before use when indicated by the product labeling.
Current Egyptian pharmacy information reports:
Adults: 5 mL three times daily, after meals.
Another Egyptian product listing describes the same formulation on a 10 mL basis and gives adult administration information consistent with the product's traditional use.
Because dosage instructions may change with product labeling and patient age, the current package insert should be followed for the exact dose and dosing frequency.
Additional precautions:
- Do not exceed the recommended dose.
- Do not use household teaspoons for measurement.
- Do not combine with another cough/cold product without checking its ingredients.
- Avoid duplicate exposure to dextromethorphan, antihistamines, or sympathomimetic decongestants.
- The reviewed Egyptian product information identifies use in children under 6 years as contraindicated/not recommended.
13. Method of Preparation
Codilar Syrup is supplied as a ready-to-use oral liquid.
- No reconstitution is required.
- No routine dilution is required.
- Shake the bottle before administration if instructed on the label.
- Measure each dose accurately using an appropriate measuring device.
14. Contraindications
Important contraindications or situations requiring avoidance include:
- Known hypersensitivity to dextromethorphan, chlorpheniramine, phenylephrine, or any excipient.
- Concomitant use of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or use within 14 days after discontinuation of an MAOI.
- Children below the age specified by the approved product labeling; available Egyptian product information identifies under 6 years as contraindicated/not recommended.
- Severe cardiovascular disease or severe/uncontrolled hypertension requires avoidance or medical assessment because of phenylephrine.
- Narrow-angle glaucoma may be worsened by the anticholinergic effects of chlorpheniramine.
- Significant urinary retention or prostatic obstruction may be worsened by chlorpheniramine.
- Cough associated with substantial airway secretions requires medical assessment rather than routine suppression with an antitussive.
Severe hepatic impairment also warrants medical assessment because the active ingredients undergo hepatic metabolism; however, it should not be described as an absolute Codilar contraindication without confirmation from the current product labeling.
15. Warnings & Precautions
Drowsiness and impaired alertness
Chlorpheniramine can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired psychomotor performance. Patients should avoid driving or operating machinery until they know how the medicine affects them.
Alcohol and other CNS depressants may increase these effects.
Cardiovascular disease
Phenylephrine can produce vasoconstriction and may increase blood pressure or cause other cardiovascular effects. Particular caution is appropriate in patients with hypertension, cardiovascular disease, hyperthyroidism, or other conditions that may increase sensitivity to sympathomimetics.
Glaucoma and urinary retention
The anticholinergic effects of chlorpheniramine may aggravate narrow-angle glaucoma and urinary retention/prostatic obstruction.
Chronic or persistent cough
Codilar should not be used repeatedly to self-treat a chronic or unexplained cough. Persistent cough, particularly when associated with smoking, asthma, emphysema, wheezing, dyspnea, chest pain, or recurrent symptoms, requires appropriate medical evaluation.
Pediatric use
Children may be particularly susceptible to adverse effects from first-generation antihistamines, including paradoxical excitation, excessive sedation, and anticholinergic effects.
Misuse and overdose
Dextromethorphan can produce serious CNS effects when taken in excessive quantities and has recognized misuse potential. Accidental or intentional overdose requires urgent medical assessment.
Duplicate therapy
Patients should check the ingredients of all other cough, cold, allergy, or decongestant products to avoid accidental duplication.
16. Drug Interactions
MAO inhibitors
Concomitant use of dextromethorphan-containing preparations with MAOIs is contraindicated because of the potential for serious reactions, including serotonin toxicity and severe hypertensive reactions.
A 14-day interval after discontinuing an MAOI is generally required before dextromethorphan-containing therapy is considered.
CYP2D6 inhibitors
Medicines that strongly inhibit CYP2D6, including some antidepressants such as fluoxetine and paroxetine, may increase dextromethorphan exposure and increase the risk of adverse effects.
Serotonergic medicines
SSRIs, SNRIs, and other serotonergic medicines may increase the risk of serotonin toxicity when combined with dextromethorphan.
CNS depressants
Alcohol, sedatives, hypnotics, opioids, benzodiazepines, and other CNS depressants may increase sedation and impairment caused particularly by chlorpheniramine.
Anticholinergic medicines
Other antihistamines or anticholinergic medicines may produce additive effects, increasing the likelihood of dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, urinary retention, and related adverse effects.
Other sympathomimetics
Other systemic decongestants or sympathomimetic medicines may increase cardiovascular stimulation and blood-pressure effects.
Patients should inform their physician or pharmacist of all prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, and supplements being used.
17. Side Effects
Potential adverse effects include:
Common
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Mild gastrointestinal discomfort
- Nausea
- Restlessness or nervousness
Less common
- Headache
- Insomnia
- Blurred vision
- Constipation
- Difficulty urinating
- Increased blood pressure
- Palpitations or increased heart rate
- Skin rash or other hypersensitivity reactions
Serious
Rare but potentially serious reactions may include:
- Severe allergic reactions
- Significant hypertension
- Cardiac rhythm disturbances
- Severe CNS depression or stimulation
- Seizures
- Hallucinations or marked behavioral changes, particularly after excessive dextromethorphan exposure
- Serotonin toxicity when dextromethorphan is combined with interacting serotonergic medicines
Severe, unusual, or persistent adverse effects require prompt medical evaluation.
18. Use in Special Populations
Pediatrics
Codilar should not be used in children under 6 years according to the reviewed Egyptian product information. Older children should receive only the dosage specified by the current approved product labeling or a healthcare professional.
Geriatrics
Older adults may be more sensitive to sedation, confusion, anticholinergic effects, urinary retention, and cardiovascular effects. Cautious use is appropriate.
Pregnancy
A historical FDA pregnancy letter category should not be assigned because the FDA no longer uses the former A/B/C/D/X classification system for prescription drug labeling.
Product-specific pregnancy safety data for this fixed combination are limited. Use during pregnancy should therefore be based on professional assessment of the expected benefit and potential risk.
Lactation
The active ingredients may expose the breastfed infant and may potentially cause effects such as sedation or irritability. Chlorpheniramine and sympathomimetic agents may also affect lactation in some circumstances. Breastfeeding patients should obtain professional advice before use.
Hepatic Impairment
Caution is warranted because dextromethorphan and chlorpheniramine undergo substantial hepatic metabolism. Severe hepatic impairment may alter exposure.
Renal Impairment
Caution may also be appropriate because the drug and its metabolites are eliminated substantially through the kidneys. No single standardized Codilar dose adjustment was sufficiently established in the reviewed sources.
19. Storage Conditions
Store Codilar according to the current product label.
Available Egyptian product information indicates:
- Store at a temperature not exceeding 30°C.
- Keep the container tightly closed.
- Protect from light and excessive moisture.
- Keep out of reach of children.
- Do not use after the expiry date.
The product should remain in its original container unless otherwise directed.
20. Additional Sections
Regulatory and dispensing information
Codilar is an Egyptian locally manufactured pharmaceutical product associated with El-Nile Company for Pharmaceuticals and Chemical Industries.
The publicly accessible sources reviewed do not provide sufficient current primary regulatory documentation to state a specific controlled-drug schedule or definitive prescription-only status as a current legal fact. Regulatory and dispensing requirements should therefore be verified against the latest EDA information and the current approved package insert.
Overdose
Overdose can cause serious toxicity because of the combined effects of dextromethorphan, chlorpheniramine, and phenylephrine.
Possible manifestations include:
- Marked drowsiness or CNS depression
- Agitation or CNS stimulation
- Confusion or altered mental status
- Cardiovascular abnormalities
- Hypertension or tachycardia
- Seizures
- Hallucinations
- Other severe toxic manifestations
Suspected overdose requires urgent medical evaluation. Management is supportive and should be determined by an emergency or toxicology team. Home treatment or self-directed gastric lavage should not be attempted.
Product availability
Codilar Syrup 120 mL remains listed by Egyptian pharmacies. Current listed prices can change and should not be regarded as permanent product information.
21. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. What type of cough is Codilar used for?
Codilar is intended primarily for dry, irritating, non-productive cough, particularly when accompanied by symptoms such as nasal congestion, rhinorrhea, or sneezing.
Q2. Does Codilar treat the infection causing a cold?
No. Codilar provides symptomatic relief. It does not have antibacterial, antiviral, or antifungal activity.
Q3. Can Codilar cause drowsiness?
Yes. Chlorpheniramine is a first-generation antihistamine that can cause drowsiness and impaired alertness. Alcohol and sedative medicines may intensify these effects.
Q4. Can Codilar be used for a cough with substantial phlegm?
Routine suppression of a cough that is needed to clear substantial airway secretions may be inappropriate. Persistent or productive cough should be assessed according to its underlying cause.
Q5. Can Codilar be taken with another cold medicine?
Not without checking the ingredients. Other cold and cough products may contain dextromethorphan, antihistamines, or decongestants, creating a risk of duplicate dosing and additive adverse effects.
Q6. Can a person with high blood pressure take Codilar?
Phenylephrine can increase blood pressure and cardiovascular stimulation. Patients with hypertension or cardiovascular disease should obtain professional advice before using a phenylephrine-containing preparation.
Q7. Can Codilar be given to a child under 6 years?
The reviewed Egyptian product information identifies use below 6 years as contraindicated/not recommended. The current package insert should be checked for the exact approved pediatric age restrictions.
Q8. How long should Codilar be used?
It is intended for short-term symptomatic treatment. If cough or respiratory symptoms persist, recur frequently, or worsen, medical evaluation is appropriate rather than prolonged self-treatment.
Q9. What should be done if too much Codilar is taken?
Suspected overdose should be treated as a medical emergency because excessive exposure can cause serious CNS and cardiovascular toxicity. Prompt medical attention is required.
22. References
- Codilar Syrup 120 mL — Bloom Pharmacy, Egypt. Current product listing identifying El-Nile as the brand/manufacturer, the three active ingredients, 120 mL presentation, indications, and current administration information.
- Codilar Syrup 120 mL — Golf Pharmacy. Product information specifying the composition per 10 mL as dextromethorphan hydrobromide 10 mg, phenylephrine HCl 4 mg, and chlorpheniramine maleate 2 mg, equivalent to 5/2/1 mg per 5 mL.
- Al-Shaalan NH et al. Simultaneous Determination of Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Dextromethorphan HBr and Phenylephrine HCl in Codilar Syrup Using High Performance Liquid Chromatography. Journal of Pharmaceutical and Scientific Innovation. The study specifically investigated Codilar syrup manufactured by El-Nile.
- Codilar — AlTibbi. Pharmacological and dosage information for Codilar and its constituent active ingredients.
- Codilar Syrup 120 mL — Lotus Pharmacies, Egypt. Current product information identifying the three active ingredients and symptomatic uses.
- Codilar Syrup 120 mL — Murad Gadallah Pharmacies. Current Egyptian pharmacy information concerning use for dry cough and associated cold/allergy symptoms.
Source-verification principle: For formulation, dosage, age restrictions, contraindications, storage, and regulatory status, the current Egyptian package insert and current EDA-approved product information should be considered the controlling sources whenever they differ from secondary references.