Diphenhydramine + Dextromethorphan + Levomenthol

Allopathic
Indications
  • Symptomatic relief of cough associated with upper respiratory tract infections
  • Management of allergic conditions accompanied by cough, such as allergic rhinitis or postnasal drip
  • Temporary relief of throat irritation and minor nasal congestion
  • Suppression of non-productive (dry) cough
  • Adjunct treatment in cold and flu symptoms
Dosage & Administration
  • Route: Oral
  • Adults and Adolescents (≥12 years):
    • Syrup or solution: 10 mL every 4 to 6 hours as needed; do not exceed 60 mL in 24 hours
    • Lozenges: 1 lozenge every 2 to 4 hours; maximum 6 lozenges per day
  • Children (6–11 years):
    • Syrup: 5 mL every 4 to 6 hours; maximum 30 mL per 24 hours
    • Use under medical supervision
  • Children under 6 years:
    • Use not recommended due to risk of serious side effects
  • Elderly:
    • Use with caution due to increased risk of sedation and anticholinergic effects
  • Special Populations:
    • No specific dose adjustments; caution in hepatic or renal impairment
  • Administration Notes:
    • Shake syrup or solution well before use
    • Avoid use with other CNS depressants or anticholinergic drugs
Mechanism of Action (MOA)
  • Diphenhydramine: A first-generation antihistamine that blocks H1 histamine receptors, reducing allergic symptoms and exerting anticholinergic effects that decrease mucus secretion and cause sedation.
  • Dextromethorphan: Acts centrally on the cough center in the medulla by antagonizing NMDA receptors and sigma-1 receptors, suppressing the cough reflex without depressing respiratory function.
  • Levomenthol: A topical analgesic and mild local anesthetic that stimulates cold receptors in the throat and nasal mucosa, providing a soothing effect and mild decongestion.

Together, these components provide symptomatic relief of cough, throat irritation, and allergic nasal symptoms.

Pharmacokinetics
  • Diphenhydramine:
    • Absorption: Rapidly absorbed orally with peak plasma concentrations in 2–4 hours
    • Metabolism: Extensively metabolized in the liver via CYP2D6
    • Half-life: 4–8 hours
    • Excretion: Mainly renal as metabolites
  • Dextromethorphan:
    • Absorption: Rapid oral absorption, peak plasma levels in ~2 hours
    • Metabolism: Hepatic metabolism primarily via CYP2D6 to active metabolite dextrorphan
    • Half-life: 3–6 hours (varies with CYP2D6 genotype)
    • Excretion: Renal elimination of metabolites
  • Levomenthol:
    • Minimal systemic absorption due to topical/local action
    • Metabolized hepatically and excreted renally
Pregnancy Category & Lactation
  • Pregnancy:
    • Category B (Diphenhydramine and Levomenthol); C (Dextromethorphan)
    • Use only if clearly needed; benefits should outweigh potential risks
  • Lactation:
    • Diphenhydramine and dextromethorphan are excreted in breast milk; potential sedation in infants
    • Caution advised; monitor breastfed infants for sedation or irritability
Therapeutic Class
  • Primary Classes:
    • Diphenhydramine: First-generation H1 antihistamine
    • Dextromethorphan: Antitussive (cough suppressant)
    • Levomenthol: Topical analgesic and decongestant
Contraindications
  • Known hypersensitivity to any component
  • Concurrent use of MAO inhibitors or within 14 days of MAO inhibitor therapy
  • Severe hepatic or renal impairment (relative contraindication)
  • Children under 2 years (risk of respiratory depression)
Warnings & Precautions
  • Use cautiously in patients with glaucoma, asthma, COPD, urinary retention, or prostatic hypertrophy due to anticholinergic effects of diphenhydramine
  • Risk of CNS depression and sedation; avoid operating machinery or driving
  • Potential for misuse/abuse of dextromethorphan at high doses
  • Avoid concurrent use with other CNS depressants or alcohol
  • Monitor elderly patients closely due to increased sensitivity to anticholinergic and sedative effects
Side Effects
  • Common:
    • Sedation, dizziness, dry mouth (diphenhydramine)
    • Nausea, vomiting (dextromethorphan)
    • Mild throat irritation or local burning (levomenthol)
  • Serious/Rare:
    • Confusion, hallucinations, especially in overdose or elderly
    • Respiratory depression (rare)
    • Allergic reactions including rash, urticaria
Drug Interactions
  • CNS depressants (e.g., benzodiazepines, opioids) — increased sedation and respiratory depression risk
  • MAO inhibitors — hypertensive crisis or serotonin syndrome risk with dextromethorphan
  • Other anticholinergic drugs — additive anticholinergic effects
  • Alcohol — enhanced CNS depression
Recent Updates or Guidelines
  • No major recent changes in indications or dosing
  • Increased warnings about potential misuse/abuse of dextromethorphan-containing products
  • Emphasis on cautious use in pediatric and elderly populations
Storage Conditions
  • Store at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F)
  • Protect from light and moisture
  • Keep tightly closed and out of reach of children
  • Do not freeze