Corex Syrup: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Corex Syrup is a combination of codeine and chlorpheniramine that works as a cough suppressant combined with an antihistamine. It is used to treat dry cough and relieve allergy symptoms such as a runny nose, congestion, cold, throat irritation, watery eyes, and redness of the nose. It is not recommended for children under 12 years of age and should be used exactly as prescribed by your doctor.

What is Corex Syrup

Corex (10/4 mg) Syrup is a combination medicine consisting of codeine and chlorpheniramine. It is used for the treatment of a dry cough and to provide relief from symptoms of allergies like a runny nose, congestion, cold, throat irritation, watery eyes, and redness of the nose.

Corex Syrup uses

• Dry cough
• Runny nose
• Congestion
• Cold
• Throat irritation
• Watery eyes
• Redness of the nose

Benefits of Corex Syrup

• Reduces the activity of the cough centre in the brain to relieve dry cough
• Stops the effects of histamine that causes allergic symptoms
• Relieve dry, irritating cough
• Reduce coughing frequency
• Relieve runny nose and sneezing associated with colds/allergies
• Help reduce nasal congestion
• Provide temporary relief from common cold symptoms

How Corex Syrup works

This medicine works by reducing the activity of the cough centre in the brain and by stopping the effects of histamine that causes allergic symptoms.

Corex Syrup dosage

Corex Syrup can be taken with or without food at the dose and duration prescribed by your doctor. Do not stop using it without consulting your doctor, as stopping suddenly may cause your symptoms to come back. If you still feel unwell after finishing the treatment course, consult your doctor. It is not recommended for use in children under 12 years of age.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If your next dose is near, skip the missed dose and do not double up. Never take more than the prescribed amount.

Available forms and strengths

Corex is available as a syrup, in a 10/4 mg strength.

Side effects of Corex Syrup

Common

• Drowsiness
• Constipation
• Sweating
• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Confusion
• Headache
• Tiredness
• Stomach pain
• Difficulty urination
• Rash
• Blurred or double vision
• Dry mouth

Serious

• Severe dizziness
• Breathing difficulty
• Skin rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
• Respiratory depression
• Symptoms of drug dependence or withdrawal
• Signs of increased intracranial pressure after head injury

Warnings and precautions

• This medicine can cause drug dependence and abuse, especially with prolonged use. Do not stop suddenly, as this may cause withdrawal symptoms; stopping should be done gradually under medical supervision.
• Avoid this medicine if you have severe or acute bronchial asthma, as it may worsen the condition.
• Avoid this medicine if you have a bowel blockage such as paralytic ileus, as it can delay how the medicine is absorbed and lead to serious side effects.
• Avoid this medicine if you have an enlarged prostate, as it may increase difficulty passing urine.
• Do not use this medicine within 14 days of taking MAO inhibitors like selegiline or rasagiline, as combining them may increase the risk of drowsiness and blurred vision.
• Avoid this medicine if you have had too much alcohol in a short time and have depressed vital signs, due to the increased risk of severe breathing problems and death.
• Avoid this medicine if you have a head injury or issues inside the skull, as it can increase pressure inside the skull and worsen the condition.
• Use caution if you have epilepsy or fits, as this medicine increases the risk of seizures.
• Not recommended for children under 12 years old; use with extreme caution in adolescents due to increased risk of severe side effects.
• Use with caution in elderly patients due to an increased risk of severe side effects.
• Pregnancy: Not recommended for use in pregnancy due to the risk of harmful effects on the foetus. Consult your doctor to discuss potential risks and benefits.
• Breastfeeding: Not recommended for use while breastfeeding. An alternate medicine may be preferred. Consult your doctor to discuss potential risks and benefits.
• Kidney: Use with caution if you have kidney disease, due to an increased risk of side effects. Your doctor may adjust the dose or monitor you closely.
• Liver: Use with caution if you have liver disease, due to an increased risk of side effects. Your doctor may adjust the dose or monitor you closely.
• Alcohol: Avoid alcohol while using this medicine, as it can increase the risk and severity of side effects such as dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting.
• Driving: Do not drive or operate machinery after taking this medicine, as it can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired thinking.

Storage

• Keep away from the reach of children and pets.
• Do not use it after the expiry date.
• Ensure that unused medicine is disposed of properly.

When to see a doctor

• Get immediate medical help if you notice symptoms such as skin rash, itching or swelling (especially of the face, tongue, or throat), severe dizziness, or difficulty breathing.
• Get emergency medical help right away if you think you may have taken too much of this medicine.
• Talk to your doctor if you notice any changes in mood or behavior while taking this medicine.
• See your doctor if you don't notice any improvement even after 7 days of using this medicine.

Alternatives

• Delsym
• Robitussin DM
• Chlorpheniramine