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Health

Glycodin

, medical expert
Last reviewed: 14.06.2024
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Glycodin is a combined medication containing several active components:

  1. Dextromethorphan hydrobromide is an antihistamine that is used to reduce cough by suppressing the reflex cough.
  2. Terpine hydrate is a mucolytic agent that helps thin mucus, making it easier to expectorate when coughing.
  3. Levomenthol is a menthol derivative that has a local analgesic and refreshing effect that can help relieve throat irritation and reduce coughing discomfort.

Glycodin is used for the symptomatic treatment of coughs of various origins, such as coughs due to acute respiratory viral infections, bronchitis, tracheobronchitis and other respiratory diseases. However, before using this drug, you should consult your doctor or pharmacist for individual advice and recommendations.

Indications Glycodine

  1. Cough associated with ARVI (acute respiratory viral infections), such as influenza or a cold.
  2. Bronchitis, including acute and chronic bronchitis.
  3. Tracheobronchitis is inflammation of the trachea and bronchi.
  4. Other respiratory diseases accompanied by cough.

Release form

Glycodin is usually available in syrup form.

Pharmacodynamics

  1. Dextromethorphan (dextromethorphan hydrobromide):

    • Dextromethorphan is a central antidepressant that acts on the cough center in the brain, suppressing the cough reflex.
    • It suppresses cough, reducing its frequency and severity, without changing the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract.
  2. Terpine hydrate:

    • Terpine hydrate has a mucolytic (thinning phlegm) and antispasmodic (relieving spasms) effect.
    • It helps thin and make it easier to expectorate mucus by changing its viscosity and reducing airway spasms.
  3. Levomenthol:

    • Levomenthol has a local anesthetic and cooling effect.
    • It can help relieve irritation in the throat and airways, making breathing easier and reducing a burning or itching sensation in the throat.

Pharmacokinetics

  1. Dextromethorphan (DXM):

    • Absorption: Dextromethorphan is absorbed into the blood from the gastrointestinal tract.
    • Metabolism: Metabolized in the liver to form active metabolites.
    • Excretion: Excreted mainly through the kidneys in the form of metabolites.
    • Half-life: About 3-6 hours.
  2. Terpine hydrate:

    • Absorption: Absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract.
    • Metabolism: Metabolized in the liver.
    • Excretion: Excreted mainly through the kidneys.
    • Half-life: Half-life may be approximately 5-7 hours.
  3. Levomenthol:

    • Absorption: Absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract.
    • Metabolism: Metabolized in the liver.
    • Excretion: Excreted primarily through the lungs.
    • Half-life: Approximately 3-4 hours.

Dosing and administration

The method of administration and dosage of Glycodin (dextromethorphan hydrobromide, terpine hydrate, levomenthol) may vary depending on the manufacturer's instructions and the recommendations of your doctor. This drug is usually used to relieve cough symptoms.

For adults and children over 12 years of age, it is usually recommended to take 10 ml of syrup (approximately two teaspoons) every 4-6 hours as needed. The maximum daily dose usually does not exceed 40 ml.

For children aged 6 to 12 years, the dosage can be reduced to 5 ml of syrup (approximately one teaspoon) every 4-6 hours if necessary. The maximum daily dose usually does not exceed 20 ml.

For children under 6 years of age, the dosage should be selected with caution and only on the recommendation of a doctor.

Use Glycodine during pregnancy

It is important to consider the specifics of using this drug during pregnancy:

  • Dextromethorphan

Dextromethorphan is generally considered relatively safe to use during pregnancy, however, like any medicine, it should only be used after careful discussion with your doctor. Dextromethorphan should not be used during the first trimester of pregnancy as data on its safety during this period are limited.

  • Terpine hydrate

Terpine hydrate has a mucolytic effect, but it is rarely used and may be associated with several health risks, including risks during pregnancy. There is insufficient data on the safety of using terpine hydrate during pregnancy, so its use should be done with caution and only as prescribed by a doctor.

  • Levomenthol

Levomenthol is commonly used in medicine as a local anesthetic and to ease breathing during nasal congestion. In the context of pregnancy, levomenthol is considered relatively safe, but, like other components, its use should be agreed with a doctor.

Contraindications

  1. Allergic reaction: People with a known allergy to any of the components of the drug (dextromethorphan, terpine hydrate, levomenthol) should avoid its use.
  2. Bronchial asthma: The use of dextromethorphan (one of the components of Glycodin) may worsen the condition in patients with bronchial asthma, as it can cause bronchospasm.
  3. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): Dextromethorphan may be contraindicated in patients with COPD due to the risk of possible worsening of symptoms.
  4. Hypersensitivity to terpine hydrate and/or levomenthol: These ingredients may cause irritation or an allergic reaction in some people.
  5. Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Data on the safety of Glycodin during pregnancy and breast-feeding are limited, so the use of this drug requires consultation with a doctor.
  6. Children under 6 years of age: Glycodin is not recommended for children under 6 years of age without first consulting a doctor.
  7. Liver failure: The use of Glycodin may require dosage adjustment in patients with liver failure.
  8. Renal failure: Use of Glycodin may require dosage adjustment in patients with renal failure.

Side effects Glycodine

Each of these components may cause certain side effects when used:

Dextromethorphan hydrobromide

Dextromethorphan is widely used as an antitussive. Its side effects are usually mild and include:

  • Dizziness and drowsiness, which may affect the ability to drive vehicles and operate machinery.
  • Nausea and vomiting, especially at high doses.
  • Confusion, restlessness, or hallucinations, especially in children and the elderly, or in overdose.

Terpine hydrate

Terpine hydrate is used to facilitate the removal of mucus, but may cause:

  • Gastrointestinal disorders, including nausea and vomiting.
  • High doses of terpine hydrate can cause serious kidney problems and brain damage, especially with long-term use.

Levomenthol

Levomenthol is used to ease breathing with a runny nose and congestion, but can cause:

  • Local irritation, including redness or burning when ingested or applied to the skin.

Overdose

  1. Dextromethorphan (dextromethorphan hydrobromide):

    • An overdose of dextromethorphan can lead to drowsiness, dizziness, digestive disorders (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea), rapid heartbeat, arrhythmias, decreased respiratory function, loss of consciousness and even coma.
    • When mixed with other CNS depressants such as alcohol or sedatives, the risk of serious overdose effects is increased.
  2. Terpine hydrate:

    • An overdose of terpine hydrate can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, dizziness, nervous system excitement, tachycardia, convulsions and even acute respiratory failure.
    • In case of overdose, allergic reactions may also develop, including hives, itching and swelling.
  3. Levomenthol:

    • An overdose of levomenthol can lead to an acute reaction of the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract, causing irritation, redness, swelling and even breathing problems.
    • People with asthma or obstructive airway diseases should be especially careful, as an overdose of levomenthol may worsen their symptoms.

Interactions with other drugs

  1. Dextromethorphan hydrobromide:

    • May enhance the central nervous system depressant effects when combined with other drugs such as alcohol or sedatives.
  2. Terpine hydrate:

    • May enhance the effect of other mucolytic agents.
    • The effect of central nervous system depressants may be enhanced.
  3. Levomenthol:

    • May enhance the effect of other mucolytic agents.
    • The effect of central nervous system depressants may be enhanced.
  4. General interactions:

    • The drug "Glycodin" contains several active components that can interact with other drugs. In case of simultaneous use with other drugs, it is always recommended to consult a doctor or pharmacist.

Attention!

To simplify the perception of information, this instruction for use of the drug "Glycodin " translated and presented in a special form on the basis of the official instructions for medical use of the drug. Before use read the annotation that came directly to medicines.

Description provided for informational purposes and is not a guide to self-healing. The need for this drug, the purpose of the treatment regimen, methods and dose of the drug is determined solely by the attending physician. Self-medication is dangerous for your health.

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