The primary use of the combination medicine, Ammonium Chloride + Diphenhydramine + Sodium Citrate, is to manage coughs associated with conditions affecting the respiratory tract, such as bronchitis, sinusitis, and the common cold. This medicine belongs to the group of antihistamines and expectorants.
Drowsiness
Dry mouth
Nausea and vomiting
Headache
Blurred vision
MECHANISM OF ACTION
Ammonium Chloride + Diphenhydramine + Sodium Citrate is a multi-component medicinal combination.
Ammonium Chloride acts as an expectorant. It increases the water content in the airways, thinning out the mucus and making it easier to cough up. In the body, it changes into ammonia and hydrochloric acid which help clear the airways.
Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine. It helps by obstructing the effects of histamine, a substance in the body that causes allergy symptoms like a runny nose and sneezing. It also induces sleepiness, providing rest during illness.
Sodium Citrate is an alkalising agent. Once absorbed in the body, it becomes sodium bicarbonate which reduces acidity in the blood and urine, maintaining a healthy pH balance in the body. Together, these active ingredients work in harmony to manage symptoms associated with coughs and colds.
Doctor of Medicine
BMS, FMC, MD Resident
Dosage Forms Available
The combination of Ammonium Chloride + Diphenhydramine + Sodium Citrate can be taken orally (syrup).
Age and Dose Restrictions
This medicine is suitable for adults and children over the age of 6 years. However, it should be used with caution in children aged between 6 and 12 years, and it is not recommended for children under 6 years without a doctor's advice.
Contraindications
This combination medicine is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to any of the components. It is also contraindicated in patients using monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAO inhibitors), and in neonates or young children under 2 years of age.
Other Medications to Avoid
Ammonium Chloride + Diphenhydramine + Sodium Citrate can interact with MAO inhibitors (such as selegiline, isocarboxazid), sedating medications (like opioids, benzodiazepines, barbiturates), antidepressants (like amitriptyline, imipramine), antihypertensives (like metoprolol, lisinopril), cholinergic medications (like bethanechol, neostigmine), and antacids that contain aluminium or magnesium.
Overdose and Missed Dose
Overdose of this combination may lead to severe symptoms like drowsiness, confusion, hallucinations, seizures, and cardiac arrhythmias requiring immediate medical attention.
If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not double the dose to make up for the missed one.
Management of Side Effects
Most side effects are temporary and generally harmless, resolving when this medicine is discontinued. However, if you experience severe side effects or worsening symptoms, consult your doctor.
If you experience dry mouth as a side effect, sip water frequently, suck on sugarless hard candy or chew sugarless gum to alleviate discomfort.
For nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea, maintain adequate hydration by drinking plenty of fluids.
Use in Driving and Operating Machinery
This medicine may cause drowsiness and impair mental alertness. Therefore, avoid driving and operating heavy machinery while under medication.
Use in Pregnancy and Lactation
There is insufficient data about the safety of this combination during pregnancy and lactation. Hence, it is recommended to use this medicine only if necessary and the benefits outweigh the risks. Always consult your doctor before using this medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Caution in Other Conditions
Caution is advised when using this medicine in patients with narrow-angle glaucoma, seizure disorders, severe liver or kidney disease, prostate enlargement, peptic ulcer disease or chronic lung diseases like asthma, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis.
Special Dietary and Lifestyle Recommendations
For respiratory conditions causing coughs like common cold, bronchitis and sinusitis for which Ammonium Chloride + Diphenhydramine + Sodium Citrate is used:
Stay hydrated to keep mucus thin and make it easier to cough up.
Avoid irritants like tobacco smoke that can worsen a cough.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle, which includes regular physical activity and a balanced diet to boost your immunity.
Maintain good hygiene practices like washing hands regularly to prevent the spread of infections.
Frequently asked questions
There is no specific evidence to suggest that Ammonium Chloride + Diphenhydramine + Sodium Citrate affects the senses of smell or taste. However, individual responses can vary, and if you notice any changes, it would be advisable to consult your doctor.
Ammonium Chloride + Diphenhydramine + Sodium Citrate does not typically cause weight gain. However, individual reactions may vary. If you notice a significant change in your weight after starting this medication, discuss this with your doctor.
No, Ammonium Chloride + Diphenhydramine + Sodium Citrate is not a steroid.
Ammonium Chloride + Diphenhydramine + Sodium Citrate is not known to cause addiction or dependency. It should be used strictly according to the doctor's instructions.
Yes, you can continue your regular exercises while taking Ammonium Chloride + Diphenhydramine + Sodium Citrate. However, as this medicine may cause drowsiness or dizziness, it is advisable to avoid activities requiring mental alertness, such as driving or operating machinery, until you know how this medicine affects you.
Elderly patients can take Ammonium Chloride + Diphenhydramine + Sodium Citrate but with caution, as they are more likely to have side effects. It is recommended that the doctor consult before starting this medicine.
If you experience severe side effects with Ammonium Chloride + Diphenhydramine + Sodium Citrate, contact your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical attention.
Ammonium Chloride + Diphenhydramine + Sodium Citrate in other salts
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