ALCUF-DX CAPSULE

Product overview

ALCUF-DX is a combination medicine marketed by ACCOTT. It contains three active ingredients commonly used to relieve symptoms of coughs, colds and allergies.

The product shown in your photograph comes in red, oval-shaped softgel capsules, packaged in strips of 10.

1. Composition and purpose

The front of the box lists three active ingredients. Their individual strengths are not clearly readable in the photograph.

|
Ingredient

|

Main purpose

|
| --- | --- |
|

Dextromethorphan hydrobromide

|

Suppresses dry cough

|
|

Phenylephrine hydrochloride

|

Relieves nasal congestion

|
|

Chlorpheniramine maleate

|

Relieves sneezing, runny nose and allergy symptoms

|

Together, these ingredients are intended to relieve several cold symptoms at once. They do not cure the underlying infection.

2. How each ingredient works

Dextromethorphan hydrobromide acts on the brain's cough-control pathways to reduce the urge to cough. It is generally used for dry, irritating coughs rather than coughs that produce substantial mucus.

Phenylephrine hydrochloride is a decongestant that constricts blood vessels. However, evidence indicates that oral phenylephrine at standard doses is ineffective for relieving nasal congestion.

Chlorpheniramine maleate is a first-generation antihistamine. It blocks histamine's effects, reducing sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes and itching. It can also cause significant drowsiness.

The US FDA's review found that oral phenylephrine does not effectively relieve nasal congestion at recommended doses. This finding does not affect the effectiveness of the other ingredients.

FDA

+1

3. Common uses

ALCUF-DX may be prescribed for temporary relief of:

• Dry, irritating cough

• Sneezing and runny nose

• Watery eyes associated with allergies

• Multiple cold and allergy symptoms occurring together

It is not an antibiotic and does not directly treat bacterial infections, pneumonia or asthma.

4. Dosage and administration

Important dosage information

The exact amount of each ingredient per capsule is not legible in the photograph. Therefore, a safe product-specific dose or dosing frequency cannot be confirmed.

Take the medicine only according to its packaging or your doctor's instructions. Swallow softgel capsules whole with water. Do not exceed the prescribed dose or combine them with other cough and cold medicines containing the same ingredients.

5. Possible side effects

|
Common side effects

|

More serious symptoms

|
| --- | --- |
|

Drowsiness

|

Difficulty breathing

|
|

Dizziness

|

Fast or irregular heartbeat

|
|

Dry mouth

|

Severe allergic reaction

|
|

Nausea

|

Confusion or hallucinations

|
|

Constipation

|

Difficulty urinating

|
|

Nervousness or sleeplessness

|

Severe vision changes

|

Seek urgent medical assistance for difficulty breathing, collapse, seizures or severe allergic symptoms.

MedlinePlus

+2

6. Precautions and interactions

Consult your doctor or pharmacist before using this medicine if you have high blood pressure, heart disease, glaucoma, thyroid disease, prostate enlargement, difficulty urinating or chronic respiratory disease.

Avoid alcohol and do not drive if you experience drowsiness. Dextromethorphan can interact with certain antidepressants, including SSRIs, increasing the risk of serotonin syndrome. Do not use this combination with MAO inhibitors or within 14 days of stopping them. Pregnant or breastfeeding patients and children should use it only after appropriate medical advice.

MedlinePlus

+2

7. Packaging details from your photograph

These are the details visible on the supplied packaging; they are not an independent verification of the product or its manufacturing information.

Store in a cool, dry place, protected from excessive heat and moisture, and out of children's reach. Seek medical assessment if your cough persists, worsens or is accompanied by high fever, chest pain, breathlessness or blood in the sputum.