Antihistamine and Expectorant (cough mixture)
Last reviewed July 2026
Who is this for?
This is a combination cough mixture that contains an antihistamine (chlorphenamine) to reduce allergic reactions and dry up a runny nose, ammonium chloride to help loosen thick mucus in your chest, sodium citrate to soothe irritated airways, and menthol to give a cooling relief to your throat.
Blocks H1 histamine receptors to reduce allergic symptoms and suppress cough reflex, while ammonium chloride acts as an expectorant to thin respiratory secretions; sodium citrate provides alkalinization and mucolytic effects, and menthol produces local anaesthetic and cooling sensations on respiratory mucosa to ease congestion and coughing.
Available Over The Counter
Get this from any pharmacy or chemist: no prescription needed.
Is Chlorphenamine; safe to take with another drug?
Check with multiple drugs →Explore this drug
If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it is almost time for your next dose, just skip the missed one and continue as normal. Do not take a double dose to make up for it.
This medicine causes serious drowsiness, so do not drive, ride an okada, or operate heavy machinery after taking it. Buy only from reputable pharmacies, not roadside sellers, as fake cough syrups are common in Nigeria. Do not use this medicine to make children sleep: it is only for treating cough and cold symptoms.
Alcohol makes the drowsiness from this medicine much worse, so avoid drinking beer, palmwine, or any alcohol while using it. Sleeping tablets and anxiety medicines (like diazepam) combined with this cough syrup can make you extremely drowsy. If you are taking any other cold or allergy medicine, check that it does not also contain chlorphenamine to avoid double dosing.
Check your specific combination
Is it safe to take Chlorphenamine; with your other drugs?
Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult a doctor before taking this medicine, as the chlorphenamine content can pass to the baby and cause drowsiness.
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat, as Nigerian weather can spoil medicines fast. Keep the bottle tightly closed after use. Always keep it out of the reach of children. Do not store in the bathroom where there is moisture.
For information only: not medical advice. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before changing your medication.
Names this drug is sold under, especially in Nigerian and West African pharmacies
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Counterfeit Drug Warning
Fake drugs are a serious problem in Nigeria. Always buy from a registered pharmacy. If the packaging looks different from what is described above, do not use it.