Cough expectorant and antihistamine combination
Last reviewed July 2026
Who is this for?
This is a combination cough medicine that contains an antihistamine (diphenhydramine) to stop coughing and reduce allergic reactions, ammonium chloride and sodium citrate to help loosen and bring out phlegm from your chest, and menthol to give a cooling, soothing feeling in your throat.
Blocks H1 histamine receptors to suppress cough reflex and allergic symptoms, while ammonium chloride and sodium citrate promote mucolysis and expectoration of respiratory secretions; menthol provides topical anesthetic and bronchodilatory effects on airway mucosa.
Available Over The Counter
Get this from any pharmacy or chemist: no prescription needed.
Is Diphenhydramine; safe to take with another drug?
Check with multiple drugs →Explore this drug
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. 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 the one you missed.
This medicine makes you drowsy, so do not drive, operate machines, or do anything requiring alertness after taking it. Buy only from reputable pharmacies; avoid cough syrups from roadside sellers or open markets as they may be fake or expired. Do not use this medicine for more than 7 days without seeing a doctor, as if your cough persists, it may need proper investigation.
Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medicine as it will make the drowsiness much worse. Do not combine with other antihistamines like chlorpheniramine (Piriton) or sleep medicines as this can cause dangerous over-sedation. Be careful if you are taking blood pressure medicines, as this drug may affect how they work.
Check your specific combination
Is it safe to take Diphenhydramine; with your other drugs?
This medicine is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Consult your doctor or pharmacist before using it if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or nursing a baby.
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat. Nigerian weather can be hot, so avoid storing near windows or in your car. Keep the bottle tightly closed after use and always keep it out of reach of children.
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.