Antihistamine and Expectorant (Cough medicine)
Last reviewed July 2026
Who is this for?
This is a combination medicine containing diphenhydramine (an antihistamine that stops coughs and reduces allergic reactions) and ammonium chloride (an expectorant that helps loosen thick mucus so you can cough it out more easily). Together, they relieve cough and clear your chest.
Blocks H1 histamine receptors to suppress allergic responses and reduce cough reflex sensitivity, while ammonium chloride acts as an expectorant by increasing airway secretions and facilitating mucus clearance through enhanced mucociliary transport.
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. 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 makes you very sleepy, so do not drive, operate machines, or do anything that needs you to be fully alert after taking it. Buy only from reputable pharmacies, not roadside vendors, because cough syrups are commonly faked in Nigeria. If your cough lasts more than 7 days or you start coughing out blood or greenish phlegm, see a doctor, as it could be something more serious like an infection or tuberculosis.
Avoid drinking alcohol while using this medicine, as alcohol makes the drowsiness much worse and can be dangerous. Do not take it with other antihistamines like chlorpheniramine (Piriton) as this doubles the sedative effect. Be careful if you are taking sleeping pills or sedatives, as the combination can make you extremely drowsy.
Check your specific combination
Is it safe to take Diphenhydramine with your other drugs?
Do not use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding without consulting your doctor first, as diphenhydramine can pass to the baby and may cause side effects.
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat. Nigerian weather can be very hot, so avoid leaving it in a car or near a window. Keep the bottle tightly closed after use. Always keep it out of the reach of children, as the sweet taste of the syrup may attract them.
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.