Antihistamine-Expectorant Cough Medicine
Last reviewed July 2026
Who is this for?
This is a combination cough medicine containing diphenhydramine (an antihistamine that stops coughing and dries up a runny nose), ammonium chloride (an expectorant that loosens thick phlegm so you can cough it out), and menthol (which gives a cool, soothing feeling in the throat and opens up the airway).
Blocks H1 histamine receptors to reduce allergic rhinitis and histamine-mediated cough reflex, while ammonium chloride acts as an expectorant by increasing respiratory tract fluid secretion to thin mucus, and menthol provides topical anesthetic and decongestant effects via TRPM8 receptor activation on respiratory epithelium.
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 drowsy, so do not drive, ride okada, or operate machinery after taking it. Buy only from a registered pharmacy and avoid roadside sellers or market vendors, as fake cough syrups are common in Nigeria and can be very dangerous. If your cough does not improve after 5-7 days or you start coughing blood, see a doctor immediately.
Do not drink alcohol while using this medicine, as it will make you extremely drowsy and can be dangerous. Avoid taking it with other cough or cold medicines that contain antihistamines (like chlorpheniramine or promethazine) as this doubles the drowsy effect. Be careful if you are taking sedatives or medicines for anxiety or sleep, as the combination can make you dangerously sleepy.
Check your specific combination
Is it safe to take Diphenhydramine with your other drugs?
This medicine is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, so please consult your doctor 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, as Nigerian weather can be very hot, so do not leave it in your car or near a window. Keep the bottle tightly closed and always store it where children cannot reach it.
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.