Cough expectorant and antihistamine combination
Last reviewed July 2026
Who is this for?
This is a combination cough medicine that contains five active ingredients working together: ephedrine opens up your airways, cetirizine stops allergic reactions and dries up runny nose, ammonium chloride and sodium citrate help loosen thick mucus so you can cough it out, and menthol gives a cooling sensation that soothes your throat.
Stimulates alpha-adrenergic receptors to cause vasoconstriction of nasal mucosa, reducing congestion; blocks H1 histamine receptors to suppress allergic responses and sneezing; increases mucus fluidity through ammonium chloride and sodium citrate while menthol provides local anesthetic and cooling effects to the respiratory tract.
Available Over The Counter
Get this from any pharmacy or chemist: no prescription needed.
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.
Buy from a licensed pharmacy, as products like Alkum Cough Expectorant sold by roadside vendors may be fake or expired. This medicine can make you sleepy, so avoid driving or operating heavy machines after taking it. Do not use this for a dry cough that has lasted more than 2 weeks; see a doctor, as it could be something more serious like tuberculosis (TB).
Avoid taking with alcohol as it can make you extremely drowsy and dizzy. Do not combine with other cough and cold medicines as they may contain similar ingredients, leading to overdose. If you are taking blood pressure medicine, talk to your doctor first because ephedrine can raise blood pressure.
Check your specific combination
Is it safe to take Ephedrine; with your other drugs?
This medicine is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Consult your doctor before using it, as some of the ingredients (especially ephedrine) may affect your baby.
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat, as Nigerian weather can be very hot, so avoid leaving it on window sills or in cars. Keep the bottle tightly closed after use. Always keep 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.