Diphenhydramine Cough Expectorant
2025/07/23
Cough expectorants are a group of medications that works by thinning and loosening mucus in the airways, helping to clear chest congestion thus making breathing easier.
- Take these medications as recommended by your healthcare professional. Consult your healthcare professional if you are not sure how to take these medications correctly.
- Shake the bottle well before use.
- If your symptoms persist or worsen after one week of taking these medications, please talk to your healthcare professional.
Cough expectorants may be taken when required for a short period of time. This means that you do not have to take them if you do not have any symptoms. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue normally. Do not take two doses or extra medication to make up for the missed dose.
Inform your healthcare professional if:
- You are allergic to expectorants, or any other ingredients used in these medications.
- You are taking any other medications, including supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies.
- You have existing conditions such as gastric ulcers, liver or kidney problems and lung conditions e.g. Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (COPD) or severe uncontrolled asthma.
- You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or breastfeeding.•You have a cough with thick yellow or green phlegm or mucus, or blood.
- You have a fever of more than 38.6°C.
- You lose weight even though you are not trying to do so.
- You have night sweats.
- Your cough lasts for more than 3-4 weeks.
- You start having new symptoms during self-treatment.
- Drowsiness or dizziness
- Avoid driving, operating machinery or other activities which require concentration, if affected.
- Common side effects may include nausea or vomiting, stomach upset and constipation.
- These side effects are usually mild and will pass quickly.
The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:
- Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
- Difficulty in breathing
- Itchy skin rashes over your whole body
If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop these medications and see your doctor immediately.
Let your healthcare professional know if you are taking, or planning to take any other herbal products, supplements or medications.
Store in a cool and dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep these medications away from children.
For liquids, discard the bottle 6 months after first opening or if expired, whichever is sooner.
Pack this medication into a black trash bag and seal it tightly before throwing into the rubbish chute or bin.
Disclaimers
Please take note that the above is not a complete list of all possible side effects. If you have any concerns about your medication or if you have other side effects that you think are caused by this medication, please consult your doctor or pharmacist. If you take more than the recommended dose, please seek medical advice immediately. The information provided on this page does not replace information from your healthcare professional. Please consult your healthcare professional for more information.
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