Medicine Information

Apocal-DM

Name: Apocal-DM
Brand: Apocal-DM
Rating: 4.5 (117 reviews)

TabletDextromethorphan HBr 10 mg + Chlorpheniramine Maleate 2 mgCough & Cold Preparations, AntihistaminesATC: R05DA20

Generic Name

Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide + Chlorpheniramine Maleate

Manufacturer

Healthcare Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

Country

Bangladesh

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Price Details

Current market pricing information

Variant	Unit Price	Strip Price
apocal dm tablet	৳ 5.00	N/A

Description

Overview of the medicine

Apocal-DM Tablet is a combination medicine used to relieve symptoms of common cold, such as cough, sneezing, runny nose, and watery eyes. It contains Dextromethorphan, a cough suppressant, and Chlorpheniramine, an antihistamine.

Uses & Indications

Relief of cough due to common cold or minor throat and bronchial irritation.

Alleviation of sneezing, runny nose, and watery eyes associated with common cold or upper respiratory allergies.

Dosage

Adults

1 tablet 2-3 times daily, or as directed by a physician.

Elderly

Similar to adult dosage, but caution is advised due to increased sensitivity to anticholinergic effects and potential for sedation.

Renal_impairment

Use with caution. Dosage adjustment may be necessary in severe renal impairment.

How to Take

Take orally with a glass of water, with or without food. Do not chew or crush the tablet.

Mechanism of Action

Dextromethorphan acts on the cough center in the medulla oblongata to elevate the cough threshold, thereby suppressing cough. Chlorpheniramine is an antihistamine that works by blocking H1 histamine receptors, reducing allergic symptoms like sneezing and runny nose.

Pharmacokinetics

Onset

Dextromethorphan: 15-30 minutes; Chlorpheniramine: 30-60 minutes.

Excretion

Both are primarily excreted through the kidneys as unchanged drug and metabolites.

Half life

Dextromethorphan: 2-4 hours (variable due to CYP2D6 polymorphism); Chlorpheniramine: 12-43 hours.

Absorption

Both Dextromethorphan and Chlorpheniramine are well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract.

Metabolism

Dextromethorphan undergoes extensive hepatic metabolism, primarily by CYP2D6. Chlorpheniramine is also extensively metabolized in the liver.

Side Effects

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to Dextromethorphan, Chlorpheniramine, or any component of the formulation.
Concomitant use with Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) or within 14 days of stopping MAOI therapy.
Patients with severe hypertension, severe coronary artery disease, narrow-angle glaucoma, urinary retention, or severe hepatic impairment.

Drug Interactions

MAOIs

Concomitant use is contraindicated due to risk of serotonin syndrome.

CNS Depressants (e.g., alcohol, benzodiazepines, hypnotics)

May enhance sedative effects.

CYP2D6 Inhibitors (e.g., fluoxetine, paroxetine, quinidine)

May increase Dextromethorphan levels and adverse effects.

Anticholinergic drugs (e.g., tricyclic antidepressants, atropine)

May increase anticholinergic side effects.

Storage

Store in a cool and dry place, below 30°C. Protect from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.

Overdose

Symptoms of overdose may include severe drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, respiratory depression, hallucinations, and seizures. Management is supportive, including gastric lavage or activated charcoal, and symptomatic treatment. Naloxone may be used for severe Dextromethorphan overdose.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Pregnancy Category C. Should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Not recommended during lactation as both components may pass into breast milk.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this medicine

Pack Sizes

10 tablets100 tablets (in a box)

Shelf Life

24-36 months from manufacturing date

Availability

Available in pharmacies and drugstores

Approval Status

Approved by national drug regulatory authorities

Patent Status

Generic

Clinical Trials

Individual components, Dextromethorphan and Chlorpheniramine, have undergone extensive clinical trials supporting their efficacy and safety. This combination is a well-established formulation.

Lab Monitoring

Generally not required for routine use. In cases of overdose, liver and kidney function tests might be considered.

Doctor Notes

Counsel patients on potential sedation and instruct them to avoid driving or operating machinery.
Advise against concurrent use of alcohol or other CNS depressants.
Be aware of anticholinergic side effects, especially in elderly patients.

Patient Guidelines

Do not exceed the recommended dose.
Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery if you experience drowsiness.
Consult a doctor if symptoms persist for more than 7 days or worsen.
Avoid concurrent use of other cough and cold medicines unless advised by a doctor.

Missed Dose Advice

If a dose is missed, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose.

Driving Precautions

This medicine may cause drowsiness or dizziness. Patients should be advised not to drive or operate machinery until they know how this medicine affects them.