Codelac is a line of antitussive drugs that are produced in the form of tablets, syrup, and drops. Codelac Neo are drops produced specifically for children from 2 months. With their use, a dry, irritating cough subsides. The drug is not an opioid antitussive; therefore, it is not addictive.
Release form and composition
Codelac Neo is available in the following dosage forms:
- modified-release film-coated tablets: biconvex, round, white; white or almost white on a break (10 pcs. in blister packs, 1 or 2 blister packs in a cardboard pack; 30 pcs. or 50 pcs. in polymer cans, 1 can in a cardboard pack);
- drops for oral administration: clear or slightly opalescent liquid, colorless or with a slight yellowish tint, with a vanilla odor (20 ml in dark glass dropper bottles, 1 bottle in a cardboard box);
- syrup: colorless liquid with a vanilla odor (100 ml or 200 ml in dark glass bottles, 1 bottle in a cardboard box complete with a measuring spoon).
Each pack also contains instructions for using Codelac Neo.
Composition per 1 modified-release film-coated tablet:
- active ingredient: butamirate citrate – 50 mg;
- auxiliary components (tablet core): talc, low molecular weight povidone, milk sugar, aerosil, magnesium stearate, hypromellose;
- film shell: Opadry II white 57M280000 (titanium dioxide, talc, glycerin/glycerol, hypromellose, polydextrose, maltodextrin/dextrin).
Composition per 20 ml drops for oral administration:
- active ingredient: butamirate citrate – 100 mg;
- auxiliary components: glycerol, sodium saccharinate, sorbitol, benzoic acid, ethanol 95%, sodium hydroxide solution 30%, vanillin, purified water.
Composition per 5 ml syrup:
- active ingredient: butamirate citrate – 7.5 mg;
- auxiliary components: glycerol, sodium saccharinate, sorbitol, benzoic acid, ethanol 96%, sodium hydroxide solution 30%, vanillin, purified water.
Pharmacological properties
Pharmacodynamics
Butamirate is a centrally acting antitussive. It is neither pharmacologically nor chemically related to opiates (opium alkaloids), therefore it does not cause addiction or dependence.
Codelac Neo suppresses cough by directly affecting the cough center. It promotes dilation of the bronchi (bronchodilator effect), eases breathing (improves spirometry) and saturates the blood with oxygen.
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption of butamirate is high. 9 hours after ingestion of the modified-release tablet, the maximum concentration of the main metabolite, 2-phenylbutyric acid, is observed in the blood plasma (it is 1.4 μg/ml).
Hydrolysis of the active substance begins in the blood. As a result, two active metabolites are formed - diethylaminoethoxyethanol and 2-phenylbutyric acid. They also have antitussive properties and, like butamirate, are almost completely (95%) bound to plasma proteins. Due to the significant association with plasma proteins, the half-life of butamirate and its metabolites is quite long. 2-phenylbutyric acid is partially metabolized by hydroxylation. The drug does not accumulate upon repeated use.
The half-life for drops and syrup is 6 hours, for modified-release tablets it is 13 hours. Metabolites of butamirate are mainly excreted by the kidneys, and excretion of 2-phenylbutyric acid is carried out mainly in the form associated with glucuronic acid.
Analogs
Codelac Neo can be replaced with similar drugs containing the same active ingredient: Omnitus, Sinekod, Grypocitron-broncho. If you are intolerant to the active component of the drugs - butamirate citrate, Codelac Neo can be replaced with products with a different composition, but similar indications:
- Rapitus is a peripherally acting drug for the treatment of dry cough without sputum production. The active ingredient is levodopropizine, which is not addictive. There are no contraindications based on age.
- Paxeladin syrup - indicated for dry cough due to its direct effect on the cough center. It is not an opioid or antihistamine, so it is not addictive.
- Herbion syrup of Icelandic moss - suppresses cough. Additionally, the drug has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and immunostimulating effects. It is used for dry coughs caused by diseases, as well as coughs that occur when staying in rooms with dry air and heavy strain on the vocal cords.
- Stoptussin is a combined remedy for treating cough and accelerating the removal of sputum. Contains 2 chemicals: butamirate dihydrogen citrate, guaifenesin. Used for diseases of the upper respiratory tract accompanied by a dry irritating cough.
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These drugs are used after consulting a doctor.
Contraindications
Absolute:
- lactase deficiency, lactose intolerance, glucose-galactose malabsorption syndrome (for modified-release tablets);
- fructose intolerance (for drops and syrup);
- first trimester of pregnancy;
- children's age up to 2 months (for drops), up to 3 years (for syrup), up to 18 years (for tablets);
- hypersensitivity to the components of the drug.
Relative (Codelac Neo is used with caution):
- second and third trimesters of pregnancy;
- liver diseases, alcoholism, brain diseases, epilepsy, tendency to drug addiction (for drops and syrup, since they contain ethyl alcohol).
Codelac Neo: instructions for use (dosage and method)
Modified-release film-coated tablets
Codelac Neo tablets are taken orally, before meals. The recommended dose for adults is 1 tablet of the drug every 8–12 hours. If after 5 days of treatment the cough persists, you should consult a doctor.
Drops for oral administration
Codelac Neo drops are taken orally, before meals. This dosage form of the drug is designed specifically for children. 1 ml contains 22 drops.
Recommended doses of Codelac Neo for children:
- at the age of 2 months to 1 year – 10 drops four times a day;
- at the age of 1 to 3 years – 15 drops four times a day;
- over the age of 3 years – 25 drops four times a day.
The drug can be given to children under 2 years of age only after consultation with a specialist. If there is no improvement, you should consult a doctor after 5 days from the start of treatment.
Syrup
Codelac Neo syrup is also taken orally, before meals. Recommended doses of the drug:
- children aged 3–6 years – 5 ml three times a day;
- children aged 6–12 years – 10 ml three times a day;
- adolescents 12–18 years old – 15 ml three times a day;
- adult patients - 15 ml four times a day.
To accurately dose the syrup, use the included measuring spoon.
special instructions
One tablet of the drug contains 241 mg of lactose, therefore Codelac Neo tablets are contraindicated for people with lactase deficiency, lactose intolerance and glucose-galactose malabsorption syndrome.
Codelac Neo drops and syrup can be prescribed to patients with diabetes mellitus, since they use sorbitol and sodium saccharinate as sweeteners, rather than glucose or sucrose.
Impact on the ability to drive vehicles and complex mechanisms
During treatment with the drug, it is recommended to refrain from those activities that require increased attention and quick reaction, due to the fact that Codelac Neo can cause adverse reactions such as dizziness and drowsiness.
Indications for use
for adults
The main indication for use of Codelac Neo is dry cough. The drug effectively eliminates this symptom in standard respiratory diseases, including whooping cough and influenza. In addition, Codelac can be prescribed to relieve cough in the pre- and postoperative period.
Doctors also often prescribe this medicine when bronchoscopy is necessary.
Considering the stages of cough formation during respiratory diseases, Codelac Neo has two periods as indications:
- The onset of the disease when the cough is still dry;
- Residual effects after recovery.
The period of the height of the disease is usually accompanied by a productive cough, during which Codelac Neo cannot be used.
for children
Codelac Neo can be used from two months of age. The indication for use is the same as for adult patients – dry cough. In childhood, drugs based on opioid components are strictly prohibited, so butamirate becomes a good alternative to relieve symptoms in a child.
for pregnant women and during lactation
According to the official instructions, Codelac Neo is contraindicated in the first trimester of pregnancy and during breastfeeding. Starting from the second trimester, the drug can be prescribed if the potential benefit to the mother outweighs the possible risk to the child. Despite being available over-the-counter from pharmacies, this medicine should not be used for self-medication. The final decision in this category of patients is made by the doctor.
Drug interactions
The interaction of butamirate with other drugs and medicinal substances has not been described.
During treatment, it is not recommended to take tranquilizers, antipsychotics, hypnotics and other drugs that depress the central nervous system, as well as drink alcohol.
Since Codelac Neo suppresses the cough reflex, it should not be combined with expectorants, as this may lead to accumulation of sputum in the lower respiratory tract and the development of bronchospasm or respiratory tract infection.
Effect of the drug
Thanks to the central mechanisms of eliminating pathology, Codelac Neo will cope with cough caused by any reason. It exerts selective cough suppression in the brain. Does not affect the main breathing center. Does not affect the receptors in the bronchial tree responsible for cough. Reduces the sensitivity of receptors located in the respiratory tract to the effects of irritating factors. Facilitates the course of the disease. The main pharmacological effects of Codelac Neo include:
- Suppression of cough. The frequency, duration and strength of the cough reflex decreases.
- Facilitates the transition of a dry cough to a wet one.
- Expectorant. Liquefies mucus and facilitates its removal.
- Moderate bronchodilator.
- Local anti-inflammatory.
- Improves spirometric indicators.
- Increased blood oxygenation. Reduces the risk of developing respiratory failure.
Reviews of Codelac Neo
According to reviews, Codelac Neo is recommended for use by 73 to 85% of users, while most often patients share their impressions of the drug in syrup form. The medicine helps fight dry cough, is gentle, and has a pleasant vanilla taste. Drops can be used in very young children, starting from 2 months of age. They are safe and non-toxic, and taste sweet. The drug has a relatively low price and is affordable.
For some patients, Codelac Neo was not effective enough. Among the shortcomings, according to users, one can note the presence of ethyl alcohol and benzoic acid in the syrup and drops. The drug also caused drowsiness and allergic reactions in a number of patients.
Adverse reactions
The use of Codelac Neo syrup and drops can cause a number of adverse reactions:
- nausea, loose stools;
- drowsiness;
- dizziness that goes away when the dosage is reduced or treatment is stopped;
- allergies, including urticaria.
If recommended dosages are exceeded, signs of drug poisoning may appear, manifesting the following symptoms:
- movement coordination disorder;
- hypotension;
- dizziness;
- diarrhea;
- drowsiness;
- nausea and vomiting.
If signs of intoxication occur, the medication should be discontinued. The victim is given an enterosorbent or saline laxative to drink. The antidote is unknown; if necessary, medications are prescribed to eliminate the symptoms of poisoning.
