Wockhardt Cough Syrup

💊 What is Wockhardt Cough Syrup?

Wockhardt markets a prescription-strength cough syrup combining:

• Promethazine hydrochloride (6.25 mg per 5 mL): a first-generation antihistamine with sedative and anti-nausea effects

• Codeine phosphate (usually 10 mg per 5 mL): an opioid that suppresses the cough reflex in the brain
  (This formulation may sometimes also contain phenylephrine or dextromethorphan.) medicines.org.uk+10wockhardtusa.com+10accessdata.fda.gov+10

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✅ Indications & Use

• Primary use: To relieve persistent coughs, nasal congestion, sneezing, and related symptoms from colds or allergies. mayoclinic.org

• Prescription only: Classified as Schedule V in the U.S. due to low potential for abuse.

Adult Dosage:

• Typically 5 mL every 4–6 hours, not exceeding 30 mL in 24 hours. wockhardtusa.com+6accessdata.fda.gov+6reference.medscape.com+6

Pediatric Use:

• Under 12 years: Contraindicated—risk of respiratory depression and death. mayoclinic.org+2accessdata.fda.gov+2reference.medscape.com+2

• Under 6 years: Absolutely contraindicated due to danger of respiratory arrest.

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⚠️ Safety and Side Effects

Common Side Effects:

• Sedation/drowsiness

• Dizziness, dry mouth, constipation (from codeine) pharmacy.amazon.com+13reference.medscape.com+13webmd.com+13

Serious Risks:

• Respiratory depression, especially dangerous in children or those with breathing disorders.

• Codeine metabolism variability: Some individuals (CYP2D6 ultra‑rapid metabolizers) can convert codeine to morphine too quickly, increasing risk of overdose. accessdata.fda.gov+1reference.medscape.com+1

• Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS) possible with promethazine. webmd.com+2dailymed.nlm.nih.gov+2healthy.kaiserpermanente.org+2

• Severe allergic reactions or agranulocytosis (rare but serious). reference.medscape.com

Safety in Special Populations:

• Children <12: blocked or strongly discouraged. Fatalities reported in toddlers.

• Pregnancy: codeine may cause neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome.

• Breastfeeding: codeine and promethazine pass into breast milk—may affect the infant. medicines.org.uk+15accessdata.fda.gov+15reference.medscape.com+15

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⚕️ Drug Interactions & Contraindications

• Avoid combining with CNS depressants (e.g. alcohol, benzodiazepines, opioids): increases sedation and respiratory risk.

• Watch out for MAO inhibitors, anticholinergics, CYP450 inhibitors, which can affect codeine metabolism or promethazine levels.

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🚫 Regulatory & Misuse Concerns

• In the U.S., it’s regulated as a controlled substance.

• Street misuse: syrup combos with promethazine + codeine have been infamously used recreationally as “lean” or “purple drank”—notably referenced as “Wock” in hip-hop culture en.wikipedia.org.

• Wockhardt has also faced regulatory scrutiny unrelated to syrup, but significant in the pharma industry context. wockhardtusa.com+6en.wikipedia.org+6federalregister.gov+6

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👩‍⚕️ Patient Advice & Best Practices

• Measure carefully using the provided spoon or dropper—never use household teaspoons. healthy.kaiserpermanente.org

• Follow your doctor’s directions precisely—don’t exceed max daily dose.

• Do not combine with other cough/cold preparations containing codeine or promethazine to avoid overdose. healthy.kaiserpermanente.org

• Monitor for side effects—if breathing slows, extreme drowsiness occurs, or signs of allergic reaction appear, seek medical attention.

• Store safely, away from children and others—this is a narcotic-containing medication.

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🧾 Summary

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🔚 Final Word

Wockhardt’s promethazine–codeine syrup can be effective for severe cough and cold symptoms, but carries significant risks, especially for children and those mixing it with other depressants. It requires careful dosing, clear instructions, and professional oversight.

If you or someone you care for is prescribed this syrup—especially in Cameroon where regulations might differ—ensure:

• It’s a legitimate, doctor‑prescribed product

• You understand the dosage limits and danger signs

• It’s stored securely and used responsibly