Cofkar

Uses

1. Expectorant in cough syrups.
2. The ammonium ion (NH4+) in the body plays an important role in the maintenance of acid-base balance. The kidney uses ammonium (NH4+) in place of sodium (Na+) to combine with fixed anions in maintaining acid-base balance, especially as a homeostatic compensatory mechanism in metabolic acidosis. The therapeutic effects of Ammonium Chloride depend upon the ability of the kidney to utilize ammonia in the excretion of an excess of fixed anions and the conversion of ammonia to urea by the liver, thereby liberating hydrogen (H+) and chloride (Cl–) ions into the extracellular fluid. Ammonium Chloride Injection, USP, after dilution in isotonic sodium chloride injection, may be indicated in the treatment of patients with: (1) hypochloremic states and (2) metabolic alkalosis.

Indicated mainly in allergic conditions including urticaria, sensitivity reactions, angioneurotic oedema, seasonal hay fever, vasomotor rhinitis, cough, common cold, motion sickness.

Citric Acid Monohydrate contains the active ingredient Citric Acid Monohydrate which helps to reduce the dry cough and soothes the throat from any related discomfort and pain. Citric Acid is a demulcent which relieves irritation of the mucous membrane in the throat by forming a protective film. Citric Acid is absorbed after oral administration. It is found naturally in the body and is widely distributed.

Cofkar is also used to associated treatment for these conditions: Allergic Reaction, Allergic cough, Common Cold, Cough, Cough caused by Common Cold, Diabetes, High Blood Pressure (Hypertension), Metabolic Alkalosis, Nasal Congestion, Nasal Congestion Due to Allergic Rhinitis, Productive cough, Rhinorrhoea, Sneezing, Bronchial congestion, Dry cough, Excess mucus or phlegm, Hypochloremic state, Airway secretion clearance therapy, Bronchodilation, Parenteral rehydration therapy, Weight Loss, PotassiumAllergic Contact Dermatitis, Allergic Reaction, Allergic Rhinitis (AR), Allergic cough, Allergies, Allergies caused by Serum, Allergy to House Dust, Allergy to vaccine, Angioneurotic Edema, Asthma, Bronchial Asthma, Bronchitis, Common Cold, Conjunctival congestion, Conjunctivitis, Conjunctivitis allergic, Cough, Cough caused by Common Cold, Coughing caused by Flu caused by Influenza, Drug Allergy, Eye allergy, Fever, Flu caused by Influenza, Food Allergy, Headache, Headache caused by Allergies, Itching of the nose, Itching of the throat, Migraine, Nasal Congestion, Nasal Congestion caused by Common Cold, Pollen Allergy, Productive cough, Pruritus, Rash, Rhinorrhoea, Seasonal Allergic Conjunctivitis, Sinus Congestion, Sinusitis, Sneezing, Transfusion Reactions, Upper Respiratory Tract Infection, Upper respiratory tract hypersensitivity reaction, site unspecified, Urticaria, Vasomotor Rhinitis, Acute Rhinitis, Allergic purpura, Conjunctival hyperemia, Dry cough, Excess mucus or phlegm, Itchy throat, Mild bacterial upper respiratory tract infections, Ocular hyperemia, Throat inflammation, Upper airway congestion, Upper respiratory symptoms, Watery eyes, Watery itchy eyes, Airway secretion clearance therapyAcidosis, Catheter site calcification caused by appetite, Catheter site calcification caused by struvite, Gouty Arthritis, Headache, Heartburn, Kidney Stones, Metabolic Acidosis, Blood Specimen Collection, Blood sample storage, Bowel preparation therapy, Chemical contraception, Potassium placement, Urine alkalinization therapy, Cleansing of the colon as a preparation for colonoscopy, Oral antisepsis

How Cofkar works

Ammonium chloride increases acidity by increasing the amount of hydrogen ion concentrations.

Ammonium chloride can be used as an expectorant due to its irritative action on the bronchial mucosa. This effect causes the production of respiratory tract fluid which in order facilitates the effective cough.

Chlorpheniramine binds to the histamine H1 receptor. This blocks the action of endogenous histamine, which subsequently leads to temporary relief of the negative symptoms brought on by histamine.

Dosage

Cofkar dosage

Adults: 4 mg 3-4 times daily.

Children:

• Up to 1( one) year: 1 mg twice daily
• 1-5 years: 1 mg 3-4 times daily
• 6-12 years: 2 mg 3-4 times daily or as directed by the physician

Age Dose Dose frequency

1-5 years 5 ml Upto 4 times daily

6-12 years 10 ml Upto 4 times daily

>12 years & Adults 20 ml 3-4 times daily

Side Effects

Drowsiness, dizziness, headache, psychomotor impairment, urinary retention, dry mouth, blurred vision and gastro intestinal disturbances, paradoxical stimulation may rarely occur, especially in high dosage or in children.

There are no known side effects from using this medicine when used as directed. If taken excessively above the stated dose, glycerol present in the medicine may cause headache, stomach upset and diarrhea.

Toxicity

LD50 "Rat" after oral administration is: 1650 mg/kg. Overdosage of Ammonium Chloride has resulted in a serious degree of metabolic acidosis, disorientation, confusion and coma. If metabolic acidosis occur following overdosage, the administration of an alkalinizing solution such as sodium bicarbonate or sodium lactate will serve to correct the acidosis.

Patients administering Ammonium chloride should be watched to the signs of ammonia toxicity including (pallor, sweating, irregular breathing, bradycardia, cardiac arrhythmias, local and general twitching, tonic convulsions and coma). It should be used with caution in patients with high total CO2 and buffer base secondary to primary respiratory acidosis. Intravenous administration should be slow to avoid local irritation and toxic effects.

Oral LD50 (rat): 306 mg/kg; Oral LD50 (mice): 130 mg/kg; Oral LD50 (guinea pig): 198 mg/kg [Registry of Toxic Effects of Chemical Substances. Ed. D. Sweet, US Dept. of Health & Human Services: Cincinatti, 2010.] Also a mild reproductive toxin to women of childbearing age.

ORAL (LD50): Acute: 5040 mg/kg [Mouse]. 3000 mg/kg [Rat].

Precaution

Chlorpheniramine may produce mild sedation and it is advised that patients under continuous treatment should avoid operating machinery. Not recommended during pregnancy & lactation.

Patients with rare hereditary problems of fructose intolerance, glucose-galactose malabsorption or sucrase-isomaltase insufficiency should not take this medicine.

Interaction

Alcohol, CNS depressants, anticholinergic drugs, MAOIs.

Volume of Distribution

Data not found.

Elimination Route

Completely absorbed within 3–6 h. In healthy persons, absorption of ammonium chloride given by mouth was practically complete. Only 1 to 3% of the dose was recovered in the feces.

Well absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract.

Half Life

Unknown

21-27 hours

Clearance

Data not found.

Elimination Route

Excretion: Urine

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding use

Pregnancy Category B. Either animal-reproduction studies have not demonstrated a foetal risk but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women or animal-reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect (other than a decrease in fertility) that was not confirmed in controlled studies in women in the 1st trimester (and there is no evidence of a risk in later trimesters).

There are no or limited amount of data from the use of Citric Acid Monohydrate in pregnant women. There is insufficient information on the excretion of Citric Acid Monohydrate & its metabolites in human milk.

Contraindication

There is no definite contraindication to therapy. It should be used with caution in epilepsy, prostatic hypertrophy, glaucoma and hepatic disease. The ability to drive or operate machinery may be impaired.

Storage Condition

Keep in a cool and dry place, away from light. Keep out of the reach of children.

Innovators Monograph

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