Medically reviewed by Holly McCain. Last updated on March 22, 2024
CHERACOL®
Roberts
Codeine Phosphate – Guaifenesin – Ammonium Chloride
Antitussive – Expectorant
Indications And Clinical Uses: To facilitate expectoration and control cough associated with inflamed mucosa and tenacious sputum which does not respond to products of lesser potency. Contraindications
Contraindications and Precautions: In patients with asthma or pulmonary emphysema, indiscriminate use may precipitate respiratory insufficiency resulting from increased viscosity of bronchial secretions and suppression of the cough reflex.
Use with caution in sedated or debilitated patients, in patients who have undergone thoracotomies or laparotomies, since suppression of the cough reflex may lead to retention of secretions postoperatively in these patients.
Caution should be exercised and dosage may need to be reduced when codeine is administered with other drugs which depress the CNS (including alcohol), with MAO inhibitors, phenothiazines or tricyclic antidepressants.
Use with caution in cases of hypertension, severe organic diseases or known sensitivity to the drug.
A metabolite of guaifenesin has been found to produce an apparent increase in urinary 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid, and guaifenesin could thus interfere with the diagnosis of the carcinoid syndrome. Asthmatic patients being evaluated for the carcinoid syndrome should therefore discontinue any preparation containing guaifenesin for 24 hours before the collection of urine specimens for the determination of 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid.
Occupational Hazards: Warn patients against driving or operating machinery if they become drowsy or show impaired mental and/or physical abilities while taking this product.
Prolonged use of codeine may prove habit-forming. In case of persistent cough and/or fever, consult a physician.
Before prescribing medication to suppress or modify cough, it is important to ascertain that the underlying cause of the cough is identified, that modification of the cough does not increase the risk of clinical or physiologic complications, and that appropriate therapy for the primary disease is provided.
Children: In young children the respiratory centre is especially susceptible to the depressant action of narcotic cough suppressants. Benefit to risk ratio should be carefully considered especially in children with respiratory embarrassment, e.g., croup. Estimation of dosage relative to the child’s age and weight is of great importance.
Pregnancy: Since codeine crosses the placental barrier, its use in pregnancy is not recommended.
As codeine may inhibit peristalsis, patients with chronic constipation should be given this product only after weighing the potential therapeutic benefit against the hazards involved.
Dosage: Adults: 5 to 15 mL every 2 to 4 hours as required. Infants: 1 month: 2 to 3 drops; 3 months: 4 to 6 drops. Children over 1 year: 2.5 to 5 mL according to age.
Availability And Storage: Each 5 mL of red, cherry flavored syrup contains: codeine phosphate 10 mg, guaifenesin 100 mg, ammonium chloride 91 mg. Alcohol 3%. Energy: 50 kJ (12 kcal)/5 mL. Gluten-free. Plastic bottles of 500 mL.
CHERACOL® Roberts Codeine Phosphate – Guaifenesin – Ammonium Chloride Antitussive – Expectorant
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