AM-DX

Amylmetacresol (0.6mg) + Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide (5mg)
Price: ₹30 - ₹65 for pack of 16 lozenges
Mfr: Mankind Pharma Ltd. | Form: Lozenges

📋 Clinical Overview

A fixed-dose combination lozenge used for the symptomatic relief of sore throat and associated dry, non-productive cough. Amylmetacresol is a topical antiseptic and local anesthetic for the throat, while Dextromethorphan is a centrally-acting antitussive. It is a widely used OTC product in India for upper respiratory tract infections.

💊 Dosage & Administration

Adult: One lozenge to be dissolved slowly in the mouth every 2-3 hours. Maximum: 8 lozenges in 24 hours.

Note: Allow lozenge to dissolve slowly in the mouth. Do not chew or swallow whole. Do not consume food or drink immediately after taking the lozenge to prolong local effect. Use at regular intervals for symptomatic relief.

⚠️ Contraindications

  • Hypersensitivity to Amylmetacresol, Dextromethorphan, or any excipient.
  • Patients taking Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) or within 14 days of stopping them (risk of serotonin syndrome).
  • Respiratory depression, asthma, or other conditions where secretions are retained.

🔬 Mechanism of Action

Amylmetacresol acts locally on the oropharyngeal mucosa to denature bacterial proteins and fungal cell membranes, providing antiseptic action. It also has a mild local anesthetic effect, soothing throat pain. Dextromethorphan is a sigma-1 receptor agonist and NMDA receptor antagonist that acts centrally on the cough center in the medulla oblongata, raising the threshold for cough reflex.

🤕 Side Effects

  • Nausea
  • Gastrointestinal discomfort
  • Drowsiness
  • Dizziness
  • Local mouth numbness or irritation

🤰 Special Populations

Pregnancy: Category C (US FDA). Animal studies show adverse effects. No adequate human studies. Use only if potential benefit justifies potential risk to the fetus. Avoid in first trimester.

Driving: May cause drowsiness or dizziness. Patients should not drive or operate machinery until their response is known.

🔄 Drug Interactions

MAO Inhibitors (Phenelzine, Selegiline, Moclobemide)Risk of severe serotonin syndrome, hyperpyrexia, death.Contraindicated
SSRIs, SNRIs, Tricyclic AntidepressantsIncreased risk of serotonin syndrome.Major
Other CNS Depressants (Alcohol, Benzodiazepines, Opioids)Additive sedation and CNS depression.Major
CYP2D6 Inhibitors (Quinidine, Fluoxetine, Paroxetine)Increased Dextromethorphan plasma levels, increased risk of side effects.Moderate
Linezolid, Methylene BluePotential serotonin syndrome.Major

🔁 Alternatives to AM-DX

Same composition (Amylmetacresol (0.6mg) + Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide (5mg)), different brands:

Strepsils Cough & Throat Hexidol-DX AM-DX Lozenges