Acticuf CD 2mg/10mg Syrup: Complete Medicine Guide
Clinical Reference Standards: CDSCO (Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation), Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP) & WHO | Last Updated: September 2026
When to Call Your Doctor IMMEDIATELY
- Slow, shallow, or difficult breathing
- Severe drowsiness or difficulty waking up
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Severe abdominal pain with vomiting or inability to pass stool
- Confusion, hallucinations, or unusual behavior
- Fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes
- Decreased urine output
If experiencing severe symptoms, call emergency services immediately.
What is acticuf cd 2mg/10mg syrup used for?
This medicine is a prescription cough syrup containing chlorpheniramine maleate 2 mg and codeine 10 mg per 5 mL. It is used for short-term relief of dry, irritating cough in adults and children above 12 years. It must not be given to children below 12 years because codeine can cause life-threatening breathing problems. It can cause drowsiness, so avoid driving and alcohol.
- Generic Name: Chlorpheniramine Maleate + Codeine
- Manufacturer: Pharmed Ltd
- Form: Allopathy
- Pregnancy Category: Consult doctor
- Prescription Required: Yes
🇮🇳 acticuf cd 2mg/10mg syrup के बारे में (Hindi Summary)
उपयोग: यह दवा क्लोरफेनिरामाइन मेलिएट 2 मिलीग्राम और कोडीन 10 मिलीग्राम प्रति 5 मिलीलीटर युक्त एक प्रिस्क्रिप्शन कफ सिरप है। इसका उपयोग वयस्कों और 12 वर्ष से अधिक उम्र के बच्चों में सूखी, खुजली वाली खांसी के अल्पकालिक उपचार के लिए किया जाता है, खासकर जब एलर्जी के कारण नाक बहती हो और छींक आती हो। यह खांसी की प्रतिक्रिया को कम करने और एलर्जी के लक्षणों को नियंत्रित करने में मदद करती है। यह दवा 12 वर्ष से कम उम्र के बच्चों को नहीं दी जानी चाहिए क्योंकि कोडीन से सांस लेने में गंभीर समस्या हो सकती है। इस दवा से नींद आ सकती है, इसलिए गाड़ी चलाने और शराब पीने से बचें।
साइड इफेक्ट्स: इस दवा के सामान्य दुष्प्रभावों में नींद आना, चक्कर आना, मुंह सूखना, धुंधली दृष्टि, जी मिचलाना, कब्ज और पेशाब करने में कठिनाई शामिल हैं। गंभीर दुष्प्रभावों में धीमी या उथली सांस लेना, गंभीर कब्ज, भ्रम, मनोदशा में बदलाव, तेज या अनियमित धड़कन, और एलर्जी प्रतिक्रियाएं जैसे चेहरे या गले में सूजन शामिल हैं। कोडीन से लत लग सकती है। अगर कोई गंभीर दुष्प्रभाव हो तो तुरंत डॉक्टर से मिलें।
सुरक्षा सलाह: इस दवा को डॉक्टर के बताए अनुसार ही लें, खुराक न बढ़ाएं। इस दवा को लेने के बाद गाड़ी न चलाएं और मशीन न चलाएं क्योंकि इससे नींद और चक्कर आ सकते हैं। शराब बिल्कुल न पिएं। बिना डॉक्टर से पूछे कोई अन्य कफ, जुकाम, एलर्जी या नींद की दवा न लें। इस दवा को बच्चों की पहुंच से दूर रखें और 12 वर्ष से कम उम्र के बच्चों को न दें। गर्भावस्था, स्तनपान या गर्भधारण की योजना बना रही महिलाएं डॉक्टर से सलाह लें।
💊 acticuf cd 2mg/10mg syrup Uses & Benefits
[{"condition":"Dry and irritating cough associated with allergic rhinitis","description":"This medicine reduces cough frequency and severity by suppressing the cough reflex and drying up nasal secretions.","evidence":"Established for short-term symptomatic relief"},{"condition":"Cough due to upper respiratory tract infection","description":"Used for short-term relief of non-productive cough when other measures have failed, and only under medical supervision.","evidence":"Established for short-term use in adults and children above 12 years"},{"condition":"Allergic sneezing and runny nose with cough","description":"The antihistamine component helps control sneezing, itching, and watery nasal discharge that often accompany allergic cough.","evidence":"Established for allergic symptoms"}]
Off-label uses: [{"condition":"Refractory chronic cough in selected adults","description":"Sometimes prescribed off-label for short-term control of persistent dry cough after other causes have been ruled out.","evidence":"Limited"}]
Primary treatment for: Dry and irritating cough associated with allergic rhinitis or upper respiratory tract infection
Also treats: Allergic rhinitis, Upper respiratory tract infection, Post-nasal drip
📋 Drug Information
| Generic Name(s) | Chlorpheniramine Maleate + Codeine |
| Brand Name | Ascoril C Syrup |
| Manufacturer | Pharmed Ltd |
| Packaging / Form | Varies by brand (Allopathy) |
| Therapeutic Class | RESPIRATORY |
| Action Class | Antitussive and Antihistamine Combination |
| Route of Administration | Oral |
| Storage | Store at room temperature between 15°C and 30°C. Keep away from direct sunlight and moisture. Do not refrigerate unless specified on the label. Keep the bottle tightly closed and out of the reach of children. |
| Shelf Life | Refer to the expiry date printed on the pack. Do not use after the expiry date. |
| WHO Guideline | Not established from the available information. Codeine-containing cough syrups are not recommended for children below 12 years by several regulatory authorities. Always follow your local health authority guidance. |
| ICMR Guideline | Not established from the available information. Consult your doctor for appropriate use. |
👨⚕️ Doctor's Practical Tips
Evidence-based practical advice from experienced clinicians
🔍 Is This Medicine Right for Your Symptom?
Educational reference. Always consult a doctor for diagnosis.
🔬 How This Medicine Works (Pharmacology)
Pharmacokinetics
How It Works
This medicine works through two complementary mechanisms. Chlorpheniramine maleate is a first-generation antihistamine that competitively blocks histamine H1 receptors, reducing sneezing, runny nose, itching, and watery eyes. Codeine is an opioid agonist that acts mainly on mu-opioid receptors in the central nervous system, especially in the cough center of the medulla, to suppress the cough reflex. Codeine also has weak analgesic and sedative effects. The combination provides both antihistamine and antitussive action for dry cough with allergic features.
Mechanism Steps
💡 How to Take acticuf cd 2mg/10mg syrup
Strength: Each 5 mL of syrup contains chlorpheniramine maleate 2 mg and codeine 10 mg.
Dosage Information
| Adult Dosage | The usual adult dose of this medicine is 5 mL to 10 mL taken orally every 4 to 6 hours as needed for cough, but not more than the maximum daily dose recommended by your doctor. The exact dose and duration depend on the severity of cough, your age, weight, liver and kidney function, and other medicines you take. Dose must be individualized by a qualified clinician based on indication, age, weight, renal and hepatic function. Do not self-medicate or exceed the prescribed dose. |
| Pediatric Dosage | Pediatric dosing is not established from available information. This medicine must not be given to children below 12 years of age because of the risk of life-threatening breathing problems from codeine. For children 12 years and older, consult a pediatrician for an individualized dose. |
| Elderly Dosage | Elderly patients above 65 years are more sensitive to the sedative and respiratory depressant effects of this medicine. Use with caution and at the lowest effective dose. Dose must be individualized by a qualified clinician based on age, weight, renal and hepatic function, and other medicines. |
| Renal Impairment | Use with caution in patients with kidney disease. Dose adjustment may be needed because chlorpheniramine maleate and codeine are excreted by the kidneys. Dose must be individualized by a qualified clinician based on renal function. |
| Hepatic Impairment | Use with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustment may be needed because both ingredients are metabolized in the liver. Dose must be individualized by a qualified clinician based on hepatic function. |
| Maximum Daily Dose | The maximum daily dose must be determined by your doctor based on your condition and response. Do not exceed the prescribed dose. For educational reference, the usual adult dose is 5 mL to 10 mL every 4 to 6 hours, but the exact maximum daily dose is individualized by a qualified clinician. |
Dosage Timeline
🍽️ Food Timing Guide
⏰ What to Do If You Miss a Dose
⚠️ Side Effects of acticuf cd 2mg/10mg syrup
✅ Common Side Effects
🚨 Serious Side Effects
⚠️ Rare Side Effects
Consult your doctor if you experience any unusual symptoms.
🔬 Drug Interactions
| Drug | Severity | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| MAOIs | Major | |
| Other opioids | Major | |
| Alcohol | Major | |
| Benzodiazepines | Major | |
| Fluoxetine | Moderate | |
| Paroxetine | Moderate | |
| Ketoconazole | Moderate | |
| Clarithromycin | Moderate | |
| Tricyclic antidepressants | Moderate | |
| Muscle relaxants | Moderate |
🚨 Major Interactions
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
- Other opioids or opioid analgesics
- Alcohol
- Benzodiazepines and other sedatives
⚡ Moderate Interactions
- CYP2D6 inhibitors such as fluoxetine and paroxetine
- CYP3A4 inhibitors such as ketoconazole and clarithromycin
- Anticholinergic medicines such as tricyclic antidepressants
- Muscle relaxants
🍷 Alcohol Interaction
Alcohol must be completely avoided while taking this medicine. Alcohol increases the sedative and respiratory depressant effects of codeine and chlorpheniramine maleate, which can lead to severe drowsiness, slow breathing, coma, and even death. It also increases the risk of dizziness, falls, and accidents.
🔎 Check Your Other Medicines
Educational tool. Always confirm with your doctor or pharmacist.
🛡️ Safety & Warnings
🚫 Contraindications
["Children below 12 years of age","Known allergy to chlorpheniramine maleate or codeine","Severe respiratory depression or asthma attack","Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with carbon dioxide retention","Paralytic ileus or bowel obstruction","Acute severe diarrhea","Use with MAOIs or within 14 days of stopping an MAOI","Breastfeeding"]
⚠️ Warnings & Precautions
["This medicine can cause severe drowsiness. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how it affects you.","Do not drink alcohol while taking this medicine.","Do not take other medicines that cause drowsiness without asking your doctor.","Codeine can cause dependence and withdrawal. Use for the shortest possible time.","Do not give this medicine to children below 12 years.","Use with caution in elderly patients, who are more sensitive to side effects.","Use with caution in patients with liver or kidney disease.","Stop the medicine and seek medical help if you have difficulty breathing, severe drowsiness, or allergic reactions."]
🤱 Lactation Safety
Codeine and chlorpheniramine maleate pass into breast milk. Codeine can cause serious breathing problems in a breastfed infant, especially if the mother is a CYP2D6 ultra-rapid metabolizer. Breastfeeding is not recommended while taking this medicine unless specifically advised by your doctor.
💊 Overdose Management
Overdose of this medicine can cause severe drowsiness, slow or shallow breathing, cold and clammy skin, slow heartbeat, coma, and death. If you suspect an overdose, call emergency services immediately. Do not wait for symptoms to worsen. Treatment may include supportive care, oxygen, and the opioid antidote naloxone. Do not try to treat overdose at home.
⏰ Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Additional Safety Advice
Take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor, and never increase the dose or take it more often than directed. Do not drive, operate heavy machinery, or do any activity that needs full alertness until you know how this medicine affects you, because it can cause drowsiness and dizziness. Avoid alcohol completely while taking this medicine, as alcohol increases the risk of severe drowsiness and breathing problems. Do not take other cough, cold, allergy, or sleep medicines without asking your doctor, because many of them also contain antihistamines or opioids. Keep this medicine out of the reach of children, and never give it to a child below 12 years. If you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before using this medicine. Do not use this medicine for more than the recommended number of days without medical review.
👴 Special Considerations for Elderly
💡 For Patients Above 65
Elderly patients above 65 years are more sensitive to the sedative, anticholinergic, and respiratory depressant effects of this medicine. They are at higher risk of falls, confusion, constipation, and urinary retention. Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration, and monitor closely for side effects.
🤰 Pregnancy Planning (TTC)
If you are planning pregnancy, talk to your doctor before taking this medicine. Codeine and chlorpheniramine maleate should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Prolonged use of codeine near term can cause withdrawal symptoms in the newborn. Discuss safer alternatives with your doctor.
🏥 Post-Surgery Considerations
This medicine can cause drowsiness and respiratory depression, which may increase the risk of complications after surgery. Inform your surgeon and anesthesiologist if you are taking this medicine. It may need to be stopped before surgery as advised by your doctor.
🦷 Dental Procedures
Inform your dentist if you are taking this medicine before any dental procedure. The sedative effects may interact with anesthetics and other medicines used during dental work. Your dentist may advise you to stop the medicine temporarily or adjust your treatment plan.
💚 Lifestyle Tips for Better Results
🏋️ Exercise Considerations
Avoid strenuous exercise while taking this medicine because it can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and low blood pressure. Light activity like walking is fine if you feel well, but stop if you feel dizzy or short of breath. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine affects you.
🥗 Diet Recommendations
💼 Impact on Daily Work & Life
This medicine can cause significant drowsiness and dizziness, which can affect your ability to work, drive, or operate machinery. Avoid driving and any activity that requires full alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Inform your employer if your job involves operating heavy machinery. Take rest as needed and do not push yourself.
🛑 When to Stop This Medicine
Stop this medicine and contact your doctor if your cough does not improve within the recommended duration, if you develop serious side effects like difficulty breathing, severe drowsiness, or allergic reactions, or if you suspect dependence. Do not stop suddenly after long-term use without medical advice, as withdrawal symptoms may occur.
📅 Long-Term Use Effects
Long-term use of this medicine can lead to dependence on codeine, tolerance, and withdrawal symptoms when stopped. It can also cause persistent constipation, drowsiness, and mood changes. Prolonged use may affect liver and kidney function. This medicine should be used only for short-term relief, and long-term use should be avoided unless specifically advised and monitored by a doctor.
🌿 Non-Medicine Approaches
These can complement medicine but do not replace prescribed treatment.
Helps soothe the throat and loosen secretions, providing relief from cough.
Evidence: Well-established for symptomatic reliefCan help soothe the throat and reduce cough frequency, especially at night.
Evidence: Well-established for symptomatic reliefNon-opioid cough suppressants that may be safer alternatives for some patients.
Evidence: Established for short-term useHelps clear nasal passages and reduce post-nasal drip that triggers cough.
Evidence: Well-established for allergic and infectious rhinitis💉 Vaccination Considerations
💉 If You're Getting Vaccinated
There are no specific vaccine interactions reported with this medicine. However, if you have an active infection with fever, consult your doctor about the timing of any scheduled vaccinations. Do not take this medicine as a substitute for recommended vaccines.
📦 Storage Guide
✅ DO
Store at room temperature between 15°C and 30°C
❌ DON'T
Do not refrigerate unless specified
✅ DO
Keep in the original container with the cap tightly closed
❌ DON'T
Do not transfer to unmarked containers
✅ DO
Keep away from direct sunlight and moisture
❌ DON'T
Do not store in the bathroom cabinet
✅ DO
Keep out of the reach of children
❌ DON'T
Do not use after the expiry date
✈️ Traveling with This Medicine
When traveling, carry this medicine in its original packaging with the prescription label clearly visible. Keep a copy of your prescription with you, as codeine-containing medicines may be controlled in some countries. Store it at room temperature and away from direct sunlight. If crossing time zones, continue your regular dosing schedule as advised by your doctor, but do not take extra doses. Check customs regulations before traveling internationally, as some countries restrict or ban codeine-containing medicines.
💰 Cost Analysis & Savings
👥 Real Patient Stories
Educational, anonymized scenarios. Individual results may vary.
💬 Questions Patients Often Ask
A: This medicine usually starts working within 30 to 60 minutes after you take it. The cough suppression and antihistamine effects generally last about 4 to 6 hours.
A: Yes, you can take this medicine with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with a meal or snack.
A: No, this medicine must not be given to children below 12 years because codeine can cause life-threatening breathing problems. For children 12 years and older, consult a pediatrician.
A: If you have been taking this medicine for a long time, do not stop suddenly. Talk to your doctor for a tapering plan to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
A: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not double dose.
🤔 Common Patient Concerns
🔄 Substitutes for acticuf cd 2mg/10mg syrup
View AllAlternative brands with exact same active ingredient:
Medical Note: Always consult your doctor before switching medications.
🛑 Myths vs. Facts
- Myth: This medicine is safe for children with cough.
Fact: This medicine contains codeine and must not be given to children below 12 years because it can cause severe breathing problems. - Myth: This medicine can be taken for any type of cough.
Fact: This medicine is meant for dry, irritating cough. It is not suitable for cough with a lot of mucus or phlegm. - Myth: This medicine is not addictive.
Fact: Codeine is an opioid and can cause dependence if used for a long time or in high doses. - Myth: You can drink alcohol while taking this medicine.
Fact: Alcohol must be completely avoided because it increases the risk of severe drowsiness and breathing problems.
🔄 Alternative Options
Generic Alternatives
- Chlorpheniramine maleate 2 mg + codeine 10 mg per 5 mL syrup
Brand Alternatives
- Acticuf CD 2mg/10mg Syrup