aa ha 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
- Blood in sputum or vomit
- Severe allergic reaction (swelling of face, lips, throat, difficulty breathing)
- Chest pain or rapid heartbeat
- Severe dizziness or fainting
- Confusion or hallucinations
- Yellowing of skin or eyes
- Decreased urine output
If experiencing severe symptoms, call emergency services immediately.
What is cadex syrup used for?
This medicine is a combination cough syrup containing bromhexine (a mucolytic) and dextromethorphan (a cough suppressant). It is used for short-term relief of dry and irritating coughs. It should not be used in children under 12 years or with MAO inhibitors.
- Generic Name: Bromhexine + Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide
- Manufacturer: Zydus Healthcare Limited
- Form: Allopathy
- Pregnancy Category: Consult doctor
- Prescription Required: Yes
🇮🇳 cadex syrup के बारे में (Hindi Summary)
उपयोग: यह दवा ब्रोंकाइटिस और डेक्सट्रोमेथोर्फन का संयोजन है, जिसका उपयोग सूखी और खुजली वाली खांसी के इलाज के लिए किया जाता है। यह कफ को पतला करने और खांसी की प्रतिक्रिया को कम करने में मदद करती है। यह 12 वर्ष से अधिक उम्र के बच्चों और वयस्कों के लिए है। इसका उपयोग 7 दिनों से अधिक नहीं करना चाहिए।
साइड इफेक्ट्स: इस दवा के सामान्य दुष्प्रभावों में नींद आना, चक्कर आना, जी मिचलाना, पेट में परेशानी और सिरदर्द शामिल हैं। कभी-कभी एलर्जी, धड़कन तेज होना या सांस लेने में कठिनाई हो सकती है। गंभीर दुष्प्रभाव दुर्लभ हैं। यदि कोई गंभीर लक्षण दिखे तो तुरंत डॉक्टर से संपर्क करें।
सुरक्षा सलाह: इस दवा को डॉक्टर के निर्देशानुसार ही लें। 7 दिनों से अधिक उपयोग न करें। नींद आने या चक्कर आने पर वाहन न चलाएं। शराब का सेवन न करें। गर्भवती या स्तनपान कराने वाली महिलाएं डॉक्टर से सलाह लें। बच्चों को 12 वर्ष से कम उम्र में न दें। दवा को ठंडी और सूखी जगह पर रखें।
💊 cadex syrup Uses & Benefits
[{"condition":"Dry, irritating cough","description":"This medicine helps suppress the cough reflex and reduce throat irritation.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Productive cough with thick mucus","description":"Bromhexine thins mucus while dextromethorphan reduces excessive coughing.","evidence":"Moderate"},{"condition":"Cough associated with common cold","description":"Provides symptomatic relief of cough due to upper respiratory tract infections.","evidence":"Moderate"}]
Off-label uses: []
Primary treatment for: Cough
Also treats: Common cold, Upper respiratory tract infection, Bronchitis
📋 Drug Information
| Generic Name(s) | Bromhexine + Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide |
| Brand Name | Ascodex Cough Syrup |
| Manufacturer | Zydus Healthcare Limited |
| Packaging / Form | Varies by brand (Allopathy) |
| Therapeutic Class | RESPIRATORY |
| Action Class | Mucolytic and Antitussive |
| Route of Administration | Oral |
| Storage | Store at room temperature (15-30°C) in a dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep out of reach of children. |
| Shelf Life | 24 months from the date of manufacture. |
| WHO Guideline | Not established from the available information. |
| ICMR Guideline | Not established from the available information. |
👨⚕️ 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 combines two active ingredients with different mechanisms. Bromhexine works by increasing the production of serous fluid in the respiratory tract and breaking down acidic mucopolysaccharide fibers in mucus, thereby reducing mucus viscosity and making it easier to expel. Dextromethorphan hydrobromide acts centrally on the cough center in the medulla oblongata, specifically at the sigma-1 receptor, to suppress the cough reflex. It does not have analgesic or addictive properties at therapeutic doses.
Mechanism Steps
💡 How to Take cadex syrup
Strength: Each 5 ml of syrup contains bromhexine hydrochloride 4 mg and dextromethorphan hydrobromide 10 mg.
Dosage Information
| Adult Dosage | The usual adult dose of this medicine is 10 ml (two teaspoons) taken orally every 6 to 8 hours, not exceeding 40 ml in 24 hours. However, the dose must be individualized by a qualified clinician based on the indication, age, weight, renal and hepatic function. Do not self-medicate. Follow your doctor's prescription exactly. |
| Pediatric Dosage | Pediatric dosing is not established from available information. Consult a pediatrician. |
| Elderly Dosage | Elderly patients may be more sensitive to the side effects of this medicine, especially drowsiness and dizziness. Use with caution and consult a doctor for appropriate dosing. |
| Renal Impairment | Dose adjustment may be needed in patients with kidney disease. Consult a doctor. |
| Hepatic Impairment | Dose adjustment may be needed in patients with liver disease. Consult a doctor. |
| Maximum Daily Dose | 40 ml per day for adults, unless otherwise prescribed by a doctor. |
Dosage Timeline
🍽️ Food Timing Guide
⏰ What to Do If You Miss a Dose
⚠️ Side Effects of cadex syrup
✅ Common Side Effects
🚨 Serious Side Effects
⚠️ Rare Side Effects
Consult your doctor if you experience any unusual symptoms.
🔬 Drug Interactions
| Drug | Severity | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| MAO inhibitors | Major | |
| SSRIs | Major | |
| CYP2D6 inhibitors | Major | |
| CNS depressants | Moderate | |
| Anticholinergics | Moderate | |
| Guaifenesin | Minor |
🚨 Major Interactions
- MAO inhibitors (e.g., phenelzine, tranylcypromine)
- SSRIs (e.g., fluoxetine, sertraline)
- CYP2D6 inhibitors (e.g., quinidine, paroxetine)
⚡ Moderate Interactions
- CNS depressants (e.g., alcohol, benzodiazepines, opioids)
- Anticholinergic drugs (e.g., antihistamines, tricyclic antidepressants)
🍷 Alcohol Interaction
Alcohol should be avoided while taking this medicine because it can increase drowsiness, dizziness, and the risk of respiratory depression. It may also worsen stomach irritation.
🔎 Check Your Other Medicines
Educational tool. Always confirm with your doctor or pharmacist.
🛡️ Safety & Warnings
🚫 Contraindications
["Known hypersensitivity to bromhexine, dextromethorphan, or any component","Children under 12 years of age","Concurrent use with MAO inhibitors or within 14 days of stopping them","Respiratory depression","Chronic cough associated with smoking, asthma, or emphysema without medical supervision","Cough with excessive mucus production (unless directed by doctor)"]
⚠️ Warnings & Precautions
["Do not exceed the recommended dose.","Avoid driving or operating machinery if drowsy.","Avoid alcohol.","Consult doctor if cough persists more than 7 days, or is accompanied by fever, rash, or persistent headache.","Use with caution in liver or kidney disease.","Do not use in children under 12 years.","Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult a doctor before use."]
🤱 Lactation Safety
Not established from the available information. Consult your doctor before use.
💊 Overdose Management
Overdose may cause severe drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, hallucinations, rapid heartbeat, and respiratory depression. Seek immediate medical attention. Treatment is supportive and symptomatic. There is no specific antidote. Gastric lavage may be considered if within 1-2 hours of ingestion. Monitor vital signs and provide supportive care.
⏰ 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 double the dose to catch up.
Additional Safety Advice
Take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use it for more than 7 days without medical advice. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery if you feel drowsy or dizzy. Do not drink alcohol while taking this medicine, as it can increase drowsiness and other side effects. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Do not take this medicine with MAO inhibitors or within 14 days of stopping them. Keep out of reach of children. If you have liver or kidney problems, consult your doctor before use. Do not use this medicine to treat a chronic cough or a cough with a lot of mucus without medical supervision. Store at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and moisture.
👴 Special Considerations for Elderly
💡 For Patients Above 65
Elderly patients may be more sensitive to drowsiness and dizziness. Use with caution and monitor for falls.
🤰 Pregnancy Planning (TTC)
Consult your doctor before taking this medicine if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Safety is not established.
🏥 Post-Surgery Considerations
Consult your doctor before use after surgery, as cough suppression may be undesirable if you need to clear secretions.
🦷 Dental Procedures
Inform your dentist if you are taking this medicine, as it may cause dry mouth.
💚 Lifestyle Tips for Better Results
🏋️ Exercise Considerations
Avoid strenuous exercise if you feel drowsy or dizzy. Light activity is fine if you feel up to it.
🥗 Diet Recommendations
💼 Impact on Daily Work & Life
This medicine may cause drowsiness, affecting your ability to drive or operate machinery. Avoid these activities until you know how it affects you. It is best to rest and recover.
🛑 When to Stop This Medicine
Stop taking this medicine if your cough resolves or if you experience any serious side effects. Do not stop abruptly if you have been taking it for a long time without consulting your doctor.
📅 Long-Term Use Effects
Long-term use of this medicine is not recommended. Prolonged use of dextromethorphan can lead to dependence and tolerance. Bromhexine is generally safe for short-term use. If cough persists beyond 7 days, consult a doctor to rule out underlying conditions.
🌿 Non-Medicine Approaches
These can complement medicine but do not replace prescribed treatment.
Helps loosen mucus and soothe airways.
Evidence: Well-establishedSoothes throat and reduces cough.
Evidence: Moderate💉 Vaccination Considerations
💉 If You're Getting Vaccinated
No specific interaction with vaccines. However, if you have a cough and fever, consult a doctor before vaccination.
📦 Storage Guide
✅ DO
Store at room temperature (15-30°C)
❌ DON'T
Do not refrigerate unless specified
✅ DO
Keep in original container
❌ DON'T
Do not transfer to unmarked containers
✅ DO
Keep away from direct sunlight
❌ DON'T
Do not store in bathroom cabinet
✈️ Traveling with This Medicine
When traveling, carry this medicine in its original packaging with a copy of your prescription. Store it at room temperature and protect it from direct sunlight. If crossing time zones, adjust dosing intervals as advised by your doctor. Check customs regulations for carrying medicines. Keep it in your carry-on luggage if flying.
💰 Cost Analysis & Savings
👥 Real Patient Stories
Educational, anonymized scenarios. Individual results may vary.
💬 Questions Patients Often Ask
A: Cough suppression begins within 15-30 minutes, while mucus thinning may take a few hours.
A: Consult your doctor before combining with other cough and cold medicines to avoid overlapping ingredients.
A: This syrup may contain sugar. Diabetics should check the label or consult a doctor for sugar-free alternatives.
🤔 Common Patient Concerns
🔄 Substitutes for cadex syrup
View AllAlternative brands with exact same active ingredient:
-
cofout tabletMDC Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd ₹3.52 88.3% CHEAPER
-
Swicof SyrupInd Swift Laboratories Ltd ₹16.24 45.9% CHEAPER
-
Rantussin D SyrupSun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd ₹16.41 45.3% CHEAPER
-
siokof p syrupAlbert David Ltd ₹21.99 26.7% CHEAPER
-
aa ha tabletLeo Pharmaceuticals ₹22.86 23.8% CHEAPER
Medical Note: Always consult your doctor before switching medications.
🛑 Myths vs. Facts
- Myth: This medicine can cure any type of cough.
Fact: It is only for symptomatic relief of dry or mildly productive coughs and does not treat the underlying cause. - Myth: It is safe for children under 12.
Fact: It is not recommended for children under 12 years due to safety concerns. - Myth: You can take it with alcohol.
Fact: Alcohol increases drowsiness and risk of respiratory depression and should be avoided.
🔄 Alternative Options
Generic Alternatives
- Bromhexine + Dextromethorphan syrup (various manufacturers)
Brand Alternatives
- Not established from the available information.