Chlorpheniramine Maleate (NA) + Menthol (NA) + Phenylephrine (NA) + Sodium Citrate (NA) (Medical Monograph)

Overview

A fixed-dose combination (FDC) medication primarily used for symptomatic relief of common cold, allergic rhinitis, and cough. It combines a first-generation antihistamine (Chlorpheniramine), a topical decongestant (Phenylephrine), an expectorant/alkalinizing agent (Sodium Citrate), and a soothing agent (Menthol). This combination provides multi-symptom relief by targeting histamine-mediated symptoms, nasal congestion, cough, and throat irritation. It is widely available over-the-counter (OTC) in India.

Chlorpheniramine competitively antagonizes histamine at the H1 receptor, reducing allergic symptoms like rhinorrhea, sneezing, and itching. Phenylephrine is a selective alpha-1 adrenergic agonist causing vasoconstriction in the nasal mucosa, reducing edema and congestion. Sodium Citrate, when metabolized to bicarbonate, alkalinizes urine and respiratory tract secretions, making cough more productive. Menthol acts on cold-sensitive TRPM8 receptors in the oropharynx, providing a cooling sensation and mild local anesthetic effect, suppressing the cough reflex and soothing throat irritation.