Guaifenesin (100mg) + Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide (10mg) + Cetirizine (5mg) (Medical Monograph)

Overview

A fixed-dose combination (FDC) medication used for the symptomatic relief of cough and cold. It combines an expectorant (Guaifenesin), a centrally-acting antitussive (Dextromethorphan), and a second-generation antihistamine (Cetirizine). This combination addresses productive cough, dry cough, and allergic symptoms like rhinorrhea and sneezing commonly seen in upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) and allergic rhinitis. It is widely prescribed in India for acute, self-limiting conditions.

This combination works synergistically on different pathways of the cough reflex and allergic response. Guaifenesin increases respiratory tract fluid secretions and reduces mucus viscosity, facilitating expectoration. Dextromethorphan elevates the cough threshold in the central cough center in the medulla oblongata. Cetirizine competitively inhibits histamine at the H1-receptor site, reducing allergic symptoms like nasal congestion, sneezing, and rhinorrhea.