Tricos Syrup: Complete Guide to Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and Safety
Clinical Reference Standards: CDSCO (Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation), Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP) & WHO | Last Updated: September 2026
When to Call Your Doctor IMMEDIATELY
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, or difficulty breathing.
- Severe drowsiness, confusion, or inability to stay awake.
- Seizures or convulsions.
- Irregular heartbeat, palpitations, or chest pain.
- Difficulty passing urine or severe lower abdominal pain.
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, or severe abdominal pain.
- Signs of metabolic acidosis such as rapid breathing, extreme tiredness, or confusion.
- Unusual bruising or bleeding.
If experiencing severe symptoms, call emergency services immediately.
What is tricos syrup used for?
This medicine is a combination syrup containing Chlorpheniramine Maleate 4 mg and Ammonium Chloride 125 mg per 5 mL. It is used for short-term relief of cough, cold, and allergic symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes. It works by blocking histamine and loosening mucus. It may cause drowsiness, so avoid driving. Always take it as prescribed by your doctor.
- Generic Name: Chlorpheniramine Maleate (4mg) + Ammonium Chloride (125mg)
- Manufacturer: Atlantic Pharma Ltd
- Form: Allopathy
- Pregnancy Category: Consult doctor
- Prescription Required: Yes
🇮🇳 tricos syrup के बारे में (Hindi Summary)
उपयोग: यह दवा क्लोरफेनिरामाइन मेलिएट और अमोनियम क्लोराइड का संयोजन है, जिसका उपयोग सर्दी-खांसी, एलर्जी, छींक, नाक बहना, आंखों में खुजली और गले में खराश जैसे लक्षणों से राहत पाने के लिए किया जाता है। यह दवा एलर्जी के कारण होने वाले लक्षणों को कम करती है और बलगम को पतला करके खांसी को आसान बनाती है। यह दवा नींद ला सकती है, इसलिए वाहन चलाने या मशीन चलाने से बचें। इसका सेवन डॉक्टर के परामर्श के अनुसार ही करें।
साइड इफेक्ट्स: इस दवा के सामान्य दुष्प्रभावों में नींद आना, मुंह सूखना, चक्कर आना, धुंधली दृष्टि और हल्का पेट खराब होना शामिल हैं। कुछ लोगों को मतली, कब्ज या पेशाब करने में कठिनाई हो सकती है। बच्चों और बुजुर्गों में नींद और भ्रम की समस्या अधिक हो सकती है। कभी-कभी एलर्जी प्रतिक्रिया जैसे दाने, खुजली या चेहरे, होंठ या गले में सूजन हो सकती है, जिसके लिए तुरंत डॉक्टर से मिलें।
सुरक्षा सलाह: इस दवा का सेवन डॉक्टर के बताए अनुसार ही करें। खुराक को न बढ़ाएं और न ही बिना सलाह के लंबे समय तक लें। इस दवा को लेने के बाद वाहन चलाने या मशीन चलाने से बचें क्योंकि इससे नींद आ सकती है। शराब का सेवन न करें क्योंकि इससे नींद और चक्कर बढ़ सकते हैं। यदि आपको ग्लूकोमा, प्रोस्टेट की समस्या, पेशाब में रुकावट, दमा, गुर्दे या लीवर की बीमारी है तो डॉक्टर को बताएं। गर्भवती या स्तनपान कराने वाली महिलाएं डॉक्टर से सलाह लें। बच्चों की पहुंच से दूर रखें।
💊 tricos syrup Uses & Benefits
[{"condition":"Allergic rhinitis","description":"Relieves sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, and nasal itching caused by seasonal or perennial allergies.","evidence":"Well-established for chlorpheniramine component"},{"condition":"Common cold with cough","description":"Provides short-term relief of cough and nasal congestion associated with the common cold.","evidence":"Commonly used, supportive evidence"},{"condition":"Urticaria","description":"Helps reduce itching and hives due to allergic skin reactions.","evidence":"Well-established for chlorpheniramine component"},{"condition":"Productive cough","description":"Ammonium chloride acts as an expectorant to help loosen mucus and make cough more productive.","evidence":"Traditional use, limited clinical trial evidence"}]
Off-label uses: [{"condition":"Motion sickness","description":"Sometimes used for mild motion sickness due to antihistamine effects, but not a primary indication.","evidence":"Limited"},{"condition":"Insomnia due to allergic symptoms","description":"Occasionally used for sedation in allergic patients, but not recommended as a sleep aid.","evidence":"Limited"}]
Primary treatment for: Allergic rhinitis and common cold with cough
Also treats: Urticaria, Productive cough, Nasal congestion
📋 Drug Information
| Generic Name(s) | Chlorpheniramine Maleate (4mg) + Ammonium Chloride (125mg) |
| Brand Name | tricos syrup |
| Manufacturer | Atlantic Pharma Ltd |
| Packaging / Form | Varies by brand (Allopathy) |
| Therapeutic Class | RESPIRATORY |
| Action Class | |
| Route of Administration | Oral |
| Storage | Store at room temperature between 15°C and 30°C (59°F to 86°F). Protect from light and moisture. Keep the bottle tightly closed. Do not freeze. Keep out of reach of children. |
| Shelf Life | 24 months from the date of manufacture, or as indicated on the packaging. |
| WHO Guideline | Not established from the available information. The World Health Organization does not have specific guidelines for this fixed-dose combination. Use should be based on national or local treatment guidelines and clinical judgment. |
| ICMR Guideline | Not established from the available information. The Indian Council of Medical Research does not have specific guidelines for this fixed-dose combination. Use should be based on clinical judgment and standard treatment practices. |
👨⚕️ 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. Chlorpheniramine Maleate is a first-generation antihistamine that competitively blocks histamine H1 receptors on blood vessels, sensory nerves, and smooth muscle, reducing allergy symptoms such as sneezing, itching, and runny nose. It also crosses the blood-brain barrier and causes sedation by blocking central H1 receptors. Ammonium Chloride is an expectorant and systemic acidifier. It irritates the gastric mucosa reflexively, increasing respiratory tract fluid secretion, which thins mucus and makes cough more productive. Its acidifying effect can also increase chloride levels and promote mild diuresis.
Mechanism Steps
💡 How to Take tricos syrup
Strength: Each 5 mL of syrup contains Chlorpheniramine Maleate 4 mg and Ammonium Chloride 125 mg.
Dosage Information
| Adult Dosage | The usual adult dose of this medicine is 5 mL to 10 mL (one to two teaspoons) taken orally every 4 to 6 hours as needed for symptom relief, not to exceed 6 doses in 24 hours. However, the exact dose and frequency must be individualized by a qualified clinician based on the indication, severity of symptoms, age, weight, renal function, hepatic function, and other medications being taken. Do not self-adjust the dose. Follow your doctor's prescription exactly. |
| Pediatric Dosage | Pediatric dosing is not established from available information. Consult a pediatrician for appropriate dosing in children. This medicine is contraindicated in newborns and premature infants. For older children, dosing is based on age and weight, and must be determined by a qualified clinician. |
| Elderly Dosage | Elderly patients (above 65 years) are more sensitive to the sedative and anticholinergic effects of this medicine. Use with caution and consider a lower dose. Dosing must be individualized by a qualified clinician based on renal and hepatic function and concomitant medications. |
| Renal Impairment | Use with caution in patients with renal impairment. Chlorpheniramine is excreted by the kidneys, and ammonium chloride can worsen metabolic acidosis in renal disease. Dose reduction or avoidance may be necessary. Dosing must be individualized by a qualified clinician based on renal function. |
| Hepatic Impairment | Use with caution in patients with hepatic impairment. Chlorpheniramine is metabolized in the liver, and ammonium chloride can affect acid-base balance. Dose reduction may be necessary. Dosing must be individualized by a qualified clinician based on hepatic function. |
| Maximum Daily Dose | The maximum daily dose for adults is generally 60 mL (12 teaspoons) of this syrup in 24 hours, providing 48 mg chlorpheniramine maleate and 1500 mg ammonium chloride. However, this must not be exceeded and the exact maximum dose must be confirmed by a qualified clinician based on individual patient factors. |
Dosage Timeline
🍽️ Food Timing Guide
⏰ What to Do If You Miss a Dose
⚠️ Side Effects of tricos 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 | |
| Alcohol | Major | |
| Benzodiazepines | Major | |
| Opioids | Major | |
| Tricyclic antidepressants | Major | |
| Fluoxetine | Moderate | |
| Paroxetine | Moderate | |
| Ketoconazole | Moderate | |
| Furosemide | Moderate | |
| Antacids | Minor |
🚨 Major Interactions
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
- Central nervous system depressants (e.g., alcohol, benzodiazepines, opioids, sleep aids)
- Anticholinergic drugs (e.g., atropine, tricyclic antidepressants, antiparkinson agents)
⚡ Moderate Interactions
- CYP2D6 inhibitors (e.g., fluoxetine, paroxetine, quinidine)
- CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, erythromycin)
- Loop diuretics and thiazide diuretics
🍷 Alcohol Interaction
Alcohol should be strictly avoided while taking this medicine. Both chlorpheniramine and alcohol are central nervous system depressants, and their combination can cause excessive drowsiness, dizziness, impaired coordination, and difficulty concentrating. This can increase the risk of accidents and falls. Do not drive or operate machinery after consuming alcohol with this medicine.
🔎 Check Your Other Medicines
Educational tool. Always confirm with your doctor or pharmacist.
🛡️ Safety & Warnings
🚫 Contraindications
["Known hypersensitivity to chlorpheniramine maleate, ammonium chloride, or any component of the formulation","Newborns and premature infants","Severe renal impairment","Severe hepatic impairment","Patients with narrow-angle glaucoma","Patients with symptomatic prostatic hypertrophy or bladder neck obstruction","Patients taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or within 14 days of stopping MAOIs"]
⚠️ Warnings & Precautions
["This medicine may cause drowsiness. Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how it affects you.","Do not consume alcohol while taking this medicine.","Use with caution in patients with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or other respiratory conditions.","Use with caution in elderly patients due to increased risk of confusion, sedation, and anticholinergic effects.","Use with caution in patients with cardiovascular disease, hypertension, or arrhythmias.","Do not exceed the recommended dose. Overdose can cause serious toxicity.","Keep out of reach of children. In case of accidental overdose, seek emergency medical help immediately.","If symptoms persist for more than 7 days or worsen, consult a doctor.","This medicine may interfere with allergy skin testing. Inform your doctor before testing."]
🤱 Lactation Safety
Chlorpheniramine is excreted in breast milk and may cause drowsiness or irritability in breastfed infants. Ammonium chloride may also pass into breast milk. This medicine should be used during breastfeeding only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the infant. Consult your doctor before use.
💊 Overdose Management
Overdose of this medicine can cause severe drowsiness, confusion, hallucinations, seizures, respiratory depression, metabolic acidosis, and cardiac arrhythmias. If overdose is suspected, seek emergency medical attention immediately. Treatment is supportive and symptomatic. There is no specific antidote. Gastric lavage may be considered if ingestion occurred within 1-2 hours. Activated charcoal may be administered. Monitor vital signs, electrolytes, and acid-base balance. Treat seizures with benzodiazepines. Manage acidosis with sodium bicarbonate if severe. Do not induce vomiting unless advised by a healthcare professional.
⏰ 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. Do not increase the dose or take it for longer than advised. Avoid driving, operating heavy machinery, or performing tasks that need alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not drink alcohol while taking this medicine because it can increase drowsiness and dizziness. Inform your doctor if you have glaucoma, an enlarged prostate, difficulty urinating, asthma, kidney disease, liver disease, or heart disease. Do not give this medicine to newborns or premature infants. If you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding, consult your doctor before use. Keep this medicine out of reach of children. Store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. If symptoms do not improve within a few days or worsen, seek medical advice.
👴 Special Considerations for Elderly
💡 For Patients Above 65
Elderly patients (above 65 years) are more sensitive to the sedative and anticholinergic effects of this medicine. They may experience increased drowsiness, confusion, dry mouth, constipation, and urinary retention. The risk of falls and fractures is also higher. Use with caution, and consider a lower dose. Dosing must be individualized by a qualified clinician based on renal and hepatic function and concomitant medications. Regular monitoring for side effects is recommended.
🤰 Pregnancy Planning (TTC)
If you are planning pregnancy or are pregnant, consult your doctor before taking this medicine. Chlorpheniramine is generally considered acceptable for use in pregnancy when clearly needed, but the safety of ammonium chloride in pregnancy is not well established. This medicine should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Discuss alternative treatment options with your doctor.
🏥 Post-Surgery Considerations
After surgery, the use of this medicine should be discussed with your surgeon or anesthesiologist. Chlorpheniramine can cause drowsiness and may interact with anesthetic agents and postoperative pain medications, increasing the risk of respiratory depression and sedation. Ammonium chloride can affect acid-base balance, which may be important in the postoperative period. Do not take this medicine without medical advice after surgery.
🦷 Dental Procedures
Before any dental procedure, inform your dentist if you are taking this medicine. Chlorpheniramine can cause dry mouth, which may increase the risk of dental caries and oral infections. It may also interact with local anesthetics and sedatives used during dental procedures, increasing drowsiness. Your dentist may advise you to stop the medicine temporarily or adjust the dose. Always follow your dentist's instructions.
💚 Lifestyle Tips for Better Results
🏋️ Exercise Considerations
This medicine can cause drowsiness and dizziness, which may affect your coordination and balance. Avoid strenuous exercise or activities that require alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. If you exercise, do so in a safe environment and stay hydrated. Consult your doctor before starting any exercise routine while taking this medicine.
🥗 Diet Recommendations
💼 Impact on Daily Work & Life
This medicine can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and blurred vision, which may affect your ability to perform tasks that require alertness, such as driving, operating machinery, or working at heights. It is advisable to avoid such activities until you know how this medicine affects you. If your work involves these activities, discuss with your doctor about alternative options or dose adjustments. The sedative effect may also impact concentration and productivity, so plan your tasks accordingly.
🛑 When to Stop This Medicine
Stop taking this medicine and consult your doctor if your symptoms do not improve within 7 days, if they worsen, or if you experience any serious side effects such as severe drowsiness, confusion, difficulty breathing, or allergic reactions. Do not stop abruptly if you have been taking it for a long time without consulting your doctor, as withdrawal symptoms may occur. Always follow your doctor's advice regarding the duration of treatment.
📅 Long-Term Use Effects
Long-term use of this medicine is not recommended without medical supervision. Prolonged use of chlorpheniramine can lead to tolerance, dependence, and increased risk of side effects such as sedation, cognitive impairment, and anticholinergic effects. Ammonium chloride used for extended periods can cause metabolic acidosis and electrolyte imbalances. Regular monitoring of renal function, electrolytes, and acid-base balance may be required if used long-term. Consult your doctor if symptoms persist beyond 7 days.
🌿 Non-Medicine Approaches
These can complement medicine but do not replace prescribed treatment.
Helps clear nasal congestion and allergens from the nasal passages.
Evidence: Well-established for allergic rhinitisHelps loosen mucus and relieve cough and congestion.
Evidence: Traditional use, supportive evidenceTargeted treatment for allergic rhinitis with fewer systemic side effects.
Evidence: Well-establishedReducing exposure to allergens can prevent symptoms.
Evidence: Well-established💉 Vaccination Considerations
💉 If You're Getting Vaccinated
This medicine does not interact with vaccines. However, if you are scheduled for allergy skin testing, inform your doctor about this medicine, as antihistamines can interfere with test results. It is generally recommended to stop antihistamines 3 to 7 days before allergy testing, as advised by your doctor. There are no specific vaccination considerations for this medicine.
📦 Storage Guide
✅ DO
Store at room temperature between 15°C and 30°C (59°F to 86°F).
❌ DON'T
Do not refrigerate or freeze.
✅ DO
Keep the bottle tightly closed and in its original carton.
❌ DON'T
Do not transfer to another container.
✅ DO
Keep away from direct sunlight and moisture.
❌ DON'T
Do not store in the bathroom.
✅ DO
Keep out of 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 intact. Bring a copy of your prescription or doctor's note, especially for international travel, as some countries may have restrictions on certain ingredients. Store the bottle in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. If crossing time zones, continue with your regular dosing schedule as advised by your doctor. Do not leave the medicine in a hot car or checked luggage. If you have any concerns, consult your doctor before travel.
💰 Cost Analysis & Savings
👥 Real Patient Stories
Educational, anonymized scenarios. Individual results may vary.
💬 Questions Patients Often Ask
A: The antihistamine effect usually begins within 30 to 60 minutes after taking this medicine. The expectorant effect may take longer.
A: Yes, you can take this medicine with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food or milk.
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.
A: This medicine can cause drowsiness. Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how it affects you.
A: This medicine is contraindicated in newborns and premature infants. For older children, consult a pediatrician for appropriate dosing.
A: Consult your doctor before taking this medicine during pregnancy. The safety of this combination in pregnancy is not well established.
A: Store at room temperature between 15°C and 30°C, away from light and moisture. Keep the bottle tightly closed and out of reach of children.
🤔 Common Patient Concerns
🔄 Substitutes for tricos syrup
View AllAlternative brands with exact same active ingredient:
-
zecof syrupWinmac Laboratories Ltd ₹30.80 27% CHEAPER
-
cofrid syrupAbyss Pharma Pvt Ltd ₹32.81 22.2% CHEAPER
-
avicof syrupAvalanche Pharmaceuticals ₹35.63 15.5% CHEAPER
Medical Note: Always consult your doctor before switching medications.
🛑 Myths vs. Facts
- Myth: This medicine can cure the common cold.
Fact: This medicine only relieves symptoms; it does not cure the underlying viral infection. - Myth: It is safe to take this medicine with alcohol.
Fact: Alcohol increases drowsiness and other side effects. It should be avoided. - Myth: This medicine is safe for newborns.
Fact: This medicine is contraindicated in newborns and premature infants due to serious risks. - Myth: You can take this medicine for as long as you want.
Fact: Prolonged use without medical supervision is not recommended. Consult a doctor if symptoms persist beyond 7 days.
🔄 Alternative Options
Generic Alternatives
- Chlorpheniramine Maleate + Ammonium Chloride syrup (various manufacturers)
Brand Alternatives
- Tricos Syrup