Ocof: A Combined Cough Suppressant for Cold & Allergy Symptoms

Ocof is a combination medication containing an antitussive (cough suppressant), a decongestant, and an antihistamine. It is indicated for the temporary relief of various symptoms associated with the common cold, hay fever (allergic rhinitis), or other upper respiratory allergies.

How Ocof Works (Pharmacology)

Ocof combines three active ingredients, each with a specific action:

• Dextromethorphan (Antitussive): This is a safe, effective, non-narcotic agent that works centrally on the cough center in the medulla of the brain to suppress coughing. It has no analgesic or habit-forming properties and generally has minimal sedative activity.
• Phenylephrine (Decongestant): This decongestant shrinks blood vessels in the nasal passages, relieving nasal and sinus congestion. It also helps with congestion in the tubes that drain fluid from the inner ear.
• Triprolidine (Antihistamine): A potent competitive histamine H1-receptor antagonist. It provides symptomatic relief for conditions caused by histamine release, such as sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes. It has mild central nervous system depressant properties, which may cause drowsiness.

Key Indications & Benefits

Ocof temporarily relieves the following symptoms due to the common cold, hay fever (allergic rhinitis), or other upper respiratory allergies:

• Cough due to minor throat or bronchial irritation
• Runny nose
• Sneezing
• Itching of the nose or throat
• Itchy, watery eyes
• Nasal congestion
• Reduces swelling of nasal passages

Dosage & Administration

Ocof can be taken with or without food. If it causes an upset stomach, take it with food. Measure liquid doses carefully using the provided measuring device. Always consult a registered physician for medication use.

• Adults & Children 12 years of age and older: 1 teaspoonful (5 ml) every 4 hours, or as directed by a doctor.
• Children 6 to under 12 years of age: ½ teaspoonful (2.5 ml) every 4 hours, or as directed by a doctor.
• Children 2 to 6 years: To be used with caution, and as advised by a physician.
• Children below 2 years old: Not to be used.

Important Considerations & Warnings

It is crucial to discuss your full medical history with your doctor before taking Ocof.

Contraindications:

• Patients with liver disease or asthmatic patients.
• Patients taking monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors or within 2 weeks of stopping such treatment.
• Known hypersensitivity to phenylephrine hydrochloride, dextromethorphan hydrobromide, or any component.
• During acute attacks of asthma.
• Patients with severe hypertension or severe coronary artery disease.

Side Effects:

• May cause drowsiness, dizziness, and constipation.
• Other side effects: Gastrointestinal (GIT) discomfort.
• No apparent evidence of physical dependence of the morphine type.
• Less common side effects may include: transient hypertension, dry mouth, restlessness, palpitations, allergic reactions (such as rashes, tightness of chest), thickening of bronchial secretions, toxic psychosis, and blood dyscrasia.

Pregnancy & Lactation:

• As with any other drugs, use in pregnancy and lactation is best avoided.

Precautions & Warnings:

• Drowsiness: Ocof may cause drowsiness. If affected, do not drive motor vehicles or operate machinery.
• Alcohol: Avoid alcoholic drinks while on this medication.
• Use with Caution: In patients with epilepsy, prostatic hypertrophy, glaucoma, hepatic disease, hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, stenosing peptic ulcer, pyloro-duodenal obstruction, or bladder neck obstruction, unless under medical advice and supervision.
• Consult Physician: If symptoms do not improve within one week or are accompanied by a high fever, consult a physician before continuing use.

Drug Interactions:

• Serious/Fatal Interaction: Avoid taking certain MAO inhibitors (e.g., isocarboxazid, methylene blue, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, rasagiline, selegiline, or tranylcypromine) during treatment and for two weeks before treatment with this medication.
• Caution should be exercised while taking Ocof with:
  • Antihistamines applied to the skin (e.g., diphenhydramine cream, ointment, spray).
  • Antispasmodics (e.g., atropine, belladonna alkaloids).
  • Beta blockers (e.g., metoprolol, atenolol).
  • Drugs for Parkinson’s disease (e.g., anticholinergics such as benztropine, trihexyphenidyl).
  • Guanethidine.
  • Certain inhaled anesthetics (e.g., halothane).
  • Methyldopa, reserpine, scopolamine.
  • Tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline, desipramine).
  • Anti-seizure drugs (e.g., carbamazepine).
  • Medicines for sleep or anxiety (e.g., alprazolam, diazepam, zolpidem).
  • Muscle relaxants.
  • Narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine).
  • Psychiatric medicines (e.g., chlorpromazine, risperidone, amitriptyline, trazodone).

Overdose Effects

Hospital admission is strongly advised in cases of overdosage.

• Symptoms of overdosage: Respiratory depression, paranoid psychosis, delusions, hallucinations, and convulsions.
• Treatment should include: Emptying the stomach by aspiration or gastric lavage. Nervous stimulation and convulsions should be treated with a sedative such as intramuscular diazepam. If marked excitation is present, a sedative such as diazepam or a short-acting barbiturate may be given.
• Severe overdosage of phenylephrine hydrochloride: May produce hypertension and associated reflex bradycardia. Treatment measures include early gastric lavage and symptomatic and supportive measures. The hypertensive effects may be treated with an alpha-receptor blocking agent (such as phentolamine mesilate 6-10 mg) given intravenously, and the bradycardia treated with atropine, preferably only after the pressure has been controlled.

Storage Conditions

Keep out of the reach of children. Keep in a cool & dry place. Protect from light.