Cough Syrup containing Pholcodine is harmful to you, here’s what you need to know.
Pholcodine is a widely used cough suppressant that is known for its effectiveness to relieve dry cough. In India, Pholcodine containing medicine is mostly combined with Promethazine which is used to treat allergic reactions. Some famous brands offering such products include Mankind’s Tedykoff and Klar’s Zytolix.
In March, the World Health Organization (WHO) issued a crucial alert that raised concerns among healthcare professionals and other regulatory authorities. The focus of this alert was on the potential risk of anaphylactic reactions in individuals who had consumed medicine containing Pholcodine at least 12 months before undergoing surgical operations where general anesthesia is used along with neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs).
The Subject Expert Committee (Antimicrobial & Antiviral) was directed to obtain expert advice regarding the safety alert issued by the World Health Organization (WHO) concerning the use of cough syrups and cold remedies containing Pholcodine. The committee’s role was to assess if any regulatory actions were necessary based on the WHO’s alert. The focus of concern was the potential risk of perioperative anaphylactic reactions to neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs).
Till now, three other regulatory authorities have withdrawn the prescription and selling of medications that contain Pholcodine: the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), Australia, the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), the United Kingdom, and the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA), Malaysia.
The Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI), the country’s highest drugs regulator, has released a warning advising doctors, medical practitioners, and patients to avoid the usage of cough syrups and cold medications that contain Pholcodine. The DCGI has further asked doctors to suggest an alternative to patients for treating their symptoms.
Additionally, doctors were advised to inquire about a patient’s history of taking Pholcodine-containing cough and cold remedies in the last 12 months, especially if the patient is scheduled for general anesthetics containing NMBAs. Alternative cough suppressants, like syrups containing Dextromethorphan or herbal formulations, could be considered substitutes. Nevertheless, doctors usually discourage the use of cough suppressants, unless the coughing episode is severe.
Furthermore, the regulatory authority also advised consumers to exercise caution when using cough and cold remedies with Pholcodine and encouraged them to consult doctors and medical practitioners for alternative treatment options.
The safety alert surrounding Pholcodine-containing cough syrups and cold medicines highlights the importance of ongoing vigilance in the healthcare sector. Such measures not only raise awareness among medical professionals but also empower patients to make informed decisions about their health and well-being. The swift actions taken by regulatory authorities across different countries demonstrate the significance of global cooperation in addressing potential health risks associated with specific medications.
