Dextromethorphan, Phenylephrine & Chlorpheniramine Syrup: Uses & Dose

Reviewed by Anil Kumar Goel, B.Pharm — Chairman, Biozia Lifesciences, 40+ years in the pharmaceutical industry.

Dextromethorphan and chlorpheniramine maleate cough syrups are a staple for dry, irritating cough with cold and allergy symptoms, and adding phenylephrine relieves a blocked nose. This guide explains what each ingredient does, when the syrup is used, key safety points including the age restriction, and how Biozia supplies it as Cofles DX (S/F-Paan) Syrup in a sugar-free paan flavour.

Key takeaways (TL;DR)

Each 5 ml contains Dextromethorphan 15 mg (cough suppressant), Phenylephrine 5 mg (decongestant) and Chlorpheniramine 2 mg (antihistamine).
For dry, non-productive cough with runny or blocked nose and sneezing — not for chesty cough with phlegm.
Causes drowsiness; avoid alcohol, sedatives and driving.
This combination should not be used in children under 4 years, in line with CDSCO labelling directions.
Biozia supplies Cofles DX (100 ml, sugar-free, paan flavour) for PCD franchise and third-party manufacturing.

Composition and available strengths

Biozia manufactures this combination as a sugar-free syrup:

Brand	Composition	Packing
Cofles DX (S/F-Paan) Syrup	Dextromethorphan 15 mg.+Phenylephrine 5 mg.+ Chlorpheniramine 2 mg	100 ml

How the ingredients work

Dextromethorphan acts on the cough centre in the brain to reduce the urge to cough. Phenylephrine narrows swollen blood vessels in the nasal lining to relieve congestion. Chlorpheniramine blocks histamine, reducing sneezing, runny nose and watery eyes. Together they target the main symptoms of a dry cough with cold or allergy.

Uses

Dry, tickly or irritating cough
Cough with common cold, runny nose and sneezing
Allergic rhinitis with cough
Throat irritation causing a persistent dry cough

Dosage

Follow the dose on the label or as prescribed. Do not exceed the stated dose, and do not combine with other cough and cold products containing the same ingredients. Seek medical advice if a cough lasts more than a week, comes with high fever or rash, or produces thick phlegm.

Side effects and precautions

Drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, nausea and mild restlessness are the most common effects.

Not for children under 4 years.
Do not use with MAO inhibitors or within 14 days of stopping them; caution with SSRIs and other serotonergic drugs.
Use with caution in high blood pressure, heart disease, thyroid disorders, glaucoma, diabetes or enlarged prostate.
Not for chronic or productive cough, such as in asthma, COPD or smokers’ cough, unless advised by a doctor.
Avoid alcohol and driving if drowsy.

For distributors: PCD franchise and third-party manufacturing

Cough and cold syrups are among the highest-volume, most seasonal categories in Indian pharma retail. A sugar-free, flavoured dry-cough syrup like Cofles DX gives franchise partners a product that suits diabetic patients and sells strongly through the winter and monsoon peaks.

PCD franchise — stock Cofles DX under monopoly rights in your district. See PCD pharma franchise with Biozia.
Third-party manufacturing — get this formulation made under your own brand name. See third-party manufacturing services.
Quality — WHO-GMP and ISO certified manufacturing in Yamunanagar, Haryana, with batch-wise documentation and pan-India dispatch.

Interested in dextromethorphan cough syrups for your territory or your own brand? Enquire with Biozia Lifesciences →

Frequently asked questions

What is dextromethorphan, phenylephrine and chlorpheniramine syrup used for?

It is used for dry, non-productive cough with cold or allergy symptoms such as a runny or blocked nose and sneezing.

Can this syrup be given to young children?

No. This combination should not be used in children under 4 years. For older children, use only the dose recommended on the label or by a doctor.

Is this syrup suitable for cough with phlegm?

No. Dextromethorphan suppresses cough, which is not appropriate for a productive cough with phlegm. An expectorant or mucolytic is usually used instead.

Does Biozia offer cough syrups for franchise or own-brand manufacturing?

Yes. Cofles DX and other cough syrups are available for PCD franchise, and Biozia manufactures syrups under client brands through third-party manufacturing.

This guide is for pharmacists, doctors, distributors and trade partners. It is general product information, not medical advice — patients should take any medicine only as prescribed by a registered medical practitioner.