• Used for the relief of dry, irritating, or unproductive cough, often associated with upper respiratory tract infections, bronchitis, or post-infectious cough. Provides antitussive, bronchodilatory, mucolytic, and antihistaminic effects.
  • Dose:
  • Adults: PO 5–10 mL every 6–8 hours
  • Children 6–12 years:  PO 2.5–5 mL every 6–8 hours
  • Children <6 years: Not recommended due to risk of respiratory depression from codeine and promethazine

Suspension

  • Codeine phosphate: 10 mg
  • Ephedrine HCl: 15 mg
  • Potassium guaiacolsulfonate: 100 mg
  • Promethazine HCl: 5 mg
  • Shake well before use
  • Use a proper measuring device (not a kitchen spoon)
  • Do not exceed 4 doses/day
  • Avoid alcohol and other sedatives
  • Stay hydrated to assist mucus clearance
  • Codeine: Centrally acting opioid antitussive; suppresses cough reflex in the brain stem.
  • Ephedrine: Sympathomimetic bronchodilator and nasal decongestant; stimulates β and α receptors.
  • Potassium Guaiacolsulfonate: An expectorant; helps liquefy mucus, facilitating its expulsion.
  • Promethazine: First-generation antihistamine with strong sedative, anticholinergic, and antiemetic effects.
  • Codeine: Drowsiness, constipation, nausea, dizziness, respiratory depression (especially in overdose or ultra-rapid metabolizers)
  • Ephedrine: Hypertension, tachycardia, insomnia, tremors, anxiety
  • Hypersensitivity to any component
  • Children <12 years (codeine risk of severe respiratory events)
  • Respiratory depression, bronchial asthma in acute attack
  • MAO inhibitor use within 14 days (ephedrine interaction)
  • Prostatic hypertrophy, bladder neck obstruction, or glaucoma (promethazine caution)
  • Severe hepatic impairment (due to codeine metabolism)
  • MAO inhibitors: Risk of hypertensive crisis (ephedrine)
  • Other CNS depressants (benzodiazepines, alcohol): Additive sedation and respiratory depression
  • CYP2D6 inhibitors: May alter codeine metabolism

Anticholinergic drugs: Additive effects with promethazine

                                   Drug Status

Availability prescription, controlled,scheduled
Pregnancy Not recommended unless absolutely necessary
Breastfeeding Avoid during breastfeeding
Schedule yes
BRAND NAME STRENGTH FORMULATION PACK SIZE MANUFACTURER DISTRIBUTOR
Codelzine Linctus 8mg/8mg/25mg/4mg per 5mL Suspension 60mL, 100mL Elys Chemicals Elys Chemicals