Cough and cold preparations

Camphor [126-04-5] (11), menthol [89-78-1] (12), and thymol [89-83-8] (13) ate used in topical over-the-counter cough and cold preparations. Camphor is isolated from the camphor tree, Cinnomomum camphora T. Nees Eherneier, or prepared synthetically from a-pinene or isobomeol. About 75% of the camphor sold in the United States is synthetic. Menthol, commercially the most important terpene alcohol, is obtained by crysta11i2ation from... 

Finally, use of OTC cough and cold preparations in the pediatric population has been under scrutiny by the FDA based on a lack of efficacy data in children less than 12 years of age and reports of serious toxicity in children. In October 2007, many pharmaceutical manufacturers recalled OTC cough and cold preparations marketed for children less than 2 years of age. In... 

In the laboratory it ranks with methylene chloride as a favorite solvent. Until 1976 chloroform was used in cough and cold preparations, mouthwashes, dentifrices, etc., when these uses were prohibited by the FDA. It is listed by the EPA as a carcinogen (ref. 

Over-the-counter medications to avoid include cough and cold preparations, including those containing dextromethorphan, nasal decongestants (tablets, drops, or spray), hay-fever medications, sinus medications, asthma inhalant medications, anti-appetite medications, weight reducing preparations, pep pills... 

Mitchell JL. Use of cough and cold preparations during breastfeeding. J Hum Lact 1999 15(4) 347-9. 

There is no official OTC status for drugs in India. However, there is a classification of drugs termed as home remedies under Schedule K, such as paracetamol, aspirin, cough and cold preparations, rubs, liniments and the like, which can be stocked and marketed as per said provisions under Schedule K and rules thereof. As there is no official OTC status, drugs (other than those in Schedule K) cannot be advertised in the lay media. Guidelines are under preparation for establishing OTC drugs as well as prescription to OTC switch policy. 

Drugs for respiratory system (including antihistamines, cough and cold preparations) Phase 3... 

Acetaminophen, also known as paracetamol in other countries, is available widely without prescription as an analgesic and antipyretic. It is available in various oral dosage forms, including an extended-release preparation. Acetaminophen may be combined with other drugs, such as antihistamines or opioid analgesics, and marketed in cough and cold preparations, menstrual remedies, and allergy products. 

Naltrexone (25 mg initially), a pure narcotic antagonist, is indicated for the treatment of the opioid-free state in formerly opioid-dependent individuals who have undergone a methadone detoxification program. Patients taking naltrexone may not benefit from opioid-containing medicines, such as cough and cold preparations, antidiarrheal preparations, and opioid analgesics. 

R Respiratory system Antihistamines, anti-asthmatics cough and cold preparations... 

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