clofedanol

Action and Spectrum

Actions and Spectrum: 

clofedanol is a cough suppressant medication that is used to relieve cough symptoms. It is believed to exert its effects by acting on the cough center in the medulla oblongata, a region of the brainstem that controls coughing. 

clofedanol has antitussive (cough suppressant) properties and helps reduce the urge to cough. It works by inhibiting the cough reflex and reducing the sensitivity of the cough receptors in the respiratory tract. 

As for the spectrum of activity, clofedanol primarily targets the cough reflex and effectively suppresses both dry and productive coughs. It is commonly used to relieve cough symptoms associated with respiratory tract infections, such as the common cold, bronchitis, and influenza. 

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency not defined 

Urticaria 

Hypersensitivity reaction 

Visual disturbance 

Nausea 

Xerostomia 

Vomiting 

Black Box Warning

Black box warning: 

None 

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindications/caution: 

Contraindications: 

• Hypersensitivity: clofedanol should not be used in individuals with known hypersensitivity or allergy to the drug or its components. 
• Asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): clofedanol may cause respiratory depression or suppression in individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions. It is generally contraindicated in patients with asthma or COPD. 
• Respiratory insufficiency: Clofedanol should not be used in individuals with respiratory insufficiency or compromised respiratory function. 
• Severe liver or kidney impairment: clofedanol is metabolized in the liver and eliminated through the kidneys. It should be used cautiously or avoided in patients with severe liver or kidney impairment. 
• Alcohol or drug dependency: clofedanol may have central nervous system depressant effects. It should be used cautiously or avoided in individuals with a history of alcohol or drug dependency. 
• Children under 2 years: clofedanol is generally not recommended for use in children under 2 years due to limited safety and efficacy data in this population. 

Caution: 

• Respiratory conditions: clofedanol should be used cautiously in individuals with respiratory conditions such as asthma, chronic bronchitis, or emphysema.  
• Elderly population: Older people may be more susceptible to the side effects of clofedanol, including sedation, dizziness, and confusion.  
• Concurrent medications: clofedanol may interact with other medications, particularly those that depress the central nervous system, such as sedatives, tranquilizers, or alcohol.  
• Driving and operating machinery: clofedanol may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or blurred vision. Individuals taking clofedanol should use caution when driving or operating machinery, as it may impair their ability to perform these tasks safely. 

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy consideration: Insufficient data available 

Lactation: Excretion of the drug in human breast milk is unknown 

Pregnancy category: 

Category A: well-controlled and Satisfactory studies show no risk to the fetus in the first or later trimester. 

Category B: there was no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal studies, and there were not enough studies on pregnant women. 

Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women.    

Category D: adequate data with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits.    

Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women.    

Category N: There is no data available for the drug under this category 

Pharmacology

Pharmacology: 

The primary pharmacological effects of clofedanol include the following: 

• Suppression of the cough reflex: clofedanol acts on the cough center in the brainstem’s oblongata. It is thought to inhibit the cough reflex by affecting the sensitivity of the cough receptors in the respiratory tract and reducing the urge to cough. 
• Central nervous system depression: clofedanol has mild sedative properties and can cause central nervous system depression. It may exert its effects by modulating neurotransmitters regulating cough and sedation. 
• Local anesthetic effects: clofedanol has been reported to possess local anesthetic properties, which may contribute to its cough-suppressant effects. It may reduce the sensitivity of the respiratory tract and decrease the transmission of cough impulses. 

Pharmacodynamics:  

chlophedianol is a cough suppressant with a central action. It contains antihistamine and local anesthetic qualities, and at large dosages, it could have anticholinergic effects. 

Pharmacokinetics: 

Absorption 

clofedanol is well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract after oral administration. It undergoes rapid absorption, reaching the peak plasma concentration within a few hours. The presence of food may affect its absorption, but it is generally taken without regard to meals. 

Distribution 

clofedanol is widely distributed throughout the body after absorption. It crosses the blood-brain barrier and can enter the central nervous system, where it exerts its effects on the cough center. The drug binds moderately to plasma proteins, which may affect its distribution and elimination. 

Metabolism 

clofedanol undergoes extensive metabolism in the liver. The primary metabolic pathway involves enzymatic processes, including oxidation and conjugation reactions. The specific enzymes involved in its metabolism have yet to be well characterized. 

Elimination and Excretion 

clofedanol and its metabolites are primarily eliminated from the body through the kidneys. It is mainly excreted in the urine as metabolites. The elimination half-life of clofedanol is reported to be in the range of several hours. 

Adminstartion

Administration: 

Oral administration 

• Oral Syrup: If using the oral syrup formulation, use a calibrated measuring device (such as a dosing spoon or syringe) to ensure accurate dose measurement. Shake the bottle well before use. Measure the prescribed amount of syrup and administer it orally. It can be taken with or without food, as directed. 
• Tablets: If using the tablet formulation, swallow the tablet whole with water. Do not crush, chew, or break the tablet. 

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: clofedanol 

Why do we use clofedanol? 

clofedanol is primarily used as a cough suppressant to relieve cough symptoms temporarily. It is commonly employed for the symptomatic treatment of cough associated with respiratory tract infections, such as the common cold, bronchitis, and influenza. The main goal of using clofedanol is to alleviate coughing and provide temporary relief, as it does not treat the underlying cause of the cough.