oxolamine

Action and Spectrum

Actions and Spectrum: 

Action: 

Antitussive: oxolamine may act on the cough center in the brain’s medulla oblongata, reducing the cough reflex’s sensitivity. This helps in suppressing coughing. 

Spectrum: oxolamine is used primarily for the treatment of cough and cold symptoms. Its spectrum of activity includes: 

Cough Suppression: oxolamine’s primary use is as a cough suppressant. By impacting the cough reflex center in the brain, it decreases the occurrence and severity of coughing. 

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency not defined  

Digestive system: gastrointestinal dysfunction, flatulence, dry mouth, appetite loss, abdominal pain and cramps, diarrhea, vomiting, nausea  

CNS and peripheral nervous system: nervousness, drowsiness, fatigue, dizziness, insomnia  

Respiratory system: rarely: stridor, bronchospasm, dyspnea, 

runny nose
 

Black Box Warning

Black Box Warning:  

None

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution:  

Hypersensitivity: Individuals with a known hypersensitivity or allergy to oxolamine or any of its components should avoid using this medication. 

Urinary Retention: Anticholinergic medications like oxolamine can lead to urinary retention or difficulty urinating, especially in individuals with pre-existing urinary issues. 

Severe Asthma: Due to the potential anticholinergic effects of oxolamine, it might not be suitable for individuals with severe asthma or certain chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases. 

Gastrointestinal Obstruction: Anticholinergic medications can affect the motility of the gastrointestinal tract and might be contraindicated in individuals with gastrointestinal obstructions. 

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: The safety of oxolamine during pregnancy and breastfeeding might not be established. Seeking guidance from a healthcare expert before employing any medications during these phases is of utmost significance. 

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy warnings:     

Pregnancy category: N/A 

Lactation: Excreted into human milk is unknown 

Pregnancy Categories:         

Category A: Studies that were well-controlled and met expectations revealed no risk to the fetus in either the first or second trimester. 

<b>Category B: There were a lack of studies on pregnant women and no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal experiments.   

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:  

oxolamine is an antitussive and antihistamine drug used to relieve cough and allergy symptoms. 

Pharmacodynamics:  

Antitussive Action: oxolamine may act on the cough center in the brain’s medulla oblongata, reducing the cough reflex’s sensitivity. which helps in suppressing coughing. 

Antihistamine Action: oxolamine blocks the effects of histamine, a chemical involved in allergic reactions. By blocking histamine receptors, oxolamine can alleviate allergy symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, and itching.   

Pharmacokinetics: 

Absorption 

After oral administration, oxolamine is absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and enters the bloodstream. 

Distribution 

oxolamine is distributed throughout the body, including the central nervous system. 

Metabolism 

It is primarily metabolized in the liver through various enzymatic processes. 

Excretion and Elimination 

The metabolites of oxolamine are excreted primarily in the urine. 

Adminstartion

Administration:  

The administration is by oral route. 

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: oxolamine 

Why do we use oxolamine?  

Cough Suppression: oxolamine is commonly used to alleviate coughing. It acts on the cough center in the brain, reducing the urge to cough. This makes it useful in treating dry, non-productive coughs often associated with respiratory infections or irritants. 

Allergy Relief: oxolamine, functioning as an antihistamine, can mitigate allergic symptoms like sneezing, a runny nose, and the discomfort of itchy or watery eyes. It blocks the action of histamine, a chemical that contributes to allergy symptoms. 

Anti-Itch: The antihistamine properties of oxolamine can also be beneficial for reducing itching associated with skin conditions like hives, insect bites, and other allergic reactions.