Characteristics and Uses of Cloperastine

Cloperastine is an over-the-counter cough medicine but it does have some negative side effects. Thus, you must only take it under the supervision of a prescribing physician.

Cloperastine is an active ingredient with a central and peripheral antitussive effect. The mode of action of this active ingredient is to inhibit the cough reflex without depressing the central nervous system. It’s also an antihistamine and it reduces bronchial spasms.

Continue reading to find out everything you should know about how this drug can be useful during the winter season. We’ll also tell you about its contraindications and any side effects you must take into account.

How does cloperastine work?

This antitussive drug has a double-action. One of them is on the cough center, and the other, which is peripheral, is local. Its action on the cough center is selective, and it also relaxes the bronchi.

As to where cloperastine takes effect, we can tell you it takes place at the point where the irritation occurs. This is because it reduces mucosal inflammation. This double action makes it possible to use cloperastine as a treatment for almost any type of cough.

Proper dosage

The recommended dose of cloperastine in adults is 10 milliliters, three times a day. The doses in children, depending on their age, are:

• Five milliliters twice a day for those between seven and 12 years old
• Three milliliters twice a day for those between five and six years old
• Two milliliters twice a day for children between two and four years old

Finally, cloperastine isn’t appropriate for the treatment of children under 2 years of age.

Check out these Three Homemade Cough Syrups for Dry Cough

Shake the bottle well before taking this medication. It begins to take effect after about 20 to 30 minutes.

In addition, you should know that taking the drug with meals doesn’t affect its performance so you may take it before or after a meal or with it. Keep in mind that you shouldn’t drink alcohol while you’re undergoing treatment with this medication.

Indications and contraindications

Doctors prescribe cloperastine for the treatment of different forms of cough, such as irritative or nervous cough. It’s generally safe, but is contraindicated for:

• Children under 2 years of age
• People with a hypersensitivity to antihistamines or to cloperastine itself
• Those undergoing treatment with MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitor antidepressants)
• Pregnant and/or breastfeeding women
• People with asthma (this drug may modify expectoration as it inhibits the cough reflex and increases airway resistance)

Side effects

Cloperastine, as a medication, can lead to side effects such as drowsiness and a dry mouth. These become apparent after taking high doses of it.

There might be an allergic reaction to its active ingredient, or to any of the components present in the various pharmaceutical forms, but this is rare.

Also, nervous system disorders may occur, such as tremors and dizziness, but this is uncommon too.

The interactions of cloperastine with other drugs

Cloperastine increases the effects of alcohol and sedative drugs due to its antihistamine action. Some of these drugs are hypnotics, opioid analgesics, benzodiazepines, and antipsychotics. In general, keep in mind that cloperastine interacts with substances that have a central depressant effect.

In addition, antihistamines increase the muscarinic action of other groups of drugs such as anticholinergics, antiparkinsonians, tricyclic antidepressants, and neuroleptics.

Cloperastine also interacts with expectorant and mucolytic drugs and can cause pulmonary obstruction due to its cough reflex inhibitory action.

Over-the-counter drugs are also dangerous

Cloperastine is a drug you can purchase over the counter but you must take a few things into account and use it with caution. As usual, a health professional should prescribe it and assess whether your type of cough will benefit from this kind of treatment.