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Glycodin

Medical expert of the article

Internist, pulmonologist
, medical expert
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025

Glycodin is a combination medication containing several active components:

  1. Dextromethorphan hydrobromide is an antihistamine that is used to reduce cough by suppressing the cough reflex.
  2. Terpin hydrate is a mucolytic agent that helps thin mucus, making it easier to cough up.
  3. Levomenthol is a menthol derivative that has a local anesthetic and refreshing effect that can help relieve throat irritation and reduce the discomfort of coughing.

Glycodin is used for symptomatic treatment of cough of various origins, such as cough during acute respiratory viral infections, bronchitis, tracheobronchitis and other respiratory diseases. However, before using this drug, you should consult a doctor or pharmacist for individual advice and recommendations.

ATC classification

R05FB02 Противокашлевые препараты в комбинации с отхаркивающими препаратами

Active ingredients

Декстрометорфан
Терпингидрат
Левоментол

Pharmacological group

Отхаркивающие средства
Противокашлевые средства

Pharmachologic effect

Отхаркивающие препараты
Противокашлевые (тормозящие кашлевой рефлекс) препараты

Indications Glycodina

  1. Cough associated with ARIs (acute respiratory viral infections), such as influenza or the common cold.
  2. Bronchitis, including acute and chronic bronchitis.
  3. Tracheobronchitis is an inflammation of the trachea and bronchi.
  4. Other respiratory diseases accompanied by cough.

Release form

Glycodin is usually available in syrup form.

Pharmacodynamics

  1. Dextromethorphan (dextromethorphan hydrobromide):

    • Dextromethorphan is a central antidepressant that acts on the cough center in the brain, suppressing the cough reflex.
    • It suppresses cough, reducing its frequency and strength, without changing the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract.
  2. Terpin hydrate:

    • Terpin hydrate has a mucolytic (phlegm thinning) and antispasmodic (spasm relieving) effect.
    • It helps thin and clear mucus by changing its viscosity and reducing airway spasms.
  3. Levomenthol:

    • Levomenthol has a local anesthetic and cooling effect.
    • It can help relieve irritation in the throat and airways, making it easier to breathe and reducing burning or itching in the throat.

Pharmacokinetics

  1. Dextromethorphan (DXM):

    • Absorption: Dextromethorphan is absorbed into the blood from the gastrointestinal tract.
    • Metabolism: Metabolized in the liver to form active metabolites.
    • Excretion: Excreted mainly through the kidneys as metabolites.
    • Half-life: About 3-6 hours.
  2. Terpin hydrate:

    • Absorption: Absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract.
    • Metabolism: Metabolized in the liver.
    • Excretion: Excreted mainly through the kidneys.
    • Half-life: The half-life can be approximately 5-7 hours.
  3. Levomenthol:

    • Absorption: Absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract.
    • Metabolism: Metabolized in the liver.
    • Excretion: Excreted mainly through the lungs.
    • Half-life: Approximately 3-4 hours.

Dosing and administration

The directions and dosage of Glycodin (dextromethorphan hydrobromide, terpin hydrate, levomenthol) may vary depending on the manufacturer's instructions and your doctor's recommendations. This medication is typically used to relieve cough symptoms.

For adults and children over 12 years of age, it is usually recommended to take 10 ml of syrup (which is approximately two teaspoons) every 4-6 hours as needed. The maximum daily dose usually does not exceed 40 ml.

For children aged 6 to 12 years, the dosage can be reduced to 5 ml of syrup (which is approximately one teaspoon) every 4-6 hours if necessary. The maximum daily dose usually does not exceed 20 ml.

For children under 6 years of age, the dosage should be selected with caution and only on the recommendation of a doctor.

Use Glycodina during pregnancy

It is important to consider the specifics of using this drug during pregnancy:

  • Dextromethorphan

Dextromethorphan is generally considered relatively safe to use during pregnancy, however, like any medication, it should only be used after careful discussion with your doctor. Dextromethorphan should not be used in the first trimester of pregnancy as there is limited data on its safety during this period.

  • Terpin hydrate

Terpin hydrate has mucolytic action, however it is rarely used and may be associated with some health risks, including risks during pregnancy. There is insufficient data on the safety of using terpin hydrate during pregnancy, so its use should be done with caution and only under the supervision of a doctor.

  • Levomenthol

Levomenthol is commonly used in medicine as a local anesthetic and to relieve nasal congestion. In the context of pregnancy, levomenthol is considered relatively safe, but like other ingredients, its use should be discussed with a doctor.

Contraindications

  1. Allergic reaction: People with a known allergy to any of the components of the drug (dextromethorphan, terpin hydrate, levomenthol) should avoid its use.
  2. Bronchial asthma: The use of dextromethorphan (one of the components of Glycodin) may worsen the condition in patients with bronchial asthma, since it can cause bronchospasm.
  3. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): The use of dextromethorphan may be contraindicated in patients with COPD due to the risk of possible worsening of symptoms.
  4. Hypersensitivity to terpin hydrate and/or levomenthol: These components may cause irritation or allergic reaction in some people.
  5. Pregnancy and breastfeeding: There is limited information on the safety of Glycodin during pregnancy and breastfeeding, so the use of this drug requires consultation with a doctor.
  6. Children under 6 years: Glycodin is not recommended for use in children under 6 years of age without first consulting a physician.
  7. Hepatic impairment: The use of Glycodin may require dosage adjustment in patients with hepatic impairment.
  8. Renal insufficiency: The use of Glycodin may require dosage adjustment in patients with renal insufficiency.

Side effects Glycodina

Each of these components may cause certain side effects when used:

Dextromethorphan hydrobromide

Dextromethorphan is widely used as a cough suppressant. Its side effects are generally mild and include:

  • Dizziness and drowsiness, which may affect the ability to drive vehicles and operate machinery.
  • Nausea and vomiting, especially at high doses.
  • Confusion, restlessness, or hallucinations, especially in children and the elderly, and in case of overdose.

Terpin hydrate

Terpin hydrate is used to help loosen mucus, but may cause:

  • Gastrointestinal disturbances including nausea and vomiting.
  • High doses of terpin hydrate can cause serious kidney problems and brain damage, especially with long-term use.

Levomenthol

Levomenthol is used to relieve breathing in cases of runny nose and congestion, but can cause:

  • Local irritation including redness or burning when ingested or applied to the skin.

Overdose

  1. Dextromethorphan (dextromethorphan hydrobromide):

    • An overdose of dextromethorphan can lead to drowsiness, dizziness, digestive disorders (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea), rapid heartbeat, arrhythmia, decreased respiratory function, loss of consciousness, and even coma.
    • When mixed with other CNS depressants such as alcohol or sedatives, the risk of serious overdose consequences increases.
  2. Terpin hydrate:

    • Overdose of terpin hydrate can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, dizziness, nervous system excitation, tachycardia, convulsions and even acute respiratory failure.
    • In case of overdose, allergic reactions may also develop, including hives, itching and swelling.
  3. Levomenthol:

    • An overdose of levomenthol can lead to an acute reaction of the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract, causing irritation, redness, swelling and even difficulty breathing.
    • People with asthma or obstructive airway disease should be especially careful, as overdosing on levomenthol may worsen their symptoms.

Interactions with other drugs

  1. Dextromethorphan hydrobromide:

    • May enhance the central nervous system depressant effect when combined with other drugs such as alcohol or sedatives.
  2. Terpin hydrate:

    • May enhance the effect of other mucolytic agents.
    • The effect of drugs that depress the central nervous system may be enhanced.
  3. Levomenthol:

    • May enhance the effect of other mucolytic agents.
    • The effect of drugs that depress the central nervous system may be enhanced.
  4. General interactions:

    • The drug "Glycodin" contains several active components that may interact with other drugs. In case of simultaneous use with other drugs, it is always recommended to consult a doctor or pharmacist.


Attention!

To simplify the perception of information, this instruction for use of the drug "Glycodin" translated and presented in a special form on the basis of the official instructions for medical use of the drug. Before use read the annotation that came directly to medicines.

Description provided for informational purposes and is not a guide to self-healing. The need for this drug, the purpose of the treatment regimen, methods and dose of the drug is determined solely by the attending physician. Self-medication is dangerous for your health.

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