Dextromethorphan + Chlorpheniramine + Phenylephrine 10 mg + 2 mg + 5 mg per 5 ml: uses, price & cheaper substitutes
Prescription required (Schedule H)
Common uses: Dry, tickly cough from colds and flu; Blocked or runny nose and sneezing with a cold.
Listed MRPs range from ₹0.23 to ₹1.58 per ml across 6 listings. Use only on a doctor's prescription.
Price comparison
| Brand | Manufacturer | Pack | MRP | ₹ / ml | As on |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phenylephrine 5 mg,Chlorpheniramine 2 mg and Dextromethorphan 10 mg SyrupJan Aushadhi | Jan Aushadhi (PMBJP) | 100 ml | ₹23.44 | ₹0.23 | 19 October 2026 |
| Curekuf D Syrup | Curelogic Pharma | 100 ml | ₹67.50 | ₹0.68 | 19 October 2026 |
| Chericof Syrup | Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd | 100 ml | ₹131.25 | ₹1.31 | 19 October 2026 |
| Grilinctus Syrup | Laboratories Griffon Pvt Ltd | 100 ml | ₹146.20 | ₹1.46 | 19 October 2026 |
| Alex Syrup | Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd | 100 ml | ₹158.43 | ₹1.58 | 19 October 2026 |
| Ascoril D Plus Syrup | Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd | 100 ml | ₹158.40 | ₹1.58 | 19 October 2026 |
MRPs as printed/listed on the date shown; actual price may vary.
Uses
- Dry, tickly cough from colds and flu.
- Blocked or runny nose and sneezing with a cold.
- Cough with allergic rhinitis or post-nasal drip.
- Short-term relief of cold symptoms so you can rest at night.
How to take it
Measure the dose with the cup or spoon provided and take it by mouth as your doctor or the label directs, usually three times a day, with or without food. Shake the bottle first. This syrup only relieves symptoms; it does not shorten the cold. Do not take it with any other cough or cold product because many contain the same ingredients. Use it for a few days only – see a doctor if the cough lasts more than 7 days, comes with fever, chest pain or breathlessness, or if you cough up thick phlegm, since this syrup is not meant for a wet, productive cough.
Side effects
Common
- Drowsiness and dry mouth (from chlorpheniramine).
- Dizziness or nervousness, difficulty sleeping (from phenylephrine).
- Nausea, stomach upset or constipation.
- Thickened chest secretions.
Serious
Stop and get medical help urgently if you notice any of these.
- Fast or pounding heartbeat, severe headache or a rise in blood pressure – stop and see a doctor.
- Difficulty passing urine or vision problems.
- Confusion, hallucinations or fits, especially in overdose or in children.
- Allergic reaction – rash, swelling, difficulty breathing.
Safety information
Alcohol
Avoid alcohol. It adds to the drowsiness of chlorpheniramine and the dizziness of dextromethorphan.
Pregnancy
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding before using it; combination cold syrups are generally avoided in pregnancy unless a doctor advises.
Kidney problems
Tell your doctor about kidney disease; dosing may need adjusting.
Liver problems
Tell your doctor about liver disease; chlorpheniramine and dextromethorphan are processed by the liver.
Children
Do not give to children under 4 years. In children 4 to 11, use only a product and dose a doctor recommends. Never give adult syrup to a child.
Missed dose
It is usually taken only when needed, so just take the next dose when due. Do not double up.
Interactions
- MAO inhibitor antidepressants (selegiline, phenelzine) – dangerous rise in blood pressure; do not combine within 2 weeks.
- SSRI antidepressants (sertraline, fluoxetine, escitalopram) – dextromethorphan adds to the risk of serotonin syndrome.
- Sleeping pills, alprazolam, antihistamines like cetirizine – extra drowsiness.
- Blood pressure medicines and beta-blockers – phenylephrine can push blood pressure up.
- Other cough and cold products – duplicate ingredients lead to overdose.
Frequently asked questions
Is Alex Syrup for dry cough or wet cough?
For dry cough. Dextromethorphan suppresses the cough reflex, so it is not suitable for a wet, phlegmy cough where you need to clear mucus. Ask your doctor for an expectorant syrup instead.
Does Alex Syrup cause sleepiness?
Yes. Chlorpheniramine is a sedating antihistamine, so drowsiness is common. Do not drive or operate machinery after taking it and avoid alcohol.
Can I take Chericof Syrup with Dolo 650?
Yes, paracetamol can be taken alongside this syrup for fever or body ache, as long as the syrup itself does not also contain paracetamol – check the label.
Alex Syrup vs Ascoril – what is the difference?
Alex contains dextromethorphan, chlorpheniramine and phenylephrine for dry cough and cold. Regular Ascoril contains an expectorant and bronchodilator for wet cough with phlegm, while Ascoril D Plus has the same dry-cough combination as Alex.
Can I give Alex Syrup to my 3-year-old?
No. Cough and cold combinations with these ingredients should not be given to children under 4, and for children aged 4 to 11 only under a doctor's advice with a paediatric product.
Is Alex Syrup safe for people with high blood pressure?
Be careful. Phenylephrine can raise blood pressure and heart rate. Ask your doctor before using it if you have hypertension, heart disease, thyroid problems or diabetes.
How many days can I take Chericof Syrup?
Use it only for a few days to control symptoms. If your cough lasts longer than 7 days, returns, or comes with fever, rash or breathlessness, see a doctor.
Can I take Alex Syrup in pregnancy?
Combination cold syrups are generally avoided in pregnancy unless a doctor advises. Tell your doctor you are pregnant or breastfeeding before taking it.
Sources
- MedlinePlus – Dextromethorphan (19 October 2026)
- MedlinePlus – Chlorpheniramine (19 October 2026)
- MedlinePlus – Phenylephrine (19 October 2026)
- NPPA Pharma Sahi Daam (ceiling prices) (19 October 2026)
- PMBI Jan Aushadhi Product & MRP List (19 October 2026)
Medyzen Editorial Team · Last updated
This page is general information, not medical advice. Do not start, stop or change a medicine without asking a doctor or pharmacist. Terms