Butamirate Citrate

Indications
Butamirate Citrate is used to relieve dry (non-productive) cough. Dry cough may be caused by a recent viral infection. It is also used for pre- & post-operative cough sedation in patients who will undergo surgical procedures and bronchoscopy. It can be used in acute cough of any etiology, whooping cough and cough due to acute lower respiratory tract infections (tracheitis, laryngitis, bronchitis) etc.

Therapeutic Class
Cough suppressant

Pharmacology
Butamirate Citrate belongs to the anti-cough medicines of central action. It exerts expectorant, moderate bronchodilating and anti-inflammatory action. Butamirate Citrate also increases the spirometery indexes and blood oxygenation. It is safe and non-sedating which is neither chemically nor pharmacologically related to opium alkaloids. The active metabolites of Butamirate Citrate have also antitussive action.

Dosage & Administration
Tablet:
Adult: 2-3 tablets daily at 8 to 12 hours intervals,
Adolescents over 12 years old: 1-2 tablets daily.
Syrup:
Children (3-6 years): 5 ml 3 times daily,
Children (6-12 years): 10 ml 3 times daily,
Adolescent: 15 ml 3 times daily,
Adult: 15 ml 4 times daily.
Pediatric Drops:
Children (1-3 years): 0.75 ml 4 times daily,
Children (2 months-1 year): 0.50 ml 4 times daily.

Interaction
Avoid use with expectorants.

Contraindications
Butamirate Citrate is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to any component of the formulation.

Side Effects
Tolerance of Butamirate Citrate is good. Adverse reactions such as rash, nausea and vertigo have been observed in a few rare cases, resolving after dose reduction or treatment withdrawal.

Pregnancy & Lactation
Butamirate Citrate should not be used during the first trimester of pregnancy. During the remainder of pregnancy, it can be used if indicated by a physician but with caution.
As a general rule, for safety reasons, in the absence of data on elimination of the active substance in breast milk, the benefits of Butamirate Citrate administration during breast feeding should be carefully weighed against the risks.

Precautions & Warnings
Avoid simultanous administration of expectorants. Minor influence on the ability to drive & use machines. Avoid during pregnancy (1st 3 months) & lactation.
Tablet: Rare hereditary problems of galactose intolerance, Lapp lactase deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption.
Syrup: Sorbitol: Rare hereditary problems of fructose intolerance. Contains ethanol.

Overdose Effects
symptoms: Somnolence, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness and hypotension.
Management: Gastric lavage, activated charcoal, monitoring and treatment of the vital functions if required. There is no known specific antidote.

Storage Conditions
Store at temperatures not exceeding 30° C.