Other Brands/Names

Flublass, Flublast Day, Flucodin, Flutom, Longatin, Mercotine, Ometusin, Paratusin, Paratusin Pe, Tilomix.

How It Works

Noscapine is an antitussive, or cough suppressant. It reduces coughing by limiting the response and accumulation of bradykinin, a chemical that triggers the cough reflex. For this reason, noscapine can be used to relieve dry cough.

Indications

Any condition in which a cough-suppressant effect is needed to ease cough symptoms.

Contraindication

Contraindications to the use of noscapine include:

• Asthma

• Increased intracranial pressure (for example, from a brain tumor or intracranial bleeding)

• Slow and ineffective breathing

• Current therapy with MAOIs such as selegiline, tranylcypromine, phenelzine, or isocarboxazid

• A history of allergy or hypersensitivity to noscapine (for example, hives and swollen eyelids)

Side Effects

Side effects are generally uncommon. However, the following may occur:

• Hallucinations

• Pupil dilation

• Heart palpitations or chest pain

• Tremor

• Reduced appetite

• Insomnia

• Decreased sexual desire

• Headache

• Nausea

Types

Commonly available noscapine medications include:

• 25 mg and 50 mg capsules

• Combination tablets or syrup (containing 10 mg noscapine)

• 10 mg/mL oral drops (prescription medicine)

Dosage

The dosage of noscapine is typically adjusted to age and the available formulation. Below are frequently used doses as listed on product packaging.

Drops

• Adults: 10 drops per dose, taken 3–4 times per day

• Children: 5 drops per dose, taken 3–4 times per day

• Infants: 2 drops per dose, taken 3–4 times per day

Capsules

• Adults: 25–50 mg capsules, taken 4 times per day

Combination syrup with other medicines

(for example, Paratusin syrup containing noscapine 10 mg/5 mL)

• Adults: 20 mL, 3 times per day

• Children 6–12 years old: 10 mL, 3 times per day

• Children 2–5 years old: 5 mL, 3 times per day

Safety

Pregnancy:

FDA Category N (fetal risk has not been clearly established), so special caution is required. Consult a doctor before use for appropriate monitoring.

Drug Interactions

Angiotensin II receptor antagonist for high blood pressure (candesartan)

Using noscapine together with candesartan can reduce the metabolism of candesartan in the body. As a result, candesartan may remain in the system longer, increasing the likelihood of side effects.

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