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 Bena expectorant
Clears chesty
Cough
Composition
Each 5 ml contains
Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride
............. 14 mg
Ammonium Chloride
............................... 135 mg
Sodium Citrate
........................................ 57.5 mg
Sodium Benzoate as preservative
............. 7.50 mg
Pharmacology
Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride, Ammonium Chloride and Sodium Citrate are
readily and effectively absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract.
Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride is extensively metabolished in the liver
and excreted mainly as metabolites is the urine.
After absorption, the ammonium ion from ammonium chloride is converted
into urea in the liver, and the anion thus liberated into the blood stream
and extracellular fluid causes a metabolic acidosis and decreases the pH of
the urine; this may be followed by a transient diuresis. However, the
acidifying effect occurs only with large does of ammonium chloride, in
excess of about 2 g. Hence this effect will not be apparent with the small
amount present in the expectorant. Sodium citrate is metabolized after
absorption, and is partly excreted as carbon dioxide.
Indications
Bena is indicated for the relief of chest congestion and coughs with thick
phlegm. It clears nasal passages, liquefies and loosens stubborn phlegm and
soothes tiresome coughing.
Dosage and Administration
Unless otherwise prescribed by
the physician:
Adult and children over 12
years:
5 to 10 ml every 4 to 6 hours
(not to exceed 60 ml in 24
hours);
Children 6 to 12 years:
2.5 to 5 ml every 4 to 6 hours
(not to exceed 30 ml in 24 hours);
Children 2 to 5 years:
2.5 ml every 4 to 6 hours (not to
exceed 20 ml in 24 hours).
Children below 2 years
as prescribed by the physician.
Side Effects
Antihistaminic side effects include sedation, dizziness, tinnitus,
lassitude, incoordination, fatigue, blurred vision, diplopia, euphoria,
nervousness, insomnia and tremors. Incidences of gastrointestinal side
effects are low.
Large doses of ammonium chloride may cause nausea, thirst, headache and
progressive drowsiness leading to profound acidosis and hypokalaemia.
Excessive sodium salt may cause hypernatraemia. These effects are unlikely
to occur with therapeutic dose of the preparation due to its low content of
ammonium chloride and sodium salts.
Contraindications
In patients with known
hypersensitivity to antihistamines.
Precautions
This medicine may cause drowsiness. If affected do not drive motor vehicles
or operate machinery. Avoid taking alcoholic drinks or other drugs that may
produce drowsiness.
Bena should be used with caution in patients with hepatic or renal
diseases. Safety of this preparation in pregnancy has not been established
and should be carefully assessed before use.
Symptoms and treatment of overdosage
Antihistamine overdosage may produce a mixture of excitatory and depressive
effects on the central nervous system. Marked cerebral irritation, resulting
in jerking of muscles and possible convulsions, may be followed by stupor.
There is no specific antidote for antihistamine poisoning. Symptomatic
and supportive treatment may be employed. In severe overdosage he stomach
should be emptied by aspiration and lavage Convulsions may be controlled
with diazepam given intravenously.
Shelf life
3 years from the date of manufacture
Presentation
Brown pleasantly flavoured expectorant cough mixture in packs of 90 ml, 120
ml and 3.6 litres.
Storage
Store in a cool place below 30°C.
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