Alex Syrup
Alex Syrup is a syrup (per 5 ml) made by Glenmark that contains Chlorpheniramine 2 mg + Dextromethorphan 10 mg + Phenylephrine 5 mg. It combines Chlorpheniramine: antihistamine (older type), Dextromethorphan: cough suppressant and Phenylephrine: nasal decongestant.
| Ingredient (salt) | Amount |
|---|---|
| Chlorpheniramine | 2 mg |
| Dextromethorphan | 10 mg |
| Phenylephrine | 5 mg |
Chlorpheniramine
What it is used for
Reduces sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes and itching from colds and allergies.
How it works
An older antihistamine that blocks histamine and reduces sneezing, runny nose and itching; it also causes drowsiness.
How to take it
Adults usually take 4 mg every 4 to 6 hours, no more than 24 mg a day. Avoid driving if it makes you drowsy.
Common side effects
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Blurred vision
- Constipation
- Difficulty passing urine
Get medical help straight away if
- Confusion, fast heartbeat or inability to pass urine
- Allergic reaction
Be careful
Causes drowsiness; avoid driving and alcohol.
Other medicines and interactions
Drowsiness is much stronger with alcohol, sleeping pills, opioids and other sedating medicines. Take care with other anticholinergic medicines.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Has been used in pregnancy when needed, but ask a doctor first. Can make breastfed babies drowsy and may reduce milk supply; non-drowsy options are usually preferred.
Dextromethorphan
What it is used for
Calms a dry, tickly cough.
How it works
A cough suppressant that acts on the cough centre of the brain. It is meant for a dry, tickly cough.
How to take it
Adults usually take 10 to 20 mg every 4 hours or 30 mg every 6 to 8 hours; no more than 120 mg a day. Not for children under 6 unless advised.
Common side effects
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Constipation
Get medical help straight away if
- Agitation, confusion, fever, shivering or muscle twitching (serotonin syndrome)
- Hallucinations (sign of misuse or overdose)
Be careful
Not for chesty cough with phlegm; misuse in high doses is dangerous.
Other medicines and interactions
Do not combine with MAOI antidepressants. Risk of serotonin syndrome with SSRIs, SNRIs and tramadol. More drowsiness with alcohol and sedatives.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Short use is generally considered acceptable in pregnancy and breastfeeding, but ask a pharmacist first; avoid combination products with many ingredients.
Phenylephrine
What it is used for
Shrinks swollen blood vessels in the nose to relieve a blocked or runny nose.
How it works
It narrows swollen blood vessels in the nose lining, which reduces congestion. Taken by mouth it is less effective than as a spray.
How to take it
Take the combination tablet or syrup as directed on the pack, usually every 4 to 6 hours. Do not use for more than about 7 days.
Common side effects
- Restlessness
- Headache
- Trouble sleeping
- Raised blood pressure
Get medical help straight away if
- Severe headache, fast or irregular heartbeat
- Difficulty passing urine
Be careful
Can raise blood pressure and heart rate; caution with high BP, heart disease or thyroid problems.
Other medicines and interactions
Avoid with MAOI antidepressants and other decongestants. Can raise blood pressure and counteract blood pressure medicines; take care with beta blockers.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Best avoided in pregnancy, especially the first three months, and while breastfeeding; ask a pharmacist for alternatives such as saline drops.
Common questions
What is Alex Syrup?
Alex Syrup is a syrup (per 5 ml) by Glenmark containing Chlorpheniramine 2 mg + Dextromethorphan 10 mg + Phenylephrine 5 mg.
What is Alex Syrup used for?
Reduces sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes and itching from colds and allergies. Calms a dry, tickly cough. Shrinks swollen blood vessels in the nose to relieve a blocked or runny nose.
How should I take Alex Syrup?
Adults usually take 4 mg every 4 to 6 hours, no more than 24 mg a day. Avoid driving if it makes you drowsy. Adults usually take 10 to 20 mg every 4 hours or 30 mg every 6 to 8 hours; no more than 120 mg a day. Not for children under 6 unless advised. Take the combination tablet or syrup as directed on the pack, usually every 4 to 6 hours. Do not use for more than about 7 days. Always follow the dose your doctor or the pack gives.
What are the side effects of Alex Syrup?
Common side effects include: Drowsiness, dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, difficulty passing urine, Drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, constipation, Restlessness, headache, trouble sleeping, raised blood pressure. Get medical help straight away for: Confusion, fast heartbeat or inability to pass urine, allergic reaction, Agitation, confusion, fever, shivering or muscle twitching (serotonin syndrome), hallucinations (sign of misuse or overdose), Severe headache, fast or irregular heartbeat, difficulty passing urine.
Does Alex Syrup need a prescription?
It is usually sold without a prescription in India, but ask a pharmacist if you take other medicines or have a long-term illness.
Can I take Alex Syrup in pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
Has been used in pregnancy when needed, but ask a doctor first. Can make breastfed babies drowsy and may reduce milk supply; non-drowsy options are usually preferred. Short use is generally considered acceptable in pregnancy and breastfeeding, but ask a pharmacist first; avoid combination products with many ingredients. Best avoided in pregnancy, especially the first three months, and while breastfeeding; ask a pharmacist for alternatives such as saline drops.
What are the substitutes for Alex Syrup?
We have no other brand with exactly the same composition and strength in our list yet. Ask your pharmacist for an equivalent.
Sources and further reading
- Chlorpheniramine: NHS · MedlinePlus
- Dextromethorphan: NHS · MedlinePlus
- Phenylephrine: NHS · MedlinePlus
NHS (UK National Health Service) and MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine) are free, reviewed medicine guides. Brand names and doses there may differ from India.
Composition checked against pack details from large Indian online pharmacies. Last reviewed 31 October 2026. Written by Satya Babu.
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