Products
Butamirate is commercially available as a syrup, drops, and depot tablets (e.g., NeoCitran cough suppressant, formerly Sinecod). It has been approved in many countries since 1965.
Structure and properties
Butamirate (C18H29NO3, Mr = 307.4 g/mol) is present in drugs as butamirate dihydrogen citrate. It has structural similarities to the antitussive butetamate. Butamirate is not related to opioids such as codeine.
Effects
Butamirate (ATC R05DB13) is thought to have antitussive and bronchospasmolytic properties. The effects are based on a central mechanism. The agent is less well studied than new drugs. Modern registration studies are lacking.
Indications
For symptomatic treatment of irritable cough.
Dosage
According to the SmPC. The non-retarded dosage forms are usually administered three to four times daily before meals.
Abuse
Butamirate may be abused as a central depressant narcotic. Because of the potential adverse effects, this should be discouraged. See also misuse of cough syrup.
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity
For complete precautions, see the drug label.
Interactions
Drug-drug interactions may occur with expectorants, central depressant drugs, and alcohol.
Adverse effects
Possible adverse effects include dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, diarrhea, and skin rash.
