Deconsal DM (Phenylephrine, Pyrilamine Maleate, and Dextromethorphan HBr) Drug Information: Clinical Pharmacology

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May 27, 2012

Deconsal

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The common cold is a self-limited contagious illness that can be caused by a number of different types of viruses. The common cold is medically referred to as a viral upper respiratory tract infection. Symptoms of the common cold may include cough, sore throat, nasal congestion, runny nose, and sneezing. More than 200 different types of viruses are known to cause the common cold, with rhinovirus causing approximately 30%-35% of all adult colds. Other commonly implicated viruses include coronavirus, adenovirus, respiratory syncytial virus, and parainfluenza virus. Because so many different viruses can cause a cold and because new cold viruses constantly develop, the body never builds up resistance against all of them. For this reason, colds are a frequent and recurring problem. In fact, children in preschool and elementary school can have six to 12 colds per year while adolescents and adults typically have two...

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Deconsal DM

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CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY

Deconsal® DM (phenylephrine, pyrilamine maleate, and dextromethorphan hbr) Tannate Chewable Tablets combines the sympathomimetic decongestant effect of phenylephrine with the antihistaminic action of pyrilamine and the antitussive effect of dextromethorphan.

Phenylephrine

Phenylephrine is a decongestant which is a potent post synaptic a-receptor agonist with little effect on p receptors of the heart. A direct action at the receptors accounts for the greater part of its effects, only a small part being due to its ability to release norepinephrine. Phenylephrine has no effect on p-adrenergic receptors of the bronchi or peripheral blood vessels. Phenylephrine has a mild stimulant effect.

Pyrilamine

Pyrilamine is an antihistamine, Hi receptor blocking agent belonging to the ethylenediamine class of antihistamines. Hi-blocking drugs inhibit the actions of histamine on smooth muscle, capillary permeability, and can both stimulate and depress the central nervous system. Pyrilamine also possesses anticholinergic and sedative properties.

Dextromethorphan

Dextromethorphan is an antitussive agent and, unlike the isomeric levorphanol, it has no analgesic or addictive properties. The drug acts centrally and elevates the threshold for coughing. It is about equal to codeine in depressing the cough reflex. In therapeutic dosage dextromethorphan does not inhibit ciliary activity.

Last reviewed on RxList: 5/4/2009
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.