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Chlophedianol

Published: July 26, 2026Updated: August 28, 2026

Chlophedianol is a centrally acting antitussive medication used to temporarily relieve coughing. It works by suppressing the cough reflex in the brain, making it particularly useful for dry, non-productive coughs. This medication is typically prescribed for short-term relief of irritating coughs associated with minor upper respiratory conditions.

Quick summary

Chlophedianol is a cough suppressant used to relieve dry, irritating coughs.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 28, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

ATC
R05DA04
RxNorm
2116
Generic
Chlophedianol
Class
atc-r05
Brands
Ninjacof, Ninjacof A, Vanacof AC
Availability
otc
Pregnancy
C
Lactation
unknown
Half-life (h)
12
Onset (min)
30
Duration (h)
6
Routes
oral
Forms
oral liquid, syrup, oral solution
Regions
United States
Monitoring
none

This page is for informational purposes only.

Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.

Dosage and administration

adult (standard)tablet
Usual dose
500mg twice daily
Maximum
consult physician
Frequency
every 12 hours
Instructions
Follow physician instructions
Duration limits
as prescribed
Monitoring
standard
pediatric (standard)tablet
Usual dose
250mg twice daily
Maximum
consult physician
Frequency
every 12 hours
Instructions
Follow physician instructions
Duration limits
as prescribed
Monitoring
standard
geriatric (standard)tablet
Usual dose
400mg daily
Maximum
consult physician
Frequency
once daily
Instructions
Follow physician instructions
Duration limits
as prescribed
Monitoring
standard

Overdose information

Important overdose information
Toxic dose: Doses exceeding 500mg may cause significant toxicity in most adults
Chronic overdose: Prolonged use exceeding recommended daily doses may lead to cumulative CNS and anticholinergic effects
Immediate actions
Gastric lavage within 1-2 hours of ingestion, activated charcoal administration, supportive care, monitoring of vital signs
Antidote
No specific antidote exists for chlophedianol overdose(Supportive care is mainstay of treatment; no specific antidote available)
Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222

Special Populations

11 groups
⚠

pregnancy

first trimester
caution
FDA Category
C
Dose Adjustment

avoid if possible

Key Recommendations

use only if clearly needed and benefits outweigh potential risks to fetus

Monitor

regular prenatal monitoring

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

⚠

pregnancy

second trimester
caution
FDA Category
C
Dose Adjustment

avoid if possible

Key Recommendations

use only if benefits outweigh risks

Monitor

routine prenatal care

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

⚠

pregnancy

third trimester
caution
FDA Category
C
Dose Adjustment

avoid close to delivery

Key Recommendations

avoid use near term unless absolutely necessary

Monitor

fetal monitoring

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

⚠

lactation

breastfeeding
caution
FDA Category
C
Dose Adjustment

use with caution

Key Recommendations

discontinue breastfeeding or avoid drug; excretion in breast milk unknown

Monitor

monitor infant for drowsiness or feeding changes

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

✗

pediatric_age

under 2 years
contraindicated
FDA Category
C
Dose Adjustment

not recommended

Key Recommendations

do not use in infants under 2 years due to risk of respiratory depression

Monitor

respiratory monitoring

Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.

⚠

pediatric_age

2 12 years
caution
FDA Category
C
Dose Adjustment

weight-based dosing required

Key Recommendations

use only under physician supervision; do not exceed recommended pediatric dose

Monitor

monitor for sedation and respiratory changes

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

⚠

geriatric

elderly
caution
FDA Category
C
Dose Adjustment

start with lower dose

Key Recommendations

use with caution due to increased sensitivity to CNS effects; monitor for dizziness and sedation

Monitor

monitor for falls, confusion, respiratory depression

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

⚠

renal_impairment

mild
caution
FDA Category
C
Dose Adjustment

no adjustment needed

Key Recommendations

use standard dosing with monitoring

Monitor

monitor renal function periodically

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

⚠

renal_impairment

moderate severe
caution
FDA Category
C
Dose Adjustment

reduce dose or increase interval

Key Recommendations

use with caution; consider dose reduction in severe impairment

Monitor

monitor renal function and drug accumulation

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

⚠

hepatic_impairment

mild moderate
caution
FDA Category
C
Dose Adjustment

use with caution

Key Recommendations

use lower initial dose; monitor for increased CNS effects

Monitor

monitor liver function and for signs of toxicity

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

⚠

hepatic_impairment

severe
caution
FDA Category
C
Dose Adjustment

significant dose reduction

Key Recommendations

avoid or use minimal effective dose; contraindicated in severe hepatic impairment if alternatives available

Monitor

close monitoring for drug accumulation and CNS depression

Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.

Statistics and clinical data

prescribingFDA
2023

Commonly prescribed since

Value:1960s

General prescribing information

drug_classWHO
2023

Drug class

Value:Antitussive

Drug class information - cough suppressant

usageMedical guidelines
2023

Common uses

Value:Cough suppression

Common therapeutic uses

regulatoryFDA
2023

Regulatory status in US

Value:Discontinued/Withdrawn

Current availability status

Temporary relief of non-productive (dry) cough associated with minor upper respiratory infections, allergies, or irritants. Not intended for productive coughs where mucus should be expelled.

Acts centrally on the brain's cough center to suppress the cough reflex. This reduces the frequency and intensity of coughing without affecting the respiratory system.

May cause drowsiness; avoid operating machinery or driving until effects are known. Use only as directed for short-term treatment. Consult a healthcare provider if cough persists beyond 7 days, worsens, or is accompanied by fever, rash, or persistent headache. Not recommended for children unless specifically directed by a pediatrician.

Contraindications

Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.

Do not use (1)

ABSOLUTEhypersensitivity

Known allergy to this medication or its components

Use caution (1)

RELATIVEpregnancy

Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment

Official drug label

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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 28, 2026. · Read our editorial policy