Hedera helix: Indication, Dosage, Side Effect, Precaution

This information is not country-specific. Please refer to the Singapore prescribing information.

Generic Medicine Info

Indications and Dosage

Oral
Productive cough

Adult: As effervescent tab (containing dried ivy leaf extract 65 mg): 1 tab bid. As syrup (containing dried ivy leaf extract 700 mg/100 mL): 5 mL tid. Dosage recommendations may vary among countries and individual products or preparations (refer to specific product guidelines).
Child: As effervescent tab (containing dried ivy leaf extract 65 mg): 4-12 years ¹/₂ tab tid; >12 years Same as adult dose. As syrup (containing dried ivy leaf extract 700 mg/100 mL): 2-5 years 2.5 mL 1-2 times daily; 6-11 years 5 mL 1-2 times daily; ≥12 years Same as adult dose. Dosage recommendations may vary among countries and individual products or preparations (refer to specific product guidelines).

Contraindications

Children <2 years. Contraindications may vary between products or preparations (refer to specific product guidelines).

Special Precautions

Patient with gastritis or gastric ulcer. Treatment with a cough medicine in children (especially those under 6 years old) should be considered carefully due to potential risks and limited evidence on efficacy. Concomitant use with antitussives (e.g. dextromethorphan, codeine) is not recommended without medical guidance. Not recommended for use during pregnancy and lactation (safety has not been established).

Adverse Reactions

Gastrointestinal disorders: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea.
Immune system disorders: Very rarely, allergic reactions (e.g. rash, urticaria, dyspnoea).

Patient Counseling Information

Seek medical advice when difficulty breathing, fever, or bloody phlegm occurs.

Overdosage

Symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, excitation or agitation. Management: Symptomatic and supportive treatment.

Action

Description:
Mechanism of Action: Hedera helix (Araliaceae) contains saponins that have expectorant, spasmolytic, and bronchodilatory actions. Its mechanism of action is not fully known; however, the saponins may probably activate the gastro-pulmonary mucokinetic vagal reflex, which stimulates the bronchi to produce a watery fluid and induce expectoration.
Synonym(s): Ivy leaf.

Storage

Store below 30°C. Protect from light and moisture. Storage recommendations may vary between products (refer to specific product guidelines).

MIMS Class

Cough & Cold Preparations

ATC Classification

R05CA12 - Hederae helicis folium ; Belongs to the class of expectorants. Used in the treatment of wet cough.

References

Assessment Report on Hedera helix L., folium. European Medicines Agency [online]. Accessed 07/12/2023.

Buckingham R (ed). Ivy. Martindale: The Complete Drug Reference [online]. London. Pharmaceutical Press. https://www.medicinescomplete.com. Accessed 05/07/2023.

European Union Herbal Monograph on Hedera helix L., folium. European Medicines Agency [online]. Accessed 05/07/2023.

Ivy Leaf - Summary for the Public. European Medicines Agency [online]. Accessed 05/07/2023.

Lanvy Syrup (Landson). MIMS Indonesia. http://www.mims.com/indonesia. Accessed 07/12/2023.

Prospan Cough Syrup (Engelhard Arzneimittel GmbH & Co KG). MHRA. https://products.mhra.gov.uk. Accessed 05/07/2023.

Prospan Cough Syrup Sachets (Engelhard Arzneimittel GmbH & Co KG). MHRA. https://products.mhra.gov.uk. Accessed 05/07/2023.

Prospan Effervescent Cough Tablets (Delfi Marketing Sdn. Bhd.). National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency - Ministry of Health Malaysia. https://www.npra.gov.my. Accessed 05/07/2023.

Prospan F Cough Syrup (Delfi Marketing Sdn. Bhd.). National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency - Ministry of Health Malaysia. https://www.npra.gov.my. Accessed 05/07/2023.

Sanbe-Ivy Herbal Cough Syrup (Sanbe Farma PT). MIMS Indonesia. http://www.mims.com/indonesia. Accessed 05/07/2023.

Disclaimer: This information is independently developed by MIMS based on Hedera helix from various references and is provided for your reference only. Therapeutic uses, prescribing information and product availability may vary between countries. Please refer to MIMS Product Monographs for specific and locally approved prescribing information. Although great effort has been made to ensure content accuracy, MIMS shall not be held responsible or liable for any claims or damages arising from the use or misuse of the information contained herein, its contents or omissions, or otherwise. Copyright © 2024 MIMS. All rights reserved. Powered by MIMS.com