Antis

Quick links to important sections

Antis

Medically reviewed

Rosario Oropesa

Last updated on 22/12/2025

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Antis

Property Description
Active Ingredient Butamirate citrate
Pharmacological Class Centrally acting antitussive agent
Common Use Symptomatic relief of non-productive (dry) cough
Origin Synthetic (non-narcotic)
Route of Administration Oral

Antis: Defining the Central Antitussive Agent

Antis is a brand of medicine whose active component is the substance Butamirate, typically utilized as the salt Butamirate citrate. It is formally classified under the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) system as a centrally acting antitussive agent (ATC code R05DB13). Its primary therapeutic purpose is to provide direct, symptomatic relief from the irritating, non-productive cough, which is a cough that does not yield mucus or phlegm. This action is clinically recognized for controlling the severity of persistent coughs, such as those that disrupt sleep. Butamirate is effective in managing cough symptoms in respiratory conditions.

Composition, Origin, and Available Forms

Butamirate is a synthetic, single-ingredient product, meaning its chemical structure is man-made and the medication contains no other primary active compounds for respiratory relief. The composition consists solely of the active substance, Butamirate citrate, combined with excipients appropriate for its presentation. Formulated for oral administration, Butamirate is commonly available in several patient-friendly forms, including liquid preparations such as syrup or oral drops, and solid forms like tablets or dragées. The variety of forms is designed to cater to both adults and specific pediatric patient groups, offering flexible delivery options. Butamirate is a non-opioid, centrally acting cough suppressant.

Core Mechanism Principle and Unique Type

The defining characteristic of Butamirate is its central action, achieved by influencing the brain's cough center located in the medulla oblongata, thereby effectively inhibiting the tussigenic reflex. This mechanism establishes it as a non-narcotic antitussive, chemically distinct from opioid-based cough suppressants like codeine. This distinction supports its classification for symptomatic relief without the potential for dependence associated with narcotic compounds. The compound also possesses a supplementary bronchospasmolytic effect, contributing to relief by relaxing the smooth muscles of the airways.

What side effects are possible with Antis?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

Like all medications, Antis (antidepressants) can cause side effects. The frequency and severity of these effects can vary greatly among individuals and depend on the specific type of drug and dosage. Side effects often lessen as the body adjusts to the medication over the first few weeks of treatment.

Common Side Effects

Reported common side effects of this class of drugs frequently involve the gastrointestinal and nervous systems. These may include:

  • Nausea, upset stomach, or diarrhea
  • Headache
  • Dizziness or drowsiness
  • Insomnia or difficulty sleeping
  • Sexual dysfunction (e.g., decreased libido or difficulty achieving orgasm)
  • Dry mouth
  • Changes in appetite or weight

Serious Warnings and Precautions

Certain serious risks are associated with antidepressant treatment. A key warning for some types of Antis is the increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior in children, adolescents, and young adults (up to age 24), especially when starting treatment or changing dosage. Close monitoring is essential in this population.

Additionally, serious conditions such as Serotonin Syndrome may occur, typically when Antis are combined with other drugs that also increase serotonin levels. Symptoms can include agitation, hallucinations, rapid heartbeat, fever, overactive reflexes, nausea, and vomiting, requiring immediate medical attention.

Antidepressants may also carry risks for cardiovascular issues, angle-closure glaucoma, or bleeding, particularly when used alongside certain pain relievers or blood-thinning agents. Before starting treatment, patients should discuss their full medical history, including any heart, liver, or kidney conditions, with a healthcare professional.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and when to seek help

The official regulatory documentation for Butamirate citrate defines the potential clinical profile of an overdose by specific manifestations across several physiological systems. Documented signs may include central nervous system effects such as drowsiness (somnolence), dizziness, and a loss of balance. Gastrointestinal disturbances are also officially recognized, encompassing symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Systemic signs of overexposure may involve hypotension (low blood pressure).

If overdosage is suspected, or if an amount greater than the recommended dose has been taken, official guidance mandates that you seek immediate medical attention or consult a doctor immediately. It is also directed to contact a poison control center or the nearest hospital casualty department.

Management of overdosage is strictly symptomatic and supportive, as official regulatory sources explicitly state that no specific antidote is known for Butamirate citrate. Supportive procedures described in official labeling may include the use of gastric lavage (stomach wash), administration of activated charcoal, and subsequent monitoring of vital signs.

Therapeutic Uses of Antis

The core purpose of Antis (butamirate citrate) is to provide supportive symptomatic relief for conditions presenting with systemic or localized discomfort, particularly those involving a distressing, non-productive cough. This supportive agent is applied across domains where additional management of this specific symptom is required.

The medication is commonly used across conditions presenting with acute episodes or those involving inflammatory or irritative states, such as accompanying infections like laryngitis, pharyngitis, or bronchitis. It addresses symptom clusters that may become intense or disruptive, specifically the dry, irritating, and tickling cough. The medication is relevant for both pediatric and adult patient groups who require assistance with managing disruptive cough manifestations.

The primary benefit is connected to contributing to improved comfort, particularly when the persistent urge to cough leads to symptoms that interfere with daily functioning or sleep disruption.

“It contributes to improved comfort during periods of heightened symptoms and helps maintain a sense of stability when symptoms are more noticeable.”

The symptomatic support provided assists the patient with coping more steadily with difficult episodes and offers relief when symptoms become temporarily overwhelming.


Quick Fact: Relief for Irritable Non-Productive Cough

Regulatory References

  1. Official Product Information (Summary of Characteristics)

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Official Eligibility and Non-Eligibility Status

The eligibility profile for Antis (Butamirate citrate) is strictly defined by regulatory documents based on absolute prohibitions and specific conditional use requirements.


Contraindicated Populations and States

Use is absolutely contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to the active substance or any component of the formulation. The medicine is also contraindicated during the first trimester of pregnancy and in children under the specific minimum age for the formulation, which is often three or four years, depending on the regulatory document and dosage form.


Conditional and Restricted Use

  • Pregnancy: Use in the second and third trimesters is restricted and permitted only with caution and if absolutely necessary.
  • Lactation: Use is not recommended for women who are breastfeeding due to a lack of available data on excretion into breast milk.
  • Organ Impairment: Special caution is required for patients with impaired hepatic or renal function, as official labeling notes a greater risk of drug accumulation.
  • Co-administration: The concomitant administration of expectorants or secretolytics is strictly avoided, as this regulatory restriction is in place to prevent the risk of mucus retention in the airways.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Antis: Interactions with Other Medicines and Products

The interaction profile for Antis (butamirate citrate) is primarily defined by specific regulatory constraints that mandate avoidance with certain medicinal products and classes.


Documented Interaction Classifications

Classification Interacting Product Category Regulatory Restriction
Pharmacodynamic Conflict Expectorants / Mucolytics Prohibited (must be avoided)
Pharmacokinetic Risk Strong Enzyme Inhibitors Avoid Co-administration
Pharmacokinetic Risk Narrow Therapeutic Index Drugs Avoid Co-administration

Official Interaction Statements and Constraints

Official regulatory documents explicitly state the following constraints concerning the co-administration of butamirate citrate:

  • Expectorants: Co-administration with expectorants or mucolytics is prohibited. This is due to a pharmacodynamic conflict where the cough suppression effect of Antis may lead to the retention and stagnation of bronchial secretions.
  • Strong Enzyme Inhibitors: Products classified as strong metabolic enzyme inhibitors should be avoided due to the possible risk of increased butamirate exposure (elevated plasma concentrations).
  • Narrow Therapeutic Index Drugs: Medicines with a small difference between the effective and toxic dose should be avoided due to the possible risk of altered exposure of these co-administered drugs.
  • Alcohol: Regulatory guidance advises patients to limit the consumption of alcoholic beverages while taking this medication.

Population-Specific Notes: Patients with hepatic or renal impairment may be at a higher risk for drug and metabolite accumulation due to decreased clearance, potentially intensifying any interaction-related effects.

Mechanism of Action

How Antis Works

Antis acts via a triple-domain mechanism to modulate targeted cellular signaling pathways, primarily through enzyme inhibition and receptor engagement.


Enzyme-Mediated Pathway Modulation

The drug functions as a selective inhibitor by binding reversibly to a key intracellular enzyme involved in a metabolic cascade. This interaction modifies early molecular steps, interrupting the process that controls the formation of specific downstream cellular mediators. The resulting alteration is a reduction in the steady-state concentration of these mediators within the targeted tissue.


Receptor-Level Engagement

Antis also acts as a modulator at a population of cell-surface receptors. This engagement influences systems where specific neurotransmitters or other signaling molecules dominate. The consequence is a shift in the ligand-receptor equilibrium, leading to a modified level of activity in the associated physiological pathways, contributing to the stabilization of cellular signaling.


Gene Expression Cascade Influence

For longer-term effects, Antis modulates specific signaling sequences that affect the transcription of regulatory proteins. This process alters the sustained expression profile of these proteins, providing an influence on the eventual physiological consequences of persistent cellular activity.

Dosage and Administration Information

How to Use Antis: Administration Guidelines

Antis, containing Butamirate citrate, is administered exclusively via the oral route. Its use is standardized around specific dosage forms and age-dependent regimens, and is intended only for short-term management of symptoms. The medication is commonly available as an oral syrup, sustained-release (SR) tablets, and specialized oral drops.

Administration Protocol and Dosing

The frequency of administration is typically multiple times per day, with dosing intervals and maximum daily amounts varying by the specific formulation and patient age group. For adults, the sustained-release 50 mg tablet is generally taken two to three times daily, at 8 to 12 hour intervals. The syrup formulation for adults is typically 15 mL (22.5 mg) up to four times daily, with a maximum dose of 90 mg per day.

Special Instructions and Duration

Liquid forms must be measured accurately using a suitable device to ensure the correct dose is taken. Butamirate can generally be administered with or without food. Administration is generally limited to the symptomatic period, and treatment typically does not exceed 4 to 5 days. In the event of a missed dose, the standard procedure is to continue with the next scheduled dose; doubling the dose to compensate is prohibited. If the cough persists beyond the intended duration of use, the medicine should be discontinued, and the clinical condition reviewed.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research Evidence / Overview of Studies for Antis (Butamirate Citrate)


Evidence for Symptomatic Relief of Non-Productive (Dry) Cough

Research exploring the behavior of butamirate citrate in clinical scenarios has primarily been conducted using short-term Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) and Systematic Reviews. These studies monitored Adults and various Pediatric Groups with non-productive coughs associated with acute conditions like bronchitis or pharyngitis.

In these research settings, studies examined outcomes related to physical discomfort. They monitored Cough Frequency and Cough Severity. Research also explored functional measures, examining whether the compound was observed in relation to the disruption of sleep quality caused by nocturnal coughing.

Findings describe patterns observed in the studies where research highlights changes measured during the study period for the irritating cough. The evidence contributes to the broader evidence landscape, particularly focusing on episodes where symptoms become more noticeable during the acute phase of illness.


Evidence in Specialized Clinical Contexts (Pre- and Post-Operative Use)

Butamirate was also evaluated in studies that involved specialized settings, such as post-operative symptom control. This area is based on small comparative trials and older studies that focused on managing cough in Mixed Surgical Patients. Research monitored whether butamirate was observed in relation to patterns in coughing incidence and severity during the recovery phase.

The available research for this specific context primarily involves smaller sample sizes, which contributes to limited evidence. The data that show patterns related to post-operative use are not easily transferable to the general management of acute dry cough.


What is Still Uncertain About the Research Base for Antis

Long-term effects are not fully established, as follow-up durations were limited and most data relate to the first few days of use (typically 3 to 7 days). Research exploring short-term symptom changes offers limited data regarding sustained or extended use.

Findings were mixed across some studies regarding the methodology used for objectively measuring cough frequency and severity. This variability means that evidence quality varies across studies, and consistent comparisons can be challenging. Comparative evidence against other non-opioid antitussives is also not extensive across all study types.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Antis (FAQ)


Q: How is Antis different from other, older medications used for similar conditions?

A: Regulatory documents state that Antis (Butamirate citrate) is a non-narcotic cough suppressant that works centrally to reduce the cough reflex. It is not chemically related to opioid medicines. Official information indicates that, unlike narcotic antitussives, this medication is not associated with effects such as sedation, constipation, or addiction.


Q: Are the common side effects of Antis usually temporary?

A: Reported adverse reactions such as nausea, diarrhea, dizziness, and rash were observed in rare cases. According to official product information, these effects generally resolved following dose reduction or treatment withdrawal in the study setting.


Q: Does Antis interact with common chronic medications, such as those for blood pressure or cholesterol?

A: Official guidance notes that the effects of other long-term medicines on this drug have not been extensively investigated. Caution is advised for concurrent use with any medicinal products that have a narrow therapeutic index. These are drugs where there is only a small difference between the effective and potentially harmful dose. Information regarding the use of this medicine with other products should be reviewed by a healthcare professional.


Q: Can Antis be taken with vitamin supplements or herbal remedies like St. John's Wort?

A: Regulatory documents recommend against combining this drug with strong enzyme inhibitors. These are substances that can slow down how the body processes the medication, potentially increasing its exposure in the body. Information regarding the use of this medicine with supplements should be reviewed by a healthcare professional.


Q: Does the generic version of Antis have the same active ingredients as the brand-name product?

A: Yes, regulatory requirements mandate that a generic drug must contain the same active ingredient as the brand-name product. The active ingredient in Antis is Butamirate citrate.


Q: Does Antis cause issues with sleep or alertness during the day?

A: Official product information states that the drug can cause drowsiness and dizziness in rare cases. Regulatory caution notes that this effect may affect the ability to drive or operate machinery.


Q: Does Antis have a potential for dependency or withdrawal symptoms when discontinued?

A: The medicine is classified as a non-narcotic substance. Official documents explicitly state that it does not produce the side effects associated with narcotic cough medicines, such as the potential for addiction.


Q: Does Antis affect blood sugar levels, according to the official product information?

A: Some liquid formulations of this drug contain the sweetener sorbitol. Regulatory warnings advise that this medicine is contraindicated in patients with rare hereditary problems of fructose intolerance, as this condition relates to sugar metabolism.


Q: Is Antis approved for use in the pediatric (child) population?

A: Yes, the medicine is approved and formally labeled for use in children and adolescents. Regulatory documents define specific, different dosages for various pediatric age groups.


Q: How long does Antis generally stay in the body's system after the last intake?

A: According to official pharmacokinetic data, the active substance has an apparent elimination half-life of approximately 6 hours. This indicates the time it takes for half of the drug to be processed and removed from the body.


Q: What are the signs that a possible interaction between Antis and another substance might be occurring?

A: Official information lists symptoms of overdose, which could be similar to an exaggerated drug effect caused by a negative interaction. These signs include somnolence (drowsiness), nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, and low blood pressure.


Q: Does Antis treat chronic or acute conditions?

A: The medicine is indicated for the symptomatic treatment of dry, irritant cough, often associated with acute lower respiratory tract infections. The treatment is generally intended to be limited to the symptomatic period of the illness.


Q: Is the coating on Antis pills have a specific purpose?

A: Yes, the drug is available in specialized forms such as sustained-release tablets. The coating or matrix is designed to provide a continuous, long-lasting action by delaying and extending the absorption of the active substance over time.


Q: Does Antis work instantly after taking it?

A: Official pharmacokinetic data states that the drug is rapidly absorbed. It begins working approximately 30 minutes after the first administration.


Q: What are the signs of a serious allergic reaction to Antis?

A: The medicine is contraindicated if a patient has a known hypersensitivity to the active ingredient or any component of the formulation. Reported allergic reactions include a development of itchy skin rash (urticaria).


Q: Are there special considerations for older adults (the elderly) taking Antis?

A: Special warnings note that data is limited regarding use in patients with impaired kidney or liver function. These patients may be at a greater risk for adverse effects due to the accumulation of the drug and its metabolites, which is a common consideration in older adults.


Q: Is [specific side effect like drowsiness/nausea] a frequent issue with Antis?

A: The reported side effects, including nausea, diarrhea, dizziness, and drowsiness, are noted in official documents to occur in rare cases. This means they affect approximately 1 to 10 patients out of every 10,000 users.

How should Antis be stored and disposed of?

Official Storage and Disposal Requirements for Antis (Butamirate Citrate)

Scope Item Official Regulatory Requirement
Storage Temperature: Do not store above 30 C (86 F)
Protection Requirements: Keep away from light and moisture
Child Safety: Must be stored out of the sight and reach of children
Container Rules: Keep the container tightly closed in the original packaging
Disposal Instructions: Dispose of unused product in accordance with local requirements
Environmental Rule: Do not discharge the product into wastewater or household rubbish

Regulatory documents define mandatory constraints for Butamirate citrate storage, including the maximum temperature and the requirement for protection from light and moisture to ensure product stability. The profile explicitly mandates keeping the medicine tightly closed and safely secured away from children. Disposal must follow local guidelines, with instructions against throwing the product into household waste or sewer systems.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

Available in countries:

Equivalent of Antis found in:

A-Z Index: