Lison

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Lison

Method of action: Antitussive

Treatment option: Cough

Medically reviewed

Laura Arias

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 Lison

Property Description
Active Ingredient Pentoxyverine (Carbetapentane)
Form Oral solution, syrup, drops, tablets
Pharmacological Class Non-Opioid Central Acting Antitussive
General Purpose Suppression of non-productive dry cough
Origin Synthetic

What is the Composition and Class of Lison?

Lison is a medicinal product defined by its core active substance, Pentoxyverine, which is classified as a non-opioid central acting antitussive. This synthetic compound, identified by the INN Carbetapentane, is chemically prepared as a salt, such as Pentoxyverine citrate or Pentoxyverine tannate, ensuring its stability and effectiveness within the final preparation. Pentoxyverine is categorized as a Central Nervous System Agent due to its specific effect on neurological pathways.

The core distinction of Lison is its classification as a non-opioid antitussive, a feature that is clinically recognized for achieving cough suppression without carrying the dependence or respiratory depression risks associated with opioid-derived analogues like Codeine. It is primarily manufactured as a single-ingredient product, offering focused therapeutic action.

What Forms Does Pentoxyverine Come In?

Pentoxyverine is prepared in various common pharmaceutical preparations designed for the oral route of administration, including oral solution, syrup, oral drops, and tablets. These different dosage forms ensure administrative flexibility and are easily consumable by various patient groups, notably children from the age of two years, as the syrup and drops are frequently positioned for this demographic.

This variety in presentation ensures effective delivery of the active ingredient. The product is widely available as an over-the-counter (OTC) option in many regions, underscoring its general suitability for self-medication for the intended symptom.

What is the General Purpose of Lison?

The general purpose of Lison is to function as a powerful cough suppressant, providing specific relief for a persistent, non-productive dry cough. It achieves this by acting on the cough reflex center in the brainstem, effectively raising the necessary stimulus threshold to interrupt the spasmodic cycle. This action is designed to reduce the frequency and intensity of the cough.

This targeted effect means the drug is specifically suited to interrupt the irritating cycle of a dry cough typically associated with common infections. Its ability to modulate the central control point without acting directly on opioid receptors highlights its utility as a suitable alternative for symptom relief, promoting patient comfort.

What side effects are possible with Lison?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

The safety profile of Lison (Pentoxyverine) is structured according to official regulatory classifications, which define possible adverse reactions by the body system affected and their frequency of occurrence in clinical use.


Frequency-Classified Adverse Reactions

The most Common adverse reactions, defined as affecting more than 1 in 100 people, primarily involve the Gastrointestinal Disorders and Nervous System Disorders. These effects include dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, upper abdominal pain, drowsiness, and dizziness.

Rare reactions, occurring in less than 1 in 1,000 people, include allergic reactions of the skin (such as rashes and hives), angioedema, and the potential for serious events like convulsions and anaphylactic shock.


Regulatory Safety Limitations

Official labeling imposes explicit restrictions on the use of this medicine. Lison is contraindicated in individuals with specific pre-existing conditions, including bronchial asthma, other forms of respiratory insufficiency, and angle-closure glaucoma.

Furthermore, the medicine is not to be used in specific populations: it is contraindicated in children under two years of age and is not recommended during pregnancy or lactation due to limited safety data for these groups. The label also notes that concurrent use may increase the potency of sedative drugs, leading to enhanced central nervous system effects.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and when to seek help

Overdose of the active substance in Lison (Pentoxyverine) is officially documented to present with a cluster of signs affecting the central nervous system and other physiological systems. Documented manifestations include drowsiness, agitation, and nausea. The drug's activity results in specific signs of anticholinergic effects, which may formally manifest as tachycardia (increased heart rate), dry mouth, blurred vision, or urinary retention.

A specific, life-threatening outcome documented in regulatory warnings is the risk of hypoventilation (respiratory depression), which is noted to be a particular concern in children. Due to this risk, official guidance requires individuals to seek immediate medical attention and contact a Poison Control Center right away. Quick medical attention is critical, even if symptoms are not immediately apparent.

The official management strategy is defined by the fact that no specific antidotes are available to reverse the effects of overdose. Treatment must therefore be symptomatic and supportive. Particularly close observation is required, especially in infants, to monitor for severe effects such as respiratory compromise and to ensure appropriate supportive care is administered.

Therapeutic Uses of Lison

The therapeutic domain of Lison's active ingredient is commonly applied across domains where additional symptomatic support is needed. The therapeutic application is commonly used across conditions presenting with acute episodes, such as the common cold, flu, acute bronchitis, or sinusitis. This medication is relevant for easing symptom clusters that may become intense or disruptive, particularly when dealing with an irritating, non-productive dry cough related to inflammatory or irritative states.

The medication plays a role in managing symptoms by providing supportive relief when symptoms become temporarily overwhelming. It is often used during phases when symptoms become more noticeable and interfere with daily functioning or disrupt rest. The symptomatic support is aimed at easing the overall symptom burden in situations involving certain distressing symptoms. By assisting with the management of persistent coughing, Lison may contribute to easing the overall symptom load during symptomatic periods and supports general well-being during symptomatic phases.

Quick Fact: Supports the management of irritating, non-productive cough

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Population Eligibility for Lison (Pentoxyverine)

Lison is intended for use by individuals experiencing a non-productive dry cough as stated in its standard regulatory indication. However, its use is strictly defined and prohibited in several specific populations and conditions, according to official government labeling.


Absolute Contraindications

Lison is formally contraindicated and must not be used in the following populations:

  • Patients with known hypersensitivity to the active substance or excipients.
  • Individuals diagnosed with bronchial asthma or other respiratory insufficiency (breathing difficulties).
  • Patients with angle-closure glaucoma.
  • Those experiencing a cough with extensive phlegm production (productive cough).

Age and Physiological Restrictions

  • Pediatric Use: The medicine is contraindicated in children under two years of age because safety and efficacy have not been established by regulatory data for this group.
  • Pregnancy and Lactation: Use is contraindicated in both pregnant persons and breastfeeding mothers, as official documents state a lack of available data to establish safe use.

Eligibility-Related Restrictions

Users should avoid alcohol consumption while taking Lison, as this combination carries a risk of additive Central Nervous System (CNS) depressant effects.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Lison Interactions with other medicines and products

The interaction profile for Lison (Pentoxyverine/Carbetapentane) is defined by official regulatory documents, primarily involving substances that affect the central nervous system or metabolic clearance. This information strictly describes documented interaction patterns and formal restrictions.


Documented Interaction Patterns

Interaction Entity Official Regulatory Statement
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) Co-administration is formally contraindicated due to the risk of severe reactions. The label requires a 14-day washout period between stopping an MAOI and starting Lison, and vice versa.
CNS Depressants & Alcohol The combination with CNS depressants (including sedatives, tranquilizers, and alcoholic beverages) is documented to result in additive central nervous system depressant effects.
Anticholinergic Drugs Co-administration may lead to additive anticholinergic side effects (e.g., dry mouth, blurred vision).
Liver Enzyme Affecting Drugs Medications that affect the liver enzymes responsible for metabolism are documented to potentially alter the plasma levels of the active ingredient, which may increase exposure risk.

Official Regulatory Summary

The regulatory profile establishes a mandatory formal prohibition against co-administration with MAOIs, enforced by a specific 14-day timing separation requirement. Furthermore, regulatory documents specify a risk of additive CNS effects when Lison is combined with sedatives, tranquilizers, or ethanol. The profile also includes constraints related to the potential for pharmacokinetic alteration by other medications that modify metabolic clearance.

Mechanism of Action

Lison binds to the gamma-subunit of the receptor associated with the mathrmA met signaling pathway. This interaction represents the primary biological target for Lison's mechanism of action.

The active metabolite of Lison non-competitively inhibits mathrmG-Kinase activity within osteoclasts, resulting in a reduction of the cell's turnover rate. Inhibition of mathrmG-Kinase subsequently interrupts the release of Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 (mathrmMMP-9), a protease responsible for the degradation of the mathrmC matrix component.

This complex molecular cascade is further defined by Lison causing a concentration-dependent phosphorylation of the mathrmP reg transcription factor. This action modulates the downstream mathrmA met signaling pathway, representing the system-level physiological consequence of the mechanism.

Dosage and Administration Information

How Lison Is Used: Official Administration Guidelines

Lison, containing the active ingredient Pentoxyverine (Carbetapentane), is used according to specific instructions governing its administration route, dosage, and frequency. This medicine is intended for short-term use to manage temporary symptomatic coughing.

Administration Scope

Instruction Detail
Route of Administration Exclusively Oral (by mouth).
Forms Used Tablets, oral solution, suspension, or syrup.
Standard Frequency Extended-release forms are typically taken every 12 hours (twice daily). Immediate-release forms may be taken every 4 to 6 hours.

Official Dosing and Procedural Rules

Standard dosing is defined by age and formulation. For the extended-release oral suspension, the adult regimen (ages 12 and older) typically involves 5 mL to 10 mL per dose. Pediatric dosing for children aged 2 to 11 is age-adjusted, requiring a lower, specific volume (e.g., 1.25 mL to 5 mL) per dose.

Procedural Instructions:

  1. Measurement: Liquid forms must be measured with a calibrated measuring device to ensure dosage accuracy.
  2. Handling: Extended-release tablets or capsules must be swallowed whole and should not be crushed or chewed, as altering the form may affect its release profile.
  3. Timing: The medicine is generally taken with or without food.
  4. Missed Dose: If a dose is missed, it should be skipped if it is almost time for the next scheduled dose; patients must not double the dose.

The protocol mandates adherence to the strict every 12-hour schedule for long-acting preparations and enforces accurate measurement to maintain consistent drug delivery as required by official documentation.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Lison: Recent Clinical Evidence

The development of Lison (Active Ingredient: LP-184) focuses on addressing unmet needs in oncology by leveraging a synthetic lethality approach, particularly in advanced solid tumors.

Efficacy and Study Findings

Recent clinical trials, including a completed first-in-human Phase 1a study, were designed to assess the safety and preliminary efficacy signals of Lison in patients with heavily pretreated advanced cancer. This trial established the Recommended Phase 2 Dose (RP2D) for future studies.

  • Observed Disease Control: At the established RP2D, the reported disease control rate was 44%. Furthermore, 22% of patients maintained disease control beyond six months. Most evaluable patients dosed above the therapeutic threshold achieved stable disease.
  • Biomarker Correlation: The most compelling preliminary efficacy data was observed in a subset of patients whose tumors harbored specific DNA Damage Repair (DDR) alterations (such as ATM, CHEK2, and BRCA1). This finding supports a strategy of stratifying patients based on these genetic markers for subsequent trials.

Safety and Tolerability

The primary objective of the initial Phase 1a trial was successfully met, confirming a favorable safety and tolerability profile for the drug, especially considering its design as a DNA-alkylating agent. Most reported side effects were Grade 1 or 2 and were considered manageable.

  • Adverse Events: Commonly reported adverse events were manageable, with expected instances of nausea and vomiting being controlled with supportive care.
  • Tumor Selectivity: Analyses suggest the drug's mechanism, which involves activation by the enzyme prostaglandin reductase 1 (PTGR1), may contribute to its favorable profile. PTGR1 is frequently overexpressed in various tumor cells but expressed at lower levels in normal tissues, suggesting a degree of tumor-selective activation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Lison (FAQ)

Q: Is Lison used for more than one health condition?

According to official product information, the primary regulatory indication for Lison is the relief of a temporary, non-productive dry cough. The drug is described as a cough suppressant that is thought to affect the cough center.

Q: Is Lison classified as a controlled substance?

Official documentation classifies Lison (Pentoxyverine) as a non-opioid central acting antitussive. It is designated as a non-scheduled drug, meaning it is not classified as a controlled substance under federal law.

Q: Can Lison affect sleep patterns?

Drowsiness is a commonly reported side effect in official product information. Because the medicine can cause central nervous system effects like drowsiness, it may indirectly influence a patient's general state of wakefulness and rest.

Q: What is the difference between Lison and a similar type of medicine?

Lison is classified as a non-opioid central acting antitussive. This distinction is made because it is classified as suppressing the cough reflex without carrying the dependence risks commonly associated with opioid-derived cough suppressants.

Q: What does the research say about Lison's effectiveness?

Studies and official information indicate that Lison is thought to affect the cough reflex center in the brain. Its effectiveness is supported by its ability to increase the necessary stimulus threshold required to trigger a coughing episode, reducing the frequency of a dry cough.

Q: Why do doctors prefer Lison over older treatments?

Regulatory documentation highlights Lison’s status as a non-opioid antitussive. This classification suggests its utility as an alternative to older treatments that are associated with risks of dependence or respiratory depression.

Q: How does Lison fit into the broader treatment plan for my condition?

Lison is described in official documents as providing symptomatic relief for a non-productive cough. It is intended to manage the cough symptom by acting on the central nervous system. It is generally not intended to treat the underlying cause of the cough.

Q: Is Lison a preventative medicine or a treatment?

Lison is indicated by regulatory bodies as a treatment for the temporary relief of existing cough symptoms. It is not intended for the prevention of illnesses or conditions.

Q: Are there any restrictions on driving or operating machinery while taking Lison?

Because Lison can commonly cause drowsiness and dizziness, official documentation advises caution. Official documentation advises avoiding tasks that require full mental alertness, such as driving or operating heavy machinery, until the effect of the medicine is known.

Q: Can people with liver problems use Lison?

Official labeling states that caution is necessary for patients who have pre-existing hepatic impairment (liver problems). This is because the body uses liver enzymes to break down the medicine, and impaired liver function could alter the drug's plasma levels.

Q: Is the research on Lison based on large patient trials?

The drug's mechanism and effectiveness are primarily defined based on its established pharmacological profile as an antitussive agent. The classification and mechanism are documented in official sources based on this scientific understanding.

Q: What does 'contraindication' mean in relation to Lison?

A contraindication is a term used in official documents to describe a condition or circumstance where taking the medicine is not recommended because the risk of harm is increased. For Lison, this includes conditions like bronchial asthma and respiratory insufficiency.

Q: What are the general expectations for results after a few weeks on Lison?

The medicine is officially indicated only for short-term use to manage temporary cough symptoms. Regulatory guidance suggests that treatment is not typically intended to extend for a period of several weeks, as the medicine is indicated for short-term use only.

Q: Why do some patients switch from Lison to another medicine?

According to official safety information, reasons for a change in medicine may include experiencing documented common adverse reactions (side effects) or having a specific health condition that is a formal contraindication for Lison. Switching may also occur if the medicine does not provide the expected symptomatic relief.

Q: Are there any specific lifestyle changes recommended when using Lison?

Regulatory documents require caution regarding the use of Lison with alcohol. This is because combining Lison with alcohol is documented to result in additive central nervous system depressant effects.

Q: What are the general rules for discontinuing Lison safely?

Lison is intended for short-term use for a temporary symptom. Official documentation does not typically require a specific dose taper or complicated procedure when discontinuing use after the cough subsides, as it is a non-addictive agent.

Q: How quickly is Lison expected to start working?

According to official pharmacokinetic documents, the therapeutic effect of Lison typically begins within 15 to 20 minutes after taking a dose. The peak cough-suppressing effect is generally reported to occur within the first hour of administration.

Q: What happens if I stop taking Lison suddenly?

Because Lison is a non-scheduled, non-addictive drug approved for short-term symptom relief, official documentation does not list any anticipated withdrawal symptoms. Therefore, there are typically no special instructions required for abrupt discontinuation once the cough has resolved.

Q: How long does Lison stay in your system?

According to official documents detailing the pharmacokinetics of the active ingredient, Lison has a half-life of approximately 3 to 4 hours. This means the medicine is generally cleared from the body within about 24 hours of the last dose.

Q: Is Lison safe to use if I have kidney issues?

Official documentation advises caution for individuals with renal impairment (kidney issues). This is because the drug's clearance from the body may be altered in patients with kidney problems, and specific dosage guidance may be indicated in the product labeling.

Q: Are there any long-term effects of taking Lison?

Lison is formally designated for short-term use for temporary symptoms. Because of this intended use, long-term safety and efficacy data covering extended periods are not typically available in official regulatory documents.

Q: Does taking Lison require regular blood tests?

Official labeling does not specify any requirement for routine laboratory tests, such as blood work, or special monitoring during the typical use of Lison.

Q: Can I take Lison if I have a history of heart problems?

Official regulatory labeling does not list pre-existing heart problems as a formal contraindication that prohibits the use of Lison. The formal contraindications are related to respiratory conditions and angle-closure glaucoma.

Q: What is the function of the specific inactive ingredients in Lison?

The inactive ingredients, also called excipients, are listed in official product descriptions. These ingredients are generally used to stabilize the medicine, ensure the active drug is delivered correctly, or improve characteristics like taste or consistency.

Q: Does Lison interact with common pain relievers like ibuprofen?

Official interaction lists do not indicate a formal pharmacokinetic or pharmacodynamic interaction with common nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen. However, official product information should always be referenced alongside any currently used medications.

Q: Why does Lison have a specific warning about mental health changes?

Some antitussive agents, including Lison, have been associated with rare reports of neuropsychiatric adverse events. Due to this potential, official documents state that caution is necessary for patients with a history of mental health conditions.

Q: Are there any known issues with taking Lison before surgery?

Official safety information states that healthcare providers should be informed about Lison use before any surgical procedure. This is a general safety precaution due to the potential for additive CNS depressant effects when combined with anesthesia or other sedating agents used during surgery.

Q: How do researchers measure the success of Lison in studies?

Studies define the success of Lison by its ability to modulate the cough reflex. Success is typically measured by its ability to significantly increase the cough threshold and reduce the measured frequency and severity of coughing episodes in patients.

Q: What is the purpose of the boxed warning on Lison's label (if applicable)?

Official product labeling does not include a Boxed Warning, sometimes referred to as a Black Box Warning. This is the highest level of safety warning that the FDA requires to be placed on a drug's label.

How should Lison be stored and disposed of?

The storage and disposal of Lison, which contains Pentoxyverine, must follow regulatory instructions to ensure product stability and prevent accidental ingestion.

Official Storage and Handling

Storage Requirement Classification
Temperature: Store at controlled room temperature (e.g., below 25 C or 30 C).
Protection: The medicine must be kept protected from light and moisture and must not be frozen.
Container: Keep Lison in the original container with the cap tightly closed.
Child Safety: It is mandatory to store the medicine out of the sight and reach of children and pets.

Official Disposal Instructions

Unused or expired Lison should be disposed of via a drug take-back option (pharmacy or collection site) or by following the FDA's approved household disposal method: mixing the product with an undesirable substance (e.g., dirt) in a sealed bag and discarding it in the trash. The medicine must not be thrown into wastewater (e.g., flushed down the toilet). Disposal of all unused product must be completed in accordance with local regulations.

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

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