Sekin

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Sekin

Method of action: Cough And Cold Preparations

Treatment option:

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 Sekin

Property Description
Active Ingredient Cloperastine (Rec.INN)
Common Forms Syrup, Tablets, Granules
Pharmacological Class Antitussive Agent (Cough Suppressant)
General Purpose Symptomatic relief of dry cough
Origin Synthetic and Non-opioid

What is Sekin and Its Pharmacological Identity?

Sekin is the trade name for a medicinal preparation containing the chemically synthetic compound, Cloperastine (Rec.INN). This active substance is classified as an antitussive agent, specifically a cough suppressant. Cloperastine is distinctly recognized as a non-opioid compound. This substance achieves cough suppression without relying on the mechanisms of narcotic substances, thereby maintaining a non-addictive profile.

Composition, Forms, and General Purpose

The medication is formulated as a single-active ingredient product, featuring only Cloperastine, which may be prepared as the hydrochloride or the fendizoate salt. Sekin is administered via the oral route and its availability across multiple dosage forms, including an easily dispensed syrup and convenient tablets or granules, allows for flexibility in use, often targeting both adult and pediatric patient groups. The primary purpose of this antitussive is the symptomatic relief of the persistent, non-productive, or dry cough that frequently accompanies respiratory irritations.

How Cloperastine Suppresses the Cough Reflex

Cloperastine is a centrally-acting agent, meaning its primary therapeutic benefit is derived from acting directly on the cough center in the brainstem. This mechanism reduces the sensitivity of the neural center to irritants, thereby suppressing the initiation of the cough reflex. This targeted action on the central nervous system manages the urge to cough. Furthermore, Cloperastine also possesses mild bronchorelaxant and antihistamine properties, which offer additional support in managing the persistent, irritating cough.

Regulatory References

  1. Cloperastine (DrugBank DB09002)

What side effects are possible with Sekin?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

The adverse reactions associated with Sekin (Cloperastine) are primarily related to its effects on the central nervous system and its mild anticholinergic activity, as classified in official regulatory documents.

Frequency and System-Organ Classifications

The most common adverse reactions reported include drowsiness, dry mouth, and dizziness. Gastrointestinal disturbances, such as nausea and vomiting, are also frequently listed. These reactions are classified within the Nervous System Disorders and Gastrointestinal Disorders categories.

Other reactions, such as sedation, accommodation disturbances (Eye Disorders), and allergic reactions (Immune System Disorders), are documented but their frequency is often categorized as not known.

Safety Warnings and Special Populations

Official labeling includes explicit constraints for specific situations. The medicine is contraindicated for use in children under 2 years of age. Caution is required for older adults due to increased susceptibility to side effects, including drowsiness and anticholinergic effects like the risk of urine retention. Similarly, caution is necessary for patients with conditions such as narrow-angle glaucoma or prostatic hypertrophy.

Use of Cloperastine is contraindicated when administered concurrently with Monoamine Oxidase (MAO) inhibitors. Due to the potential for drowsiness and sedation, official safety information notes that the drug may interfere with activities requiring full mental alertness. The safety of use during pregnancy and lactation has not been established in humans.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and when to seek help

The official regulatory documentation defines the overdose profile of Cloperastine (Sekin) by focusing on severe central nervous system (CNS) manifestations and mandated emergency actions.

Documented Overdose Manifestations

Overdose may present with a specific cluster of clinical signs. These include:

  • Severe drowsiness
  • Anticholinergic symptoms
  • Hallucinations and excitation
  • Ataxia (lack of motor coordination)

A potential severe escalation documented in the official labeling is the occurrence of convulsions. Any suspected overdose, due to the potential for these neurological effects, requires immediate attention.

When to Seek Immediate Medical Help

Regulatory authorities mandate specific actions be taken immediately upon suspicion of overdose:

  • Seek immediate medical attention.
  • Contact a poison control center right away.

Officially Described Management

Management protocols are focused on supportive measures and gastric decontamination. Procedural steps described in the prescribing information include inducing vomiting or performing stomach lavage using saline serum. Symptomatic and maintenance treatment is the recommended course of care following these initial interventions. The regulatory documents reviewed for this drug contain a statement noting that no cases of overdose have been formally reported within the scope of the prescribing information.

Therapeutic Uses of Sekin

What Sekin Treats: Main Uses and Benefits

Sekin is commonly used for the symptomatic relief of non-productive, or dry, cough that frequently accompanies conditions like acute bronchitis and viral upper respiratory tract infections. The medication may be part of symptomatic management in conditions involving inflammatory or irritative states of the respiratory system. It helps address symptom clusters that create noticeable physiological strain.


The medication is relevant for easing symptoms related to physical discomfort, particularly when episodes become paroxysmal or significantly disruptive. By easing the frequency and intensity of these episodes, Sekin contributes to improved comfort during periods of heightened symptoms. This supports general well-being and is relevant when symptoms interfere with daily functioning, such as disturbed sleep.

The medication is commonly used across conditions presenting with acute or episodic manifestations. This includes managing the cough associated with the common cold and the protracted dry cough that can linger for several weeks after a primary illness has resolved, often termed post-infectious cough. It is applied in settings where symptoms related to heightened physiological activity require supportive management.

“The medication provides support that helps ease the overall symptom burden in contexts where short-term symptomatic assistance is needed.”


Quick Fact: Relief for Irritable Dry Cough

Sekin is relevant for easing paroxysmal cough and contributes to improved comfort by supporting patients during episodes of heightened discomfort associated with acute respiratory irritations.

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Official Eligibility for Sekin (Cloperastine)

Sekin is authorized for use in adults and children above specific age thresholds for the symptomatic relief of a non-productive, dry cough. Eligibility is strictly defined by official regulatory labeling across three key constraints: absolute contraindications, age limits, and conditional restrictions.

Populations Who Must Not Use (Contraindicated):

  • Hypersensitivity: Individuals with a known allergy to Cloperastine or any component of the formulation.
  • Cough Type: Patients with a productive cough or cough associated with excessive phlegm (sputum), as suppression of the cough reflex is detrimental in these cases.
  • Pediatric Exclusion: Use is strictly contraindicated in children under 2 years of age. Use in children under 6 years requires professional guidance.
  • Drug Interaction: Patients currently receiving treatment with Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs).

Populations for Whom Use is Not Recommended:

  • Pregnancy and Lactation: Use is not recommended for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding due to insufficient data to establish safety.

Condition-Specific Restrictions (Use with Caution):

Caution is required for older adults and patients with underlying conditions that may be aggravated by the drug's properties. These include severe hepatic dysfunction, prostatic hypertrophy, narrow-angle glaucoma, and chronic conditions like asthma or emphysema.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Pharmacodynamic Interaction Profile

The official regulatory profile for Sekin (Cloperastine) is structurally defined by its potential for pharmacodynamic enhancement with substances that share an effect on the central nervous system. This classification establishes an interaction structure characterized by the potential for additive CNS depression due to Cloperastine's central antitussive and mild antihistaminic properties. The primary interaction documented across official regulatory labeling concerns the class of Central Nervous System (CNS) Depressants. Co-administration with these agents, which include sedatives, hypnotics, tranquilizers, anxiolytics, and certain opioid analgesics, may result in a reinforced central depressant effect.

Substance-Specific and Clearance Notes

A substance-specific interaction is documented for Alcohol (Ethanol). Official documentation states that concurrent consumption with alcohol may increase the risk of enhanced central effects. While this combined use is consistently classified as a significant interaction requiring caution, no formal contraindicated combinations are universally listed in major prescribing information. Regulatory documents do not impose mandatory timing separation rules for administration. Additionally, official labeling notes that in patients with impaired hepatic function, altered drug clearance may influence overall exposure, which can affect the duration or severity of these documented pharmacodynamic interactions. No major pharmacokinetic interactions mediated by CYP enzymes or drug transporters are universally listed.

Mechanism of Action

Sekin (Secukinumab) is an immunomodulating agent, a fully human monoclonal antibody that precisely targets a key regulatory molecule in inflammatory processes.


Selective Interleukin-17A Inhibition

Sekin acts within domains involving receptor-mediated signaling by specifically binding to and neutralizing the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-17A (IL-17A). This action prevents IL-17A from binding to its receptor on various cell types, which are often subject to dysregulation. This step is the primary point of intervention in the mechanistic cascade.


Influence on Pro-Inflammatory Cascades

The binding of Sekin to IL-17A modifies early molecular steps that shape systemic physiological outcomes, such as the downstream release of other pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. This targeted blockade affects the processes driven by distinct signaling patterns, which results in decreased excessive mediator activity and signaling activation.


Regulating Dysregulated Pathway Activity

This mechanism engages processes that regulate overactive or dysregulated cellular responses by suppressing the subsequent signaling pathway activation associated with systemic inflammation. The resulting physiological effect is a reduction in overactive pathway responses, leading to adjusted activity within the targeted inflammatory pathways.

Dosage and Administration Information

Administration Principles for Sekin (Cloperastine)

The administration of Sekin, which contains the antitussive agent Cloperastine, follows specific guidelines. The use is strictly designed for short-term, symptomatic management, focusing on standardized delivery.

Administration Scope

Instruction Domain Guideline
Route of administration Oral
Dosing schedule The single adult dose typically ranges from 10 mg to 20 mg of Cloperastine, with a maximum recommended total daily dose of 60 mg.
Timing in relation to meals The medicine can be taken with or without food (irrespective of fasting or postprandial state).
Preparation requirements No specific dilution or reconstitution steps are detailed for the standard forms (syrup, tablets, granules).
Age-group administration The established regimen applies to adult use. Quantifiable pediatric dosing is not uniformly detailed.

Instruction Classifications

Classification Type Detail
Administration method type Oral
Frequency pattern Three times a day (TID)
Use-context constraints Administration is structured for the acute, symptomatic management context.

Resulting Procedural Structure

The use sequence involves taking the medicine by the oral route. The dose—ranging from 10 mg to 20 mg—is administered while observing a maximum daily limit. Administration occurs three times a day, with the flexibility of being taken independently of meal times.

This protocol standardizes the use of Sekin by defining the administration route and establishing a thrice-daily schedule and dosage range for acute use.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research Evidence / Overview of Studies for Sekin (Cloperastine)


Evidence for Use in Acute Dry Cough Associated with Respiratory Infections

Research exploring the use of Sekin was studied for non-productive, or dry, cough often centers on conditions such as the common cold or acute bronchitis, which are characterized by short-term or episodic symptom patterns. Studies conducted in this area were frequently designed as short-term, randomized controlled trials (RCTs). These trials included adults and children as outpatients and were generally conducted over observation periods lasting approximately three to seven days.

In these research scenarios, investigators were primarily monitoring patient-reported outcomes describing perceived discomfort, focusing on outcomes related to physical discomfort during periods of increased symptom activity. Studies examined and reported on measurements of cough frequency, particularly how often coughing occurred during the day and night. Trials also monitored changes in the subjective reporting of cough severity and the subsequent impact on parameters related to sleep disturbance due to cough over short treatment periods. The reported findings describe patterns observed in the studies related to how these symptoms changed in the observed populations during the short study period.


Evidence for Use in Persistent and Chronic Dry Cough

Sekin was evaluated in clinical investigations involving patients who experienced dry cough that was persistent or chronic in nature, which are conditions involving periods of heightened symptoms. These studies, which included multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled designs, exploring observed changes over slightly longer defined time intervals than those used for acute cough, sometimes observing outcomes for one week or more.

Research focused on outcomes reflecting daily functioning or activity level, which are the axes of measurement in persistent cough studies. Studies monitored measurements related to the frequency and intensity of the persistent dry cough. Evidence for these conditions, which are marked by functional limitations, is often considered Low to Moderate based on the available evidence.


What Research Gaps and Uncertainties Remain

Scientific reviews of the research for Sekin highlight several areas where certainty remains low or data are still emerging. A major gap is the lack of standardization in measuring the main outcome, the cough itself, with different studies using different subjective scales; this means evidence quality varies across studies and findings were sometimes mixed. Comparative evidence is lacking for a direct and broad comparison against all other available antitussive agents. While studies explored short-term changes, there is limited information for long-term outcomes for patients with chronic or persistent cough.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Sekin (FAQ)

Q: How quickly does Sekin start working?

According to official pharmacological data, the documented onset of action following oral administration is typically observed within 20 to 30 minutes.

The medicine's effect of suppressing the dry cough is generally observed to commence within this timeframe.

Q: How long does it typically take to see the effects of Sekin?

Studies and official product information indicate that the documented duration of action for a single dose of this medicine is approximately 3 to 4 hours.

Its effects are generally short-lived, consistent with its intended use in acute symptom relief.

Q: Can Sekin affect my mood or behavior?

The active ingredient in Sekin is classified as a centrally-acting agent, meaning it affects the central nervous system (CNS).

Official documents list side effects related to Nervous System Disorders, which include common reports of drowsiness and sedation, which reflect its documented action on the central nervous system.

Q: Is it normal to feel a little sick when starting Sekin?

Official regulatory documents frequently list gastrointestinal disturbances as adverse reactions associated with the use of this medicine.

Common reports include nausea and vomiting.

Q: What are the serious side effects associated with Sekin?

Serious warnings highlighted in official documentation include a strict contraindication against concurrent use with Monoamine Oxidase (MAO) inhibitors.

Caution is also noted for certain patient populations, such as older adults, for whom caution is advised due to the potential for risks such as urine retention.

Patients with conditions like narrow-angle glaucoma must also exercise caution. Furthermore, allergic reactions are documented as a potential adverse effect.

Q: Is there a risk of withdrawal symptoms when stopping Sekin?

Official classification of the active ingredient in Sekin notes that it is a non-opioid compound.

As a non-opioid, it is considered to have a non-addictive profile, meaning addiction-related withdrawal symptoms are not typically expected.

Q: Can Sekin cause skin rashes?

Official product information notes that the medicine can be associated with allergic reactions.

These reactions are classified under Immune System Disorders and may include visible manifestations such as a skin rash.

Q: What happens if I take too much Sekin by accident?

Overdosage may be associated with an increase in the medicine's documented side effects, potentially leading to enhanced effects.

This includes enhanced central nervous system effects, such as severe drowsiness, and potential anticholinergic effects like dry mouth and dizziness.

Q: Can people with kidney issues take Sekin?

Official regulatory documents specifically highlight the need for caution in patients who have severe hepatic (liver) dysfunction.

However, these official documents do not universally list specific contraindications or strong warnings solely based on renal (kidney) impairment.

Q: How long does Sekin stay in your system after stopping treatment?

The time required for the medicine to be processed by the body is generally described as short.

Based on pharmacokinetic data, the documented half-life (the time it takes for half the medicine to leave the system) is typically measured in a few hours.

Q: Does Sekin interact with blood pressure medicine?

Official safety information notes that the medicine may interfere with cardiovascular function.

This suggests the need for caution when the medicine is administered to patients who are also taking medications that affect heart rate or blood pressure.

Q: Does taking Sekin require regular blood tests?

Official regulatory documentation, such as the Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) or prescribing information, does not list required regular blood monitoring or specialized tests for patients using this medicine.

Q: Why is Sekin sometimes used in combination with other drugs?

Official documents describe that, in addition to its primary action as a cough suppressant, the active ingredient in Sekin possesses mild bronchorelaxant and antihistamine properties.

These secondary mechanisms may complement its use alongside other therapies for respiratory symptoms.

Q: What is the general patient expectation when starting Sekin?

Sekin is intended for the symptomatic relief of a dry cough and is generally used for acute, short-term management.

Therapeutic effects are generally supported by onset data indicating commencement within 20 to 30 minutes after a dose.

How should Sekin be stored and disposed of?

How to Store and Dispose of Sekin

Official Storage and Stability Conditions

Sekin must be stored according to the requirements specified on its official label to ensure product stability and validity. The syrup formulation should be stored at a temperature not exceeding 30 C, while tablets must be stored at a temperature not exceeding 25 C. The product must be kept in its original container.

Regarding stability, the official shelf life for the unopened syrup is five years. Once the syrup bottle is opened, the contents must be used within a maximum period of 12 months.

Handling and Disposal

The medicine must be stored out of the sight and reach of children, as mandated by regulatory requirements.

Disposal of unused or expired Sekin should follow applicable local regulations. It is specified that medicines should not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste; instead, they should be taken to a designated pharmacy collection point or local take-back program.

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

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