Description

Composition:
Active ingredients:
Menthol: 40%w/w
Camphor: 40%w/w
Turpentine oil: 3%w/w
Eucalyptus oil: 2%w/w
Inactive ingredients:
Methyl salicylate: 12%w/w
 
Dosage form:
Nasal Inhaler
 
ATC classification:
Cough and cold preparation
 
Description: 
Speedex Inhaler formulated with menthol, camphor, turpentine oil and eucalyptus oil relieves nasal congestion associated with seasonal allergies, cold and other upper respiratory tract infections. These active ingredients present in Speedex inhaler presumably stimulate and sensitize the cold receptors in the nose and induce a sensation of increased air flow with reduced congestion. Menthol present in the inhaler is known to significantly increase the perception of nasal patency.
 
Pharmacological action:
Menthol has specific action on thermo-receptors which are usually sensory nerve endings. It stimulates cold receptors by influencing the movement of calcium in them which in turn increases nasal sensation of airflow. Presumably, menthol may also act as an antitussive by influencing the activity of sensory nerves in the upper airway which initiate cough.
Turpentine oil is obtained by steam distillation of pine resin. The volatile terpene compounds present in the turpentine oil namely α-pinene, β-pinene, camphene; 3-carene and dipentene are known to have decongestant and mild expectorant properties.
Cineole, the major constituent of Eucalyptus oil in addition to other terpenes, symptomatically treats excessive discharge or build-up of mucus in the nose or throat, associated with inflammation of the mucous membrane. Though it has no effect on nasal resistance to airflow, it has sensitizing effect on nasal cold receptors.
 
Indications:
Speedex inhaler is indicated to provide symptomatic relief from nasal congestion (stuffy nose) due to seasonal allergies, hay fever, viral fever, cold, flu and upper respiratory tract allergies.
 
Dosage and Administration:
Use as and when required relieving from stuffy nose.
For adults and children above 12 yrs of age: 2 inhalations in each nostril
For children from 6-12 yrs of age: 1 inhalation in each nostril.
Note: Use of this container by more than one person may spread infection
Speedex inhaler has personal identity number so that infections from one person to other person can be avoided due to accidental sharing of the same inhaler.
Directions of use:
• Insert the inhaler into one nostril, hold the other nostril closed and inhale deeply. Repeat in the other nostril.
 
Contraindications:
Speedex inhaler should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients.
Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy.
If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.
 
Side effects:
Speedex inhaler is well tolerated.
Discontinue use if you observe any of the following:
• Irritation
• Anxiety
• Excitement
• Delirium
• Colic
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Convulsions
• Apnea
• Contact dermatitis
• Allergic reactions
 
Warnings and Precautions:
General:
• Using the speedex inhaler regularly and repeatedly can cause the mucous lining to become dry and also at times cause bleeding inside the nose. Therefore incessant use should be avoided and instead the underlying cause of allergy or fever should be treated.
• The formulation provides decongestant effect that lasts for about 1 hour, however for long term relief the underlying cause is to be addressed.
• Frequent or prolonged use may cause nasal congestion to recur or worsen
• Keep away from children. If swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away.
• Not be used for children below 6yrs of age. There are reported cases of apnea in children using menthol based formulations.
Drug interactions:
Inform your doctor if you are using any other inhalers.
Pregnancy and Lactation:
Found to be safe during pregnancy and lactation.
 
References:
Menthol and Related Cooling Compounds
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.2042-7158.1994.tb03871.x/pdf
The Effects of Camphor, Eucalyptus and Menthol Vapour on Nasal Resistance to Airflow and Nasal Sensation
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/16581864_The_Effects_of_Camphor_Eucalyptus_and_Menthol_Vapour_on_Nasal_Resistance_to_Airflow_and_Nasal_Sensation
Eucalyptus oil for nasal congestion
https://books.google.co.in/books?id=qWP4aG-wXAQC&pg=PA100&dq=eucalyptus+oil+for+nasal+congestion&hl=en&sa=X&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=eucalyptus%20oil%20for%20nasal%20congestion&f=false
Turpentine oil as decongestant
https://books.google.co.in/books?id=_x8ICgAAQBAJ&pg=PA666&lpg=PA666&dq=turpentine+oil+as+decongestant&source=bl&ots=xnlWH-Y6rz&sig=s8tkcC0zXOJpCI8dnFcg-pJn128&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwj_mZa68ovWAhVEuI8KHcXVBmwQ6AEIODAD#v=onepage&q=turpentine%20oil%20as%20decongestant&f=false
 
 
Disclaimer:
Information provided above is for reference purpose only and has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners. Please consult your physician to understand how the product affects you, its dosages, side-effects and further information.
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indications prescribed by your physician.
Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Pharma Synth Formulations Ltd. (‘PSFL’) is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. PSFL does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy and is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. PSFL does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.