Description:

Bonaplex Syrup 250ml is a nutritional appetite stimulant syrup commonly used in children and adolescents to improve appetite, support weight gain, and aid recovery from illness or poor nutrition. It combines cyproheptadine (an antihistamine with strong appetite-stimulating properties) with a blend of B-complex vitamins to promote eating, energy, growth, and overall vitality.

Prescription: Over-the-counter (OTC) in Ghana for short-term use. No prescription is required in most pharmacies; freely available. However, consult a paediatrician or doctor before use, especially in children under 2 years, for prolonged use, or if poor appetite may be due to an underlying medical condition (e.g., infection, worms, malabsorption, chronic illness).

Therapeutic Category:

Appetite Stimulant + Multivitamin Nutritional Tonic (Cyproheptadine-based paediatric supplement for cyproheptadine component).

Active Ingredients/Composition: Per 5 ml (typical formulation):

• Cyproheptadine hydrochloride – 2 mg (appetite stimulant and antihistamine).
• Multivitamins (B-complex group):
  • Thiamine (Vitamin B1) – 2–5 mg
  • Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) – 1–2 mg
  • Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) – 10–20 mg
  • Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6) – 1–2 mg
  • Cyanocobalamin (Vitamin B12) – 5–10 mcg
  • Often includes Lysine hydrochloride – 50–150 mg (amino acid for growth and appetite support). Other ingredients: Purified water, sucrose/sorbitol (sweetener), flavoring (usually orange/fruit), preservatives (e.g., sodium benzoate), thickeners, citric acid (pH adjuster), and colorants. The syrup is orange/yellow with a pleasant fruity taste.

Vitamins: Yes – B-complex vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B6, B12; sometimes folic acid in trace amounts).

Minerals: None (unless trace amounts in some batches; standard Bonaplex has no added minerals like zinc or iron).

Variant:

• Bonaplex Syrup 250ml (standard bottle with cyproheptadine + B vitamins + lysine). Related variants: Bonaplex Forte (higher potency), smaller bottles (100ml or 150ml), or syrups with added zinc/iron (e.g., Bonaplex-M or similar). The 250ml bottle is the most common family size.

Consume Type:

Oral – Syrup (liquid; shake well before use; measured with provided spoon/cup).

Directions/Usage: Shake bottle well.

• Children 2–6 years: 5 ml (1 teaspoonful) twice daily.
• Children 7–14 years: 5–10 ml (1–2 teaspoonfuls) twice daily.
• Adults (if prescribed): 10–15 ml twice daily.
• Take with or after meals to reduce stomach upset.
• Duration: Short-term (2–8 weeks) for appetite/weight gain; longer only under medical guidance.
• Combine with balanced diet and regular meals for best results.

Common Side Effects: Common (mainly from cyproheptadine):

• Drowsiness/sedation (most frequent, especially early on).
• Dry mouth.
• Dizziness.
• Increased appetite and weight gain (intended effect).
• Mild gastrointestinal upset (nausea, constipation). Rare: Allergic reactions (rash, itching), blurred vision, or hyperactivity in children. Side effects often decrease after a few days.

Package Type:

Amber plastic bottle of 250ml (child-resistant cap and measuring spoon/cup; labelled carton with nutritional info, dosing chart, and warnings).

Storage Advice: Store at room temperature (below 25–30°C) in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat. Keep tightly closed after use. Out of reach of children.

Safety Advice:

• Use only under medical guidance in children under 2 years or for prolonged periods.
• Contraindicated in glaucoma, urinary retention, prostate enlargement, or known hypersensitivity to cyproheptadine.
• Caution in asthma (may thicken secretions), epilepsy, or liver/kidney impairment.
• Drowsiness may occur – avoid activities requiring alertness (e.g., cycling) until effects are known.
• Do not exceed dose (risk of excessive sedation or weight gain).
• If severe drowsiness, confusion, rash, or no improvement in appetite after 2–3 weeks, stop use and seek medical advice.
• Keep out of reach of children (overdose risk).

Product Substitutes: Similar cyproheptadine + multivitamin/lysine syrups in Ghana (often 200–250ml):

• Apetamin Syrup (cyproheptadine + lysine + vitamins – extremely popular).
• Astymin Syrup (amino acids + B vitamins – appetite support).
• Periactin Syrup (cyproheptadine only).
• Kidicare Tonic, Prowoman/Proman syrups, or other local appetite tonics. Consult pharmacist in Accra (e.g., Scab Pharmacy) for availability.

Manufacturer/Marketer:

Luex Healthcare

Country of Origin:

United Kingdom