Cetirizine+phenylephrine
About
Cetirizine+phenylephrine is composed of two medicines, namely Cetirizine (antihistamine) and Phenylephrine (decongestant). Cetirizine belongs to the class of antihistamines (anti-allergic drugs) that works by blocking the action of histamine, a substance responsible for causing allergic reactions. It helps relieve allergy symptoms such as sneezing, running nose, watery eyes, itching, swelling, congestion, or stiffness. Phenylephrine helps in shrinking the blood vessels in the nostrils and the passage and reducing stuffy nose. Collectively, both of them help to get relief from symptoms.
Cetirizine+phenylephrine can be taken with or without food with a glass of water. Please take it in dose and duration as advised by your doctor for the best results. Some people may experience nausea, dryness in the mouth, vomiting, headache, sleepiness, tiredness. Most of these side effects of Cetirizine+phenylephrine do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
Do not take Cetirizine+phenylephrine if you are allergic to Cetirizine+phenylephrine, cetirizine (anti-histamines), phenylephrine (decongestants) or any of its ingredients. Increase the intake of fluids to avoid excessive dry mouth caused due to Cetirizine+phenylephrine as continued dryness can lead to dental disease (gum disease, fungal infection, tooth decay). Intake of alcohol, tobacco, grapefruit, St. Wort plant (a plant used to treat depression) along with Cetirizine+phenylephrine is contra-indicated. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, please do not take Cetirizine+phenylephrine as it may lead to unpleasant side effects. Do not take Cetirizine+phenylephrine if you have liver or kidney problem, sinus (nasal congestion), diabetes, enlarged prostate, kidney or liver disease, overactive thyroid, high blood pressure (hypertension), glaucoma (increased eye pressure).
Uses of Cetirizine+phenylephrine
Medicinal Benefits
Cetirizine+phenylephrine is primarily used to treat hay fever and common cold symptoms like nasal congestion and sneezing. It is composed of two medicines, namely Cetirizine (antihistamine) and Phenylephrine (decongestant). Cetirizine belongs to the class of antihistamines (anti-allergic drugs) that works by blocking the action of histamine, a substance responsible for causing allergic reactions. It helps relieve allergy symptoms such as sneezing, running nose, watery eyes, itching, swelling, congestion, or stiffness. Phenylephrine helps in shrinking the blood vessels in the nostrils and the passage and reducing stuffy nose. Collectively, both of them help to get relief from symptoms.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Cetirizine+phenylephrine
Like other medications, Cetirizine+phenylephrine also has certain side effects, but it is not mandatory for anyone to experience them. Some people may experience nausea, dryness in the mouth, vomiting, headache, sleepiness, tiredness. Most of these side effects of Cetirizine+phenylephrine do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Do not take Cetirizine+phenylephrine if you are allergic to Cetirizine+phenylephrine, cetirizine (anti-histamines), phenylephrine (decongestants) or any of its ingredients. Cetirizine present in Cetirizine+phenylephrine may cause dizziness, drowsiness and alertness issues, so please do not drive a car or operate any machinery which requires concentration. Do not take any diet or appetite control-related medication along with Cetirizine+phenylephrine. Phenylephrine present in Cetirizine+phenylephrine can cause insomnia (trouble in sleeping), nervousness. If you feel any of these are persistent, please visit your doctor. Increase the intake of fluids to avoid excessive dry mouth caused due to Cetirizine+phenylephrine as continued dryness can lead to dental disease (gum disease, fungal infection, tooth decay). Intake of alcohol, tobacco, grapefruit, St. Wort plant (a plant used to treat depression) along with Cetirizine+phenylephrine is contra-indicated. Do not take Cetirizine+phenylephrine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have liver or kidney problem, sinus (nasal congestion), diabetes, enlarged prostate, kidney or liver disease, overactive thyroid, high blood pressure (hypertension), glaucoma (increased eye pressure).
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Cetirizine+phenylephrine may interact with blood thinners (warfarin, aspirin), anti-allergic drugs (diphenhydramine), anti-depressants (alprazolam, amitriptyline, amoxapine, clomipramine, doxepin), anticonvulsants (fosphenytoin, levetiracetam, phenytoin, valproic acid), HIV medications (lopinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir), antipsychotics (chlorpromazine, clozapine), diabetes medications (metformin, glimepiride, glipizide), and heart medications (digoxin).
Drug-Food Interactions: Cetirizine+phenylephrine may interact with alcohol, tobacco, grapefruit, St. Wort plant (a plant used to treat depression).
Drug-Disease Interactions: Cetirizine+phenylephrine should not be used in patients with sinus (nasal congestion), diabetes, enlarged prostate, kidney or liver disease, overactive thyroid, high blood pressure (hypertension), glaucoma (increased eye pressure).
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeYou are recommended not to consume alcohol along with Cetirizine+phenylephrine to avoid excessive drowsiness and sleepiness.
Pregnancy
cautionCetirizine+phenylephrine if taken occasionally is not likely to cause problems, but if taken in a higher dose and for a long time, it can cause problems to the baby.
Breast Feeding
unsafeCetirizine+phenylephrine is known to pass through milk in small amounts. Use in breastfeeding women is not recommended as it may cause unpleasant side effects to the baby like unusual irritability, excitement.
Driving
unsafeCetirizine+phenylephrine is known to cause drowsiness, so please do not drive or operate any machinery which requires concentration.
Liver
cautionCetirizine+phenylephrine to be taken with caution, especially if you have a history of liver diseases/conditions. The dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor.
Kidney
cautionCetirizine+phenylephrine to be taken with caution, especially if you have a history of kidney diseases/conditions. The dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor.
Children
cautionCetirizine+phenylephrine is not recommended for children below the age of 12.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Staying hydrated is vital for those with a cough or cold. Drinking liquids at room temperature can alleviate cough, runny nose, and sneezing.
- The immune system is affected by stress and raises the risk of being sick. An individual can exercise regularly, meditate, do deep breathing, and try progressive muscle relaxation techniques to relieve stress.
- To stay fit and safe, try to sleep 7-9 hours each night.
- It is advised to avoid contact with known allergens (allergy-causing agents) such as pollen, dust, etc. Certain food items are known to cause allergies to you.
- Maintain personal hygiene and keep your surroundings clean.
Special Advise
If undergoing any skin test, please inform your doctor or the concerned person doing the test that you are takingCetirizine+phenylephrine as test results may vary.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Common cold: The common cold is an infection caused by viruses, mainly 'rhinovirus' affecting your nose and throat (upper respiratory tract). Children younger than 6 years of age are at the most significant risk of colds, but healthy adults can also be affected to have 2-3 colds annually. In most cases, cold symptoms are recovered within a week or ten days. However, symptoms might last longer in people who smoke or are exposed to allergens like dust, pollutants, etc. Symptoms of a common cold might include stuffy or runny nose, sore throat, cough, congestion, mild body pain or a mild headache, sneezing, low-grade fever, feeling unwell (malaise). In some cases, the discharge from your nose may become thicker and yellow or green, which is not an indication of a bacterial infection. If you observe these symptoms, immediately contact your doctor.
Allergy: It is an immune system response to foreign elements typically not harmful to your body. These foreign elements are known as ‘allergens.’ Allergic condition varies from person to person. Some might be allergic to certain foods and seasonal allergies like hay fever. At the same time, others might be allergic to pollen or pet dander.
FAQs
Cetirizine+phenylephrine is composed of two medicines, namely Cetirizine (antihistamine) and Phenylephrine (decongestant). Cetirizine belongs to the class of antihistamines (anti-allergic drugs) that works by blocking the action of histamine, a substance responsible for causing allergic reactions. It helps relieve allergy symptoms such as sneezing, running nose, watery eyes, itching, swelling, congestion, or stiffness. Phenylephrine helps in shrinking the blood vessels in the nostrils and the passage and reducing stuffy nose. Collectively, both of them help to get relief from symptoms.
Yes, Cetirizine+phenylephrine contains cetirizine, which is an antihistamine that is known to cause dry mouth. Increase the intake of fluids to avoid excessive dry mouth caused due to Cetirizine+phenylephrine as continued dryness can lead to dental disease (gum disease, fungal infection, tooth decay).
Hay fever is an allergy caused due to outdoor or indoor allergens, such as pollen, dust mites or tiny flecks of skin and saliva shed by cats, dogs, and other animals with fur or feathers (pet dander). It leads to cold-like symptoms (running nose, watery eyes).
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take Cetirizine+phenylephrine and skip the missed dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for the missed dose.
No, it would be best if you did not take Cetirizine+phenylephrine along with high blood pressure (hypertension) medication, leading to a further rise in blood pressure. Please inform your doctor if you have high blood pressure before starting Cetirizine+phenylephrine.
No, you are not recommended to stop taking Cetirizine+phenylephrine without consulting your doctor as it may worsen the condition or cause recurring symptoms. Therefore, take Cetirizine+phenylephrine for as long as your doctor has prescribed it, and if you experience any difficulty while taking Cetirizine+phenylephrine, please consult your doctor.
