Chlorpheniramine+paracetamol+phenylephrine+caffeine
About
Chlorpheniramine+paracetamol+phenylephrine+caffeine belongs to a class of medication called 'cough and cold medications' primarily used to treat the common cold and allergic symptoms like sneezing watery eyes, or itchy/watery nose and throat. The common cold is a respiratory illness affecting the nose and throat, mostly caused by viruses known as 'rhinovirus.' The virus attacks the body through the mouth, nose, or eyes and spreads quickly through droplets in the air when a person who is sick sneezes, coughs, or talks.
Chlorpheniramine+paracetamol+phenylephrine+caffeine is composed of four medicines, namely: Chlorpheniramine (anti-histamine), Phenylephrine (decongestant), Paracetamol (mild analgesic and antipyretic), and Caffeine (a stimulant). Chlorpheniramine belongs to the class of antihistamines (anti-allergic drugs) that works by blocking the action of histamine, a substance responsible for causing allergic reactions. Phenylephrine helps in shrinking the blood vessels in the nasal passage, thereby reducing the stuffy nose. Paracetamol is an analgesic (relieves pain) and antipyretic (reduces fever) that works by inhibiting the production of certain chemical messengers in the brain known as 'prostaglandins' responsible for pain and fever. Caffeine acts as a common stimulant, which decreases sleepiness caused by Chlorpheniramine and speeds up the action of all the medicines present in Chlorpheniramine+paracetamol+phenylephrine+caffeine.
Take Chlorpheniramine+paracetamol+phenylephrine+caffeine as prescribed. Your doctor will recommend how often you take Chlorpheniramine+paracetamol+phenylephrine+caffeine based on your medical condition. Do not crush, chew, or break it. Your doctor will recommend how often you take Chlorpheniramine+paracetamol+phenylephrine+caffeine based on your medical condition. Some people may experience drowsiness, sleepiness, nausea, fatigue, difficulty in sleeping, headache. Everyone doesn't need to experience the above side effects. In some cases, Chlorpheniramine+paracetamol+phenylephrine+caffeine may cause a severe allergic skin reaction, probably due to paracetamol, which may disappear in some time.
Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning for pregnancy, or breastfeeding before starting Chlorpheniramine+paracetamol+phenylephrine+caffeine. If you have high blood pressure (hypertension), liver or kidney disease, coronary artery disease (heart disease), avoid using Chlorpheniramine+paracetamol+phenylephrine+caffeine as it may worsen your existing condition and symptom. Consumption of alcohol should be avoided as it may lead to excessive drowsiness and sleepiness. Do not take Chlorpheniramine+paracetamol+phenylephrine+caffeine if you have taken any MAO inhibitor (anti-depressant medication like Isocarboxazid, Phenelzine, Selegiline, and Tranylcypromine) in the last 14 days. Intake of more than 4 gm of paracetamol can damage your liver, so it is better to avoid the use of Chlorpheniramine+paracetamol+phenylephrine+caffeine in severe liver damage. Cetirizine present in the Chlorpheniramine+paracetamol+phenylephrine+caffeine can make you sleepy, so do not drive or operate heavy machinery after taking Chlorpheniramine+paracetamol+phenylephrine+caffeine. Phenylephrine present in Chlorpheniramine+paracetamol+phenylephrine+caffeine should be used with caution in patients with occlusive vascular disease (nerve/artery blockage), including Raynaud's phenomenon (decreased blood flow to the fingers).
Uses of Chlorpheniramine+paracetamol+phenylephrine+caffeine
Medicinal Benefits
Chlorpheniramine+paracetamol+phenylephrine+caffeine is primarily used to treat common cold symptoms and allergic symptoms like sneezing, watery eyes, or itchy/watery nose and throat. It is composed of four medicines, namely: Chlorpheniramine (anti-histamine), Phenylephrine (decongestant), Paracetamol (mild analgesic and antipyretic), and Caffeine (a stimulant). Chlorpheniramine belongs to the class of antihistamines (anti-allergic drugs) that works by blocking the action of histamine, a substance responsible for causing allergic reactions. Phenylephrine helps in shrinking the blood vessels in the nasal passage, thereby reducing stuffy nose. Paracetamol is an analgesic (relieves pain) and antipyretic (reduces fever) that works by inhibiting the production of certain chemical messengers in the brain known as 'prostaglandins' responsible for pain and fever. Caffeine acts as a common stimulant, which decreases sleepiness caused by Chlorpheniramine and speeds up the action of all the medicines present in Chlorpheniramine+paracetamol+phenylephrine+caffeine.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Chlorpheniramine+paracetamol+phenylephrine+caffeine
- Drowsiness
- Nervousness
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Insomnia (difficulty falling or staying asleep)
- Allergic reactions
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
If you are allergic to Chlorpheniramine+paracetamol+phenylephrine+caffeine or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. If you are pregnant, it is advised to inform your doctor before using Chlorpheniramine+paracetamol+phenylephrine+caffeine. Do not use Chlorpheniramine+paracetamol+phenylephrine+caffeine in breastfeeding mothers without a doctor’s advice as it contains caffeine, which may be excreted in breast milk and cause harm to the baby. Chlorpheniramine+paracetamol+phenylephrine+caffeine is not recommended for children below 4 years. Please do not take more than the prescribed dose of Chlorpheniramine+paracetamol+phenylephrine+caffeine as it may cause liver damage and can be lethal. If you have high blood pressure, diabetes, hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), stomach ulcer, enlarged prostate gland, kidney, liver, heart, or urinary problems, inform your doctor before taking Chlorpheniramine+paracetamol+phenylephrine+caffeine. Do not take Chlorpheniramine+paracetamol+phenylephrine+caffeine if you have taken an MAO inhibitor (anti-depressant medication) in the past 14 days. Also, avoid intake of chocolate, alcohol, and caffeine-containing beverages like coffee as they may increase the risk of severity of side effects. Do not take Chlorpheniramine+paracetamol+phenylephrine+caffeine if you have taken any MAO inhibitor (anti-depressant medication like Isocarboxazid, Phenelzine, Selegiline, and Tranylcypromine) in the last 14 days. Cetirizine present in the Chlorpheniramine+paracetamol+phenylephrine+caffeine can make you sleepy, so do not drive or operate heavy machinery after taking Chlorpheniramine+paracetamol+phenylephrine+caffeine. Phenylephrine present in Chlorpheniramine+paracetamol+phenylephrine+caffeine should be used with caution in patients with occlusive vascular disease (nerve/artery blockage) including Raynaud's phenomenon (decreased blood flow to the fingers).
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Chlorpheniramine+paracetamol+phenylephrine+caffeine may interact with anti-allergic drugs (diphenhydramine, cetirizine), antidepressants (duloxetine, imipramine, amitriptyline), anticonvulsants (clonazepam), antianxiety drug (alprazolam), cough suppressants (dextromethorphan), bronchodilator (albuterol), sleeping agent (ramelteon), pain killers (ibuprofen).
Drug-Food Interaction: Avoid intake of Chlorpheniramine+paracetamol+phenylephrine+caffeine with caffeine-containing foods (like coffee) and alcoholic beverages as they may cause increased drowsiness, dizziness, and difficulty in concentrating.
Drug-Disease Interaction: If you have high blood pressure, diabetes, hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), stomach ulcer, Raynaud's phenomenon (decreased blood flow to the fingers), enlarged prostate gland, kidney, liver, heart, or urinary problems, inform your doctor before taking Chlorpheniramine+paracetamol+phenylephrine+caffeine.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeYou are recommended not to consume alcohol along with Chlorpheniramine+paracetamol+phenylephrine+caffeine to avoid excessive drowsiness and sleepiness.
Pregnancy
cautionThe safety of Chlorpheniramine+paracetamol+phenylephrine+caffeine in pregnant women is unknown. Therefore, it is given to pregnant women only if the doctor thinks the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionChlorpheniramine+paracetamol+phenylephrine+caffeine 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
unsafeChlorpheniramine+paracetamol+phenylephrine+caffeine is known to cause drowsiness, so please do not drive or operate any machinery which requires concentration.
Liver
cautionTake Chlorpheniramine+paracetamol+phenylephrine+caffeine with caution, especially if you have a history of Liver diseases/conditions. The dose may be adjusted by your doctor as required.
Kidney
cautionTake Chlorpheniramine+paracetamol+phenylephrine+caffeine with caution, especially if you have a history of Kidney diseases/conditions. The dose may be adjusted by your doctor as required.
Children
cautionChlorpheniramine+paracetamol+phenylephrine+caffeine is not recommended for children below 4 years. However, it can be given to the children more than 4 years of age only if the doctor has prescribed it.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Wash your hands with soap and water regularly to prevent the spread of germs.
- Eat plenty of foods rich in good bacteria like yogurt to improve overall health.
- Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration and keep the throat lubricated.
- Gargle with salt water for relief from sore throat.
- Avoid alcohol consumption with Chlorpheniramine+paracetamol+phenylephrine+caffeine as it may cause tiredness, drowsiness, or lack of concentration.
Special Advise
- Avoid alcohol consumption with Chlorpheniramine+paracetamol+phenylephrine+caffeine as it may cause tiredness, drowsiness, or lack of concentration.
- Do not take Chlorpheniramine+paracetamol+phenylephrine+caffeine if you have taken an MAO inhibitor (anti-depressant medication) in the past 14 days.
- Please inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding before starting Chlorpheniramine+paracetamol+phenylephrine+caffeine as it contains caffeine, which can pass in the breast milk, which may have a stimulating effect on a breastfed child.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Common cold: The common cold is an infection caused by the virus, mainly known as ‘rhinoviruses’ affecting the nose and throat (upper respiratory tract). Children younger than 6 years 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 pollutants, dust, etc. The common cold symptoms include sneezing, sore throat, cough, congestion, mild body pains, low fever, mild headache, feeling unwell, stuffy, or runny nose. In some cases, the discharge from the nose may become thicker and yellow or green, which is not an indication of bacterial infection.
Allergies: It occurs when foreign elements that cause allergy-causing agents (allergens) attack and invade our body, thereby causing the release of histamines. This chemical messenger 'histamines' causes swelling, inflammation, redness, itchiness, itchy/watery nose, throat, and watery eyes. Allergies generally occur due to chemicals, air pollution, pet danders, dust, pollen hairs, seasonal allergies like hay fever, etc.
FAQs
Chlorpheniramine+paracetamol+phenylephrine+caffeine is composed of four medicines, namely: Chlorpheniramine (anti-histamine), Phenylephrine (decongestant), Paracetamol (mild analgesic and antipyretic), and Caffeine (a stimulant). Chlorpheniramine belongs to the class of antihistamines (anti-allergic drugs) that works by blocking the action of histamine, a substance responsible for causing allergic reactions. Phenylephrine helps in shrinking the blood vessels in the nasal passage, thereby reducing stuffy nose. Paracetamol is an analgesic (relieves pain) and antipyretic (reduces fever) that works by inhibiting the production of certain chemical messengers in the brain known as 'prostaglandins' responsible for pain and fever. Caffeine acts as a common stimulant, which decreases sleepiness caused by Chlorpheniramine and speeds up the action of all the medicines present in Chlorpheniramine+paracetamol+phenylephrine+caffeine.
Do not use Chlorpheniramine+paracetamol+phenylephrine+caffeine if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days, like isocarboxazid, linezolid, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, or tranylcypromine. Tell your doctor before taking Chlorpheniramine+paracetamol+phenylephrine+caffeine if you have nausea, stomach pain, itchy skin, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, or jaundice (yellowing of your skin or eyes). In rare cases, paracetamol present in Chlorpheniramine+paracetamol+phenylephrine+caffeine may cause a severe skin allergic reaction. So, if you observe any skin blisters or redness, or rash, immediately contact your doctor and stop taking Chlorpheniramine+paracetamol+phenylephrine+caffeine.
Chlorpheniramine+paracetamol+phenylephrine+caffeine contains caffeine. So, avoid taking medicines or food containing caffeine like cold drinks, coffee, chocolate, and tea. Also, avoid consumption of alcohol while taking Chlorpheniramine+paracetamol+phenylephrine+caffeine as it might increase drowsiness.
You are not recommended to stop taking Chlorpheniramine+paracetamol+phenylephrine+caffeine without consulting your doctor as it may worsen the cough or cause recurring cough. Therefore, take Chlorpheniramine+paracetamol+phenylephrine+caffeine for as long as your doctor has prescribed it, and if you experience any difficulty while taking Chlorpheniramine+paracetamol+phenylephrine+caffeine, please consult your doctor.
No, it is not advisable to breastfeed while using Chlorpheniramine+paracetamol+phenylephrine+caffeine as it contains an antihistamine drug Chlorpheniramine, and also it contains caffeine, which can pass through the breast milk and may harm the baby.
