Levocetirizine+phenylephrine+paracetamol
About
Levocetirizine+phenylephrine+paracetamol is a cough and cold medication primarily used to treat the allergies and common cold symptoms like sneezing, runny/stuffy nose, watery eyes, and itchy nose/throat. The common cold is a respiratory illness affecting the nose and throat, mostly caused by viruses known as 'rhinovirus'. This virus attacks the body through the mouth, nose, or eyes and spreads easily through droplets in the air when a person who is sick sneezes, coughs, or talks.
Levocetirizine+phenylephrine+paracetamol is composed of three medicines, namely Levocetirizine (antihistamine/antiallergic), Phenylephrine (decongestant), and Paracetamol (analgesic and antipyretic). Levocetirizine 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 nasal passage, thereby reducing a stuffy nose. Paracetamol is a mild 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.
Take Levocetirizine+phenylephrine+paracetamol with or without food as prescribed by your doctor. Do not crush, chew, or break it. If Levocetirizine+phenylephrine+paracetamol is in syrup form, measure it with a measuring cup. Your doctor will recommend how often you take Levocetirizine+phenylephrine+paracetamol based on your medical condition. Some people may experience drowsiness, headache, tiredness, stomach upset, restlessness, and dry mouth. Most of these side effects of Levocetirizine+phenylephrine+paracetamol do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
If you are known to be allergic to Levocetirizine+phenylephrine+paracetamol or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it is advised to inform your doctor before using Levocetirizine+phenylephrine+paracetamol. It should be used with caution in children only if prescribed by a doctor. If you have high blood pressure, kidney or liver problems, coronary artery disease (heart problems), or receiving any monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAO) therapy to treat depression like Isocarboxazid, Phenelzine, Selegiline, Tranylcypromine etc., inform your doctor before taking Levocetirizine+phenylephrine+paracetamol. Do not drink alcohol with Levocetirizine+phenylephrine+paracetamol as it may potentiate the dizziness property of Cetrizine. Hence, it is advisable not to drive or operate heavy machinery or do hazardous work, which requires mental alertness. Taking more than 4 gm per day of paracetamol can damage your liver severely, so if have liver problems, please contact your doctor.
Uses of Levocetirizine+phenylephrine+paracetamol
Medicinal Benefits
Levocetirizine+phenylephrine+paracetamol is primarily used to treat common cold symptoms and reduces symptoms of allergies. It is composed of three medicines, namely Levocetirizine (antihistamine), Phenylephrine (decongestant), and Paracetamol (analgesic and antipyretic). Levocetirizine 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. 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.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Levocetirizine+phenylephrine+paracetamol
- Drowsiness
- Headache
- Tiredness
- Stomach upset
- Restlessness
- Dry mouth
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Do not take Levocetirizine+phenylephrine+paracetamol if you are allergic to Levocetirizine+phenylephrine+paracetamol or any of its ingredients, are pregnant or breastfeeding before starting Levocetirizine+phenylephrine+paracetamol. If you have high blood pressure, kidney or liver disease, coronary artery disease, please do not take Levocetirizine+phenylephrine+paracetamol as it is known to interact. Also, inform your doctor about all other medications you have been taking before starting Levocetirizine+phenylephrine+paracetamol. Do not stop taking Levocetirizine+phenylephrine+paracetamol even if you feel better without asking your doctor as your symptoms may come back and may even worsen your condition. Levocetirizine+phenylephrine+paracetamol may cause drowsiness and sleepiness, so it is advised not to drive a car or operate machinery. Consumption of alcohol should be avoided as it may lead to excessive drowsiness and sleepiness. Do not take Levocetirizine+phenylephrine+paracetamol if you have taken any MAO inhibitor (anti-depressant medication) in the past 14 days.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Levocetirizine+phenylephrine+paracetamol may interact with blood thinners (warfarin, aspirin), antibiotics (chloramphenicol), high cholesterol-lowering medicines (cholestyramine), anti-sickness drugs (domperidone, metoclopramide), anti-allergic drugs (diphenhydramine), drugs used to reduce acid in the stomach (pantoprazole), anti-depressants (isocarboxazid, rasagiline, linezolid, tranylcypromine).
Drug-Food Interactions: Do not take St. John’s Wort (herbal supplement for depression) with Levocetirizine+phenylephrine+paracetamol.
Drug-Disease Interactions: If you have high blood pressure, kidney or liver problems, heart diseases like coronary artery disease, are receiving monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAO) therapy (antidepressant medicines), inform your doctor before taking Levocetirizine+phenylephrine+paracetamol.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAvoid consumption of alcohol with Levocetirizine+phenylephrine+paracetamol as it may increase drowsiness. Please consult a doctor before consuming alcohol with Levocetirizine+phenylephrine+paracetamol.
Pregnancy
cautionThe safety of Levocetirizine+phenylephrine+paracetamol in pregnant women is unknown. Therefore, it is given to pregnant women only if the doctor thinks the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionThe safety of Levocetirizine+phenylephrine+paracetamol in breastfeeding mothers is unknown. Therefore, it is given to breastfeeding mothers only if the doctor thinks the benefits are greater than the risks.
Driving
cautionLevocetirizine+phenylephrine+paracetamol may cause drowsiness or tiredness in some people. Therefore, drive only if you are alert after taking Levocetirizine+phenylephrine+paracetamol.
Liver
cautionTake Levocetirizine+phenylephrine+paracetamol with caution, especially if you have a history of Liver diseases/conditions. The dose may be adjusted by your doctor as required.
Kidney
cautionTake Levocetirizine+phenylephrine+paracetamol with caution, especially if you have a history of Kidney diseases/conditions. The dose may be adjusted by your doctor as required.
Children
cautionLevocetirizine+phenylephrine+paracetamol is not recommended for children below 12 years of age. However, please consult a doctor before giving Levocetirizine+phenylephrine+paracetamol to children.
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 yoghurt to improve overall health.
- Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.
- Gargle with salt water for relief from sore throat.
- Avoid alcohol consumption with Levocetirizine+phenylephrine+paracetamol as it may cause tiredness, drowsiness, or lack of concentration.
Special Advise
- Gargle with salt water for relief from sore throat.
- Close liver monitoring is required especially if people with liver problems are using Levocetirizine+phenylephrine+paracetamol.
- For people who have high blood pressure, if prescribed Levocetirizine+phenylephrine+paracetamol, you should regularly monitor your blood pressure.
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.
Allergies: This occur when your body is attacked or invaded by allergy causing agents known as 'allergens'. These allergens cause our body to release a chemical messenger called as 'histamine which causes inflammation, redness, itchiness, stuffy nose, watery eyes, etc. Allergies can caused due to chemicals, air pollution, pet danders, pollens of plant, seasonal allergies like hay fever.
FAQs
Levocetirizine+phenylephrine+paracetamol is composed of three medicines, namely Levocetirizine (antihistamine), Phenylephrine (decongestant), and Paracetamol (analgesic and antipyretic). Levocetirizine 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 provide relief from 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. 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.
No, you are not recommended to stop taking Levocetirizine+phenylephrine+paracetamol without consulting your doctor as it may worsen the condition or cause recurring symptoms. Therefore, take Levocetirizine+phenylephrine+paracetamol for as long as your doctor has prescribed it, and if you experience any difficulty while taking Levocetirizine+phenylephrine+paracetamol, please consult your doctor.
No, you should not take Levocetirizine+phenylephrine+paracetamol 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 Levocetirizine+phenylephrine+paracetamol.
Yes, Cetirizine present in Levocetirizine+phenylephrine+paracetamol may cause drowsiness. It is not necessary for everyone taking Levocetirizine+phenylephrine+paracetamol to experience this side effect. Therefore, avoid driving and drinking alcohol if you feel drowsy after taking Levocetirizine+phenylephrine+paracetamol.
No, you are not recommended to consume alcohol with Levocetirizine+phenylephrine+paracetamol as it may increase drowsiness, dizziness, and lack of concentration.
No, you are not recommended to take Levocetirizine+phenylephrine+paracetamol with warfarin as co-administration of these two medicines may increase bleeding risk more easily. However, if you notice blood in urine or stools, dizziness, unusual bleeding or bruising, vomiting, weakness, or headache, please consult a doctor immediately. If you are supposed to use these medicines together, you are advised to contact your doctor so that the dose may be adjusted appropriately to use safely.
