Levocetirizine+phenylephrine+paracetamol+caffeine
About
Levocetirizine+phenylephrine+paracetamol+caffeine is a combination medicine used to treat the symptoms of the common cold and allergy (allergic rhinitis). The common cold is a respiratory illness that affects the nose and throat. It is mostly caused by a virus known as rhinovirus. Allergy is a response of the immune system to foreign substances called allergens. This causes histamine release in the blood, which leads to a stuffy nose, watery eyes, itchy nose/throat, etc.
Levocetirizine+phenylephrine+paracetamol+caffeine contains Levocetirizine, Phenylephrine, Paracetamol and Caffeine. Levocetirizine works by blocking the action of histamine, a substance responsible for causing allergic reactions, thereby helps to provide relief from symptoms of allergy. Phenylephrine works by narrowing the blood vessels, this helps provide relief from congestion. Paracetamol works by inhibiting the production of certain chemical messengers in the brain known as prostaglandins that are responsible for pain and fever. Caffeine decreases the sleepiness caused by Levocetirizine and increases the effectiveness of paracetamol. Together, Levocetirizine+phenylephrine+paracetamol+caffeine helps in treating the symptoms of the common cold and allergy.
You are advised to take Levocetirizine+phenylephrine+paracetamol+caffeine for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you depending on your medical condition. You may experience certain common side-effects such as nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, restlessness and sleepiness in some cases. Most of these side-effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience these side-effects persistently.
Levocetirizine+phenylephrine+paracetamol+caffeine contains paracetamol, do not take any other medicines containing paracetamol along with Levocetirizine+phenylephrine+paracetamol+caffeine unless prescribed. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Levocetirizine+phenylephrine+paracetamol+caffeine may cause drowsiness, so drive only if you are alert. Levocetirizine+phenylephrine+paracetamol+caffeine is not recommended for children as safety and effectiveness have not been established. Avoid consuming alcohol with Levocetirizine+phenylephrine+paracetamol+caffeine as it could lead to increased drowsiness. Keep your doctor informed about your health condition and medicines to rule out any unpleasant side-effects.
Uses of Levocetirizine+phenylephrine+paracetamol+caffeine
Medicinal Benefits
Levocetirizine+phenylephrine+paracetamol+caffeine is a combination of four drugs, namely: Levocetirizine, Phenylephrine, Paracetamol and Caffeine. Levocetirizine+phenylephrine+paracetamol+caffeine is used to treat the symptoms of the common cold and allergy (allergic rhinitis). 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 to provide relief from allergy symptoms such as sneezing, running nose, watery eyes, itching, swelling and congestion or stiffness. Phenylephrine is a decongestant that works by narrowing the blood vessels, this helps provide relief from congestion and stuffiness of the 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 is a stimulant that helps decrease the sleepiness caused by Levocetirizine and increases the effectiveness of paracetamol. Together, Levocetirizine+phenylephrine+paracetamol+caffeine helps in treating the symptoms of the common cold and allergy.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Levocetirizine+phenylephrine+paracetamol+caffeine
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dry mouth
- Restlessness
- Sleepiness
- Allergic reaction
- Weakness
- Headache
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Do not take Levocetirizine+phenylephrine+paracetamol+caffeine if you are allergic to any of its contents, if you have/had severe kidney or liver problems. Inform your doctor if you have/had heart problems, high blood pressure, diabetes, prostate problems, glaucoma, overactive thyroid, if you have taken MAO inhibitors in the last 14 days. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Levocetirizine+phenylephrine+paracetamol+caffeine may cause drowsiness, so drive only if you are alert. Levocetirizine+phenylephrine+paracetamol+caffeine is not recommended for children as safety and effectiveness have not been established. Avoid consuming alcohol with Levocetirizine+phenylephrine+paracetamol+caffeine as it could lead to increased drowsiness. Levocetirizine+phenylephrine+paracetamol+caffeine contains paracetamol, do not take any other medicines containing paracetamol along with Levocetirizine+phenylephrine+paracetamol+caffeine unless prescribed.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Levocetirizine+phenylephrine+paracetamol+caffeine may interact with cardiac glycoside (digoxin), anti-hypertensive (atenolol), anti-angina (glyceryl trinitrate), anti-depressant (amitriptyline, nortryptyline, dosulepin, imipramine, clomipramine), anti-emetic (domperidone, metoclopramide), bile acid sequestrant (cholestyramine), antibiotics (rifampicin, isoniazid, chloramphenicol), blood thinner (warfarin), anti-gout (probenecid), anti-HIV (zidovudine), anticonvulsants (phenobarbital, phenytoin, carbamazepine, lamotrigine).
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found/established.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have high blood pressure, diabetes, prostate problems, glaucoma, overactive thyroid, heart, kidney or liver problems.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAvoid consumption of alcohol while taking Levocetirizine+phenylephrine+paracetamol+caffeine as it may cause increased drowsiness.
Pregnancy
cautionPlease consult your doctor if you are pregnant; your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionConsult your doctor if you are breastfeeding; your doctor will decide whether Levocetirizine+phenylephrine+paracetamol+caffeine can be taken by breastfeeding mothers or not.
Driving
cautionLevocetirizine+phenylephrine+paracetamol+caffeine may cause drowsiness. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are alert.
Liver
cautionDose adjustment may be needed in patients with liver impairment. Please consult your doctor if you have a liver impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Kidney
cautionDose adjustment may be needed in patients with kidney impairment. Please consult your doctor if you have kidney impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Children
cautionLevocetirizine+phenylephrine+paracetamol+caffeine should not be given to children as the safety and effectiveness were not established.
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 consumption of alcohol.
Special Advise
Phenylephrine in Levocetirizine+phenylephrine+paracetamol+caffeine may worsen the symptoms in patients with glaucoma and Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Consult your doctor for further information.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Common cold: The common cold is an infection caused by the 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 cold, but healthy adults can also be affected by having 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, and feeling unwell (malaise).
Allergy: This occurs when your body is attacked or invaded by allergy-causing agents known as 'allergens'. These allergens cause the body to release a chemical messenger called 'histamine', which causes inflammation, redness, itchiness, stuffy nose, watery eyes, etc. Allergies can be caused due to chemicals, air pollution, pet danders, pollens of plants and seasonal allergies like hay fever.
FAQs
Levocetirizine+phenylephrine+paracetamol+caffeine contains Levocetirizine, Phenylephrine, Paracetamol and Caffeine. Levocetirizine works by blocking the action of histamine, a substance responsible for causing allergic reactions, thereby helps to provide relief from symptoms of allergy. Phenylephrine works by narrowing the blood vessels, this helps in proving relief from congestion. Paracetamol works by inhibiting the production of certain chemical messengers in the brain known as prostaglandins that are responsible for pain and fever. Caffeine decreases the sleepiness caused by levocetirizine and increases the effectiveness of paracetamol.
Dry mouth could be a side-effect of Levocetirizine+phenylephrine+paracetamol+caffeine. Limiting caffeine intake, avoiding smoking and mouthwashes containing alcohol, drinking water regularly and chewing sugar-free gum/candy might stimulate saliva and prevent mouth drying.
Levocetirizine+phenylephrine+paracetamol+caffeine may be used to relieve pain and fever. Levocetirizine+phenylephrine+paracetamol+caffeine contains paracetamol, an analgesic (relieves pain) and antipyretic (reduces fever) that inhibits the production of certain chemical messengers in the brain known as prostaglandins responsible for pain and fever.
Levocetirizine+phenylephrine+paracetamol+caffeine should not be taken for longer durations unless prescribed by the doctor. If your condition does not improve despite taking Levocetirizine+phenylephrine+paracetamol+caffeine for a week, consult your doctor, he/she may prescribe an alternate medicine.
Levocetirizine+phenylephrine+paracetamol+caffeine contains paracetamol, an analgesic used to relieve pain. Therefore, consult your doctor before taking any pain killer medicines, fever-reducing medicines, medicines for cold or sleeping problems along with Levocetirizine+phenylephrine+paracetamol+caffeine.
Avoid taking Levocetirizine+phenylephrine+paracetamol+caffeine with large quantities of caffeinated beverages, such as tea, coffee or cola. High caffeine intake can cause difficulty in sleeping and an uncomfortable feeling in the chest.
