Paracetamol+caffeine+phenylephrine
About
Paracetamol+caffeine+phenylephrine is ac combination medication used to treat common cold symptoms and allergies like sneezing, runny/stuffy nose, fever, headache, body pains, congestion, or watery eyes. The common cold is a respiratory illness affecting the nose and throat. It is mostly caused by viruses known as 'rhinovirus'. The virus enters the body through the nose, mouth, or eyes and spreads easily through droplets in the air when a sick person sneezes, coughs, or talks.
Paracetamol+caffeine+phenylephrine is a combination of three drugs, namely: Paracetamol (mild analgesic and antipyretic), Caffeine (a stimulant), and Phenylephrine (decongestant). 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, speeding up the paracetamol in Paracetamol+caffeine+phenylephrine. Phenylephrine belongs to the class of decongestants that works by shrinking the blood vessels in the nasal passage. Thereby, it provides relief from congestion and decreases excess mucus production.
Take Paracetamol+caffeine+phenylephrine as prescribed by your doctor. Depending on your medical conditions, you are advised to take Paracetamol+caffeine+phenylephrine for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you. You may experience nausea, headache, vomiting, restlessness, and increased heart rate. Most of these side effects of Paracetamol+caffeine+phenylephrine do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects are persistent, reach out to your doctor.
Please inform your doctor if you are allergic to Paracetamol+caffeine+phenylephrine or other medicines. Please inform your doctor if you have a kidney, liver, heart, or headache. Before taking Paracetamol+caffeine+phenylephrine, inform your doctor if you have high blood pressure, thyroid problems, diabetes, or difficulty passing urine. If you are pregnant, it is advised to inform your doctor before using Paracetamol+caffeine+phenylephrine. Do not use Paracetamol+caffeine+phenylephrine in breastfeeding mothers without a doctor's advice as it may be excreted in breast milk and cause harm to the baby.
Uses of Paracetamol+caffeine+phenylephrine
Medicinal Benefits
Paracetamol+caffeine+phenylephrine belongs to the class of medication called 'cough and cold medications' primarily used to treat symptoms of the common cold and allergies like sneezing, runny/stuffy nose, fever, headache, body pains, congestion, or watery eyes. Paracetamol+caffeine+phenylephrine is a combination of three drugs, namely: Paracetamol (mild analgesic and antipyretic), Caffeine (a stimulant), and Phenylephrine (decongestant). 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 that are responsible for pain and fever. Caffeine acts as a common stimulant, speeding up the paracetamol in Paracetamol+caffeine+phenylephrine. Phenylephrine belongs to the class of decongestants that works by shrinking the blood vessels in the nasal passage. Thereby, it provides relief from congestion and decreases excess mucus production.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Paracetamol+caffeine+phenylephrine
- Nausea
- Headache
- Vomiting
- Restlessness
- Increased heart rate
- Skin rash or peeling or mouth ulcers
- Unexplained bruising or bleeding
- Visual disturbances
- Fast or irregular heartbeat
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Consult your doctor immediately if you have any allergic reactions such as skin rash, swelling of the face/lips/tongue/throat, wheezing, or shortness of breath. Do not take it if you have any known allergy to paracetamol or caffeine. Tell your doctor before taking Paracetamol+caffeine+phenylephrine if you have diabetes and glaucoma. People with kidney, liver, alcohol dependence, heart disease, or persistent headaches should avoid taking Paracetamol+caffeine+phenylephrine. If you are pregnant, it is advised to inform your doctor before using Paracetamol+caffeine+phenylephrine. Do not use Paracetamol+caffeine+phenylephrine in breastfeeding mothers without a doctor’s advice as it may be excreted in breast milk and cause harm to the baby.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Paracetamol+caffeine+phenylephrine should be avoided taking with other analgesics (ibuprofen, aspirin), muscle relaxants (tizanidine), medicines used to treat nausea (metoclopramide, domperidone), and cholesterol medications (cholestyramine), anaesthetic (cyclopropane or halothane), medicines for heart disease (quinidine, digoxin), blood pressure-lowering medicines (clonidine).
Drug-Food Interactions: Avoid foods containing caffeine, such as coffee, tea, chocolate, or cola.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Patients with hepatic failure (liver diseases), alcoholism, cardiac diseases (heart problems), hypertension, diabetes, glaucoma, Peptic Ulcer, and renal dysfunction (kidney diseases) should use Paracetamol+caffeine+phenylephrine with caution.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionParacetamol+caffeine+phenylephrine is unsafe with alcohol as it may cause a slow heartbeat, gastrointestinal side effects such as abdominal pain and vomiting.
Pregnancy
cautionThe safety of Paracetamol+caffeine+phenylephrine in pregnant women is unknown. But the Paracetamol+caffeine+phenylephrine has caffeine that is limited to use in pregnancy. Therefore, it is given to pregnant women only if the doctor thinks the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionParacetamol+caffeine+phenylephrine may be excreted in breast milk and cause harm to the baby. So it is better to contact a doctor before a lactating mother takes it.
Driving
cautionParacetamol+caffeine+phenylephrine contains phenylephrine that may impair thinking in some people. Therefore, drive only if you are alert after taking Paracetamol+caffeine+phenylephrine.
Liver
cautionTake Paracetamol+caffeine+phenylephrine with caution, especially if you have a history of Liver diseases/conditions. The dose may be adjusted by your doctor as required.
Kidney
cautionTake Paracetamol+caffeine+phenylephrine with caution, especially if you have a history of Kidney diseases/conditions. The dose may be adjusted by your doctor as required.
Children
cautionParacetamol+caffeine+phenylephrine is not recommended for children below 12 years. Please reach out to the doctor if you have any concerns regarding this.
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 with Paracetamol+caffeine+phenylephrine as it may cause tiredness, drowsiness, or lack of concentration.
Special Advise
- Take rest whenever required to ease the pain.
- Adequate intake of fluids can prevent dehydration.
- Inform your doctor if you are taking any other prescribed or over-the-counter medications before taking this Paracetamol+caffeine+phenylephrine.
- Do not increase your dose or duration of the medicine without consulting the doctor.
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 six 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, unwell, and 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: Allergies are the immune system's reaction to a foreign material that is usually not harmful to the body. These foreign substances are referred to as 'allergens.' Allergic reactions differ from person to person. Some people may be allergic to certain foods or suffer seasonal allergies such as hay fever. On the other hand, others may be allergic to pollen or pet dander.
FAQs
Yes, Paracetamol+caffeine+phenylephrine contains paracetamol which acts as a mild pain killer (analgesic) and fever reducer (antipyretic). It works by inhibiting the production of certain chemical messengers in the brain known as prostaglandins responsible for pain and fever.
Yes, Paracetamol+caffeine+phenylephrine may cause drowsiness. It is not necessary for everyone taking Paracetamol+caffeine+phenylephrine to experience this side effect. Therefore, avoid driving or operate heavy machinery if you feel drowsy after taking Paracetamol+caffeine+phenylephrine.
Paracetamol+caffeine+phenylephrine contains caffeine. So, it is better to avoid food or medicines that contain caffeine as well. Foods like tea, coffee, chocolate, and cola drinks should be avoided as they may add to your total caffeine intake. Increased caffeine consumption can lead to difficulty in sleeping, and you may feel tremors and have chest discomfort. Also, avoid drinking alcohol (wine, beer, etc.) while taking this Paracetamol+caffeine+phenylephrine.
Paracetamol+caffeine+phenylephrine contains Paracetamol. This Paracetamol+caffeine+phenylephrine is known to affect harm to the liver, particularly when taken in doses more than the mentioned level. Also, avoid drinking alcohol while taking this Paracetamol+caffeine+phenylephrine, as it may further enhance your risk of liver damage. Use of this Paracetamol+caffeine+phenylephrine should preferably be prevented in patients with underlying liver disease. Inform your doctor immediately if you observe any early signs and symptoms of liver damage. The symptoms may include rash, fever, nausea, fatigue, loss of appetite, vomiting, stomach pain, yellow skin, dark urine, eyes, and abnormal live enzymes.
The dose of Paracetamol+caffeine+phenylephrine depends on your condition and severity. Consult a doctor to know the exact dose and duration.
Paracetamol+caffeine+phenylephrine is a combination of three drugs, namely: Paracetamol (mild analgesic and antipyretic), Caffeine (a stimulant), and Phenylephrine (decongestant). 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 common stimulant, speeding up the paracetamol in Paracetamol+caffeine+phenylephrine. Phenylephrine belongs to the class of decongestants that works by shrinking the blood vessels in the nasal passage. Thereby, it provides relief from congestion and decreases excess mucus production.
