Paracetamol+phenylephrine+chlorpheniramine
About
Paracetamol+phenylephrine+chlorpheniramine 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. 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 nose, mouth or eyes and spreads easily through droplets in the air when the person who is sick sneezes, coughs or talks.
Paracetamol+phenylephrine+chlorpheniramine is a combination of three drugs, namely: Paracetamol (mild analgesic and antipyretic), Phenylephrine (decongestant) and Chlorpheniramine (antihistamine/antiallergic). 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. Phenylephrine belongs to the class of decongestants that works by shrinking the blood vessels in the nasal passage. Thereby, provides relief from congestion and decreases the excess mucus production. 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. It helps to provide relief from symptoms of allergy such as sneezing, running nose, watery eyes, itching, swelling, and nasal congestion.
Take Paracetamol+phenylephrine+chlorpheniramine as prescribed. Your doctor will recommend you how often you take Paracetamol+phenylephrine+chlorpheniramine based on your medical condition. Some people may experience drowsiness, nervousness, headache, dizziness, insomnia (difficulty in falling or staying asleep), blurred vision, constipation and dry mouth. Most of these side effects of Paracetamol+phenylephrine+chlorpheniramine 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 allergic to Paracetamol+phenylephrine+chlorpheniramine or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. If you are pregnant, it is advised to inform your doctor before using Paracetamol+phenylephrine+chlorpheniramine. Do not use Paracetamol+phenylephrine+chlorpheniramine in breastfeeding mothers without doctor’s advice as it may be excreted in breast milk and cause harm to the baby. Paracetamol+phenylephrine+chlorpheniramine is not recommended for children below 4 years. Please do not take more than the prescribed dose of Paracetamol+phenylephrine+chlorpheniramine as it may cause liver damage and can be lethal. If you have high blood pressure, diabetes, glaucoma, hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), chronic bronchitis, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), blockage in stomach or intestines, enlarged prostate gland, pheochromocytoma (tumour in the adrenal glands), kidney, liver, heart or urinary problems, inform your doctor before taking Paracetamol+phenylephrine+chlorpheniramine.
Uses of Paracetamol+phenylephrine+chlorpheniramine
Medicinal Benefits
Paracetamol+phenylephrine+chlorpheniramine is a combination of three drugs, namely: Paracetamol, Phenylephrine and Chlorpheniramine. 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 that are responsible for pain and fever. Phenylephrine belongs to the class of decongestants that works by contracting and narrowing the blood vessels. Thereby, provides relief from congestion and decreases the mucus production. Chlorpheniramine is an antihistamine (anti-allergic drug) that works by blocking the action of histamine, a substance responsible for causing allergic reactions. It helps to provide relief from symptoms of allergy such as sneezing, running nose, watery eyes, itching, swelling, and congestion or stiffness.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Paracetamol+phenylephrine+chlorpheniramine
- Drowsiness
- Nervousness
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Insomnia (difficulty in falling or staying asleep)
- Blurred vision
- Constipation
- Dry mouth
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
If you are allergic to Paracetamol+phenylephrine+chlorpheniramine or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. If you are pregnant, it is advised to inform your doctor before using Paracetamol+phenylephrine+chlorpheniramine. Do not use Paracetamol+phenylephrine+chlorpheniramine in breastfeeding mothers without doctor’s advice as it may be excreted in breast milk and cause harm to the baby. Paracetamol+phenylephrine+chlorpheniramine is not recommended for children below 4 years. Please do not take more than the prescribed dose of Paracetamol+phenylephrine+chlorpheniramine as it may cause liver damage and can be lethal. If you have high blood pressure, diabetes, glaucoma, hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), chronic bronchitis, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), blockage in stomach or intestines, enlarged prostate gland, pheochromocytoma (tumour in the adrenal glands), kidney, liver, heart or urinary problems, inform your doctor before taking Paracetamol+phenylephrine+chlorpheniramine.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Paracetamol+phenylephrine+chlorpheniramine may interact with anti-allergic drugs (diphenhydramine, cetirizine), antidepressants (duloxetine, escitalopram), anticonvulsants (clonazepam), antianxiety drug (alprazolam), muscle relaxants (cyclobenzaprine), cough suppressants (dextromethorphan), bronchodilator (albuterol), sleeping agent (ramelteon), pain and fever medicines (paracetamol), pain killers (ibuprofen).
Drug-Food Interaction: Avoid intake of Paracetamol+phenylephrine+chlorpheniramine with chocolate and caffeine-containing foods such as cocoa beans and tea leaves as they may increase the risk of severity of side effects. Avoid consumption of alcohol with Paracetamol+phenylephrine+chlorpheniramine as it may as it may increase the risk of liver damage and cause increased drowsiness, dizziness, and difficulty in concentrating.
Drug-Disease Interaction: If you have high blood pressure, diabetes, glaucoma, hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), chronic bronchitis, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), blockage in the stomach or intestines, enlarged prostate gland, pheochromocytoma (tumor in the adrenal glands), kidney, liver, heart or urinary problems, inform your doctor before taking Paracetamol+phenylephrine+chlorpheniramine.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAvoid consumption of alcohol with Paracetamol+phenylephrine+chlorpheniramine as it may increase the risk of liver damage and cause increased drowsiness, dizziness or difficulty in concentrating. Please consult a doctor before consuming alcohol with Paracetamol+phenylephrine+chlorpheniramine.
Pregnancy
cautionThe safety of Paracetamol+phenylephrine+chlorpheniramine in pregnant women is unknown. Therefore, it is given to pregnant women only if the doctor thinks benefits outweigh risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionParacetamol+phenylephrine+chlorpheniramine may be excreted in breast milk, and cause harm to the baby. Besides this, Paracetamol+phenylephrine+chlorpheniramine may also slow milk's production, so it is better to contact a doctor before a lactating mother takes it.
Driving
cautionParacetamol+phenylephrine+chlorpheniramine may cause blurred vision or impair thinking in some people. Therefore, drive only if you are alert after taking Paracetamol+phenylephrine+chlorpheniramine.
Liver
cautionTake Paracetamol+phenylephrine+chlorpheniramine 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+phenylephrine+chlorpheniramine with caution, especially if you have a history of Kidney diseases/conditions. The dose may be adjusted by your doctor as required.
Children
cautionParacetamol+phenylephrine+chlorpheniramine is not recommended for children below 4 years of age. However, please consult a doctor before giving Paracetamol+phenylephrine+chlorpheniramine 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 consumption of alcohol with Paracetamol+phenylephrine+chlorpheniramine as it may cause tiredness, drowsiness or lack of concentration.
Special Advise
- Do not give Paracetamol+phenylephrine+chlorpheniramine to children below 4 years of age.
- Do not take Paracetamol+phenylephrine+chlorpheniramine for longer than 7 days in a row (for adults) and 5 days (for the children above 4 years).
- If you have allergic skin reactions like skin redness o rash that spreads and causes blistering and peeling, immediately contact a 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 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 symptoms of the common cold include sneezing, sore throat, cough, congestion, mild body pains, low fever, mild headache, feeling 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: It occurs when foreign elements which 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 and throat, and watery eyes. Allergies generally occur due to chemicals, air pollution, pet danders, dust, pollen hairs, seasonal allergies like hay fever, etc.
FAQs
Paracetamol+phenylephrine+chlorpheniramine contains Paracetamol, Phenylephrine and Chlorpheniramine. 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. Phenylephrine is a decongestant that works by contracting and narrowing the blood vessels. Thereby, provides relief from congestion and decreases the mucus production. Chlorpheniramine is an antihistamine (anti-allergic drug) that works by blocking the action of histamine, a substance responsible for causing allergic reactions. It helps to provide relief from symptoms of allergy such as sneezing, running nose, watery eyes, itching, swelling, and congestion or stiffness.
Yes, Paracetamol+phenylephrine+chlorpheniramine contains paracetamol which acts as 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.
No, you are not recommended to consume alcohol with Paracetamol+phenylephrine+chlorpheniramine as it may increase the risk of liver damage and cause increased drowsiness, dizziness and lack of concentration.
Paracetamol+phenylephrine+chlorpheniramine is excreted in breast milk and may affect the health of baby. Therefore, if you are breastfeeding, please inform your doctor before taking Paracetamol+phenylephrine+chlorpheniramine so that the doctor may prescribe Paracetamol+phenylephrine+chlorpheniramine if the benefits are greater than risks.
Yes, Paracetamol+phenylephrine+chlorpheniramine may cause drowsiness. It is not necessary for everyone taking Paracetamol+phenylephrine+chlorpheniramine to experience this side effect. Therefore, avoid driving or operate heavy machinery if you feel drowsy after taking Paracetamol+phenylephrine+chlorpheniramine.
No, you are not recommended to take Paracetamol+phenylephrine+chlorpheniramine with Cetirizine as co-administration of these two medicines may increase sedation and can cause drowsiness, dizziness and difficulty in concentrating. However, please consult a doctor before taking Paracetamol+phenylephrine+chlorpheniramine with other medicines.
No, you are not recommended to stop taking Paracetamol+phenylephrine+chlorpheniramine without consulting your doctor as it may worsen the condition or cause recurring symptoms. Therefore, take Paracetamol+phenylephrine+chlorpheniramine for as long as your doctor has prescribed it, and if you experience any difficulty while taking Paracetamol+phenylephrine+chlorpheniramine, please consult your doctor.
Do not use Paracetamol+phenylephrine+chlorpheniramine 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 Paracetamol+phenylephrine+chlorpheniramine if you have nausea, stomach pain, itchy skin, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-coloured stools, or jaundice (yellowing of your skin or eyes). In rare cases, paracetamol present in Paracetamol+phenylephrine+chlorpheniramine 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 Paracetamol+phenylephrine+chlorpheniramine.
