Phenylephrine+dextromethorphan+cetirizine+menthol
About
Phenylephrine+dextromethorphan+cetirizine+menthol belongs to the class of medications called 'cough and cold preparations' primarily used to treat dry cough. In addition to this, it also helps to treat allergic symptoms like runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing, throat irritation. Cough is a reflex action that helps to clear any foreign irritant or mucus in the throat. Mostly cough lasts for a short time (two to three weeks), so it is acute. But sometimes, if it is persistent for more than eight weeks which can lead to chronic cough. Dry cough refers to cough where there is no mucus or secretion along with cough.
Phenylephrine+dextromethorphan+cetirizine+menthol is composed of four medicines, namely: Cetirizine (antihistamine/antiallergic), Phenylephrine (decongestant), Dextromethorphan (cough suppressant) and menthol (cooling/soothing agent). Cetirizine belongs to the class of antihistamines (antiallergic 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 stuffy nose. Dextromethorphan works by blocking the cough receptor present in the brain, which is known to cause cough. Menthol is an additive that acts as a cooling agent that relieves minor irritation in the throat.
Phenylephrine+dextromethorphan+cetirizine+menthol is available in liquid form (syrup). Your doctor will recommend how often you take Phenylephrine+dextromethorphan+cetirizine+menthol based on your medical condition. The dose of Phenylephrine+dextromethorphan+cetirizine+menthol should be measured with a measuring cup and not with a spoon to avoid dose fluctuations. Some people may experience an upset stomach, skin rash, flushing of the skin, drowsiness, insomnia (difficulty in sleeping), itching, loss of appetite. Everyone doesn't need to experience the above side effects.
Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning for pregnancy, or breastfeeding before starting Phenylephrine+dextromethorphan+cetirizine+menthol. If you have high blood pressure (hypertension), liver or kidney disease, coronary artery disease (heart disease), avoid using Phenylephrine+dextromethorphan+cetirizine+menthol 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 Phenylephrine+dextromethorphan+cetirizine+menthol if you have taken MAO inhibitor (anti-depressant medication like Isocarboxazid, Phenelzine, Selegiline, and Tranylcypromine) in the last 14 days. Phenylephrine present in Phenylephrine+dextromethorphan+cetirizine+menthol 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 Phenylephrine+dextromethorphan+cetirizine+menthol
Medicinal Benefits
Phenylephrine+dextromethorphan+cetirizine+menthol is primarily used to treat dry cough, which is composed of four medicines, namely: Cetirizine (antihistamine/antiallergic), Phenylephrine (decongestant), Dextromethorphan (cough suppressant) and menthol. Cetirizine belongs to the class of antihistamines (antiallergic 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 stuffy nose. Dextromethorphan works by blocking the cough receptor present in the brain, which is known to cause cough. Menthol is an additive that helps to relieve minor irritation in the throat and produces a cooling sensation.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Phenylephrine+dextromethorphan+cetirizine+menthol
- Upset stomach
- Skin rash
- Flushing of the skin
- Drowsiness
- Insomnia (difficulty in sleeping)
- Itching
- Loss of appetite
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Do not take Phenylephrine+dextromethorphan+cetirizine+menthol if you are allergic to Phenylephrine+dextromethorphan+cetirizine+menthol, anti-histamine (cetirizine), a decongestant (phenylephrine), a cough suppressant (dextromethorphan), or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding before starting Phenylephrine+dextromethorphan+cetirizine+menthol. If you have high blood pressure, kidney or liver disease, coronary artery disease, please do not take Phenylephrine+dextromethorphan+cetirizine+menthol as it is known to interact. Also, inform your doctor about all other medications you have been taking before starting Phenylephrine+dextromethorphan+cetirizine+menthol. Do not stop taking Phenylephrine+dextromethorphan+cetirizine+menthol even if you feel better without asking your doctor as your symptoms may come back and may even worsen your condition. Phenylephrine+dextromethorphan+cetirizine+menthol 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 Phenylephrine+dextromethorphan+cetirizine+menthol if you have taken any MAO inhibitor (anti-depressant medication like Isocarboxazid, Phenelzine, Selegiline, and Tranylcypromine) in the past 14 days. Also, avoid tobacco consumption as it may worsen your condition further.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Phenylephrine+dextromethorphan+cetirizine+menthol may interact with MAO inhibitor (isocarboxazid, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine), anti-arrhythmic medications (amiodarone, propafenone, quinidine, and flecainide), opioid analgesics (codeine, tramadol, morphine, methadone), anti-anxiety medications (fluoxetine, paroxetine, sertraline), anti-fungal (terbinafine), blood thinners (warfarin, aspirin), anti-allergic drugs (diphenhydramine), anti-depressants (alprazolam, amitriptyline, amoxapine, clomipramine, doxepin), anticonvulsants (fosphenytoin, levetiracetam, phenytoin, valproic acid), HIV medications (lopinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir), antipsychotics (chlorpromazine, clozapine), diabetes medications (metformin, glimepiride, glipizide), and heart medications (digoxin).
Drug-Food Interaction: Avoid alcohol intake and tobacco consumption with Phenylephrine+dextromethorphan+cetirizine+menthol as it may cause increased drowsiness, dizziness, and lack of concentration.
Drug-Disease Interaction: If you have high blood pressure, kidney or liver problems, coronary artery disease, sinus (nasal congestion), diabetes, enlarged prostate, kidney or liver disease, overactive thyroid, high blood pressure (hypertension), glaucoma (increased eye pressure), are receiving monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAO) therapy, inform your doctor before taking Phenylephrine+dextromethorphan+cetirizine+menthol.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAvoid consumption of alcohol with Phenylephrine+dextromethorphan+cetirizine+menthol as it may increase drowsiness. Please consult a doctor before consuming alcohol with Phenylephrine+dextromethorphan+cetirizine+menthol.
Pregnancy
cautionThe safety of Phenylephrine+dextromethorphan+cetirizine+menthol 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 Phenylephrine+dextromethorphan+cetirizine+menthol 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
unsafePhenylephrine+dextromethorphan+cetirizine+menthol may cause drowsiness or tiredness in some people. Therefore, drive only if you are alert after taking Phenylephrine+dextromethorphan+cetirizine+menthol.
Liver
cautionTake Phenylephrine+dextromethorphan+cetirizine+menthol with caution, especially if you have a history of Liver diseases/conditions. The dose may be adjusted by your doctor as required.
Kidney
cautionTake Phenylephrine+dextromethorphan+cetirizine+menthol with caution, especially if you have a history of Kidney diseases/conditions. The dose may be adjusted by your doctor as required.
Children
cautionPhenylephrine+dextromethorphan+cetirizine+menthol is not recommended for children below 12 years of age. However, please consult a doctor before giving Phenylephrine+dextromethorphan+cetirizine+menthol 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 yogurt to improve overall health.
- Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.
- Gargle with salt water for relief from sore throat.
- Do not smoke as it might worsen your symptoms, so avoid tobacco intake.
- Avoid alcohol consumption with Phenylephrine+dextromethorphan+cetirizine+menthol as it may cause tiredness, drowsiness, or lack of concentration.
Special Advise
- Avoid alcohol consumption with Phenylephrine+dextromethorphan+cetirizine+menthol as it may cause tiredness, drowsiness, or lack of concentration.
- Do not take Phenylephrine+dextromethorphan+cetirizine+menthol 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 Phenylephrine+dextromethorphan+cetirizine+menthol.
- Smoking may further worsen your condition, so avoid tobacco consumption.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Cough: It is a reflex action that helps to clear any foreign irritant or mucus in the throat. Mostly cough lasts for a short time (two to three weeks), so it is acute. But sometimes, if it is persistent for more than eight weeks which can lead to chronic cough. If the cough is accompanied by blood or barking cough, this could be serious and require medical attention. The most common causes of cough are cold/flu, asthma, emphysema, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). Also, some medications, especially angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors used for hypertension, are known to cause cough.
Allergies: This is a condition that occurs when allergy-causing agents known as 'allergens' attack our body, thereby causing symptoms like redness, stuffy nose, watery eyes, excess mucus formation, airways irritation, itchy and watery nasal passage/throat. During the allergic condition, our body secretes many chemical messengers called 'histamines,' which in turn cause all these allergic symptoms. Allergies can be caused due to various chemicals, air pollutants, dust, pollen grains of plants, pet danders, hairs and various medicines.
FAQs
Phenylephrine+dextromethorphan+cetirizine+menthol is primarily used to treat dry cough. It is composed of four medicines, namely: Cetirizine (antihistamine/antiallergic), Phenylephrine (decongestant), and Dextromethorphan (cough suppressant) and menthol. Cetirizine belongs to the class of antihistamines (antiallergic 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 stuffy nose. Dextromethorphan works by blocking the cough receptor present in the brain, which is known to cause cough. Menthol is an additive that helps to relieve minor irritation in the throat and produces a cooling sensation.
It is not recommended to take Phenylephrine+dextromethorphan+cetirizine+menthol along with any anti-depressant medication as it contains dextromethorphan and phenylephrine, which may cause unpleasant side-effects or any drug interaction. Also, Phenylephrine+dextromethorphan+cetirizine+menthol should be taken at least 15 days after your last dose of anti-depressants, especially monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAO).
No, you are not recommended to stop taking Phenylephrine+dextromethorphan+cetirizine+menthol without consulting your doctor as it may worsen the condition or cause recurring symptoms. Therefore, take Phenylephrine+dextromethorphan+cetirizine+menthol for as long as your doctor has prescribed it, and if you experience any difficulty while taking Phenylephrine+dextromethorphan+cetirizine+menthol, please consult your doctor.
No, it would be best if you did not take Phenylephrine+dextromethorphan+cetirizine+menthol 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 Phenylephrine+dextromethorphan+cetirizine+menthol.
Yes, Phenylephrine+dextromethorphan+cetirizine+menthol may cause drowsiness. It is not necessary for everyone taking Phenylephrine+dextromethorphan+cetirizine+menthol to experience this side effect. Therefore, avoid driving if you feel drowsy after taking Phenylephrine+dextromethorphan+cetirizine+menthol.
