Phenylephrine+paracetamol+cetirizine
About
Phenylephrine+paracetamol+cetirizine belongs to a category of 'cough and cold medications' primarily used to treat the common cold and allergic symptoms like sneezing, watery eyes or itchy/watery nose and throat. The common cold is a respiratory illness affecting the nose and throat, mostly caused by viruses known as 'rhinovirus'. The virus attacks the body through the mouth, nose, or eyes and spreads quickly through droplets in the air when a sick person sneezes, coughs or talks.
Phenylephrine+paracetamol+cetirizine contains Cetirizine (antihistamine/antiallergic), Phenylephrine (decongestant) and Paracetamol (mild analgesic and antipyretic). 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 shrink the blood vessels in the nasal passage, reducing a 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.
Phenylephrine+paracetamol+cetirizine should be taken as prescribed by the doctor. Your doctor will recommend how often you take Phenylephrine+paracetamol+cetirizine based on your medical condition. Some people may experience drowsiness, nausea, fatigue, dryness in the mouth, headache, and vomiting. Everyone doesn't need to experience the above side effects. Most of these side effects of Phenylephrine+paracetamol+cetirizine do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning for pregnancy or breastfeeding before starting Phenylephrine+paracetamol+cetirizine. If you have high blood pressure (hypertension), liver or kidney disease, or coronary artery disease (heart disease), avoid using Phenylephrine+paracetamol+cetirizine as it may worsen your condition. Consumption of alcohol should be avoided as it may lead to excessive drowsiness and sleepiness. Do not take Phenylephrine+paracetamol+cetirizine if you have taken an MAO inhibitor (anti-depressant medication like Isocarboxazid, Phenelzine, Selegiline and Tranylcypromine) in the last 14 days. Intake of more than 4 gm of paracetamol can damage your liver, so it is better to avoid the use of Phenylephrine+paracetamol+cetirizine in severe liver damage. Cetirizine present in the Phenylephrine+paracetamol+cetirizine can make you sleepy, so do not drive or operate heavy machinery after taking Phenylephrine+paracetamol+cetirizine. Phenylephrine in Phenylephrine+paracetamol+cetirizine 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+paracetamol+cetirizine
Medicinal Benefits
Phenylephrine+paracetamol+cetirizine is primarily used to treat the common cold and allergy symptoms such as runny nose, blocked nose, sneezing, congestion, pain & fever. It is composed of three medicines, namely, Cetirizine (antihistamine), Phenylephrine (decongestant), and Paracetamol (mild analgesic and antipyretic). Cetirizine 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 shrink the blood vessels in the nasal passage, 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.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Phenylephrine+paracetamol+cetirizine
- Drowsiness
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Dryness in the mouth
- Headache
- Vomiting
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Do not take Phenylephrine+paracetamol+cetirizine if you are allergic to Phenylephrine+paracetamol+cetirizine, anti-histamine (cetirizine), analgesics (paracetamol), a decongestant (phenylephrine), or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding before starting Phenylephrine+paracetamol+cetirizine. If you have high blood pressure, kidney or liver disease, or coronary artery disease, please do not take Phenylephrine+paracetamol+cetirizine as it is known to interact. Also, inform your doctor about all other medications you have taken before starting Phenylephrine+paracetamol+cetirizine. Do not stop taking Phenylephrine+paracetamol+cetirizine even if you feel better without asking your doctor, as your symptoms may come back and even worsen your condition. Phenylephrine+paracetamol+cetirizine 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+paracetamol+cetirizine if you have taken an MAO inhibitor (anti-depressant medication) in the past 14 days. Also, avoid tobacco consumption as it may worsen your condition further.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Phenylephrine+paracetamol+cetirizine 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: Avoid alcohol intake and tobacco consumption with Phenylephrine+paracetamol+cetirizine as it may cause increased drowsiness, dizziness, and lack of concentration.
Drug-Disease Interactions: If you have high blood pressure, kidney or liver problems, coronary artery disease, or are receiving monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAO) therapy, inform your doctor before taking Phenylephrine+paracetamol+cetirizine.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAvoid consumption of alcohol with Phenylephrine+paracetamol+cetirizine as it may increase drowsiness. Please consult a doctor before consuming alcohol with Phenylephrine+paracetamol+cetirizine.
Pregnancy
cautionThe safety of Phenylephrine+paracetamol+cetirizine 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+paracetamol+cetirizine 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+paracetamol+cetirizine may cause drowsiness or tiredness in some people. Therefore, drive only if you are alert after taking Phenylephrine+paracetamol+cetirizine.
Liver
cautionTake Phenylephrine+paracetamol+cetirizine 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+paracetamol+cetirizine with caution, especially if you have a history of Kidney diseases/conditions. The dose may be adjusted by your doctor as required.
Children
cautionPhenylephrine+paracetamol+cetirizine is not recommended for children below 12 years of age. However, please consult a doctor before giving Phenylephrine+paracetamol+cetirizine 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 Phenylephrine+paracetamol+cetirizine as it may cause tiredness, drowsiness, or lack of concentration.
Special Advise
- Avoid alcohol consumption with Phenylephrine+paracetamol+cetirizine as it may cause tiredness, drowsiness, or lack of concentration.
- Do not take Phenylephrine+paracetamol+cetirizine 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+paracetamol+cetirizine as it contains caffeine, which can pass in the breast milk, which may have a stimulating effect on a breastfed child.
- Smoking may further worsen your condition, so avoid tobacco consumption.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Common cold: The common cold is an infection caused by a virus known as 'rhinovirus' affecting your nose and throat (upper respiratory tract). Children younger than six 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. Common cold symptoms 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). In some cases, the discharge from your nose may become thicker and yellow or green, which does not indicate a bacterial infection. If you observe these symptoms, immediately contact your doctor.
Allergies: This is a condition that occurs when allergy-causing agents known as 'allergens' attacks 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 a lot of 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 multiple medicines.
FAQs
Phenylephrine+paracetamol+cetirizine is composed of three medicines, namely Cetirizine (antihistamine), Phenylephrine (decongestant), and Paracetamol (analgesic and antipyretic). Cetirizine 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 shrink the blood vessels in the nostrils and the passage and reduces stuffy noses. 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.
Yes, Phenylephrine+paracetamol+cetirizine contains cetirizine, which is an antihistamine that is known to cause dry mouth. Increase the intake of fluids to avoid excessive dry mouth caused due to Phenylephrine+paracetamol+cetirizine as continued dryness can lead to dental disease (gum disease, fungal infection, tooth decay).
No, you are not recommended to take Phenylephrine+paracetamol+cetirizine 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.
It is not recommended to take Phenylephrine+paracetamol+cetirizine along with any anti-depressant medication as it contains phenylephrine, which is known to be contra-indicated with anti-depressant medications, especially MAO inhibitors. Also, Phenylephrine+paracetamol+cetirizine should be taken at least 15 days after your last dose of anti-depressants.
Yes, the Phenylephrine+paracetamol+cetirizine is known to cause nausea or vomiting. In case you are experiencing excessive nausea while consuming Phenylephrine+paracetamol+cetirizine, speak with your doctor immediately.
Yes, the Phenylephrine+paracetamol+cetirizine may cause drowsiness. It is not necessary for everyone taking Phenylephrine+paracetamol+cetirizine to experience this side effect. Therefore, avoid driving if you feel drowsy after taking Phenylephrine+paracetamol+cetirizine.
