AMBROXOL+CHLORPHENIRAMINE+GUAIFENESIN+MENTHOL belongs to the class of medication called ‘cough and cold preparations’ primarily used to treat symptoms of common cold and allergies. The common cold is a respiratory illness mainly affecting the nasal passage and throat. It is mostly caused by viruses known as ‘rhinoviruses’. The virus enters the body through the nose, mouth or eyes and spreads easily through droplets in the air when the person who is sick sneezes, coughs or talks. Allergy is an immune response produced by the body in response to 'allergens', which releases 'histamines' into the blood. Histamines are the chemicals released into the body due to this immune response and cause a stuffy nose, watery eyes, itching nose/throat etc.
AMBROXOL+CHLORPHENIRAMINE+GUAIFENESIN+MENTHOL is a combination of four drugs, namely: Ambroxol (mucolytic agent), Chlorpheniramine (anti-allergic), Guaifenesin (expectorant) and Menthol (organic compound). Ambroxol works by thinning and loosening phlegm (mucus) in the lungs, windpipe and nasal passage. Chlorpheniramine blocks the action of histamine, a substance responsible for causing allergic reactions. Guaifenesin is an expectorant that works by reducing the stickiness of mucus and helps to remove it from the airways. Menthol is an organic compound that produces a cooling sensation and relieves throat irritation.
Take AMBROXOL+CHLORPHENIRAMINE+GUAIFENESIN+MENTHOL as prescribed. You are advised to take AMBROXOL+CHLORPHENIRAMINE+GUAIFENESIN+MENTHOL 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, headache, stomach upset and dizziness 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.
If you are allergic to AMBROXOL+CHLORPHENIRAMINE+GUAIFENESIN+MENTHOL or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. If you are pregnant, it is advised to inform your doctor before using AMBROXOL+CHLORPHENIRAMINE+GUAIFENESIN+MENTHOL. Do not use AMBROXOL+CHLORPHENIRAMINE+GUAIFENESIN+MENTHOL in breastfeeding mothers without doctor’s advice as it may be excreted in breast milk and cause harm to the baby. Drink plenty of fluids while taking AMBROXOL+CHLORPHENIRAMINE+GUAIFENESIN+MENTHOL to loosen mucus and protect yourself from being dehydrated or overheated during exercise and in hot weather as AMBROXOL+CHLORPHENIRAMINE+GUAIFENESIN+MENTHOL contains chlorpheniramine that decreases sweating and increases the risk of heatstroke.
Common cold symptoms, Allergies
AMBROXOL+CHLORPHENIRAMINE+GUAIFENESIN+MENTHOL is a combination of four drugs, namely: Ambroxol (mucolytic agent), Chlorpheniramine (anti-allergic), Guaifenesin (expectorant) and Menthol (organic compound). Ambroxol belongs to the class of mucolytic agents (cough/sputum thinner) that works by thinning and loosening phlegm (mucus) in the lungs, windpipe and nose for coughing out easily. Chlorpheniramine is an antihistamine agent (anti-allergic) that works by blocking the action of histamine, a substance responsible for causing allergic reactions. It also provides temporary relief from sneezing, watery and itchy eyes and runny nose caused by hay fever and other upper respiratory allergies. Being an expectorant, Guaifenesin reduces the thickness or viscosity of bronchial secretions (phlegm) and increases mucus flow making it easier to cough. Menthol is an organic compound that produces a cooling sensation and relieves throat irritation. Together AMBROXOL+CHLORPHENIRAMINE+GUAIFENESIN+MENTHOL relieves common cold and allergic symptoms for easy breathing.
If you are allergic to AMBROXOL+CHLORPHENIRAMINE+GUAIFENESIN+MENTHOL or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. If you are pregnant, it is advised to inform your doctor before using AMBROXOL+CHLORPHENIRAMINE+GUAIFENESIN+MENTHOL. Do not use AMBROXOL+CHLORPHENIRAMINE+GUAIFENESIN+MENTHOL in breastfeeding mothers without doctor’s advice as it may be excreted in breast milk and cause harm to the baby. AMBROXOL+CHLORPHENIRAMINE+GUAIFENESIN+MENTHOL is not recommended for children below 12 years of age. Avoid using AMBROXOL+CHLORPHENIRAMINE+GUAIFENESIN+MENTHOL if you have taken medicines MAO inhibitors (antidepressant drugs) in the past 14 days. Drink plenty of fluids while taking AMBROXOL+CHLORPHENIRAMINE+GUAIFENESIN+MENTHOL to loosen mucus and protect yourself from being dehydrated or overheated during exercise and in hot weather as AMBROXOL+CHLORPHENIRAMINE+GUAIFENESIN+MENTHOL contains chlorpheniramine that decreases sweating and increases the risk of heatstroke. If you have high blood pressure, diabetes, epilepsy (fits), glaucoma, hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), stomach ulcer, chronic bronchitis, asthma, cough caused by smoking, chronic bronchitis or emphysema (shortness of breath), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), blockage in stomach or intestines, phenylketonuria (a congenital disease with excess phenylalanine in the body), enlarged prostate, pheochromocytoma (tumour in the adrenal glands), kidney, liver, heart or urinary problems, inform your doctor before taking AMBROXOL+CHLORPHENIRAMINE+GUAIFENESIN+MENTHOL. Avoid consuming alcohol along with AMBROXOL+CHLORPHENIRAMINE+GUAIFENESIN+MENTHOL as it could lead to increased drowsiness or dizziness. Drive only if you are alert since AMBROXOL+CHLORPHENIRAMINE+GUAIFENESIN+MENTHOL may cause sleepiness/shakiness/increased heart rate in some people.
Drug-Drug Interaction: AMBROXOL+CHLORPHENIRAMINE+GUAIFENESIN+MENTHOL may interact with anti-allergic drugs (diphenhydramine, cetirizine), antacid (ranitidine), central nervous system stimulants (methylphenidate), antidepressants (duloxetine, sertraline), antibiotics (amoxicillin, doxycycline, cefuroxime, erythromycin), cough suppressants (dextromethorphan), narcotic analgesics (hydrocodone), antianxiety drug (alprazolam).
Drug-Food Interaction: Avoid foods rich in carbohydrates, pectin including jellies, cabbage, brussels sprouts and broccoli as AMBROXOL+CHLORPHENIRAMINE+GUAIFENESIN+MENTHOL may interact with these foods. Also, avoid intake of AMBROXOL+CHLORPHENIRAMINE+GUAIFENESIN+MENTHOL 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 AMBROXOL+CHLORPHENIRAMINE+GUAIFENESIN+MENTHOL as it may as it may increase drowsiness, dizziness and difficulty in concentrating.
Drug-Disease Interaction: If you have high blood pressure, diabetes, fits, glaucoma, hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), chronic bronchitis, asthma, cough with mucus, cough caused by smoking, chronic bronchitis or emphysema (a lung condition causing shortness of breath), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), blockage in stomach or intestines, phenylketonuria (a birth defect that causes accumulation of amino acid, phenylalanine in the body), enlarged prostate, pheochromocytoma (tumour in the adrenal glands), kidney, liver, heart or urinary problems, inform your doctor before taking AMBROXOL+CHLORPHENIRAMINE+GUAIFENESIN+MENTHOL.
It is not known whether it is safe to consume alcohol with AMBROXOL+CHLORPHENIRAMINE+GUAIFENESIN+MENTHOL. Please consult your doctor before using AMBROXOL+CHLORPHENIRAMINE+GUAIFENESIN+MENTHOL. However, it is better to avoid alcohol to prevent the incidence of side effects.
AMBROXOL+CHLORPHENIRAMINE+GUAIFENESIN+MENTHOL is a Category C pregnancy drug. There are limited studies on how AMBROXOL+CHLORPHENIRAMINE+GUAIFENESIN+MENTHOL affects pregnancy. However, animal studies showed harmful effects on the developing baby. Please consult your doctor before using AMBROXOL+CHLORPHENIRAMINE+GUAIFENESIN+MENTHOL, if you are pregnant or planning to conceive.
AMBROXOL+CHLORPHENIRAMINE+GUAIFENESIN+MENTHOL may be excreted in breast milk and cause harm to the baby. Therefore, AMBROXOL+CHLORPHENIRAMINE+GUAIFENESIN+MENTHOL should not be used in breastfeeding mothers without a doctor’s advice.
AMBROXOL+CHLORPHENIRAMINE+GUAIFENESIN+MENTHOL may cause blurred vision or impair thinking in some people. Therefore, drive only if you are alert after taking AMBROXOL+CHLORPHENIRAMINE+GUAIFENESIN+MENTHOL.
AMBROXOL+CHLORPHENIRAMINE+GUAIFENESIN+MENTHOL should be used with caution in patients with liver diseases. Let your doctor know if you have any history of liver diseases or hepatic impairment. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing AMBROXOL+CHLORPHENIRAMINE+GUAIFENESIN+MENTHOL.
AMBROXOL+CHLORPHENIRAMINE+GUAIFENESIN+MENTHOL should be used with caution in patients with kidney diseases. Let your doctor know if you have any history of kidney diseases. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing AMBROXOL+CHLORPHENIRAMINE+GUAIFENESIN+MENTHOL.
AMBROXOL+CHLORPHENIRAMINE+GUAIFENESIN+MENTHOL may not be recommended for children below 12 years of age. However, please consult a doctor before giving AMBROXOL+CHLORPHENIRAMINE+GUAIFENESIN+MENTHOL to children.
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, 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 known as allergens attacks 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.