Cetirizine+dextromethorphan+paracetamol+phenylephrine
About Cetirizine+dextromethorphan+paracetamol+phenylephrine
Cetirizine+dextromethorphan+paracetamol+phenylephrine 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, as well as to relieve cough associated with cold and flu. 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 when a sick person sneezes, coughs or talks. A dry cough is a persistent cough that does not produce mucus or phlegm. It is commonly triggered by viral infections, asthma, allergies, acid reflux, or environmental irritants like smoke and dust. Unlike a wet cough, it often causes a tickling or irritating sensation in the throat.
Cetirizine+dextromethorphan+paracetamol+phenylephrine contains Cetirizine (antihistamine/anti allergic), Dextromethorphan (antitussive), Paracetamol (mild analgesic and antipyretic), and Phenylephrine (decongestant). Cetirizine belongs to the class of antihistamines (antiallergic drugs) that work by blocking the action of histamine, a substance responsible for causing allergic reactions. It helps relieve allergy symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, itching, swelling, congestion, or stiffness. Dextromethorphan helps suppress cough by reducing activity in the brain’s cough centre, providing relief. 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 helps shrink the blood vessels in the nasal passage, reducing a stuffy nose. Together, they can effectively treat symptoms of the common cold, flu, allergies, and respiratory infections, including runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes, nasal congestion, cough, fever, and body aches.
Cetirizine+dextromethorphan+paracetamol+phenylephrine should be taken as prescribed by the doctor. Your doctor will recommend how often you take Cetirizine+dextromethorphan+paracetamol+phenylephrine based on your medical condition. Some people may experience drowsiness, nausea, fatigue, dizziness, nervousness, dryness in the mouth, headache, stomach pain, and vomiting. Everyone doesn't need to experience the above side effects. Most of these side effects of Cetirizine+dextromethorphan+paracetamol+phenylephrine 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 Cetirizine+dextromethorphan+paracetamol+phenylephrine. Let your doctor know if you have emphysema, chronic bronchitis, high blood pressure (hypertension), liver or kidney disease, or coronary artery disease (heart disease) before taking Cetirizine+dextromethorphan+paracetamol+phenylephrine to rule out potential interactions. Consumption of alcohol should be avoided as it may lead to excessive drowsiness and sleepiness. Do not take Cetirizine+dextromethorphan+paracetamol+phenylephrine if you have taken an MAO inhibitor (antidepressant medication like Isocarboxazid, Phenelzine, Selegiline and Tranylcypromine) in the last 14 days. Cetirizine+dextromethorphan+paracetamol+phenylephrine can make you dizzy or drowsy, so do not drive or operate heavy machinery after taking Cetirizine+dextromethorphan+paracetamol+phenylephrine until you are fully alert.
Uses of Cetirizine+dextromethorphan+paracetamol+phenylephrine
Medicinal Benefits
Cetirizine+dextromethorphan+paracetamol+phenylephrine is primarily used to treat the common cold, allergies (allergic rhinitis), and related symptoms such as runny or blocked nose, sneezing, congestion, pain, fever, and cough by suppressing the cough reflex. It is composed of four medicines, namely, Cetirizine (antihistamine/antiallergic), Dextromethorphan (anti-tussive), Paracetamol (mild analgesic and antipyretic), and Phenylephrine (decongestant). 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. Dextromethorphan helps suppress cough by reducing activity in the brain’s cough centre, providing relief. 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 helps shrink the blood vessels in the nasal passage, reducing a stuffy nose. Together, they can effectively treat symptoms of the common cold, flu, allergies, and respiratory infections, including runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes, nasal congestion, cough, fever, and body aches.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Cetirizine+dextromethorphan+paracetamol+phenylephrine
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Nervousness
- Stomach pain
- Dryness in the mouth
- Headache
- Vomiting
Drug Warnings
Do not take Cetirizine+dextromethorphan+paracetamol+phenylephrine if you are allergic to Cetirizine+dextromethorphan+paracetamol+phenylephrine or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding before starting Cetirizine+dextromethorphan+paracetamol+phenylephrine. If you have high blood pressure, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, kidney or liver disease, or coronary artery disease, please inform your doctor before taking Cetirizine+dextromethorphan+paracetamol+phenylephrine to rule out potential interactions. Also, inform your doctor about all other medications you have taken before starting Cetirizine+dextromethorphan+paracetamol+phenylephrine. Do not stop taking Cetirizine+dextromethorphan+paracetamol+phenylephrine, even if you feel better, without asking your doctor, as your symptoms may come back and even worsen your condition. Cetirizine+dextromethorphan+paracetamol+phenylephrine may cause drowsiness and sleepiness, so it is advised not to drive or operate heavy machinery until you are fully alert. Consumption of alcohol should be avoided as it may lead to excessive drowsiness and sleepiness. Do not take Cetirizine+dextromethorphan+paracetamol+phenylephrine 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: Cetirizine+dextromethorphan+paracetamol+phenylephrine may interact with blood thinners (warfarin, aspirin), antibiotics (chloramphenicol, ketoconazole, linezolid), high cholesterol-lowering medicines (cholestyramine), anti-sickness drugs (domperidone, metoclopramide), anti-allergic drugs (diphenhydramine), drugs used to reduce acid in the stomach (pantoprazole), antidepressants (isocarboxazid, rasagiline, tranylcypromine), (anti-anxiety drugs) buspirone, opioid analgesics (tramadol).
Drug-Food Interactions: Avoid alcohol intake and tobacco consumption with Cetirizine+dextromethorphan+paracetamol+phenylephrine as it may cause increased drowsiness, dizziness, and lack of concentration.
Drug-Disease Interactions: If you have chronic bronchitis, emphysema, diabetes, glaucoma, high blood pressure, kidney or liver problems, coronary artery disease, or are receiving monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAO) therapy, inform your doctor before taking Cetirizine+dextromethorphan+paracetamol+phenylephrine.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAvoid consumption of alcohol with Cetirizine+dextromethorphan+paracetamol+phenylephrine, as it may increase drowsiness. Please consult a doctor before consuming alcohol with Cetirizine+dextromethorphan+paracetamol+phenylephrine.
Pregnancy
cautionThe safety of Cetirizine+dextromethorphan+paracetamol+phenylephrine 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 Cetirizine+dextromethorphan+paracetamol+phenylephrine 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
cautionCetirizine+dextromethorphan+paracetamol+phenylephrine may cause drowsiness or dizziness. Therefore, avoid driving or operating heavy machinery unless you are fully alert.
Liver
cautionTake Cetirizine+dextromethorphan+paracetamol+phenylephrine with caution in case of liver impairment. Please inform your doctor if you have liver disease before taking Cetirizine+dextromethorphan+paracetamol+phenylephrine.
Kidney
cautionTake Cetirizine+dextromethorphan+paracetamol+phenylephrine with caution, especially if you have a history of kidney diseases or conditions. Your doctor may adjust the dose as needed.
Children
cautionCetirizine+dextromethorphan+paracetamol+phenylephrine is not recommended for children below 12 years of age. However, please consult a doctor before giving Cetirizine+dextromethorphan+paracetamol+phenylephrine to children.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- To improve overall health, eat plenty of foods rich in good bacteria, like yoghurt.
- Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.
- Stay away from dust, irritants, and strong odors.
- Drink warm water, herbal teas, and broths to ease congestion.
- Gargle with salt water for relief from a sore throat.
- Avoid alcohol consumption with Cetirizine+dextromethorphan+paracetamol+phenylephrine, as it may cause drowsiness, tiredness, or lack of concentration.
- Wash your hands with soap and water regularly to prevent the spread of germs.
Special Advise
- Avoid alcohol consumption with Cetirizine+dextromethorphan+paracetamol+phenylephrine, as it may cause tiredness, drowsiness, or lack of concentration.
- Do not take Cetirizine+dextromethorphan+paracetamol+phenylephrine 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 Cetirizine+dextromethorphan+paracetamol+phenylephrine, as it contains caffeine, which can pass in the breast milk and 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 a stuffy or runny nose, sore throat, cough, congestion, mild body pain or a mild headache, sneezing, low-grade fever, and feeling unwell (malaise). Sometimes, 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' attack our body, thereby causing symptoms like redness, stuffy nose, watery eyes, excess mucus formation, airway irritation, and 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 by various chemicals, air pollutants, dust, pollen grains of plants, pet danders, hairs and multiple medicines.
Dry cough: A dry cough is a persistent cough that does not produce mucus or phlegm. It is commonly triggered by viral infections, asthma, allergies, acid reflux, or environmental irritants like smoke and dust. Unlike a wet cough, it often causes a tickling or irritating sensation in the throat.
FAQs
Cetirizine+dextromethorphan+paracetamol+phenylephrine is used to treat common colds, allergies (allergic rhinitis), and cough relief by suppressing the cough reflex.
Cetirizine+dextromethorphan+paracetamol+phenylephrine contains Cetirizine (antihistamine/anti-allergic), Dextromethorphan (antitussive), Paracetamol (mild analgesic and antipyretic), and Phenylephrine (decongestant). Cetirizine belongs to the class of antihistamines (antiallergic drugs) that work by blocking the action of histamine, a substance responsible for causing allergic reactions. It helps relieve allergy symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, itching, swelling, congestion, or stiffness. Dextromethorphan helps suppress cough by reducing activity in the brain’s cough centre, providing relief. 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 helps shrink the blood vessels in the nasal passage, reducing a stuffy nose. Together, they can effectively treat symptoms of the common cold, flu, allergies, and respiratory infections, including runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes, nasal congestion, cough, fever, and body aches.
Yes, Cetirizine+dextromethorphan+paracetamol+phenylephrine may cause dry mouth as a common side effect. If you experience this symptom, drink plenty of fluids or water to stay hydrated, sip on sugar free drinks and herbal teas, suck on sugar free candies, limit caffeine, and alcohol, and avoid spicy, salty and acidic foods.
No, you are not recommended to take Cetirizine+dextromethorphan+paracetamol+phenylephrine with warfarin as co-administration of these two medicines may increase the bleeding risk. However, please consult a doctor immediately if you notice blood in urine or stools, dizziness, unusual bleeding or bruising, vomiting, weakness, or headache. If you are supposed to use these medicines together, you are advised to contact your doctor so that the dose may be adjusted appropriately for safe use.
It is not recommended to take Cetirizine+dextromethorphan+paracetamol+phenylephrine along with any antidepressant medication as it contains phenylephrine, which is contraindicated with antidepressant medications, especially MAO inhibitors. Also, Cetirizine+dextromethorphan+paracetamol+phenylephrine should be taken at least 15 days after your last dose of antidepressants.
Yes, the Cetirizine+dextromethorphan+paracetamol+phenylephrine may cause drowsiness. It is not necessary for everyone taking Cetirizine+dextromethorphan+paracetamol+phenylephrine to experience this side effect. Therefore, avoid driving if you feel drowsy after taking Cetirizine+dextromethorphan+paracetamol+phenylephrine.
Cetirizine+dextromethorphan+paracetamol+phenylephrine may cause side effects like drowsiness, nausea, fatigue, dizziness, nervousness, dryness in the mouth, headache, stomach pain, and vomiting. Most of these side effects of Cetirizine+dextromethorphan+paracetamol+phenylephrine do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
