Phenylephrine+dextromethorphan+cetirizine+menthol
About Phenylephrine+dextromethorphan+cetirizine+menthol
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
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.
