Cheston Cold Tablet: Benefits, Dosage, Side Effects

Cheston Cold Tablet 10's 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. Let’s understand more about this medication and how it works.

How Does Cheston Cold Tablet Work?

Cheston Cold Tablet 10's 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.

Cheston Cold Tablet 10's should be taken as prescribed by the doctor. Your doctor will recommend how often you take Cheston Cold Tablet 10's based on your medical condition. Some people may experience drowsiness, nausea, fatigue, dryness in the mouth, headache, and vomiting. However, everyone won’t experience the above side effects. Most of these side effects of Cheston Cold Tablet 10's do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.

Things to Keep in Mind

Before taking the medication, one must take care of the following factors:

• Consumption of alcohol should be avoided while taking the medicine as it may lead to excessive drowsiness and sleepiness. 
• Also, avoid tobacco consumption as it may worsen your condition further.
• Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning for pregnancy or breastfeeding before starting Cheston Cold Tablet 10's. 
• Intake of more than 4 gm of paracetamol can damage your liver, so it is better to avoid the use of Cheston Cold Tablet 10's in severe liver damage. 
• Cetirizine present in the Cheston Cold Tablet 10's can make you sleepy, so do not drive or operate heavy machinery after taking Cheston Cold Tablet 10's. 
• Phenylephrine in Cheston Cold Tablet 10's should be used with caution in patients with occlusive vascular disease (nerve/artery blockage), including Raynaud's phenomenon (decreased blood flow to the fingers).
• Also, inform your doctor about all other medications you have taken before starting Cheston Cold Tablet 10's. 
• Do not stop taking Cheston Cold Tablet 10's even if you feel better without asking your doctor, as your symptoms may come back and even worsen your condition.
• Cheston Cold Tablet 10's may cause drowsiness and sleepiness, so it is advised not to drive a car or operate machinery.

Side Effects of Cheston Cold Tablet

The most common side effects of Cheston Cold Tablet are:

• Drowsiness
• Nausea
• Fatigue
• Dryness in the mouth
• Headache
• Vomiting

Directions for Use

Cheston Cold Tablet should be swallowed whole with water. It is advised to not crush, break or chew the tablet. In case of oral suspension/syrup, it is advised to shake the bottle well before each use and take the prescribed dose by mouth using the measuring cup/dosing syringe/dropper.

However, do not take it if you: 

•  Have high blood pressure (hypertension)
• Have liver or kidney disease
• Have coronary artery disease (heart disease)
• Have severe liver damage

Have taken an MAO inhibitor (anti-depressant medication like Isocarboxazid, Phenelzine, Selegiline and Tranylcypromine) in the last 14 days
Are allergic to Cheston Cold Tablet 10's, anti-histamine (cetirizine), analgesics (paracetamol), a decongestant (phenylephrine), or any of its ingredients

Diet & Lifestyle Advice While Taking Cheston Cold Tablet

Common lifestyle changes include:  

• 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.