Cetirizine+phenylephrine
About Cetirizine+phenylephrine
Cetirizine+phenylephrine is used to treat symptoms of the common cold and allergy, such as sneezing, running nose, watery eyes, itching, swelling, congestion, or stiffness.
Cetirizine+phenylephrine contains Cetirizine (antihistamine) and Phenylephrine (decongestant). Cetirizine works by blocking the action of histamine, a substance responsible for causing allergic reactions. Phenylephrine helps shrink the blood vessels in the nostrils and reduces stuffy noses. Together, Cetirizine+phenylephrine provides relief from allergy symptoms.
Some people may experience side effects like nausea, dryness in the mouth, vomiting, headache, sleepiness, and tiredness. Most of these side effects of Cetirizine+phenylephrine do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
Do not take Cetirizine+phenylephrine if you are allergic to any of its ingredients. Consult the doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Keep the doctor informed about your health conditions and medications to rule out any side effects/interactions.
Uses of Cetirizine+phenylephrine
Medicinal Benefits
Cetirizine+phenylephrine is a combination medicine used to treat symptoms of the common cold and allergy, such as sneezing, running nose, watery eyes, itching, swelling, congestion, or stiffness. Cetirizine+phenylephrine contains Cetirizine (antihistamine) and Phenylephrine (decongestant). Cetirizine works by blocking the action of histamine, a substance responsible for causing allergic reactions. Phenylephrine helps shrink the blood vessels in the nostrils and reduces stuffy noses. Together, Cetirizine+phenylephrine provides relief from allergy symptoms.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Cetirizine+phenylephrine
- Nausea
- Dryness in the mouth
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Sleepiness
- Tiredness
Drug Warnings
Do not take Cetirizine+phenylephrine if you are allergic to any of its ingredients. Cetirizine+phenylephrine may cause dizziness and drowsiness, so please do not drive a car or operate any machinery that requires concentration unless you are alert. Consult the doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Inform the doctor if you have liver or kidney problems, sinus (nasal congestion), diabetes, enlarged prostate, overactive thyroid, high blood pressure (hypertension), or glaucoma (increased eye pressure).
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Inform the doctor if you are taking blood thinners (warfarin, aspirin), anti-allergic drugs (diphenhydramine), anti-depressants (alprazolam, amitriptyline, amoxapine, clomipramine, doxepin), anticonvulsants (fosphenytoin, levetiracetam, phenytoin, valproic acid), HIV medications (lopinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir), antipsychotics (chlorpromazine, clozapine), diabetes medications (metformin, glimepiride, glipizide), and heart medications (digoxin).
Drug-Food Interactions: Cetirizine+phenylephrine may interact with alcohol, tobacco, grapefruit, and St. John's wort (a plant used to treat depression).
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform the doctor if you have sinus (nasal congestion), diabetes, enlarged prostate, kidney or liver disease, overactive thyroid, high blood pressure (hypertension), or glaucoma (increased eye pressure).
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeYou are recommended not to consume alcohol along with Cetirizine+phenylephrine to avoid excessive drowsiness and sleepiness.
Pregnancy
cautionPlease consult the doctor if you are pregnant.
Breast Feeding
unsafeCetirizine+phenylephrine is known to pass through milk in small amounts. Use in breastfeeding women is not recommended as it may cause unpleasant side effects to the baby like unusual irritability, excitement.
Driving
unsafeCetirizine+phenylephrine is known to cause drowsiness, so please do not drive or operate any machinery which requires concentration.
Liver
cautionCetirizine+phenylephrine to be taken with caution, especially if you have a history of liver diseases/conditions. The dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor.
Kidney
cautionCetirizine+phenylephrine to be taken with caution, especially if you have a history of kidney diseases/conditions. The dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor.
Children
cautionCetirizine+phenylephrine is not recommended for children below the age of 12.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Staying hydrated is vital for those with a cough or cold. Drinking liquids at room temperature can alleviate cough, runny nose, and sneezing.
- The immune system is affected by stress and raises the risk of being sick. An individual can exercise regularly, meditate, do deep breathing, and try progressive muscle relaxation techniques to relieve stress.
- To stay fit and safe, try to sleep 7-9 hours each night.
- It is advised to avoid contact with known allergens (allergy-causing agents) such as pollen, dust, etc. Certain food items are known to cause allergies to you.
- Maintain personal hygiene and keep your surroundings clean.
Special Advise
If undergoing any skin test, please inform your doctor or the concerned person doing the test that you are takingCetirizine+phenylephrine as test results may vary.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Common cold: The common cold is an infection caused by rhinovirus affecting the nose and throat (upper respiratory tract). Symptoms of a common cold 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 the nose may become thicker and yellow or green, which is not an indication of a bacterial infection. If you observe these symptoms, immediately contact your doctor.
Allergy: It is an immune system response to foreign elements typically not harmful to your body. These foreign elements are known as ‘allergens.’ Allergic condition varies from person to person. Some might be allergic to certain foods and seasonal allergies like hay fever. At the same time, others might be allergic to pollen or pet dander.
FAQs
Cetirizine+phenylephrine is used to treat symptoms of the common cold and allergy, such as sneezing, running nose, watery eyes, itching, swelling, congestion, or stiffness.
Cetirizine+phenylephrine works by blocking the action of histamine, a substance responsible for causing allergic reactions and shrinking the blood vessels in the nostrils.
Cetirizine+phenylephrine may cause dry mouth. Increase the intake of fluids to avoid excessive dry mouth, as continued dryness can lead to dental disease (gum disease, fungal infection, tooth decay).
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take Cetirizine+phenylephrine and skip the missed dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for the missed dose.
No, you are not recommended to stop taking Cetirizine+phenylephrine without consulting your doctor as it may worsen the condition or cause recurring symptoms. Therefore, take Cetirizine+phenylephrine for as long as your doctor has prescribed it, and if you experience any difficulty while taking Cetirizine+phenylephrine, please consult your doctor.
Cetirizine+phenylephrine contains cetirizine, which can cause sleepiness as a side effect. This is because it blocks the action of histamine (a neurotransmitter that plays a key role in wakefulness) by inhibiting its receptors in the brain. Therefore, it is better to take Cetirizine+phenylephrine in the evening rather than in the morning, as this may help you sleep better. Also, avoid driving or operating machinery after taking Cetirizine+phenylephrine.
No, Cetirizine+phenylephrine does not help in relieving cough, as it is not specifically a cough suppressant. It is a combination of antihistamine and decongestant medicine, often used to get relief from runny nose, sneezing, and nasal congestion. If your cough persists, please consult your doctor for appropriate treatment options.
Cetirizine+phenylephrine may cause sleepiness; therefore, you should avoid taking this medication if you are involved in driving or operating machinery that requires alertness and higher concentration.
No, Cetirizine+phenylephrine should not be taken for a longer duration. Please consult your doctor if your symptoms are not relieved after using Cetirizine+phenylephrine continuously for 7 days.
No, Cetirizine+phenylephrine and cetirizine are not the same. Cetirizine+phenylephrine is a combination medication that contains cetirizine as one of its ingredients. Cetirizine is used alone for allergy relief, while Cetirizine+phenylephrineis intended for symptoms that include nasal congestion as well. If you are considering using either medication, please consult your doctor before taking them.
Yes, Cetirizine+phenylephrine is contraindicated in patients with a known allergy to any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor if you have liver or kidney problems, nasal congestion, diabetes, an enlarged prostate, overactive thyroid, high blood pressure (hypertension), or glaucoma (increased eye pressure) before starting Cetirizine+phenylephrine.
While taking Cetirizine+phenylephrine, you should avoid consuming alcohol, as it can increase drowsiness. Also, avoid consuming tobacco, grapefruit, and St. John's wort (an herbal plant used to treat depression) while using Cetirizine+phenylephrine. You should avoid engaging in activities that require complete mental alertness, such as operating heavy machinery or driving while taking Cetirizine+phenylephrine.
Cetirizine+phenylephrine should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Make sure to keep the medicine out of reach of children.
Yes, you can take Cetirizine+phenylephrine with food. Always follow the instructions provided by your doctor before taking Cetirizine+phenylephrine.
The common side effects of Cetirizine+phenylephrine include nausea, dryness in the mouth, vomiting, headache, sleepiness, and tiredness. Most of these side effects usually resolve over time; however, if they persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
No, you should not consume alcohol while taking Cetirizine+phenylephrine, as it can increase the risk of side effects such as dizziness and drowsiness.
Please consult your doctor before taking Cetirizine+phenylephrine if you are pregnant. Cetirizine+phenylephrine contains cetirizine and phenylephrine. During breastfeeding, cetirizine is generally considered safer, but phenylephrine can transfer into breast milk in small amounts, which may cause potential harm to the baby. Therefore, always consult your doctor before using Cetirizine+phenylephrine while breastfeeding.
