Allercet Cold Tablets (Levocetirizine + Phenylephrine + Paracetamol).

• Composition :
  Each tablet contains: Levocetirizine dihydrochloride 5 mg, Phenylephrine hydrochloride 10 mg and Paracetamol 500 mg.
• Indications :
  Indicated for the symptomatic treatment of common cold, fever and nasal congestion.
• Pharmacodynamics :
  Levocetirizine is an antihistamine; its principal effects are mediated via selective inhibition of peripheral H1 receptors. Phenylephrine is a sympathomimetic agent with mainly direct effects on adrenergic receptors.. It has predominantly alpha adrenergic activity that causes vasoconstriction and relieves nasal congestion. Paracetamol may act predominantly by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis in the central nervous system (CNS) and to a lesser extent, through a peripheral action by blocking pain-impulse generation. The peripheral action may also be due to inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis or to inhibition of the synthesis or actions of other substances that sensitize pain receptors to mechanical or chemical stimulation. Paracetamol probably produces antipyresis by acting centrally on the hypothalamic heat-regulation centre to produce peripheral vasodilation resulting in increased blood flow through the skin, sweating and heat loss.
• Dosage and administration :
  Adults and children (12 years and above): One tablet once daily or as recommended by the physician.
• Contraindications :
  Contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to cetirizine or its parent compound hydroxyzine, Phenylephrine, paracetamol or any of the other constituents. It is also contraindicated in patients with severe hypertension or coronary artery disease, patients receiving onoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAO) therapy and in patients with hepatic dysfunction.
• Precautions and warnings :
  Concurrent use of cetirizine with alcohol or other CNS depressants should be avoided because additional reductions in alertness and additional impairment of CNS performance may occur. Care is advised in the administration of paracetamol to patients with severe renal or severe hepatic impairment.
• Use in pregnancy, lactation & pediatrics :
  There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in human pregnancy, lactation and children. Should be used in pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Is not recommended for use in lactating mothers and children below the age of 12 years.
• Drug interactions :
  Cetirizine hydrochloride may potentiate the effects of alcohol. Therefore, caution is recommended at concomitant use of alcohol. Caution is recommended during concomitant use of CNS depressants. Should not be given to patients being treated with monoamine oxidase inhibitors or within 14 days of stopping such treatment. May enhance the effects of anticholinergic drugs such as tricyclic antidepressants.
• Adverse reactions :
  The most common adverse reaction in patients more frequently on cetirizine is somnolence. Fatigue and dry mouth also appear.
• Therapy Area :
  Cough & Cold Preparations