acolate m tablet - Cetirizine (5mg) + Paracetamol (500mg) medicine

Alkem Cold 5 mg/500 mg Tablet: Complete Medicine Guide

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🏭 Gujarat Terce Laboratories Ltd 📦 Varies by brand 💊 Allopathy 📅 Updated: Sep 25, 2026
⚠️ Hepatotoxicity Risk 🤰 Pregnancy Category Not established from the available information. Consult your doctor before use. 📋 Prescription Required 💊 Generic Available
Medically Reviewed
11 min read
Evidence: Well-established for symptomatic relief of cold and allergic conditions.
Reviewed by
SaathiMed Expert Panel | Sep 25, 2026
🩺
Medically Fact-Checked & Clinically Verified by SaathiMed Clinical Review Board
Clinical Reference Standards: CDSCO (Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation), Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP) & WHO | Last Updated: September 2026

When to Call Your Doctor IMMEDIATELY

  • Blood in stool or vomit
  • Severe abdominal pain
  • Chest pain or difficulty breathing
  • Severe headache with visual changes
  • Sudden swelling of face, lips, or throat
  • Yellowing of skin or eyes
  • Decreased urine output
  • Severe drowsiness or confusion

If experiencing severe symptoms, call emergency services immediately.

What is acolate m tablet used for?

This medicine is a combination of Cetirizine 5 mg and Paracetamol 500 mg used for symptomatic relief of common cold, allergic rhinitis, and mild fever. It works by blocking histamine and reducing fever and pain. It should be taken as prescribed by a doctor and is not recommended for long-term use without medical supervision.

  • Generic Name: Cetirizine + Paracetamol
  • Manufacturer: Gujarat Terce Laboratories Ltd
  • Form: Allopathy
  • Pregnancy Category: Consult doctor
  • Prescription Required: Yes

🇮🇳 acolate m tablet के बारे में (Hindi Summary)

उपयोग: यह दवा सेटिरिज़िन 5 मिलीग्राम और पैरासिटामोल 500 मिलीग्राम का संयोजन है, जिसका उपयोग सर्दी-जुकाम, एलर्जी, छींक, नाक बहना, आंखों में पानी आना, खुजली और हल्के बुखार व दर्द के लक्षणों से राहत के लिए किया जाता है। यह दवा एलर्जी के कारण होने वाले लक्षणों को कम करने में मदद करती है और शरीर के तापमान को नियंत्रित करती है। इसका सेवन डॉक्टर की सलाह के अनुसार ही करें।

साइड इफेक्ट्स: इस दवा के सामान्य दुष्प्रभावों में नींद आना, मुंह सूखना, थकान और हल्का पेट दर्द शामिल हैं। गंभीर दुष्प्रभाव दुर्लभ हैं, लेकिन यदि आपको चकत्ते, सूजन, सांस लेने में कठिनाई, या पीलिया जैसे लक्षण दिखें तो तुरंत डॉक्टर से संपर्क करें। शराब के साथ इस दवा का सेवन न करें, क्योंकि इससे लीवर को नुकसान हो सकता है।

सुरक्षा सलाह: इस दवा को डॉक्टर के बताए अनुसार ही लें। अपनी मर्जी से दवा की मात्रा न बढ़ाएं। इस दवा को लेने के बाद नींद आ सकती है, इसलिए वाहन चलाने या मशीनरी चलाने से बचें। शराब का सेवन न करें। यदि आपको लीवर या किडनी की बीमारी है, या आप गर्भवती हैं या स्तनपान करा रही हैं, तो डॉक्टर को बताएं। 7 दिनों से अधिक इस दवा का उपयोग बिना डॉक्टर की सलाह के न करें।

💡 Did You Know? India has the highest number of USFDA-compliant plants outside the USA.

💊 acolate m tablet Uses & Benefits

[{"condition":"Common cold","description":"Provides symptomatic relief from sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, and mild fever associated with the common cold.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Allergic rhinitis","description":"Reduces nasal congestion, sneezing, itching, and watery eyes caused by seasonal or perennial allergies.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Urticaria","description":"Helps relieve itching and skin rash associated with allergic urticaria.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Mild fever and body ache","description":"Paracetamol component reduces fever and relieves mild to moderate pain such as headache and body ache.","evidence":"Well-established"}]

Off-label uses: [{"condition":"Mild anxiety","description":"Sometimes used off-label for its sedative effects, but not recommended as a primary treatment.","evidence":"Limited"}]

Primary treatment for: Common cold and allergic rhinitis

Also treats: Urticaria, Allergic conjunctivitis, Mild fever, Body ache

📋 Drug Information

Generic Name(s)Cetirizine + Paracetamol
Brand NameAlerid Cold Tablet
ManufacturerGujarat Terce Laboratories Ltd
Packaging / FormVaries by brand (Allopathy)
Therapeutic ClassRESPIRATORY
Action ClassAntihistamine + Analgesic/Antipyretic
Route of AdministrationOral
StorageStore at room temperature (15-30°C) in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep in the original container.
Shelf Life24 months from the date of manufacture.
WHO GuidelineNot established from the available information.
ICMR GuidelineNot established from the available information.

👨‍⚕️ Doctor's Practical Tips

Evidence-based practical advice from experienced clinicians

1
Take this medicine with food to reduce the risk of stomach upset.
2
Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery after taking this medicine, as it may cause drowsiness.
3
Do not consume alcohol while taking this medicine, as it can increase the risk of liver damage and excessive drowsiness.
4
Do not exceed the recommended dose of paracetamol; taking too much can cause serious liver damage.
5
Consult your doctor if symptoms persist beyond 7 days or if they worsen.
6
Inform your doctor if you are taking blood thinners, antidepressants, or sedatives, as interactions may occur.
7
Keep this medicine out of reach of children and store it in a cool, dry place.

🔍 Is This Medicine Right for Your Symptom?

Educational reference. Always consult a doctor for diagnosis.

✅
Sneezing
This medicine is commonly prescribed for this.
Likely Use
✅
Runny nose
This medicine helps reduce runny nose.
Likely Use
✅
Mild fever
Paracetamol component reduces fever.
Likely Use
❌
Severe headache
This medicine is not a primary treatment for severe headache.
Not Primary

🔬 How This Medicine Works (Pharmacology)

Pharmacokinetics

AbsorptionCetirizine is rapidly absorbed after oral administration, with peak plasma concentrations reached in about 1 hour. Paracetamol is also rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, with peak plasma levels occurring within 30 to 60 minutes. Food may slightly delay the absorption of both components but does not significantly affect the extent of absorption.
DistributionCetirizine is widely distributed throughout the body, including the central nervous system. It has a volume of distribution of approximately 0.5 L/kg. Paracetamol distributes widely into most body tissues, with a volume of distribution of about 0.9 L/kg. Both drugs cross the placenta and are excreted in breast milk.
Protein BindingCetirizine is approximately 93% bound to plasma proteins. Paracetamol is only about 10-25% bound to plasma proteins.
MetabolismCetirizine undergoes minimal hepatic metabolism; it is primarily excreted unchanged in urine. Paracetamol is extensively metabolized in the liver via glucuronidation and sulfation, with a small fraction metabolized by cytochrome P450 2E1 to a toxic intermediate, N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone imine (NAPQI), which is detoxified by glutathione.
Half-LifeThe elimination half-life of cetirizine is approximately 8-10 hours in adults with normal renal function. Paracetamol has a half-life of about 2-3 hours.
ExcretionCetirizine is primarily excreted unchanged in the urine, with about 60% of the dose recovered in urine. Paracetamol is excreted in urine as glucuronide and sulfate conjugates, with less than 5% excreted unchanged.
BioavailabilityCetirizine has a high oral bioavailability of approximately 70%. Paracetamol has an oral bioavailability of about 80-90%.
Onset of ActionCetirizine begins to relieve allergic symptoms within 1 hour of oral administration. Paracetamol starts reducing fever and pain within 30 to 60 minutes.
Peak Plasma TimeCetirizine reaches peak plasma concentration in about 1 hour. Paracetamol reaches peak plasma concentration in 30 to 60 minutes.
Duration of ActionCetirizine provides relief from allergic symptoms for about 24 hours. Paracetamol provides pain and fever relief for about 4 to 6 hours.

How It Works

This medicine combines two active ingredients with complementary mechanisms. Cetirizine is a selective histamine H1-receptor antagonist that blocks histamine released from mast cells, thereby reducing allergic symptoms such as sneezing, itching, and runny nose. Paracetamol acts primarily in the central nervous system by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis, which helps reduce fever and relieve pain. The combination provides symptomatic relief from cold and allergic symptoms.

Mechanism Steps

1
Histamine H1 receptor blockade: Cetirizine binds to histamine H1 receptors on effector cells, preventing histamine from triggering allergic responses such as sneezing, itching, and vasodilation.
2
Reduction of allergic symptoms: By blocking H1 receptors, cetirizine reduces capillary permeability, itching, and mucus secretion, alleviating cold and allergy symptoms.
3
Central prostaglandin inhibition: Paracetamol inhibits prostaglandin synthesis in the central nervous system, which lowers fever and reduces pain perception.
4
Symptomatic relief: The combined effects provide relief from fever, body ache, sneezing, and runny nose associated with cold and allergic conditions.

💡 How to Take acolate m tablet

Strength: Each tablet contains Cetirizine 5 mg and Paracetamol 500 mg.

1Take this medicine orally with a glass of water.
2Swallow the tablet whole; do not crush or chew.
3Take it with or without food, but taking it with food may reduce stomach upset.
4Follow the dose and duration prescribed by your doctor.
5Do not exceed the recommended dose.

Dosage Information

Adult DosageThe usual adult dose is one tablet taken orally every 8 to 12 hours, not exceeding 3 tablets in 24 hours. However, the exact dose and frequency must be individualized by a qualified clinician based on the indication, age, weight, renal and hepatic function, and response to treatment. Do not self-medicate or exceed the recommended dose.
Pediatric DosagePediatric dosing is not established from available information. Consult a pediatrician.
Elderly DosageElderly patients may be more sensitive to the sedative effects of cetirizine and may require a lower dose. Dose must be individualized by a qualified clinician based on renal and hepatic function.
Renal ImpairmentIn patients with renal impairment, dose reduction may be necessary. Cetirizine is primarily excreted by the kidneys. Consult a doctor for appropriate dose adjustment.
Hepatic ImpairmentIn patients with hepatic impairment, paracetamol metabolism may be altered, increasing the risk of liver toxicity. Dose reduction or avoidance may be necessary. Consult a doctor.
Maximum Daily DoseThe maximum daily dose should not exceed 3 tablets in 24 hours, providing a total of 15 mg cetirizine and 1500 mg paracetamol. Do not exceed this limit.

Dosage Timeline

🌅 Morning ❌ ☀️ Afternoon ❌ 🌆 Evening ❌ 🌙 Night ❌

🍽️ Food Timing Guide

With food
Take with meals
Reduces stomach upset.
Grapefruit
Avoid
May increase drug levels.
Alcohol
Avoid
Increases risk of liver damage and drowsiness.

⏰ What to Do If You Miss a Dose

📌 Less than half the dosing interval has passed
→ Take the missed dose as soon as you remember.
💡 Continue with the regular schedule.
📌 More than half the dosing interval has passed
→ Skip the missed dose.
💡 Do not double dose to catch up.

⚠️ Side Effects of acolate m tablet

✅ Common Side Effects

Drowsiness (Common (5-10%))
Avoid driving or operating machinery. Usually resolves with continued use.
Dry mouth (Common (5-10%))
Sip water frequently. Consult doctor if persistent.
Fatigue (Common (5-10%))
Get adequate rest. Consult doctor if severe.
Mild stomach discomfort (Uncommon (1-5%))
Take with food to reduce discomfort.

🚨 Serious Side Effects

Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) (Rare (<0.1%))
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience swelling of face, lips, throat, difficulty breathing, or severe rash.
Liver damage (paracetamol overdose) (Rare (<0.1%))
Seek immediate medical help if you notice yellowing of skin or eyes, dark urine, or severe abdominal pain.
Severe skin reactions (Stevens-Johnson syndrome) (Very rare (<0.01%))
Stop the medicine and seek immediate medical attention if you develop rash, blisters, or peeling skin.

⚠️ Rare Side Effects

Palpitations
Consult a doctor if you experience irregular or fast heartbeat.
Confusion
Discontinue and consult a doctor, especially in elderly patients.
Urinary retention
Consult a doctor if you have difficulty passing urine.

Consult your doctor if you experience any unusual symptoms.

🔬 Drug Interactions

Drug Severity Effect
Warfarin Major
Alcohol Major
Benzodiazepines Major
Opioids Major
Anticholinergics Moderate
Ritonavir Moderate
Carbamazepine Moderate
Antacids Minor
Cholestyramine Minor
Grapefruit juice Minor

🚨 Major Interactions

  • Warfarin
  • Alcohol
  • CNS depressants (e.g., benzodiazepines, opioids)

⚡ Moderate Interactions

  • Anticholinergic drugs (e.g., atropine)
  • Ritonavir
  • Carbamazepine

🍷 Alcohol Interaction

Alcohol should be strictly avoided while taking this medicine. Alcohol increases the risk of liver damage from paracetamol and enhances the sedative effects of cetirizine, leading to excessive drowsiness and impaired coordination.

🔎 Check Your Other Medicines

Educational tool. Always confirm with your doctor or pharmacist.

🛡️ Safety & Warnings

🚫 Contraindications

["Known hypersensitivity to cetirizine, paracetamol, or any component of the formulation","Severe liver disease or active liver failure","Severe kidney impairment (creatinine clearance

⚠️ Warnings & Precautions

["May cause drowsiness; avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how it affects you.","Avoid alcohol consumption while taking this medicine.","Do not exceed the recommended dose of paracetamol; overdose can cause serious liver damage.","Consult a doctor before use if you have liver or kidney disease, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.","Do not use for more than 7 days without medical advice.","Keep out of reach of children.","Inform your doctor if you are taking other medications, especially blood thinners or sedatives."]

🤱 Lactation Safety

Cetirizine and paracetamol are excreted in breast milk. Limited data suggest that occasional use may be acceptable, but consult your doctor before taking this medicine while breastfeeding.

💊 Overdose Management

Overdose of this medicine can cause severe liver damage due to paracetamol. Symptoms of overdose may include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, confusion, and yellowing of skin or eyes. If you suspect an overdose, seek immediate medical attention. Treatment may include administration of N-acetylcysteine as an antidote, along with supportive care. Cetirizine overdose may cause severe drowsiness, agitation, or tachycardia; manage symptomatically.

⏰ Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Additional Safety Advice

General Safety

Take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not exceed the recommended dose. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how this medicine affects you, as it may cause drowsiness. Avoid consuming alcohol while taking this medicine, as it can increase drowsiness and the risk of liver damage. Inform your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease, or if you are taking other medications, especially blood thinners, antidepressants, or sedatives. Do not use this medicine for more than 7 days without consulting a doctor. Keep out of reach of children. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

👴 Special Considerations for Elderly

💡 For Patients Above 65

Elderly patients may be more sensitive to the sedative effects of cetirizine and may require a lower dose. They should also be monitored for liver and kidney function if using this medicine regularly.

🤰 Pregnancy Planning (TTC)

Consult your doctor before taking this medicine if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. The safety of this combination during pregnancy is not well established.

🏥 Post-Surgery Considerations

Consult your doctor before taking this medicine after surgery, as it may interact with other medications or affect recovery.

🦷 Dental Procedures

Inform your dentist if you are taking this medicine before any dental procedure, as it may cause drowsiness or interact with anesthetics.

💚 Lifestyle Tips for Better Results

🏃
Stay well hydrated to help thin mucus and relieve congestion.
🥗
Get plenty of rest to support your immune system.
😴
Use a humidifier to ease nasal congestion.
💧
Avoid exposure to allergens such as dust, pollen, and pet dander.
🧘
Wash your hands frequently to prevent the spread of cold viruses.
🌞
Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke.

🏋️ Exercise Considerations

Avoid strenuous exercise if you feel fatigued or drowsy. Light activities like walking are generally safe, but listen to your body and rest when needed.

🥗 Diet Recommendations

Include warm soups and broths to soothe your throat.
Eat fruits rich in vitamin C like oranges and strawberries.
Avoid cold and sugary drinks that can worsen congestion.
Stay hydrated with water, herbal teas, and warm fluids.

💼 Impact on Daily Work & Life

This medicine may cause drowsiness, which can affect your ability to drive or operate machinery. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how it affects you. It is advisable to take it when you can rest, such as at bedtime.

🛑 When to Stop This Medicine

Stop taking this medicine and consult your doctor if your symptoms do not improve within 7 days, if they worsen, or if you experience any serious side effects such as severe drowsiness, rash, or yellowing of the eyes or skin.

📅 Long-Term Use Effects

Long-term use of this medicine is not recommended without medical supervision. Prolonged use of paracetamol can increase the risk of liver damage, especially with alcohol. Cetirizine may cause tolerance or persistent drowsiness. Regular monitoring of liver and kidney function may be required if used for extended periods.

🌿 Non-Medicine Approaches

These can complement medicine but do not replace prescribed treatment.

Saline nasal irrigation

Helps clear nasal passages and reduce congestion.

Evidence: Well-established
Steam inhalation

Can temporarily relieve nasal congestion.

Evidence: Limited
Antihistamine nasal sprays

Alternative for allergic rhinitis.

Evidence: Well-established

💉 Vaccination Considerations

💉 If You're Getting Vaccinated

This medicine does not interact with vaccines. However, if you have a fever, consult your doctor before receiving any vaccination.

📦 Storage Guide

✅ DO

Store at room temperature (15-30°C)

❌ DON'T

Do not refrigerate unless specified

✅ DO

Keep in original container

❌ DON'T

Do not transfer to unmarked containers

✅ DO

Keep away from direct sunlight

❌ DON'T

Do not store in bathroom cabinet

✈️ Traveling with This Medicine

When traveling, carry this medicine in its original packaging along with a copy of your prescription. Store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. If crossing time zones, adjust the dosing schedule as advised by your doctor. Check customs regulations for carrying medications in your destination country. Always keep it in your carry-on luggage.

💰 Cost Analysis & Savings

👥 Real Patient Stories

Educational, anonymized scenarios. Individual results may vary.

👤 A 35-year-old woman with seasonal allergic rhinitis
She started taking this medicine as prescribed for her sneezing and runny nose. Within an hour, her symptoms improved significantly. She experienced mild drowsiness, so she avoided driving. She was advised to take it with food to prevent stomach upset.
💡 Lesson: This medicine provides rapid relief from allergic symptoms, but drowsiness can occur; avoid driving until you know how it affects you.
👤 A 50-year-old man with common cold and mild fever
He took this medicine for his cold symptoms and fever. His fever subsided within an hour, and his body ache reduced. He was cautioned not to take additional paracetamol products to avoid overdose.
💡 Lesson: Do not combine this medicine with other paracetamol-containing products to prevent accidental overdose and liver damage.

💬 Questions Patients Often Ask

Q: How long does it take to work?

A: Cetirizine starts working within 1 hour, and paracetamol within 30-60 minutes.

Q: Can I take it on an empty stomach?

A: It can be taken with or without food, but taking it with food reduces the risk of stomach upset.

Q: Is it safe to take with other cold medicines?

A: Do not take with other paracetamol-containing products to avoid overdose. Consult your doctor before combining with other medicines.

Q: How long can I continue this medicine?

A: Do not use for more than 7 days without consulting a doctor.

🤔 Common Patient Concerns

💭 These are the concerns patients most commonly raise

  • Can I take this medicine long-term?
  • Will it affect my kidney function?
  • Can I drive after taking this medicine?
  • Does it interact with my blood pressure medicine?
  • What if I miss a dose?
  • Can I drink alcohol while taking this?

🔄 Substitutes for acolate m tablet

View All

Alternative brands with exact same active ingredient:

Medical Note: Always consult your doctor before switching medications.

🛑 Myths vs. Facts

  • Myth: This medicine can cure the common cold.
    Fact: This medicine only provides symptomatic relief; it does not cure the viral infection.
  • Myth: It is safe to take this medicine with alcohol.
    Fact: Alcohol increases the risk of liver damage and drowsiness; it should be avoided.
  • Myth: More tablets will relieve symptoms faster.
    Fact: Exceeding the recommended dose can cause serious liver damage and other side effects.

🔄 Alternative Options

Generic Alternatives

  • Cetirizine 5 mg + Paracetamol 500 mg tablet

Brand Alternatives

  • Alkem Cold 5 mg/500 mg/5 mg tablet

📊 Comparison with Similar Medicines

[{"medicine":"Cetirizine + Paracetamol","composition":"Cetirizine 5 mg + Paracetamol 500 mg","onset":"1 hour","duration":"24 hours for cetirizine, 4-6 hours for paracetamol","sedation":"Moderate"},{"medicine":"Levocetirizine + Paracetamol","composition":"Levocetirizine 5 mg + Paracetamol 500 mg","onset":"1 hour","duration":"24 hours for levocetirizine, 4-6 hours for paracetamol","sedation":"Low"},{"medicine":"Fexofenadine + Paracetamol","composition":"Fexofenadine 120 mg + Paracetamol 500 mg","onset":"1-2 hours","duration":"24 hours for fexofenadine, 4-6 hours for paracetamol","sedation":"Non-sedating"}]

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