Alcold 5 mg/120 mg Tablet: Complete Medicine Guide
Clinical Reference Standards: CDSCO (Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation), Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP) & WHO | Last Updated: September 2026
When to Call Your Doctor IMMEDIATELY
- Severe headache with blurred vision
- Chest pain or palpitations
- Difficulty breathing or swelling of face
- Inability to urinate
- Severe dizziness or fainting
- Yellowing of skin or eyes
If experiencing severe symptoms, call emergency services immediately.
What is alcold 5 mg/120 mg tablet used for?
This medicine is a combination of cetirizine (antihistamine) and pseudoephedrine (decongestant) used to treat nasal congestion, sneezing, and runny nose due to allergies or colds. It works by blocking histamine and shrinking nasal blood vessels. It is usually taken every 12 hours as needed, but do not exceed two tablets in 24 hours.
- Generic Name: Cetirizine + Pseudoephedrine
- Manufacturer: Biological E Ltd
- Form: Allopathy
- Pregnancy Category: Consult doctor
- Prescription Required: Yes
🇮🇳 alcold 5 mg/120 mg tablet के बारे में (Hindi Summary)
उपयोग: यह दवा एलर्जी और सर्दी-जुकाम से होने वाली नाक बंद, छींक, बहती नाक और आंखों में खुजली को कम करने के लिए इस्तेमाल की जाती है। इसमें सेटिरिज़िन और स्यूडोएफेड्रिन होते हैं जो मिलकर काम करते हैं।
साइड इफेक्ट्स: आम दुष्प्रभावों में नींद आना, मुंह सूखना, सिरदर्द, बेचैनी और धड़कन बढ़ना शामिल हैं। गंभीर दुष्प्रभाव दुर्लभ हैं लेकिन अगर सांस लेने में तकलीफ, सीने में दर्द या गंभीर सिरदर्द हो तो तुरंत डॉक्टर से मिलें।
सुरक्षा सलाह: इस दवा को डॉक्टर के बताए अनुसार ही लें। खुद से मात्रा न बढ़ाएं। नींद आने पर वाहन न चलाएं। शराब न पिएं। अगर आपको उच्च रक्तचाप, हृदय रोग या ग्लूकोमा है तो डॉक्टर को बताएं।
💊 alcold 5 mg/120 mg tablet Uses & Benefits
[{"condition":"Allergic rhinitis","description":"Relieves sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, and nasal congestion associated with seasonal or perennial allergies.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Common cold","description":"Provides symptomatic relief of nasal congestion, sneezing, and runny nose due to viral upper respiratory infections.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Sinusitis","description":"Helps reduce nasal congestion and pressure in acute or chronic sinusitis.","evidence":"Moderate"},{"condition":"Eustachian tube dysfunction","description":"May relieve congestion and pressure in the middle ear related to allergies or colds.","evidence":"Limited"}]
Off-label uses: [{"condition":"Allergic conjunctivitis","description":"Sometimes used for eye itching and redness due to allergies, though topical eye drops are preferred.","evidence":"Limited"},{"condition":"Urticaria","description":"Cetirizine component may help itching and hives, but pseudoephedrine is not typically indicated.","evidence":"Limited"}]
Primary treatment for: Allergic rhinitis
Also treats: Common cold, Sinusitis
📋 Drug Information
| Generic Name(s) | Cetirizine + Pseudoephedrine |
| Brand Name | Alcold |
| Manufacturer | Biological E Ltd |
| Packaging / Form | Varies by brand (Allopathy) |
| Therapeutic Class | RESPIRATORY |
| Action Class | Antihistamine + Decongestant |
| Route of Administration | Oral |
| Storage | Store at room temperature (15-30°C) in a dry place, away from direct sunlight. |
| Shelf Life | 24 months from date of manufacture. |
| WHO Guideline | Not established from the available information. |
| ICMR Guideline | Not established from the available information. |
👨⚕️ Doctor's Practical Tips
Evidence-based practical advice from experienced clinicians
🔍 Is This Medicine Right for Your Symptom?
Educational reference. Always consult a doctor for diagnosis.
🔬 How This Medicine Works (Pharmacology)
Pharmacokinetics
How It Works
Cetirizine selectively antagonizes peripheral H1 receptors, reducing histamine-mediated allergic symptoms. Pseudoephedrine acts on alpha-adrenergic receptors in nasal mucosa, causing vasoconstriction and decreased swelling. The combination provides both antihistaminic and decongestant effects.
Mechanism Steps
💡 How to Take alcold 5 mg/120 mg tablet
Strength: Tablet: Cetirizine 5 mg + Pseudoephedrine 120 mg
Dosage Information
| Adult Dosage | The usual adult dose is one tablet orally every 12 hours as needed, not to exceed two tablets in 24 hours. Dose must be individualized by a qualified clinician based on indication, age, weight, renal and hepatic function. Do not use for more than 7 days without medical advice. |
| Pediatric Dosage | Pediatric dosing is not established from available information. Consult a pediatrician. |
| Elderly Dosage | Elderly patients may be more sensitive to side effects. Use with caution and lower doses may be appropriate. Consult a doctor. |
| Renal Impairment | Dose adjustment may be required in renal impairment. Consult a doctor. |
| Hepatic Impairment | Caution in hepatic impairment. Dose adjustment may be needed. Consult a doctor. |
| Maximum Daily Dose | Two tablets (cetirizine 10 mg + pseudoephedrine 240 mg) in 24 hours. |
Dosage Timeline
🍽️ Food Timing Guide
⏰ What to Do If You Miss a Dose
⚠️ Side Effects of alcold 5 mg/120 mg tablet
✅ Common Side Effects
🚨 Serious Side Effects
⚠️ Rare Side Effects
Consult your doctor if you experience any unusual symptoms.
🔬 Drug Interactions
| Drug | Severity | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| MAOIs | Major | |
| Beta-blockers | Major | |
| Tricyclic antidepressants | Major | |
| Alcohol | Moderate | |
| Benzodiazepines | Moderate | |
| Anticholinergics | Moderate | |
| Digoxin | Moderate | |
| Antacids | Minor | |
| Ketoconazole | Minor | |
| Caffeine | Minor |
🚨 Major Interactions
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
- Beta-blockers
- Tricyclic antidepressants
⚡ Moderate Interactions
- CNS depressants (alcohol, benzodiazepines)
- Anticholinergics
- Digoxin
🍷 Alcohol Interaction
Alcohol increases drowsiness and impairs motor skills. Avoid alcohol while taking this medicine.
🔎 Check Your Other Medicines
Educational tool. Always confirm with your doctor or pharmacist.
🛡️ Safety & Warnings
🚫 Contraindications
["Severe hypertension","Coronary artery disease","Hyperthyroidism","Narrow-angle glaucoma","Urinary retention","MAOI therapy within 14 days","Hypersensitivity to any component"]
⚠️ Warnings & Precautions
["May cause drowsiness; avoid driving.","Use with caution in elderly.","Avoid in patients with cardiovascular disease.","Do not exceed recommended dose.","Not for children under 12 without medical advice."]
🤱 Lactation Safety
Cetirizine and pseudoephedrine pass into breast milk. Pseudoephedrine may reduce milk supply. Consult your doctor before use.
💊 Overdose Management
Overdose may cause severe drowsiness, tachycardia, hypertension, or seizures. Seek emergency medical care immediately. Treatment is supportive and symptomatic.
⏰ 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 dose.
Additional Safety Advice
Take this medicine exactly as prescribed. Do not exceed the recommended dose. Avoid driving or operating machinery if you feel drowsy. Do not use with alcohol or other sedatives. Check your blood pressure regularly if you have hypertension. Avoid taking other decongestants or antihistamines without consulting your doctor. Do not use for more than 7 days without medical advice. Keep out of reach of children.
👴 Special Considerations for Elderly
💡 For Patients Above 65
Elderly patients are more sensitive to side effects like drowsiness, confusion, and urinary retention. Use with caution and lower doses may be needed.
🤰 Pregnancy Planning (TTC)
Consult your doctor before use if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy. Pseudoephedrine may affect blood flow to the placenta.
🏥 Post-Surgery Considerations
Consult your doctor before use after surgery, as pseudoephedrine can affect blood pressure and heart rate.
🦷 Dental Procedures
Inform your dentist if you are taking this medicine, as it may interact with anesthetics or cause dry mouth.
💚 Lifestyle Tips for Better Results
🏋️ Exercise Considerations
Avoid strenuous exercise if you feel drowsy or dizzy. Stay hydrated during exercise.
🥗 Diet Recommendations
💼 Impact on Daily Work & Life
May cause drowsiness, affecting driving and operating machinery. Avoid these activities until you know how the medicine affects you.
🛑 When to Stop This Medicine
Stop if you experience severe side effects or if symptoms persist beyond 7 days. Consult your doctor before stopping if you have been on long-term therapy.
📅 Long-Term Use Effects
Long-term use of pseudoephedrine can lead to rebound congestion and increased blood pressure. Cetirizine is generally safe for long-term use but may cause drowsiness. Regular monitoring is advised if used for extended periods.
🌿 Non-Medicine Approaches
These can complement medicine but do not replace prescribed treatment.
Can help relieve nasal congestion without medication.
Evidence: Well-establishedReducing exposure to allergens can decrease symptoms.
Evidence: Well-established💉 Vaccination Considerations
💉 If You're Getting Vaccinated
No known interactions with vaccines. However, consult your doctor if you are scheduled for 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
Carry this medicine in its original packaging with a copy of your prescription. Store at room temperature and protect from direct sunlight. If traveling across time zones, adjust dosing intervals as advised by your doctor. Check customs regulations for carrying medications.
💰 Cost Analysis & Savings
👥 Real Patient Stories
Educational, anonymized scenarios. Individual results may vary.
💬 Questions Patients Often Ask
A: Cetirizine starts working within 1 hour, and pseudoephedrine within 15-30 minutes. You may feel relief within an hour.
A: Yes, but it may cause insomnia due to pseudoephedrine. If it keeps you awake, take it earlier in the day.
A: Pseudoephedrine can raise blood pressure. Consult your doctor before use if you have hypertension.
A: No, alcohol increases drowsiness and other side effects. Avoid alcohol.
🤔 Common Patient Concerns
🔄 Substitutes for alcold 5 mg/120 mg tablet
View AllAlternative brands with exact same active ingredient:
-
intazin d 5 mg/120 mg tabletIntas Pharmaceuticals Ltd ₹5.86 70.4% CHEAPER
-
cetiriz d 5 mg/120 mg tabletAlkem Laboratories Ltd ₹18.39 7.2% CHEAPER
-
locet d 5 mg/120 mg tabletApostle Remedies ₹22.50 13.6% COSTLIER
-
ricold tabletQuadriga Biotech Pvt Ltd ₹28.13 42% COSTLIER
-
zyrtec d 5 mg/120 mg capsuleUCB India Pvt Ltd ₹32.65 64.8% COSTLIER
Medical Note: Always consult your doctor before switching medications.
🛑 Myths vs. Facts
- Myth: It can be taken for any type of cold.
Fact: It is only for congestion and allergic symptoms; it does not treat infections. - Myth: It is safe for everyone.
Fact: It is not safe for people with certain heart conditions, high blood pressure, or glaucoma. - Myth: More is better.
Fact: Exceeding the dose can cause serious side effects like hypertensive crisis.
🔄 Alternative Options
Generic Alternatives
- Cetirizine + Pseudoephedrine combination tablets
Brand Alternatives
- Alcold 5 mg/120 mg tablet