alerpin a 5mg/60mg tablet - Cetirizine (5mg) + Ambroxol (60mg) medicine

Amcold 5 mg/60 mg Tablet: Complete Medicine Guide

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🏭 Pinarc Life Sciences 📦 Varies by brand 💊 Allopathy 📅 Updated: Sep 25, 2026
📋 Prescription Required 💊 Generic Available
Medically Reviewed
12 min read
Evidence: Moderate for individual components; limited for the fixed-dose combination.
Reviewed by
SaathiMed Expert Panel | Sep 25, 2026

When to Call Your Doctor IMMEDIATELY

  • Difficulty breathing or swelling of the face, lips, or throat
  • Irregular or rapid heartbeat
  • Severe dizziness or fainting
  • Seizures or convulsions
  • Yellowing of the skin or eyes
  • Severe abdominal pain or persistent vomiting

If experiencing severe symptoms, call emergency services immediately.

What is alerpin a 5mg/60mg tablet used for?

This medicine is a combination of cetirizine (an antihistamine) and ambroxol (a mucolytic) used to treat allergic symptoms with thick mucus. It relieves sneezing, runny nose, and helps clear mucus from the airways. It is available as an immediate-release tablet and is taken orally, usually once or twice daily as prescribed.

  • Generic Name: Cetirizine + Ambroxol
  • Manufacturer: Pinarc Life Sciences
  • Form: Allopathy
  • Pregnancy Category: Consult doctor
  • Prescription Required: Yes

🇮🇳 alerpin a 5mg/60mg tablet के बारे में (Hindi Summary)

उपयोग: यह दवा एलर्जी के लक्षणों जैसे छींक, नाक बहना, खुजली और आंखों में पानी आना, तथा साथ ही गाढ़े बलगम को पतला करने के लिए उपयोग की जाती है। यह सेटिरिज़िन और एम्ब्रोक्सोल का संयोजन है। यह एलर्जिक राइनाइटिस और बलगम वाली खांसी में राहत देती है।

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 सांस लेने में कठिनाई, चेहरे या गले में सूजन, या दिल की धड़कन अनियमित हो, तो तुरंत डॉक्टर से संपर्क करें।

सुरक्षा सलाह: इस दवा को डॉक्टर के निर्देशानुसार ही लें। खुराक से अधिक न लें। दवा लेने के बाद नींद आ सकती है, इसलिए वाहन चलाने या मशीन चलाने से बचें। शराब का सेवन न करें। यदि आप गर्भवती हैं या स्तनपान करा रही हैं, तो डॉक्टर से सलाह लें।

💡 Did You Know? The first generic medicine was introduced in India in 1970 after the Patents Act was amended.

💊 alerpin a 5mg/60mg tablet Uses & Benefits

[{"condition":"Allergic rhinitis with thick mucus","description":"Relieves sneezing, runny nose, itching, and helps clear mucus from the airways.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Productive cough associated with allergies","description":"Helps thin and loosen mucus, making it easier to cough out, while controlling allergic symptoms.","evidence":"Moderate"},{"condition":"Sinusitis with allergic component","description":"May help reduce congestion and mucus thickness in sinusitis when allergy is a contributing factor.","evidence":"Limited"}]

Off-label uses: [{"condition":"Chronic urticaria with mucus hypersecretion","description":"Sometimes prescribed off-label when both antihistamine and mucolytic effects are desired.","evidence":"Limited"}]

Primary treatment for: Allergic rhinitis with mucus congestion

Also treats: Productive cough due to allergies, Sinusitis with allergic component

📋 Drug Information

Generic Name(s)Cetirizine + Ambroxol
Brand NameAmcold
ManufacturerPinarc Life Sciences
Packaging / FormVaries by brand (Allopathy)
Therapeutic ClassRESPIRATORY
Action ClassAntihistamine + Mucolytic
Route of AdministrationOral
StorageStore at room temperature (15-30°C) in a 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 chance of stomach upset.
2
Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how this medicine affects your alertness.
3
Do not consume alcohol while taking this medicine, as it can increase drowsiness.
4
If you have kidney or liver problems, inform your doctor before taking this medicine.
5
Do not use this medicine for more than the prescribed duration without consulting your doctor.
6
If you experience any unusual symptoms like palpitations or severe drowsiness, contact your doctor immediately.

🔍 Is This Medicine Right for Your Symptom?

Educational reference. Always consult a doctor for diagnosis.

✅
Sneezing and runny nose
This medicine is commonly prescribed for allergic rhinitis.
Likely Use
✅
Thick mucus with cough
Ambroxol helps thin mucus, making it easier to cough out.
Likely Use
❌
Fever
This medicine is not a primary fever reducer.
Not Primary

🔬 How This Medicine Works (Pharmacology)

Pharmacokinetics

AbsorptionCetirizine is rapidly absorbed after oral administration, with peak plasma concentrations reached within 1 hour. Ambroxol is also well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, with peak levels occurring within 1 to 3 hours. Food does not significantly affect the absorption of either component.
DistributionCetirizine is widely distributed throughout the body, including into the skin and respiratory tissues. Ambroxol distributes extensively into lung tissue, bronchial secretions, and plasma. Both components have moderate volumes of distribution.
Protein BindingCetirizine is approximately 93% bound to plasma proteins. Ambroxol is about 90% bound to plasma proteins.
MetabolismCetirizine undergoes minimal hepatic metabolism and is primarily excreted unchanged in urine. Ambroxol is metabolized in the liver by cytochrome P450 enzymes, primarily CYP3A4, into several metabolites.
Half-LifeThe elimination half-life of cetirizine is approximately 8 to 10 hours in adults with normal renal function. The elimination half-life of ambroxol is approximately 7 to 12 hours.
ExcretionCetirizine is mainly excreted unchanged in the urine. Ambroxol and its metabolites are excreted primarily in the urine, with a small fraction eliminated in feces.
BioavailabilityThe oral bioavailability of cetirizine is approximately 70% or higher. The oral bioavailability of ambroxol is approximately 70% to 80%.
Onset of ActionCetirizine begins to relieve allergic symptoms within 1 hour of oral administration. Ambroxol's mucolytic effects typically start within 30 to 60 minutes and become more noticeable over a few hours.
Peak Plasma TimeCetirizine reaches peak plasma concentration in about 1 hour. Ambroxol reaches peak plasma concentration in about 1 to 3 hours.
Duration of ActionCetirizine's antihistamine effect lasts for approximately 24 hours, allowing once-daily dosing. Ambroxol's mucolytic effect lasts for about 6 to 8 hours, often requiring multiple daily doses.

How It Works

This medicine combines two active ingredients with distinct 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 vasodilation. Ambroxol is a mucolytic agent that increases serous bronchial secretion, reduces mucus viscosity, and promotes ciliary clearance, making mucus easier to expectorate. Together, they provide symptomatic relief from allergic respiratory conditions with mucus congestion.

Mechanism Steps

1
Histamine H1 receptor blockade: Cetirizine binds to H1 receptors on effector cells, preventing histamine from triggering allergic symptoms such as sneezing, itching, and runny nose.
2
Mucus viscosity reduction: Ambroxol breaks down acidic mucopolysaccharide fibers in mucus, reducing its thickness and making it easier to clear.
3
Enhanced ciliary clearance: Ambroxol stimulates ciliary movement and increases serous secretion, helping to transport loosened mucus out of the airways.
4
Surfactant production: Ambroxol promotes surfactant synthesis in type II pneumocytes, which helps maintain airway patency and reduces mucus adhesion.

💡 How to Take alerpin a 5mg/60mg tablet

Strength: Each immediate-release tablet contains cetirizine 5 mg and ambroxol 60 mg.

1Take the tablet orally with a glass of water.
2Swallow the tablet whole; do not crush or chew.
3Take with or without food, but taking with food may reduce stomach upset.
4Follow the prescribed dose and frequency exactly.
5Do not take more than the recommended dose.

Dosage Information

Adult DosageThe usual adult dose of this medicine is one tablet taken orally once or twice daily, as prescribed by your doctor. The exact dose and frequency depend on the condition being treated, your age, weight, kidney and liver function, and response to therapy. Dose must be individualized by a qualified clinician based on indication, age, weight, renal and hepatic function. Do not self-adjust the 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. Dose adjustment may be necessary based on renal function. Consult your doctor for appropriate dosing.
Renal ImpairmentIn patients with renal impairment, dose reduction may be required. Cetirizine clearance is reduced in renal impairment. Consult your doctor for dose adjustment based on creatinine clearance.
Hepatic ImpairmentIn patients with hepatic impairment, caution is advised. Dose adjustment may be necessary. Consult your doctor.
Maximum Daily DoseThe maximum recommended daily dose is one tablet twice daily, but this should not be exceeded without medical advice.

Dosage Timeline

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

🍽️ Food Timing Guide

With food
Take with meals
Reduces stomach upset.
Alcohol
Avoid
Increases drowsiness and impairs alertness.

⏰ 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 alerpin a 5mg/60mg tablet

✅ Common Side Effects

Drowsiness (Common (5-10%))
Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how it affects you. If persistent, consult your doctor.
Dry mouth (Common (5-10%))
Sip water frequently or chew sugar-free gum. Consult doctor if it becomes bothersome.
Fatigue (Common (5-10%))
Get adequate rest. If fatigue interferes with daily activities, consult your doctor.
Mild stomach discomfort (Uncommon (1-5%))
Take with food to reduce stomach upset. If pain persists, consult your doctor.

🚨 Serious Side Effects

Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) (Rare (<0.1%))
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience rash, swelling of face, lips, or throat, difficulty breathing, or dizziness.
Irregular heartbeat (Rare (<0.1%))
Contact your doctor immediately if you notice palpitations or irregular pulse.
Seizures (Very rare (<0.01%))
Seek emergency medical help if seizures occur.

⚠️ Rare Side Effects

Agitation
Consult your doctor if you experience unusual restlessness or agitation.
Liver enzyme elevation
Report any yellowing of skin or eyes, dark urine, or severe fatigue to your doctor.

Consult your doctor if you experience any unusual symptoms.

🔬 Drug Interactions

Drug Severity Effect
Alcohol Major
Benzodiazepines Major
Opioids Major
MAOIs Major
Theophylline Moderate
Ritonavir Moderate
Anticholinergics Minor

🚨 Major Interactions

  • CNS depressants (e.g., alcohol, benzodiazepines, opioids)
  • Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)

⚡ Moderate Interactions

  • Theophylline
  • Ritonavir

🍷 Alcohol Interaction

Alcohol should be avoided while taking this medicine because it can enhance the sedative effects of cetirizine, leading to increased drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired coordination. This can affect your ability to drive or operate machinery.

🔎 Check Your Other Medicines

Educational tool. Always confirm with your doctor or pharmacist.

🛡️ Safety & Warnings

🚫 Contraindications

["Hypersensitivity to cetirizine, ambroxol, or any component of the formulation","Severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance

⚠️ Warnings & Precautions

["May cause drowsiness; avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how it affects you.","Avoid alcohol and other CNS depressants.","Use with caution in patients with a history of seizures.","Use with caution in patients with renal or hepatic impairment.","Do not exceed the recommended dose.","Not recommended for children under 12 years without medical advice."]

🤱 Lactation Safety

Cetirizine and ambroxol may pass into breast milk. Consult your doctor before using this medicine while breastfeeding.

💊 Overdose Management

Overdose may cause severe drowsiness, agitation, or seizures. If overdose is suspected, seek immediate medical attention. Treatment is supportive and symptomatic. There is no specific antidote. Gastric lavage may be considered if ingestion is recent. Monitor vital signs and provide supportive care.

⏰ 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 impair alertness. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Do not use this medicine for a longer duration than prescribed without medical advice. Keep out of reach of children. Store at room temperature, away from moisture and direct sunlight.

👴 Special Considerations for Elderly

💡 For Patients Above 65

Elderly patients may be more sensitive to the sedative effects of cetirizine and may have reduced renal function, requiring dose adjustment. Use with caution and monitor for drowsiness and falls.

🤰 Pregnancy Planning (TTC)

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

🏥 Post-Surgery Considerations

Inform your surgeon and anesthesiologist if you are taking this medicine before surgery. It may interact with anesthetic agents and increase sedation.

🦷 Dental Procedures

Inform your dentist if you are taking this medicine, as it may cause dry mouth and increase the risk of dental issues. Also, sedation may interact with dental anesthetics.

💚 Lifestyle Tips for Better Results

🏃
Avoid known allergens such as dust, pollen, and pet dander.
🥗
Use air purifiers or keep windows closed during high pollen seasons.
😴
Stay well hydrated to help thin mucus.
💧
Get adequate rest to support your immune system.
🧘
Practice good hand hygiene to prevent infections.

🏋️ Exercise Considerations

This medicine may cause drowsiness or dizziness. Avoid strenuous exercise or activities requiring high alertness until you know how the medicine affects you. Light to moderate exercise is generally safe.

🥗 Diet Recommendations

Include warm fluids like soups and herbal teas to help soothe the throat and thin mucus.
Avoid cold and sugary drinks that can thicken mucus.
Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables to support immunity.
Limit alcohol and caffeine, which can worsen dehydration.

💼 Impact on Daily Work & Life

This medicine can cause drowsiness, which may affect your ability to perform tasks requiring alertness, such as driving or operating machinery. It is advisable to avoid such activities until you know how the medicine affects you. Office work is generally safe, but take breaks if you feel drowsy.

🛑 When to Stop This Medicine

Stop taking this medicine if your symptoms improve and your doctor advises discontinuation. If you experience any serious side effects, stop immediately and seek medical attention. Do not stop abruptly if you have been on long-term therapy without consulting your doctor.

📅 Long-Term Use Effects

Long-term use of this medicine should be under medical supervision. Prolonged use of cetirizine may lead to tolerance or increased sedation. Ambroxol is generally well-tolerated, but rare liver enzyme elevations have been reported. Regular monitoring of liver and kidney function may be advised if used for extended periods.

🌿 Non-Medicine Approaches

These can complement medicine but do not replace prescribed treatment.

Saline nasal irrigation

Helps clear mucus and allergens from nasal passages.

Evidence: Well-established
Steam inhalation

Can help loosen mucus and relieve congestion.

Evidence: Moderate

💉 Vaccination Considerations

💉 If You're Getting Vaccinated

There are no known interactions between this medicine and vaccines. However, if you are scheduled for vaccination, inform your healthcare provider about all medicines you are taking.

📦 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 your medicine in its original packaging along with a copy of your prescription. Keep it in your carry-on luggage to avoid loss. Store at room temperature and protect from extreme heat or moisture. If crossing time zones, adjust dosing times gradually as advised by your doctor. Check customs regulations for carrying prescription medicines.

💰 Cost Analysis & Savings

👥 Real Patient Stories

Educational, anonymized scenarios. Individual results may vary.

👤 A 35-year-old woman with seasonal allergic rhinitis and post-nasal drip
She was prescribed this medicine for her symptoms. After taking it for 3 days, she noticed significant relief from sneezing and her mucus became thinner and easier to clear. She experienced mild drowsiness initially, which subsided after a few days. She was advised to take it with food to avoid stomach upset.
💡 Lesson: Taking the medicine with food and allowing a few days for the body to adjust can improve tolerability.
👤 A 50-year-old man with chronic sinusitis and allergies
He started this medicine as part of his treatment. Within a week, his nasal congestion and headache improved. He was cautioned about drowsiness and advised not to drive until he knew how it affected him. He also used saline nasal irrigation, which helped further.
💡 Lesson: Combining medicine with other supportive measures like nasal irrigation can enhance symptom relief.

💬 Questions Patients Often Ask

Q: How long does it take to work?

A: Cetirizine starts relieving allergic symptoms within 1 hour, while ambroxol's mucolytic effect begins within 30-60 minutes. Full benefits may take a few days.

Q: Can I take this medicine with food?

A: Yes, you can take it with or without food. Taking it with food may help reduce stomach upset.

Q: Is it safe to drive after taking this medicine?

A: This medicine may cause drowsiness. Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how it affects you.

🤔 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 alerpin a 5mg/60mg 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 all types of cough.
    Fact: This medicine is specifically for allergic cough with mucus. It is not effective for dry cough or cough due to infections without allergies.
  • Myth: It is safe to take this medicine for long periods without doctor supervision.
    Fact: Prolonged use should be avoided unless prescribed. Regular monitoring may be needed.

🔄 Alternative Options

Generic Alternatives

  • Cetirizine 5 mg + Ambroxol 60 mg tablet (various manufacturers)

Brand Alternatives

  • Amcold 5 mg/60 mg tablet (Cipla Ltd)

📊 Comparison with Similar Medicines

[{"medicine":"Cetirizine + Ambroxol","composition":"Cetirizine 5 mg + Ambroxol 60 mg","onset":"1 hour","duration":"24 hours for antihistamine; 6-8 hours for mucolytic","sedation":"Moderate"},{"medicine":"Levocetirizine + Ambroxol","composition":"Levocetirizine 5 mg + Ambroxol 60 mg","onset":"1 hour","duration":"24 hours for antihistamine; 6-8 hours for mucolytic","sedation":"Low"}]

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