Alkem Cold Suspension: Complete Medicine Guide
When to Call Your Doctor IMMEDIATELY
- Difficulty breathing or swelling of face, lips, or throat
- Severe abdominal pain or yellowing of eyes/skin
- Blood in vomit or stool
- Unusual bleeding or bruising
- Severe drowsiness or confusion
- Persistent fever for more than 3 days
- Decreased urine output
If experiencing severe symptoms, call emergency services immediately.
What is anacold syrup used for?
This medicine is a combination of cetirizine (antihistamine) and paracetamol (pain reliever and fever reducer) used to treat symptoms of common cold and allergies such as runny nose, sneezing, and mild fever.
- Generic Name: Cetirizine + Paracetamol
- Manufacturer: Magnum Laboratories Pvt Ltd
- Form: Allopathy
- Pregnancy Category: Consult doctor
- Prescription Required: Yes
🇮🇳 anacold syrup के बारे में (Hindi Summary)
उपयोग: यह दवा सर्दी-जुकाम और एलर्जी के लक्षणों जैसे नाक बहना, छींक आना, आँखों में पानी आना, खुजली और हल्के बुखार या दर्द से राहत दिलाने के लिए इस्तेमाल की जाती है। इसमें सेटिरिज़िन और पैरासिटामोल दोनों होते हैं, जो मिलकर लक्षणों को कम करते हैं।
साइड इफेक्ट्स: इस दवा के सामान्य दुष्प्रभावों में नींद आना, मुँह सूखना, थकान और हल्का पेट दर्द शामिल हैं। गंभीर दुष्प्रभाव दुर्लभ हैं लेकिन एलर्जी, लिवर की समस्या या खून की बीमारी हो सकती है। किसी भी गंभीर लक्षण पर तुरंत डॉक्टर से मिलें।
सुरक्षा सलाह: इस दवा की मात्रा न बढ़ाएँ। पैरासिटामोल वाली अन्य दवाओं के साथ न लें। शराब न पिएँ। नींद आ सकती है, इसलिए वाहन न चलाएँ। लिवर या किडनी की बीमारी में सावधानी बरतें। डॉक्टर की सलाह के बिना लंबे समय तक न लें।
💊 anacold syrup Uses & Benefits
[{"condition":"Common cold","description":"Relieves runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes, and mild fever associated with common cold.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Allergic rhinitis","description":"Reduces sneezing, nasal itching, rhinorrhea, and ocular symptoms.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Urticaria","description":"Helps relieve itching and hives.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Mild pain and fever","description":"Paracetamol component reduces mild to moderate pain and fever.","evidence":"Well-established"}]
Off-label uses: []
Primary treatment for: Common cold and allergic rhinitis
Also treats: Urticaria, Mild pain and fever
📋 Drug Information
| Generic Name(s) | Cetirizine + Paracetamol |
| Brand Name | Alerid Cold Tablet |
| Manufacturer | Magnum Laboratories Pvt Ltd |
| Packaging / Form | Varies by brand (Allopathy) |
| Therapeutic Class | RESPIRATORY |
| Action Class | Antihistamine + Analgesic/Antipyretic |
| Route of Administration | Oral |
| Storage | Store at room temperature (15-30°C) in a dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep the bottle tightly closed. |
| 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 is a selective peripheral H1-receptor antagonist. It inhibits the early phase of allergic reactions by blocking histamine release from mast cells and basophils. Paracetamol acts primarily in the central nervous system to produce analgesia and antipyresis, possibly by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis in the brain.
Mechanism Steps
💡 How to Take anacold syrup
Strength: Each 5 ml contains cetirizine 2.5 mg and paracetamol 125 mg.
Dosage Information
| Adult Dosage | The usual adult dose is 5-10 ml of the suspension every 4-6 hours as needed, not to exceed 4 doses in 24 hours. Dose must be individualized by a qualified clinician based on indication, age, weight, renal and hepatic function. |
| 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 consult a doctor for appropriate dosing. |
| Renal Impairment | Dose adjustment may be required in patients with renal impairment. Consult a doctor. |
| Hepatic Impairment | Use with caution in patients with hepatic impairment. Dose reduction may be necessary. Consult a doctor. |
| Maximum Daily Dose | For adults: maximum 4 doses (20 ml) in 24 hours. Do not exceed. |
Dosage Timeline
🍽️ Food Timing Guide
⏰ What to Do If You Miss a Dose
⚠️ Side Effects of anacold syrup
✅ Common Side Effects
🚨 Serious Side Effects
⚠️ Rare Side Effects
Consult your doctor if you experience any unusual symptoms.
🔬 Drug Interactions
| Drug | Severity | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Warfarin | Major | |
| Other paracetamol products | Major | |
| CNS depressants | Moderate | |
| Anticholinergics | Moderate | |
| Alcohol | Major |
🚨 Major Interactions
- Other paracetamol-containing products
- Warfarin
- Alcohol
⚡ Moderate Interactions
- CNS depressants (e.g., sedatives, tranquilizers)
- Anticholinergics
🍷 Alcohol Interaction
Avoid alcohol consumption while taking this medicine. Alcohol increases the risk of liver damage from paracetamol and may enhance drowsiness caused by cetirizine.
🔎 Check Your Other Medicines
Educational tool. Always confirm with your doctor or pharmacist.
🛡️ Safety & Warnings
🚫 Contraindications
["Hypersensitivity to cetirizine, paracetamol, or any component","Severe liver impairment","Severe kidney impairment (requires medical supervision)"]
⚠️ Warnings & Precautions
["Do not exceed recommended dose.","Avoid other paracetamol-containing products.","May cause drowsiness; avoid driving.","Avoid alcohol.","Use with caution in liver or kidney disease.","Consult doctor if symptoms persist beyond 7 days."]
🤱 Lactation Safety
Cetirizine and paracetamol are excreted in breast milk in small amounts. Consult a doctor before use during breastfeeding.
💊 Overdose Management
Overdose of paracetamol can cause severe liver damage. Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and confusion. Seek immediate medical attention. Treatment may include activated charcoal, N-acetylcysteine, and supportive care. Cetirizine overdose may cause 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 dose.
Additional Safety Advice
Do not exceed the recommended dose of this medicine. Avoid using other products containing paracetamol while taking this medicine to prevent accidental overdose. Avoid alcohol consumption as it may increase the risk of liver damage and enhance drowsiness. This medicine may cause drowsiness; avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how it affects you. Use with caution in patients with liver or kidney disease, and in the elderly. Do not use for longer than directed without consulting a doctor. Keep out of reach of children. If symptoms persist or worsen, consult a healthcare professional.
👴 Special Considerations for Elderly
💡 For Patients Above 65
Elderly patients may be more sensitive to the side effects of this medicine, especially drowsiness and anticholinergic effects. Use with caution and consult a doctor for appropriate dosing.
🤰 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 has not been fully established.
🏥 Post-Surgery Considerations
Consult your doctor before using 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, as it may cause dry mouth and increase the risk of dental issues. It may also interact with medications used during dental procedures.
💚 Lifestyle Tips for Better Results
🏋️ Exercise Considerations
This medicine may cause drowsiness. Avoid strenuous exercise or activities requiring alertness until you know how it affects you.
🥗 Diet Recommendations
💼 Impact on Daily Work & Life
This medicine can cause drowsiness, which may affect your ability to drive or operate machinery. Avoid these activities until you know how the medicine affects you. It is advisable to take it when you can rest.
🛑 When to Stop This Medicine
Stop taking this medicine and consult a doctor if your symptoms persist beyond 7 days, worsen, or if you experience any serious side effects. Do not stop abruptly if you have been taking it regularly for a long time without medical advice.
📅 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 at high doses. Cetirizine may cause tolerance or persistent drowsiness. Regular monitoring of liver function may be needed if used for extended periods.
🌿 Non-Medicine Approaches
These can complement medicine but do not replace prescribed treatment.
Helps relieve nasal congestion without medication.
Evidence: Well-establishedCan ease nasal congestion and soothe irritated airways.
Evidence: Commonly used💉 Vaccination Considerations
💉 If You're Getting Vaccinated
This medicine does not interact with vaccines. However, if you have a fever, consult your doctor before 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 the prescription label intact. Bring a copy of your prescription if traveling internationally. Store at room temperature and protect from direct sunlight. No time zone adjustments are needed for this medicine as it is taken as needed. Check customs regulations for carrying medications across borders.
💰 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 paracetamol within 30-60 minutes. You may feel relief from symptoms within an hour.
A: Yes, it can be taken with or without food. However, if you experience stomach upset, take it with food.
A: Avoid taking other medicines containing paracetamol or antihistamines without consulting a doctor, as it may lead to overdose or increased side effects.
🤔 Common Patient Concerns
🔄 Substitutes for anacold syrup
View AllAlternative brands with exact same active ingredient:
-
tancet cold suspensionBiochem Pharmaceutical Industries ₹14.68 34.1% CHEAPER
-
welset cold suspensionSun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd ₹16.25 27% CHEAPER
-
ceticad plus active oral suspensionZydus Cadila ₹24.25 8.9% COSTLIER
-
cold-p plus suspensionCure Quick Pharmaceuticals ₹26.23 17.8% COSTLIER
-
cetfast cold oral suspensionElder Pharmaceuticals Ltd ₹32.00 43.8% COSTLIER
Medical Note: Always consult your doctor before switching medications.
🛑 Myths vs. Facts
- Myth: This medicine can cure the common cold.
Fact: This medicine only relieves symptoms; it does not cure the underlying viral infection. - Myth: It is safe to take extra doses for faster relief.
Fact: Taking more than the recommended dose can lead to serious side effects, especially liver damage from paracetamol.
🔄 Alternative Options
Generic Alternatives
- Cetirizine + Paracetamol suspension (generic)