cefed  tablet - Cetirizine (10mg) + Pseudoephedrine (60mg) medicine

Antizine Plus Tablet: Complete Medicine Guide

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🏭 Symcox Research Lab P Ltd 📦 Varies by brand 💊 Allopathy 📅 Updated: Oct 21, 2026
📋 Prescription Required 💊 Generic Available
Medically Reviewed
11 min read
Evidence: Well-established for allergic rhinitis and common cold.
Reviewed by
SaathiMed Expert Panel | Oct 21, 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

  • Severe allergic reaction (rash, swelling, difficulty breathing)
  • Irregular heartbeat or palpitations
  • Severe headache with blurred vision
  • Chest pain or shortness of breath
  • Seizures
  • Yellowing of skin or eyes
  • Decreased urine output

If experiencing severe symptoms, call emergency services immediately.

What is cefed tablet used for?

This medicine is a combination of cetirizine (an antihistamine) and pseudoephedrine (a decongestant) used to treat symptoms of allergic rhinitis, common cold, and sinusitis. It relieves sneezing, runny nose, and nasal congestion. It is usually taken every 12 hours as prescribed.

  • Generic Name: Cetirizine + Pseudoephedrine
  • Manufacturer: Symcox Research Lab P Ltd
  • Form: Allopathy
  • Pregnancy Category: Consult doctor
  • Prescription Required: Yes

🇮🇳 cefed tablet के बारे में (Hindi Summary)

उपयोग: यह दवा एलर्जी और जुकाम के लक्षणों जैसे छींक, नाक बहना, नाक बंद होना और आंखों में खुजली को कम करने के लिए इस्तेमाल की जाती है। इसमें सेटिरिज़िन और स्यूडोएफेड्रिन दो दवाएं होती हैं। यह डॉक्टर की सलाह पर ही लेनी चाहिए।

साइड इफेक्ट्स: इस दवा के सामान्य दुष्प्रभावों में नींद आना, मुंह सूखना, सिरदर्द और जी मिचलाना शामिल हैं। कुछ लोगों को बेचैनी या अनिद्रा भी हो सकती है। गंभीर दुष्प्रभाव दुर्लभ हैं, लेकिन अगर आपको दिल की धड़कन तेज होना या सांस लेने में तकलीफ हो, तो तुरंत डॉक्टर से मिलें।

सुरक्षा सलाह: इस दवा को डॉक्टर के बताए अनुसार ही लें। इसकी मात्रा न बढ़ाएं। दवा लेने के बाद नींद आ सकती है, इसलिए वाहन चलाने या मशीन चलाने से बचें। शराब का सेवन न करें। अगर आपको उच्च रक्तचाप, हृदय रोग, मधुमेह, थायरॉइड या ग्लूकोमा है, तो डॉक्टर को बताएं। 7 दिनों से अधिक इस दवा का उपयोग बिना डॉक्टर की सलाह के न करें।

💡 Did You Know? Over 80% of the antiretroviral drugs used globally to combat AIDS are supplied by Indian pharmaceutical companies.

💊 cefed 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 from nasal congestion and sneezing associated with the common cold.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Sinusitis","description":"Helps reduce nasal congestion and pressure in sinusitis, though it does not treat the underlying infection.","evidence":"Moderate"}]

Off-label uses: [{"condition":"Eustachian tube dysfunction","description":"Sometimes used off-label to relieve congestion and pressure in the ear.","evidence":"Limited"}]

Primary treatment for: Allergic rhinitis

Also treats: Common cold, Sinusitis

📋 Drug Information

Generic Name(s)Cetirizine + Pseudoephedrine
Brand NameAlcold
ManufacturerSymcox Research Lab P Ltd
Packaging / FormVaries by brand (Allopathy)
Therapeutic ClassRESPIRATORY
Action ClassAntihistamine + Decongestant
Route of AdministrationOral
StorageStore at room temperature between 15°C and 30°C (59°F to 86°F). Protect from light and moisture.
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 if it upsets your stomach.
2
Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how it affects you.
3
Do not take this medicine close to bedtime to prevent insomnia.
4
Limit caffeine intake as it may increase nervousness.
5
Monitor your blood pressure if you have hypertension.
6
Do not use for more than 7 days without consulting your doctor.
7
Inform your doctor about all other medications you are taking.

🔍 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 these symptoms.
Likely Use
✅
Nasal congestion
Pseudoephedrine helps relieve congestion.
Likely Use
❌
Fever
This medicine is not a primary fever reducer.
Not Primary
✅
Itchy, watery eyes
Cetirizine helps with allergic eye symptoms.
Likely Use

🔬 How This Medicine Works (Pharmacology)

Pharmacokinetics

AbsorptionCetirizine is rapidly absorbed after oral administration, with peak plasma concentrations reached in about 1 hour. Pseudoephedrine is also well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, with peak levels occurring in 1 to 2 hours.
DistributionCetirizine is widely distributed throughout the body, including into the skin and nasal mucosa. Pseudoephedrine distributes into various tissues, including the nasal passages, and crosses the blood-brain barrier to some extent.
Protein BindingCetirizine is approximately 93% bound to plasma proteins. Pseudoephedrine is not significantly protein-bound.
MetabolismCetirizine undergoes minimal hepatic metabolism. Pseudoephedrine is partially metabolized in the liver by N-demethylation, but a significant portion is excreted unchanged.
Half-LifeThe elimination half-life of cetirizine is approximately 8 to 10 hours in adults with normal kidney function. The half-life of pseudoephedrine is approximately 5 to 8 hours.
ExcretionCetirizine is primarily excreted unchanged in the urine. Pseudoephedrine is excreted in the urine, with about 55% to 75% of a dose excreted unchanged.
BioavailabilityThe oral bioavailability of cetirizine is high, approximately 70% or more. Pseudoephedrine has a bioavailability of about 90%.
Onset of ActionCetirizine begins to relieve allergic symptoms within 1 hour. Pseudoephedrine starts to decongest within 30 to 60 minutes.
Peak Plasma TimeCetirizine: 1 hour; Pseudoephedrine: 1 to 2 hours.
Duration of ActionCetirizine provides relief for about 24 hours. Pseudoephedrine's decongestant effect lasts for 4 to 6 hours, but the combination may provide relief for up to 12 hours depending on the formulation.

How It Works

This medicine combines two active ingredients with complementary actions. Cetirizine selectively blocks histamine H1 receptors, reducing allergic symptoms such as sneezing, itching, and runny nose. Pseudoephedrine acts on alpha-adrenergic receptors in the nasal mucosa, causing vasoconstriction and reducing swelling and congestion. The combination provides both antihistaminic and decongestant effects.

Mechanism Steps

1
Histamine H1 receptor blockade: Cetirizine binds to histamine H1 receptors, preventing histamine from triggering allergic responses such as sneezing, itching, and runny nose.
2
Alpha-adrenergic receptor stimulation: Pseudoephedrine stimulates alpha-adrenergic receptors on blood vessels in the nasal mucosa, causing them to constrict.
3
Reduced nasal congestion: Vasoconstriction decreases blood flow and fluid leakage into nasal tissues, reducing swelling and congestion.
4
Combined symptomatic relief: The antihistamine and decongestant actions work together to relieve both allergic and congestive symptoms.

💡 How to Take cefed tablet

Strength: Each tablet contains cetirizine 10 mg and pseudoephedrine 60 mg.

1Take this medicine orally with a glass of water.
2Swallow the tablet whole; do not crush or chew.
3Take with or without food, but if it upsets your stomach, take it with a meal.
4Follow the dose and duration prescribed by your doctor.
5Do not take more than the recommended dose.

Dosage Information

Adult DosageThe usual adult dose of this medicine is one tablet taken orally every 12 hours, not to exceed two tablets in 24 hours. However, the dose must be individualized by a qualified clinician based on the indication, age, weight, renal and hepatic function, and response to treatment. 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 effects of this medicine, especially drowsiness and cardiovascular effects. Dose adjustment may be necessary. Consult a doctor.
Renal ImpairmentIn patients with renal impairment, dose reduction may be required. Consult a doctor for individualized dosing.
Hepatic ImpairmentIn patients with hepatic impairment, caution is advised. Dose adjustment may be necessary. Consult a doctor.
Maximum Daily DoseTwo tablets in 24 hours.

Dosage Timeline

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

🍽️ Food Timing Guide

With food
Take with meals if stomach upset occurs
Reduces gastrointestinal discomfort.
Caffeine
Limit intake
May increase nervousness and insomnia.
Grapefruit juice
Avoid excessive consumption
May increase cetirizine levels.

⏰ What to Do If You Miss a Dose

📌 Less than 6 hours since missed dose
→ Take the missed dose as soon as you remember.
💡 Continue with the regular schedule.
📌 More than 6 hours since missed dose
→ Skip the missed dose.
💡 Do not double dose to catch up.

⚠️ Side Effects of cefed tablet

✅ Common Side Effects

Drowsiness (Common (5-10%))
Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how it affects you. Usually resolves with continued use.
Dry mouth (Common (5-10%))
Sip water frequently or chew sugarless gum. Consult doctor if persistent.
Headache (Common (5-10%))
Usually resolves on its own. If severe or persistent, consult your doctor.
Nausea (Common (5-10%))
Take with food to reduce stomach upset. Consult doctor if it continues.
Insomnia (Common (5-10%))
Avoid taking this medicine close to bedtime. If it persists, talk to your doctor.
Nervousness (Common (5-10%))
Reduce caffeine intake. If symptoms are bothersome, consult your doctor.

🚨 Serious Side Effects

Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) (Rare (<0.1%))
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience rash, itching, swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat, or difficulty breathing.
Irregular heartbeat (Rare (<0.1%))
Contact your doctor immediately if you feel palpitations or irregular pulse.
Severe hypertension (Rare (<0.1%))
Seek medical help if you experience severe headache, blurred vision, or chest pain.
Seizures (Very rare (<0.01%))
Call emergency services if seizures occur.

⚠️ Rare Side Effects

Hallucinations
Discontinue and seek immediate medical attention.
Severe skin reactions (e.g., Stevens-Johnson syndrome)
Stop the medicine and get emergency medical help if you notice rash, blisters, or peeling skin.

Consult your doctor if you experience any unusual symptoms.

🔬 Drug Interactions

Drug Severity Effect
MAOIs Major
Beta-blockers Major
Tricyclic antidepressants Major
CNS depressants Moderate
Antihypertensives Moderate
Theophylline Moderate
Anticholinergics Minor
Opioids Minor

🚨 Major Interactions

  • Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
  • Beta-blockers
  • Tricyclic antidepressants

⚡ Moderate Interactions

  • CNS depressants (e.g., alcohol, sedatives)
  • Antihypertensives
  • Theophylline

🍷 Alcohol Interaction

Alcohol may increase drowsiness and impair motor skills when taken with this medicine. It is best to avoid alcohol while taking this medicine.

🔎 Check Your Other Medicines

Educational tool. Always confirm with your doctor or pharmacist.

🛡️ Safety & Warnings

🚫 Contraindications

["Known hypersensitivity to cetirizine, pseudoephedrine, or any component of the formulation.","Severe hypertension or uncontrolled high blood pressure.","Severe coronary artery disease or recent myocardial infarction.","Hyperthyroidism.","Narrow-angle glaucoma.","Urinary retention.","Use within 14 days of MAOI therapy."]

⚠️ 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 hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, thyroid disorders, or glaucoma.","Do not exceed the recommended dose.","Do not use for more than 7 days without consulting a doctor.","Keep out of reach of children."]

🤱 Lactation Safety

Cetirizine and pseudoephedrine pass into breast milk in small amounts. Consult your doctor before using this medicine while breastfeeding, as it may cause drowsiness or irritability in the infant.

💊 Overdose Management

Overdose may cause severe drowsiness, agitation, hypertension, tachycardia, and seizures. Seek immediate medical attention. Treatment is supportive and symptomatic. There is no specific antidote.

⏰ 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.

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 alcohol while taking this medicine. Inform your doctor if you have high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, thyroid problems, or glaucoma. Do not use this medicine for more than 7 days without consulting your doctor. Keep out of reach of children.

👴 Special Considerations for Elderly

💡 For Patients Above 65

Elderly patients may be more sensitive to the side effects of this medicine, especially drowsiness, dizziness, and cardiovascular effects. Use with caution and monitor blood pressure.

🤰 Pregnancy Planning (TTC)

If you are planning pregnancy or are pregnant, consult your doctor before taking this medicine. Pseudoephedrine may be avoided in the first trimester.

🏥 Post-Surgery Considerations

Consult your doctor before using this medicine after surgery, as it may interact with anesthetics or other medications.

🦷 Dental Procedures

Inform your dentist if you are taking this medicine, as it may interact with certain dental anesthetics or medications.

💚 Lifestyle Tips for Better Results

🏃
Stay hydrated to help thin mucus.
🥗
Use a humidifier to ease nasal congestion.
😴
Avoid known allergens such as dust and pollen.
💧
Get plenty of rest to support recovery.
🧘
Wash hands frequently to prevent infections.

🏋️ Exercise Considerations

This medicine may cause drowsiness or dizziness. Avoid strenuous exercise or activities requiring alertness until you know how it affects you.

🥗 Diet Recommendations

Include warm fluids like soups and teas.
Avoid cold drinks and ice cream if they worsen symptoms.
Eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals.
Limit caffeine and alcohol.

💼 Impact on Daily Work & Life

This medicine can cause drowsiness, which may affect your ability to drive or operate machinery. It is advisable to avoid such activities until you know how it affects you. Inform your employer if your work requires alertness.

🛑 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. Do not stop abruptly if you have been on long-term therapy without medical advice.

📅 Long-Term Use Effects

Long-term use of this medicine is not recommended without medical supervision. Prolonged use of pseudoephedrine may lead to rebound congestion or increased blood pressure. Regular monitoring of blood pressure and heart rate is advised 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
Allergen avoidance

Reducing exposure to allergens can decrease symptoms.

Evidence: Well-established

💉 Vaccination Considerations

💉 If You're Getting Vaccinated

This medicine does not interact with vaccines. However, if you are scheduled for vaccination, inform your doctor about all medications 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 this medicine in its original packaging along with a copy of your prescription. Store it at room temperature and protect it from extreme heat or moisture. If crossing time zones, adjust dosing times gradually to maintain the 12-hour interval. Check local customs regulations regarding pseudoephedrine, as some countries have restrictions.

💰 Cost Analysis & Savings

👥 Real Patient Stories

Educational, anonymized scenarios. Individual results may vary.

👤 A 35-year-old woman with seasonal allergies
She was prescribed this medicine for her allergic rhinitis symptoms. She took it as directed and found significant relief from sneezing and nasal congestion within an hour. She experienced mild drowsiness initially but it subsided after a few days.
💡 Lesson: Taking the medicine as prescribed and being aware of initial side effects helps manage expectations.
👤 A 50-year-old man with a cold and sinus pressure
He used this medicine for 5 days and noticed reduced congestion and pressure. He avoided driving after taking it due to drowsiness and limited his caffeine intake to prevent jitteriness.
💡 Lesson: Adhering to safety precautions like avoiding driving and caffeine enhances tolerability.

💬 Questions Patients Often Ask

Q: How long does it take to work?

A: This medicine starts relieving symptoms within 1 hour, with peak effects in 1-2 hours.

Q: Can I take it at night?

A: It may cause insomnia if taken at night due to pseudoephedrine. It is best to take it earlier in the day.

Q: Is it safe for high blood pressure patients?

A: Pseudoephedrine can increase blood pressure. Consult your doctor before use if you have hypertension.

🤔 Common Patient Concerns

💭 These are the concerns patients most commonly raise

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

🔄 Substitutes for cefed 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 allergies permanently.
    Fact: This medicine only provides symptomatic relief; it does not cure allergies.
  • Myth: It is safe to take this medicine for long periods without doctor supervision.
    Fact: Long-term use should be monitored by a doctor due to potential side effects.

🔄 Alternative Options

Generic Alternatives

  • Cetirizine + Pseudoephedrine combination tablets

Brand Alternatives

  • Antizine Plus Tablet

📊 Comparison with Similar Medicines

[{"medicine":"Cetirizine + Pseudoephedrine","onset":"1 hour","duration":"12-24 hours","sedation":"Moderate"},{"medicine":"Loratadine + Pseudoephedrine","onset":"1-3 hours","duration":"12-24 hours","sedation":"Low"}]

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