Chericof Capsule: Complete Medicine Guide for Cold and Allergy Relief
Clinical Reference Standards: CDSCO (Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation), Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP) & WHO | Last Updated: September 2026
When to Call Your Doctor IMMEDIATELY
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, or difficulty breathing.
- Chest pain, palpitations, or irregular heartbeat.
- Severe headache with visual changes or confusion.
- Inability to pass urine or severe lower abdominal pain.
- Seizures or loss of consciousness.
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, or severe fatigue.
- Severe rash, blisters, or peeling skin.
If experiencing severe symptoms, call emergency services immediately.
What is chericof capsule used for?
This medicine is a combination of phenylephrine, a nasal decongestant, and chlorpheniramine maleate, an antihistamine. It is used for short-term relief of nasal congestion, sneezing, runny nose, and itchy or watery eyes caused by the common cold or allergies. It may cause drowsiness, so avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how it affects you.
- Generic Name: Phenylephrine + Chlorpheniramine Maleate
- Manufacturer: Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd
- Form: Allopathy
- Pregnancy Category: Consult doctor
- Prescription Required: Yes
🇮🇳 chericof capsule के बारे में (Hindi Summary)
उपयोग: यह दवा फेनिलएफ्रिन और क्लोरफेनिरामाइन मेलिएट का संयोजन है। यह सर्दी-जुकाम और एलर्जी से होने वाली नाक बंद, छींक, बहती नाक और आंखों में खुजली जैसे लक्षणों में राहत देती है। फेनिलएफ्रिन नाक की रक्त वाहिकाओं को सिकोड़कर जमाव कम करता है, जबकि क्लोरफेनिरामाइन हिस्टामिन को रोककर एलर्जी के लक्षणों को कम करता है। यह दवा नींद और सुस्ती ला सकती है, इसलिए गाड़ी चलाने या मशीन चलाने से बचें। इसे डॉक्टर की सलाह के अनुसार ही लें और लंबे समय तक बिना सलाह इस्तेमाल न करें।
साइड इफेक्ट्स: इस दवा के आम दुष्प्रभावों में नींद आना, मुंह सूखना, चक्कर आना, धुंधली दृष्टि और हल्का पेट खराब होना शामिल है। कुछ लोगों को बेचैनी, घबराहट या नींद न आने की समस्या भी हो सकती है। दुर्लभ मामलों में दिल की धड़कन तेज होना, रक्तचाप बढ़ना या गंभीर एलर्जी हो सकती है। अगर चेहरे, होंठ या गले में सूजन, सांस लेने में कठिनाई, सीने में दर्द या तेज सिरदर्द हो तो तुरंत डॉक्टर से मिलें।
सुरक्षा सलाह: इस दवा को डॉक्टर के बताए अनुसार ही लें। तय मात्रा से ज्यादा या लंबे समय तक इस्तेमाल न करें। शराब और नींद लाने वाली अन्य दवाओं से बचें क्योंकि इससे नींद और चक्कर बढ़ सकते हैं। अगर आपको उच्च रक्तचाप, हृदय रोग, मधुमेह, थायरॉइड, ग्लूकोमा या प्रोस्टेट की समस्या है तो डॉक्टर को बताएं। गर्भावस्था या स्तनपान के दौरान बिना सलाह इस्तेमाल न करें। दवा को ठंडी और सूखी जगह पर रखें।
💊 chericof capsule Uses & Benefits
[{"condition":"Common cold with nasal congestion","description":"This medicine provides short-term relief of nasal stuffiness, sneezing, and runny nose associated with the common cold.","evidence":"Well-established for symptomatic relief"},{"condition":"Allergic rhinitis","description":"This medicine helps reduce sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and nasal congestion caused by seasonal or perennial allergies.","evidence":"Well-established for symptomatic relief"},{"condition":"Upper respiratory allergy symptoms","description":"This medicine is used to relieve multiple allergy symptoms when both congestion and histamine-related symptoms are present.","evidence":"Commonly used in clinical practice"}]
Off-label uses: [{"condition":"Sinusitis-related congestion","description":"Sometimes used for short-term relief of congestion associated with sinusitis, but evidence is limited and it does not treat infection.","evidence":"Limited"},{"condition":"Eustachian tube congestion","description":"Occasionally used to reduce nasal and eustachian tube congestion, but this is not a standard approved use.","evidence":"Limited"}]
Primary treatment for: Common cold and allergic rhinitis
Also treats: Seasonal allergic rhinitis, Perennial allergic rhinitis, Upper respiratory tract allergy, Nasal congestion due to sinusitis
📋 Drug Information
| Generic Name(s) | Phenylephrine + Chlorpheniramine Maleate |
| Brand Name | Ascoril D Plus Syrup Sugar Free |
| Manufacturer | Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd |
| Packaging / Form | Varies by brand (Allopathy) |
| Therapeutic Class | RESPIRATORY |
| Action Class | Decongestant + Antihistamine |
| Route of Administration | Oral |
| Storage | Store at room temperature between 15°C and 30°C. Keep away from moisture, heat, and direct sunlight. Keep in the original container. |
| Shelf Life | Not established from the available information. Refer to the expiry date printed on the pack. |
| 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
This medicine combines two active ingredients with complementary actions. Phenylephrine is a selective alpha-1 adrenergic receptor agonist that constricts blood vessels in the nasal mucosa, reducing swelling and congestion. Chlorpheniramine maleate is a first-generation histamine H1 receptor antagonist that blocks histamine from binding to H1 receptors, thereby reducing sneezing, itching, runny nose, and watery eyes. The decongestant effect of phenylephrine is mainly local in the nasal passages after oral administration, while chlorpheniramine acts centrally and peripherally to reduce allergic symptoms and cause sedation.
Mechanism Steps
💡 How to Take chericof capsule
Strength: Capsule containing phenylephrine 12.5 mg and chlorpheniramine maleate 2 mg.
Dosage Information
| Adult Dosage | The usual adult dose of this medicine is one capsule taken orally every 4 to 6 hours as needed for symptoms, not to exceed the maximum daily dose recommended by your clinician. The exact dose and duration depend on the indication, severity of symptoms, and your medical history. Dose must be individualized by a qualified clinician based on indication, age, weight, renal and hepatic function. Do not self-medicate for more than a few days without medical advice. |
| Pediatric Dosage | Pediatric dosing is not established from available information. Consult a pediatrician. |
| Elderly Dosage | Older adults are more sensitive to the sedative and anticholinergic effects of this medicine. Use with caution and at the lowest effective dose. Dose must be individualized by a qualified clinician based on renal and hepatic function and other medical conditions. |
| Renal Impairment | Not established from the available information. Use with caution in patients with severe kidney disease. Dose must be individualized by a qualified clinician. |
| Hepatic Impairment | Not established from the available information. Use with caution in patients with severe liver disease. Dose must be individualized by a qualified clinician. |
| Maximum Daily Dose | Not established from the available information. Do not exceed the dose recommended by your clinician. |
Dosage Timeline
🍽️ Food Timing Guide
⏰ What to Do If You Miss a Dose
⚠️ Side Effects of chericof capsule
✅ 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 | |
| Tricyclic antidepressants | Major | |
| Other decongestants | Major | |
| Alcohol | Moderate | |
| Benzodiazepines | Moderate | |
| Opioids | Moderate | |
| Anticholinergics | Moderate | |
| Beta-blockers | Moderate | |
| Digoxin | Moderate | |
| Antacids | Minor |
🚨 Major Interactions
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
- Tricyclic antidepressants
- Other sympathomimetic decongestants
⚡ Moderate Interactions
- Central nervous system depressants (alcohol, benzodiazepines, opioids, sleep aids)
- Anticholinergic medicines (e.g., oxybutynin, benztropine, tricyclic antidepressants)
- Beta-blockers
- Digoxin
🍷 Alcohol Interaction
Avoid alcohol while taking this medicine. Alcohol increases the sedative and drowsiness effects of chlorpheniramine and can impair your ability to drive or operate machinery. It may also increase dizziness and low blood pressure.
🔎 Check Your Other Medicines
Educational tool. Always confirm with your doctor or pharmacist.
🛡️ Safety & Warnings
🚫 Contraindications
["Known hypersensitivity to phenylephrine, chlorpheniramine, or any component of this medicine.","Use within 14 days of stopping a monoamine oxidase inhibitor.","Severe hypertension or uncontrolled high blood pressure.","Severe coronary artery disease or recent myocardial infarction.","Narrow-angle glaucoma.","Urinary retention or severe prostate enlargement.","Hyperthyroidism.","Severe liver or kidney disease without medical supervision."]
⚠️ Warnings & Precautions
["This medicine may cause drowsiness. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how it affects you.","Avoid alcohol and other central nervous system depressants while taking this medicine.","Use with caution in patients with high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, thyroid disorders, glaucoma, or prostate enlargement.","Do not use this medicine for more than a few days without consulting your clinician.","Do not combine with other products containing phenylephrine or chlorpheniramine.","Older adults are more sensitive to the anticholinergic and sedative effects of this medicine.","Consult your clinician before use if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding.","Keep out of reach of children."]
🤱 Lactation Safety
Not established from the available information. Chlorpheniramine may pass into breast milk and cause drowsiness in the infant. Phenylephrine may reduce breast milk production. Consult your clinician before using this medicine while breastfeeding.
💊 Overdose Management
Overdose of this medicine can cause severe drowsiness, agitation, hallucinations, seizures, high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, and difficulty breathing. If you suspect an overdose, seek emergency medical care immediately. Do not try to induce vomiting unless instructed by a medical professional. Treatment is supportive and may include activated charcoal, blood pressure monitoring, and management of seizures or arrhythmias.
⏰ 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 take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Additional Safety Advice
Take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your clinician. Do not exceed the recommended dose or duration. Avoid alcohol and other sedating medicines because they can increase drowsiness and dizziness. Check the labels of other cold and allergy products to avoid doubling up on phenylephrine or chlorpheniramine. If you have high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, thyroid problems, glaucoma, or prostate enlargement, tell your clinician before using this medicine. Do not use this medicine for more than a few days without medical advice. Keep it out of reach of children. If you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding, consult your clinician before use. Store this medicine at room temperature, away from moisture and direct sunlight.
👴 Special Considerations for Elderly
💡 For Patients Above 65
Older adults are more sensitive to the sedative and anticholinergic effects of this medicine. They may experience increased drowsiness, confusion, dry mouth, constipation, and urinary retention. Use the lowest effective dose and monitor closely. Consult a clinician before use, especially if there are underlying heart, kidney, or liver conditions.
🤰 Pregnancy Planning (TTC)
The safety of this medicine during pregnancy has not been established. Consult your clinician before using this medicine if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy. Alternative treatments may be preferred.
🏥 Post-Surgery Considerations
Consult your clinician before using this medicine after surgery. Phenylephrine can affect blood pressure and heart rate, and chlorpheniramine can cause drowsiness, which may interfere with postoperative recovery and monitoring.
🦷 Dental Procedures
Inform your dentist if you are taking this medicine before any dental procedure. The sedative effects of chlorpheniramine may interact with sedatives or anesthetics used during dental work. Your dentist may advise adjusting the dose or timing.
💚 Lifestyle Tips for Better Results
🏋️ Exercise Considerations
This medicine may cause drowsiness and dizziness, which can affect your coordination. Avoid strenuous exercise or activities that require full alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. If you feel dizzy or weak, stop exercising and rest.
🥗 Diet Recommendations
💼 Impact on Daily Work & Life
This medicine can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and blurred vision, which may affect your ability to drive, operate machinery, or perform tasks that require full alertness. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how this medicine affects you. Inform your employer if your work involves such tasks. Take rest breaks if you feel sleepy.
🛑 When to Stop This Medicine
Stop taking this medicine and consult your clinician if your symptoms do not improve within a few days, if they worsen, or if you experience any serious side effects such as severe drowsiness, palpitations, or difficulty breathing. Do not stop any prescribed medicine without consulting your clinician.
📅 Long-Term Use Effects
Long-term use of this medicine is not recommended. Prolonged use of decongestants like phenylephrine can cause rebound nasal congestion. Long-term use of chlorpheniramine may lead to tolerance, increased sedation, and anticholinergic effects such as constipation, dry mouth, and urinary retention. Use this medicine only for short-term symptom relief and consult your clinician if symptoms persist.
🌿 Non-Medicine Approaches
These can complement medicine but do not replace prescribed treatment.
Using saline nasal drops or sprays can help relieve nasal congestion without medication.
Evidence: Well-establishedInhaling steam can help loosen nasal secretions and relieve congestion.
Evidence: Commonly usedAvoiding known allergens can reduce allergic rhinitis symptoms.
Evidence: Well-establishedThese are effective for allergic rhinitis and may be recommended by your clinician as an alternative.
Evidence: Well-established💉 Vaccination Considerations
💉 If You're Getting Vaccinated
Not established from the available information. This medicine does not interact with vaccines. Consult your clinician about vaccination timing if you are unwell.
📦 Storage Guide
✅ DO
Store at room temperature between 15°C and 30°C.
❌ DON'T
Do not refrigerate unless specified.
✅ DO
Keep in the original container.
❌ DON'T
Do not transfer to unmarked containers.
✅ DO
Keep away from direct sunlight and moisture.
❌ DON'T
Do not store in the bathroom cabinet.
✅ DO
Keep out of reach of children.
❌ DON'T
Do not use after the expiry date.
✈️ Traveling with This Medicine
Carry this medicine in its original packaging with a copy of your prescription. Store it at room temperature and protect it from moisture and direct sunlight during travel. If you are crossing time zones, continue your doses at the usual intervals as advised by your clinician. Check customs regulations for carrying medicines in your destination country. Do not leave this medicine in a hot car or checked luggage.
💰 Cost Analysis & Savings
👥 Real Patient Stories
Educational, anonymized scenarios. Individual results may vary.
💬 Questions Patients Often Ask
A: The decongestant effect usually begins within 15 to 30 minutes, and the antihistamine effect begins within 30 to 60 minutes after taking this medicine.
A: This medicine is intended for short-term use. Do not use it for more than a few days without consulting your clinician.
A: Yes, drowsiness is a common side effect because of the chlorpheniramine component. Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how it affects you.
A: Do not combine this medicine with other products containing phenylephrine or chlorpheniramine, as this can lead to overdose and serious side effects.
A: Phenylephrine can raise blood pressure. Consult your clinician before using this medicine if you have high blood pressure.
A: Avoid alcohol while taking this medicine because it increases drowsiness and dizziness.
🤔 Common Patient Concerns
🔄 Substitutes for chericof capsule
View AllAlternative brands with exact same active ingredient:
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cindexa syrupCinerea Biotech Pvt Ltd ₹41.00 17.1% COSTLIER
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xonus-d syrupCronus Biotech Ltd ₹42.09 20.3% COSTLIER
-
histodar syrupAnze Biotech ₹42.19 20.5% COSTLIER
-
zumokuf d syrupMathis Pharma ₹45.47 29.9% COSTLIER
-
corun-d syrupVentus Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd ₹50.63 44.7% 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 or shorten the duration of the common cold. - Myth: It is safe to take this medicine for weeks.
Fact: This medicine is intended for short-term use. Prolonged use can cause rebound congestion and other side effects. - Myth: This medicine is safe for everyone.
Fact: This medicine is not safe for people with certain conditions such as severe high blood pressure, heart disease, glaucoma, or urinary retention. - Myth: You can take this medicine with any other cold medicine.
Fact: Combining this medicine with other products containing phenylephrine or chlorpheniramine can lead to overdose and serious side effects.
🔄 Alternative Options
Generic Alternatives
- Phenylephrine and chlorpheniramine maleate capsule
- Phenylephrine hydrochloride and chlorpheniramine maleate capsule
Brand Alternatives
- Chericof Capsule