entcold syrup - Cetirizine (5mg/5ml) + Ambroxol (30mg/5ml) medicine

Entcold Syrup: Complete Guide to Uses, Dosage, and Safety

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🏭 Gladstone Pharma India Pvt Ltd 📦 Varies by brand 💊 Allopathy 📅 Updated: Sep 24, 2026
⚠️ Hepatotoxicity Risk 📋 Prescription Required 💊 Generic Available
Medically Reviewed
11 min read
Evidence: Moderate for allergic rhinitis; limited for cough associated with cold.
Reviewed by
SaathiMed Expert Panel | Sep 24, 2026

When to Call Your Doctor IMMEDIATELY

  • Difficulty breathing or swallowing
  • Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
  • Severe dizziness or fainting
  • Rapid or irregular heartbeat
  • Seizures
  • Yellowing of the skin or eyes
  • Unusual bruising or bleeding
  • Severe abdominal pain

If experiencing severe symptoms, call emergency services immediately.

What is entcold syrup used for?

This medicine is a combination syrup containing cetirizine (an antihistamine) and ambroxol (a mucolytic). It is used to treat symptoms of allergic rhinitis and productive cough by reducing allergic reactions and thinning mucus. It is usually taken two to three times a day, but the dose must be prescribed by a doctor.

  • Generic Name: Cetirizine (5mg/5ml) + Ambroxol (30mg/5ml)
  • Manufacturer: Gladstone Pharma India Pvt Ltd
  • Form: Allopathy
  • Pregnancy Category: Consult doctor
  • Prescription Required: Yes

🇮🇳 entcold syrup के बारे में (Hindi Summary)

उपयोग: यह दवा एलर्जी और कफ की समस्या में राहत देती है। इसमें सेटिरिज़िन और एम्ब्रोक्सोल दो दवाएं होती हैं। सेटिरिज़िन छींक, नाक बहना, आंखों में खुजली और पानी आना कम करती है। एम्ब्रोक्सोल बलगम को पतला करके बाहर निकालने में मदद करता है। यह दवा सर्दी-जुकाम, एलर्जी राइनाइटिस और बलगम वाली खांसी में उपयोग की जाती है। इसे डॉक्टर की सलाह से ही लें।

साइड इफेक्ट्स: इस दवा के सामान्य दुष्प्रभावों में नींद आना, मुंह सूखना, थकान, चक्कर आना और पेट में गड़बड़ी शामिल हैं। ये आमतौर पर हल्के होते हैं और अपने आप ठीक हो जाते हैं। गंभीर दुष्प्रभाव दुर्लभ हैं, लेकिन अगर आपको त्वचा पर चकत्ते, सूजन, सांस लेने में कठिनाई या दिल की धड़कन तेज होने जैसी समस्या हो तो तुरंत डॉक्टर से मिलें।

सुरक्षा सलाह: इस दवा को डॉक्टर के बताए अनुसार ही लें। अपनी मर्जी से डोज न बढ़ाएं या घटाएं। इस दवा को लेने के बाद नींद आ सकती है, इसलिए गाड़ी चलाने या मशीन चलाने से बचें। शराब का सेवन न करें। अगर आप गर्भवती हैं या स्तनपान करा रही हैं तो डॉक्टर को बताएं। बच्चों को डॉक्टर की सलाह के बिना न दें। दवा को ठंडी और सूखी जगह पर रखें।

💡 Did You Know? India has the highest number of USFDA-compliant plants outside the USA.

💊 entcold syrup Uses & Benefits

[{"condition":"Allergic rhinitis","description":"Relieves sneezing, runny nose, itchy and watery eyes, and nasal congestion associated with seasonal or perennial allergies.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Common cold with productive cough","description":"Helps reduce cough by thinning mucus and also alleviates associated allergic symptoms like runny nose and sneezing.","evidence":"Moderate"},{"condition":"Productive cough (bronchitis)","description":"Ambroxol component helps in liquefying thick bronchial secretions, making it easier to expel mucus.","evidence":"Moderate"},{"condition":"Allergic cough","description":"Cetirizine reduces allergic response, while ambroxol helps with any accompanying mucus production.","evidence":"Limited"}]

Off-label uses: [{"condition":"Sinusitis","description":"Sometimes used to relieve nasal congestion and post-nasal drip due to allergic or infectious sinusitis.","evidence":"Limited"},{"condition":"Otitis media with effusion","description":"Ambroxol may help in thinning middle ear fluid, but evidence is not strong.","evidence":"Insufficient"}]

Primary treatment for: Allergic rhinitis and productive cough

Also treats: Common cold, Sinusitis, Bronchitis

📋 Drug Information

Generic Name(s)Cetirizine (5mg/5ml) + Ambroxol (30mg/5ml)
Brand Nameentcold syrup
ManufacturerGladstone Pharma India Pvt Ltd
Packaging / FormVaries by brand (Allopathy)
Therapeutic ClassRESPIRATORY
Action Class
Route of AdministrationOral
StorageStore at room temperature between 15°C and 30°C (59°F to 86°F). Protect from light and moisture. Keep the bottle tightly closed. Do not freeze. Keep out of reach of children.
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
Always measure the dose with the provided cup or spoon; household spoons are not accurate.
2
Take this medicine with food if it causes stomach upset.
3
Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how this medicine affects you.
4
Do not use this medicine for more than 7 days without consulting your doctor.
5
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult your doctor before taking this medicine.
6
Keep a record of your doses to avoid missing or doubling up.
7
Inform your doctor about all other medicines you are taking to avoid interactions.

🔍 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
Productive cough
Ambroxol helps thin mucus, making it easier to cough out.
Likely Use
Fever
This medicine is not a primary fever reducer.
Not Primary
Itchy, watery eyes
Cetirizine helps relieve allergic eye symptoms.
Likely Use

🔬 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 orally, 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, with a volume of distribution of approximately 0.4 L/kg. It crosses the blood-brain barrier to a limited extent, which explains its mild sedative effect. Ambroxol distributes extensively into lung tissue, bronchial secretions, and other tissues.
Protein BindingCetirizine is about 93% bound to plasma proteins. Ambroxol is approximately 90% bound to plasma proteins.
MetabolismCetirizine undergoes minimal hepatic metabolism; it is primarily excreted unchanged in urine. Ambroxol is metabolized in the liver by cytochrome P450 enzymes, mainly CYP3A4, to inactive metabolites.
Half-LifeThe elimination half-life of cetirizine is approximately 8 to 10 hours in adults with normal kidney function. Ambroxol has a half-life of about 7 to 12 hours.
ExcretionCetirizine is primarily excreted unchanged in the urine, with about 60% of the dose recovered in urine. Ambroxol metabolites are excreted mainly in the urine, with a small amount in feces.
BioavailabilityCetirizine has a high oral bioavailability of approximately 70% or more. Ambroxol's oral bioavailability is about 70-80% due to first-pass metabolism.
Onset of ActionCetirizine begins to relieve allergic symptoms within 1 hour of oral administration. Ambroxol's mucolytic effect may take a few hours to become noticeable, with optimal effects after 2-3 days of regular use.
Peak Plasma TimeCetirizine reaches peak plasma concentration in about 1 hour. Ambroxol peaks in about 1 to 3 hours.
Duration of ActionCetirizine's antihistaminic effect lasts for about 24 hours, allowing once-daily dosing. Ambroxol's mucolytic effect lasts for about 6 to 8 hours, so it is usually taken 2 to 3 times a day.

How It Works

This medicine combines two active ingredients with different 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 runny nose. Ambroxol is a mucolytic agent that increases serous bronchial secretion, reduces mucus viscosity, and promotes ciliary clearance, making it easier to cough out mucus. Together, they address both allergic and congestive aspects of respiratory conditions.

Mechanism Steps

1
Histamine H1 receptor blockade: Cetirizine binds to H1 receptors on effector cells, preventing histamine from triggering allergic responses like sneezing, itching, and vasodilation.
2
Reduction of allergic inflammation: By blocking H1 receptors, cetirizine reduces the recruitment of inflammatory cells and the release of mediators, easing nasal and ocular symptoms.
3
Mucolytic action of ambroxol: Ambroxol breaks down acidic mucopolysaccharide fibers in mucus, reducing its viscosity and making it easier to expel.
4
Enhanced mucociliary clearance: Ambroxol stimulates serous secretion and ciliary movement, helping to clear mucus from the airways.
5
Surfactant production: Ambroxol may increase surfactant synthesis in type II pneumocytes, which helps keep airways open and reduces mucus adhesion.

💡 How to Take entcold syrup

Strength: Each 5 mL of syrup contains Cetirizine 5 mg and Ambroxol 30 mg.

1Shake the bottle well before each use.
2Use a measuring cup or spoon provided with the medicine to measure the correct dose.
3Take the medicine orally, with or without food.
4If it upsets your stomach, take it with a meal or snack.
5Do not exceed the prescribed dose.
6After taking, close the bottle tightly and store it properly.

Dosage Information

Adult DosageThe usual adult dose of this medicine is 10 mL (2 teaspoons) taken orally two to three times a day, or as directed by your doctor. The dose may be adjusted based on your symptoms and response. Do not exceed the recommended dose. Dose must be individualized by a qualified clinician based on indication, age, weight, renal and hepatic function.
Pediatric DosagePediatric dosing is not established from available information. Consult a pediatrician. The dose is typically based on age and weight, and should only be given under medical supervision.
Elderly DosageElderly patients may be more sensitive to the side effects of this medicine, especially drowsiness and dizziness. Dose adjustment may be necessary based on renal function. Consult your doctor for appropriate dosing.
Renal ImpairmentIn patients with mild to moderate renal impairment, dose adjustment may be required. In severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance <10 mL/min), this medicine is contraindicated. Consult your doctor for dose adjustments.
Hepatic ImpairmentIn patients with mild to moderate hepatic impairment, no dose adjustment is usually needed. However, in severe hepatic impairment, this medicine should be used with caution and under medical supervision.
Maximum Daily DoseThe maximum recommended daily dose for adults is 30 mL (6 teaspoons) per day, providing 30 mg cetirizine and 180 mg ambroxol. Do not exceed this dose.

Dosage Timeline

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

🍽️ Food Timing Guide

With food
Take with meals
Reduces stomach upset.
Alcohol
Avoid
Increases drowsiness and sedation.
Grapefruit juice
Avoid or limit
May increase ambroxol levels.

⏰ 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 entcold syrup

✅ 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 sugar-free gum. If persistent, consult your doctor.
Fatigue (Common (5-10%))
Get adequate rest. If fatigue interferes with daily activities, talk to your doctor.
Dizziness (Common (5-10%))
Avoid sudden movements. If dizziness persists, consult your doctor.
Nausea (Common (5-10%))
Take with food to reduce stomach upset. If nausea continues, 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, or throat, difficulty breathing, or dizziness.
Blood disorders (e.g., agranulocytosis) (Very rare (<0.01%))
Report any unusual bruising, bleeding, fever, or sore throat to your doctor immediately.
Liver problems (Very rare (<0.01%))
Seek medical help if you notice yellowing of skin or eyes, dark urine, or severe abdominal pain.

⚠️ Rare Side Effects

Palpitations
Consult your doctor if you experience a rapid or irregular heartbeat.
Seizures
Seek immediate medical attention if seizures occur.
Urinary retention
Consult your doctor if you have difficulty passing urine.

Consult your doctor if you experience any unusual symptoms.

🔬 Drug Interactions

Drug Severity Effect
Alcohol Major
Benzodiazepines Major
MAOIs Major
Ketoconazole Moderate
Erythromycin Moderate
Anticholinergics Moderate
Antacids Minor
Theophylline Minor

🚨 Major Interactions

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

⚡ Moderate Interactions

  • Anticholinergic drugs (e.g., atropine, tricyclic antidepressants)
  • CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, erythromycin)

🍷 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 renal or hepatic impairment.","Use with caution in elderly patients who may be more sensitive to side effects.","Do not use for prolonged periods without medical advice.","If symptoms persist or worsen, consult your doctor.","Keep out of reach of children."]

🤱 Lactation Safety

Cetirizine passes into breast milk in small amounts and may cause drowsiness in the infant. Ambroxol is also excreted in breast milk. This medicine should be used with caution during breastfeeding, and only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the infant. Consult your doctor.

💊 Overdose Management

Overdose of this medicine may cause increased drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, and in severe cases, seizures or difficulty breathing. If you suspect an overdose, 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 take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Additional Safety Advice

General Safety

Take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not increase or decrease the dose without consulting your doctor. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how this medicine affects you, as it may cause drowsiness. Do not drink alcohol while taking this medicine, as it can increase drowsiness and dizziness. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Do not use this medicine for a longer duration than recommended without medical advice. Keep out of reach of children. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, but skip it if it is almost time for the next dose. Do not double the dose.

👴 Special Considerations for Elderly

💡 For Patients Above 65

Elderly patients may be more sensitive to the sedative and anticholinergic effects of this medicine. They may also have reduced renal function, which can increase drug levels. Dose adjustment may be necessary. Close monitoring for side effects like confusion, dizziness, and falls is advised.

🤰 Pregnancy Planning (TTC)

If you are planning to become pregnant, consult your doctor before taking this medicine. Cetirizine is generally considered safe, but ambroxol should be avoided in the first trimester. Your doctor may recommend alternative treatments if needed.

🏥 Post-Surgery Considerations

After surgery, this medicine may be used if you have allergic symptoms or a productive cough, but it should be used with caution due to the risk of drowsiness and interaction with anesthetic agents. Inform your surgeon and anesthesiologist about all medicines you are taking.

🦷 Dental Procedures

This medicine may cause dry mouth, which can increase the risk of dental problems. Maintain good oral hygiene and stay hydrated. Inform your dentist if you are taking this medicine, especially if you are undergoing procedures that require sedation.

💚 Lifestyle Tips for Better Results

🏃
Stay well hydrated to help thin mucus and ease coughing.
🥗
Use a humidifier in your room to keep airways moist.
😴
Avoid exposure to allergens like dust, pollen, and pet dander.
💧
Get plenty of rest to help your body recover.
🧘
Practice good hand hygiene to prevent infections.
🌞
Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke.

🏋️ Exercise Considerations

This medicine may cause drowsiness and dizziness, which can affect your coordination. Avoid strenuous exercise or activities that require alertness until you know how the medicine affects you. Light exercise like walking may be fine, but listen to your body and rest if you feel tired.

🥗 Diet Recommendations

Drink warm fluids like soups and herbal teas to soothe your throat.
Include vitamin C-rich fruits and vegetables to boost immunity.
Avoid cold and sugary drinks that can worsen cough.
Eat light, easily digestible meals.
Avoid spicy and oily foods if you have a sore throat.

💼 Impact on Daily Work & Life

This medicine can cause drowsiness, which may affect your ability to drive or operate machinery. It is best to avoid these activities until you know how the medicine affects you. If your job requires alertness, talk to your doctor about adjusting the dose or timing. Otherwise, you can continue your normal daily activities with caution.

🛑 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 taking it for a long time 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 blood disorders and liver enzyme elevations have been reported. Regular monitoring of renal and hepatic function may be advised if used for extended periods. Do not use for more than 7 days without consulting your doctor.

🌿 Non-Medicine Approaches

These can complement medicine but do not replace prescribed treatment.

Saline nasal irrigation

Helps clear nasal passages and reduce congestion without medication.

Evidence: Well-established
Steam inhalation

Can help loosen mucus and relieve cough.

Evidence: Limited
Allergen avoidance

Reducing exposure to allergens can decrease the need for medication.

Evidence: Well-established

💉 Vaccination Considerations

💉 If You're Getting Vaccinated

There are no known interactions between this medicine and vaccines. However, if you are unwell with a fever, it is best to postpone vaccination until you recover. Consult your doctor for personalized advice.

📦 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 with the prescription label intact. Bring a copy of your prescription in case you need to show it at customs. Store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. If you are crossing time zones, adjust your dosing schedule accordingly, but do not take a double dose. Keep it in your carry-on luggage if flying, as checked baggage may be exposed to extreme temperatures.

💰 Cost Analysis & Savings

👥 Real Patient Stories

Educational, anonymized scenarios. Individual results may vary.

👤 A 35-year-old woman with seasonal allergies and a persistent cough
She was prescribed this medicine for her allergic rhinitis and cough. After taking it twice daily for 3 days, her sneezing and runny nose improved significantly, and her cough became more productive and less frequent. She experienced mild drowsiness initially, which subsided after a few days. She was advised to avoid driving until she knew how it affected her.
💡 Lesson: This medicine effectively relieves both allergy and cough symptoms, but initial drowsiness may occur. It is important to follow the prescribed dose and avoid driving if drowsy.
👤 A 50-year-old man with chronic bronchitis and allergic symptoms
He started this medicine as prescribed by his doctor. Within a week, his chest congestion and cough improved, and his breathing became easier. He was advised to drink plenty of water to help thin the mucus. He also noted that taking the medicine with food prevented stomach discomfort.
💡 Lesson: Taking this medicine with food can improve tolerability, and adequate hydration enhances the mucolytic effect.

💬 Questions Patients Often Ask

Q: How long does it take to work?

A: Cetirizine starts working within 1 hour to relieve allergic symptoms. Ambroxol's mucolytic effect may take a few hours to become noticeable, with optimal effects after 2-3 days of regular use.

Q: Can I take this medicine with food?

A: Yes, you can take this medicine with or without food. If it causes stomach upset, take it with a meal or snack.

Q: What should I do if I miss a dose?

A: 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.

Q: Is this medicine safe during pregnancy?

A: Cetirizine is generally considered safe during pregnancy, but ambroxol is not recommended in the first trimester. Consult your doctor before taking this medicine if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.

Q: Can I drink alcohol while taking this medicine?

A: No, alcohol should be avoided as it can increase drowsiness and dizziness caused by this medicine.

🤔 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?
  • Is it safe for my child?
  • Can I take it with other cold medicines?

🔄 Substitutes for entcold syrup

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 the common cold.
    Fact: This medicine only relieves symptoms; it does not cure the underlying viral infection.
  • Myth: It is safe to take this medicine with alcohol.
    Fact: Alcohol increases drowsiness and should be avoided.
  • Myth: This medicine is safe for infants under 2 years.
    Fact: It is not recommended for children under 2 years due to lack of safety data.

🔄 Alternative Options

Generic Alternatives

  • Cetirizine + Ambroxol syrup (various manufacturers)

Brand Alternatives

  • Entcold syrup

📊 Comparison with Similar Medicines

[{"medicine":"Cetirizine + Ambroxol","composition":"Cetirizine 5mg + Ambroxol 30mg per 5ml","uses":"Allergic rhinitis with productive cough","sedation":"Mild","frequency":"2-3 times daily"},{"medicine":"Levocetirizine + Ambroxol","composition":"Levocetirizine 2.5mg + Ambroxol 30mg per 5ml","uses":"Allergic rhinitis with productive cough","sedation":"Less sedating","frequency":"2 times daily"}]

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