Acuflu Syrup: Complete Medicine Guide
Clinical Reference Standards: CDSCO (Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation), Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP) & WHO | Last Updated: September 2026
When to Call Your Doctor IMMEDIATELY
- Blood in stool or vomit
- Severe abdominal pain
- Chest pain or difficulty breathing
- Severe headache with visual changes
- Sudden swelling of face, lips, or throat
- Yellowing of skin or eyes
- Decreased urine output
If experiencing severe symptoms, call emergency services immediately.
What is hikold expectorant used for?
This medicine is a combination syrup containing Chlorpheniramine Maleate (an antihistamine) and Paracetamol (an analgesic-antipyretic). It is used to relieve symptoms of common cold, allergic rhinitis, and mild fever. It works by blocking histamine receptors and reducing fever and pain. It may cause drowsiness, so avoid driving. Do not exceed the recommended dose.
- Generic Name: Chlorpheniramine Maleate (2mg) + Paracetamol (125mg)
- Manufacturer: Hinglaj Laboratories
- Form: Allopathy
- Pregnancy Category: Consult doctor
- Prescription Required: Yes
🇮🇳 hikold expectorant के बारे में (Hindi Summary)
उपयोग: यह दवा क्लोरफेनिरामाइन मेलिएट और पैरासिटामोल का संयोजन है। इसका उपयोग सर्दी-जुकाम, एलर्जी राइनाइटिस, और हल्के बुखार व दर्द से राहत के लिए किया जाता है। यह नाक बहना, छींक आना, आंखों में पानी आना और शरीर दर्द में राहत देती है। यह दवा नींद ला सकती है, इसलिए वाहन चलाने से बचें।
साइड इफेक्ट्स: आम दुष्प्रभावों में नींद आना, चक्कर आना, मुंह सूखना, धुंधली दृष्टि और जी मिचलाना शामिल हैं। गंभीर दुष्प्रभाव दुर्लभ हैं लेकिन एलर्जी, सांस लेने में कठिनाई, या लिवर की समस्या हो सकती है। किसी भी गंभीर लक्षण पर तुरंत डॉक्टर से संपर्क करें।
सुरक्षा सलाह: इस दवा को डॉक्टर के निर्देशानुसार ही लें। शराब और अन्य नींद लाने वाली दवाओं से बचें। वाहन चलाने या मशीन चलाने से बचें। यदि आपको लिवर या किडनी की बीमारी है, ग्लूकोमा, प्रोस्टेट की समस्या, या अस्थमा है तो डॉक्टर को बताएं। 5-7 दिनों से अधिक उपयोग न करें। बच्चों की पहुंच से दूर रखें।
💊 hikold expectorant Uses & Benefits
[{"condition":"Common cold","description":"Relieves runny nose, sneezing, and mild fever associated with common cold.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Allergic rhinitis","description":"Reduces sneezing, rhinorrhea, and itching of nose and eyes.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Urticaria","description":"Provides symptomatic relief from itching and skin rash.","evidence":"Moderate"},{"condition":"Mild pain and fever","description":"Paracetamol component helps reduce mild pain and fever.","evidence":"Well-established"}]
Off-label uses: [{"condition":"Insomnia","description":"Sometimes used off-label for its sedative effect, but not recommended.","evidence":"Limited"},{"condition":"Motion sickness","description":"May be used off-label for motion sickness due to antihistamine effect.","evidence":"Limited"}]
Primary treatment for: Common cold and allergic rhinitis
Also treats: Urticaria, Mild fever, Body ache
📋 Drug Information
| Generic Name(s) | Chlorpheniramine Maleate (2mg) + Paracetamol (125mg) |
| Brand Name | hikold expectorant |
| Manufacturer | Hinglaj Laboratories |
| Packaging / Form | Varies by brand (Allopathy) |
| Therapeutic Class | RESPIRATORY |
| Action Class | |
| Route of Administration | Oral |
| Storage | Store at room temperature (15-30°C) in a cool, dry place, protected from light. Keep out of reach of children. |
| Shelf Life | 24 months from the 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
This medicine combines two active ingredients. Chlorpheniramine Maleate is a first-generation antihistamine that competitively blocks histamine H1 receptors on effector cells, thereby preventing histamine-mediated allergic responses such as vasodilation, increased vascular permeability, and sensory nerve stimulation. Paracetamol (acetaminophen) acts primarily in the central nervous system by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis, which results in antipyretic and analgesic effects. The exact mechanism of Paracetamol is not fully established, but it is believed to involve inhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, particularly COX-2, in the brain.
Mechanism Steps
💡 How to Take hikold expectorant
Strength: Each 5 mL contains Chlorpheniramine Maleate 2 mg and Paracetamol 125 mg.
Dosage Information
| Adult Dosage | The usual adult dose of this medicine is 10 mL (2 teaspoons) every 4 to 6 hours as needed, not to exceed 60 mL in 24 hours. However, dose must be individualized by a qualified clinician based on indication, age, weight, renal and hepatic function. Do not self-medicate. |
| Pediatric Dosage | Pediatric dosing is not established from available information. Consult a pediatrician. |
| Elderly Dosage | Elderly patients may be more sensitive to the anticholinergic and sedative effects of Chlorpheniramine. Use with caution and lower doses may be appropriate. Dose must be individualized by a qualified clinician. |
| Renal Impairment | Dose adjustment may be required in patients with renal impairment. Consult a doctor for individualized dosing. |
| Hepatic Impairment | Dose adjustment may be required in patients with hepatic impairment. Paracetamol should be used with caution. Consult a doctor for individualized dosing. |
| Maximum Daily Dose | For adults: Maximum 60 mL (12 teaspoons) in 24 hours. Do not exceed the recommended dose. |
Dosage Timeline
🍽️ Food Timing Guide
⏰ What to Do If You Miss a Dose
⚠️ Side Effects of hikold expectorant
✅ 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 | |
| Alcohol | Major | |
| Warfarin | Moderate | |
| Anticholinergics | Moderate | |
| Opioids | Moderate | |
| Cholinesterase inhibitors | Moderate | |
| Antacids | Minor | |
| Caffeine | Minor |
🚨 Major Interactions
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
- Alcohol and other CNS depressants
- Warfarin
⚡ Moderate Interactions
- Anticholinergic drugs (e.g., atropine, tricyclic antidepressants)
- Opioid analgesics
- Cholinesterase inhibitors (e.g., donepezil)
🍷 Alcohol Interaction
Alcohol should be avoided while taking this medicine because it can significantly increase drowsiness, dizziness, and impair motor skills. Combined use may also increase the risk of liver damage due to Paracetamol.
🔎 Check Your Other Medicines
Educational tool. Always confirm with your doctor or pharmacist.
🛡️ Safety & Warnings
🚫 Contraindications
["Hypersensitivity to Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Paracetamol, or any component of the formulation","Newborns and premature infants","Severe liver disease","Patients taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)","Narrow-angle glaucoma","Prostate enlargement with urinary retention","Severe asthma or respiratory depression"]
⚠️ Warnings & Precautions
["May cause drowsiness; avoid driving or operating machinery.","Avoid alcohol and other CNS depressants.","Do not exceed recommended dose due to risk of liver damage from Paracetamol.","Use with caution in patients with liver or kidney disease.","Use with caution in elderly due to increased risk of anticholinergic effects.","Consult doctor if symptoms persist beyond 5-7 days.","Do not use in children under 2 years without medical advice."]
🤱 Lactation Safety
Chlorpheniramine Maleate and Paracetamol are excreted in breast milk in small amounts. Caution is advised. Consult your doctor before use.
💊 Overdose Management
Overdose of this medicine can cause severe liver damage due to Paracetamol, and anticholinergic toxicity due to Chlorpheniramine. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, confusion, seizures, and coma. Seek immediate medical attention. Treatment includes gastric lavage, activated charcoal, and administration of N-acetylcysteine for Paracetamol toxicity. Supportive care for anticholinergic effects.
⏰ 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 to catch up.
Additional Safety Advice
Take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not exceed the recommended dose or duration. Avoid alcohol and other central nervous system depressants while taking this medicine, as they can increase drowsiness. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery until you know how this medicine affects you. Inform your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease, glaucoma, prostate enlargement, or breathing problems such as asthma. Do not use this medicine for longer than 5-7 days without consulting a doctor. Keep out of reach of children. Store in a cool, dry place, protected from light. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult your doctor before use.
👴 Special Considerations for Elderly
💡 For Patients Above 65
Elderly patients are more susceptible to the anticholinergic and sedative effects of Chlorpheniramine, such as confusion, dry mouth, and urinary retention. Use with caution and lower doses may be appropriate. Consult a doctor for individualized 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 in pregnancy is not well established.
🏥 Post-Surgery Considerations
Consult your doctor before taking this medicine after surgery, as it may interact with anesthetics and other medications. It may also increase the risk of bleeding or drowsiness.
🦷 Dental Procedures
Inform your dentist if you are taking this medicine, as it may cause dry mouth and increase the risk of dental problems. It may also interact with local anesthetics.
💚 Lifestyle Tips for Better Results
🏋️ Exercise Considerations
This medicine may cause drowsiness and dizziness. 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. It is advisable to avoid such activities until you know how the medicine affects you. Inform your employer if your job requires alertness.
🛑 When to Stop This Medicine
Stop taking this medicine and consult your doctor if your symptoms do not improve within 5-7 days, or if you experience any serious side effects. Do not stop abruptly if you have been taking it for a long time without medical advice.
📅 Long-Term Use Effects
Long-term use of this medicine is not recommended. Prolonged use of Paracetamol can lead to liver damage, especially at high doses. Chlorpheniramine Maleate may cause tolerance and dependence. Regular monitoring of liver function may be required if used for extended periods. Consult your doctor for alternative treatments if symptoms persist.
🌿 Non-Medicine Approaches
These can complement medicine but do not replace prescribed treatment.
Helps relieve nasal congestion without medication.
Evidence: Well-establishedCan ease breathing and reduce congestion.
Evidence: TraditionalAlternative for allergic rhinitis with fewer systemic side effects.
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 any 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 with a copy of the prescription. Store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. If crossing time zones, adjust dosing intervals as advised by your doctor. Check customs regulations for carrying medications. Keep it in your carry-on luggage if flying.
💰 Cost Analysis & Savings
👥 Real Patient Stories
Educational, anonymized scenarios. Individual results may vary.
💬 Questions Patients Often Ask
A: This medicine usually starts working within 30-60 minutes after oral administration.
A: It is generally recommended to take it with food to reduce stomach upset.
A: Consult your doctor before combining with other cold medicines to avoid overlapping ingredients and potential side effects.
🤔 Common Patient Concerns
🔄 Substitutes for hikold expectorant
View AllAlternative brands with exact same active ingredient:
-
paramine 2mg/125mg syrupCiron Drugs & Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd ₹11.95 60.2% CHEAPER
-
histacold junior oral suspensionMinova Life Sciences Pvt Ltd ₹12.42 58.6% CHEAPER
-
winto suspensionZydus Cadila ₹12.50 58.3% CHEAPER
-
zukamin suspensionAlkem Laboratories Ltd ₹15.23 49.2% CHEAPER
-
colgin tabletMedopharm ₹19.18 36.1% CHEAPER
Medical Note: Always consult your doctor before switching medications.
🛑 Myths vs. Facts
- Myth: This medicine can cure the common cold.
Fact: This medicine only provides symptomatic relief; it does not cure the underlying viral infection. - Myth: It is safe to take this medicine for long periods.
Fact: Prolonged use can lead to liver damage and other side effects. Use only for short-term relief as directed. - Myth: This medicine is safe for everyone.
Fact: It is not safe for newborns, patients with severe liver disease, or those taking MAOIs.
🔄 Alternative Options
Generic Alternatives
- Chlorpheniramine Maleate + Paracetamol syrup (generic)
Brand Alternatives
- Acuflu Syrup