Duocold 2.5mg/10mg Tablet: Comprehensive Guide
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 with swelling of face, lips, or throat, or difficulty breathing.
- Chest pain, palpitations, or irregular heartbeat.
- Severe headache with blurred vision or confusion.
- Inability to urinate or severe lower abdominal pain.
- Yellowing of skin or eyes, dark urine, or severe abdominal pain.
- Seizures or loss of consciousness.
- Unusual bleeding or bruising.
If experiencing severe symptoms, call emergency services immediately.
What is histarest plus 2.5mg/10mg/325mg tablet used for?
This medicine is a combination of levocetirizine (an antihistamine) and phenylephrine (a decongestant) used to treat symptoms of allergic rhinitis and the common cold, such as sneezing, runny nose, and nasal congestion. It works by blocking histamine and constricting nasal blood vessels. It is usually taken once or twice daily with food, and should not be used for more than 7 days without medical advice.
- Generic Name: Levocetirizine (2.5mg) + Phenylephrine (10mg)
- Manufacturer: Blue Planet Laboratories Pvt. Ltd
- Form: Allopathy
- Pregnancy Category: Consult doctor
- Prescription Required: Yes
🇮🇳 histarest plus 2.5mg/10mg/325mg tablet के बारे में (Hindi Summary)
उपयोग: यह दवा लेवोसेटिरिज़िन और फेनिलएफ्रिन का संयोजन है, जिसका उपयोग एलर्जिक राइनाइटिस और सामान्य जुकाम के लक्षणों जैसे छींक, नाक बहना, और नाक बंद होना के इलाज के लिए किया जाता है। यह एलर्जी के कारण होने वाली सूजन और खुजली को कम करती है और नाक के रक्त वाहिकाओं को सिकोड़कर जमाव को कम करती है।
साइड इफेक्ट्स: इस दवा के सामान्य दुष्प्रभावों में नींद आना, मुँह सूखना, सिरदर्द, थकान और हल्का पेट दर्द शामिल हैं। कुछ लोगों को घबराहट, चक्कर आना या नींद न आने की समस्या हो सकती है। गंभीर दुष्प्रभाव दुर्लभ हैं, लेकिन यदि आपको दिल की धड़कन तेज होना, रक्तचाप बढ़ना, या पेशाब करने में कठिनाई हो, तो तुरंत डॉक्टर से संपर्क करें।
सुरक्षा सलाह: इस दवा को डॉक्टर के निर्देशानुसार ही लें। निर्धारित मात्रा से अधिक न लें। इस दवा को लेने के बाद नींद आ सकती है, इसलिए वाहन चलाने या मशीन चलाने से बचें। शराब का सेवन न करें। यदि आपको उच्च रक्तचाप, हृदय रोग, मधुमेह, थायरॉइड या गुर्दे की बीमारी है, तो डॉक्टर को बताएं। 7 दिनों से अधिक इस दवा का उपयोग बिना डॉक्टर की सलाह के न करें।
💊 histarest plus 2.5mg/10mg/325mg tablet 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","description":"Provides symptomatic relief from nasal congestion, sneezing, and runny nose due to upper respiratory tract infections.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Hay fever","description":"Reduces allergic symptoms triggered by pollen exposure, including nasal and ocular symptoms.","evidence":"Well-established"}]
Off-label uses: [{"condition":"Vasomotor rhinitis","description":"May be used off-label to reduce non-allergic nasal congestion and sneezing.","evidence":"Limited"},{"condition":"Eustachian tube dysfunction","description":"Sometimes prescribed to alleviate congestion-related ear pressure, but evidence is limited.","evidence":"Limited"}]
Primary treatment for: Allergic rhinitis
Also treats: Common cold, Hay fever, Vasomotor rhinitis
📋 Drug Information
| Generic Name(s) | Levocetirizine (2.5mg) + Phenylephrine (10mg) |
| Brand Name | histarest plus 2.5mg/10mg/325mg tablet |
| Manufacturer | Blue Planet Laboratories Pvt. Ltd |
| Packaging / Form | Varies by brand (Allopathy) |
| Therapeutic Class | RESPIRATORY |
| Action Class | |
| Route of Administration | Oral |
| Storage | Store at room temperature between 15°C and 30°C (59°F to 86°F). Protect from light and moisture. Keep in the original container. |
| 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 with complementary mechanisms. Levocetirizine, the active enantiomer of cetirizine, is a selective peripheral H1-receptor antagonist. It blocks histamine binding to H1 receptors, thereby reducing allergic symptoms such as sneezing, itching, and rhinorrhea. Phenylephrine is a direct-acting sympathomimetic amine that primarily stimulates alpha-1 adrenergic receptors on vascular smooth muscle in the nasal mucosa. This causes vasoconstriction, which reduces blood flow and swelling in the nasal passages, leading to decreased congestion. The combination provides both antihistaminic and decongestant effects for comprehensive symptom relief.
Mechanism Steps
💡 How to Take histarest plus 2.5mg/10mg/325mg tablet
Strength: Each tablet contains levocetirizine 2.5 mg and phenylephrine 10 mg.
Dosage Information
| Adult Dosage | The usual adult dose of this medicine is one tablet taken orally once or twice daily, as prescribed by your doctor. The exact dose and frequency depend on the severity of symptoms and your response to treatment. Do not exceed the recommended dose. 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 the side effects of this medicine, especially drowsiness, dry mouth, and urinary retention. Dose adjustment may be necessary based on renal function. Use with caution and monitor closely. |
| Renal Impairment | In patients with renal impairment, dose adjustment is required. For moderate renal impairment (creatinine clearance 30-49 mL/min), a lower dose may be recommended. For severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance less than 30 mL/min), this medicine is contraindicated. Consult a doctor for individualized dosing. |
| Hepatic Impairment | No specific dose adjustment is provided for hepatic impairment. However, use with caution in patients with severe liver disease. Consult a doctor for individualized dosing. |
| Maximum Daily Dose | The maximum recommended daily dose is one tablet twice daily, but this should not be exceeded without medical advice. The maximum daily dose of levocetirizine should not exceed 5 mg, and phenylephrine should not exceed 40 mg per day. |
Dosage Timeline
🍽️ Food Timing Guide
⏰ What to Do If You Miss a Dose
⚠️ Side Effects of histarest plus 2.5mg/10mg/325mg tablet
✅ 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 | |
| Beta-blockers | Major | |
| CNS depressants | Moderate | |
| Anticholinergics | Moderate | |
| Digoxin | Moderate | |
| Antacids | Minor | |
| Cimetidine | Minor |
🚨 Major Interactions
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
- Tricyclic antidepressants
- Beta-blockers
⚡ Moderate Interactions
- CNS depressants (e.g., alcohol, benzodiazepines, opioids)
- Anticholinergic drugs (e.g., atropine, tricyclic antidepressants)
- Digoxin
🍷 Alcohol Interaction
Alcohol should be avoided while taking this medicine because it can enhance the sedative effects of levocetirizine, leading to increased drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired coordination. This can affect your ability to drive or operate machinery and may increase the risk of accidents.
🔎 Check Your Other Medicines
Educational tool. Always confirm with your doctor or pharmacist.
🛡️ Safety & Warnings
🚫 Contraindications
["Hypersensitivity to levocetirizine, phenylephrine, or any component of the formulation.","Severe hypertension or uncontrolled high blood pressure.","Severe coronary artery disease or recent myocardial infarction.","Use within 14 days of monoamine oxidase inhibitor therapy.","Severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance less than 10 mL/min).","Children under 12 years of age (safety and efficacy not established).","Narrow-angle glaucoma.","Urinary retention or prostatic hypertrophy with residual urine."]
⚠️ Warnings & Precautions
["May cause drowsiness; avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how it affects you.","Do not consume alcohol while taking this medicine.","Use with caution in patients with hypertension, diabetes, thyroid disorders, or heart disease.","May cause urinary retention; use with caution in men with prostate enlargement.","Do not use for more than 7 days without consulting a doctor.","May impair kidney function in patients with renal impairment; dose adjustment may be needed.","Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding unless clearly needed.","Keep out of reach of children."]
🤱 Lactation Safety
Levocetirizine is excreted in breast milk in small amounts and may cause drowsiness in the infant. Phenylephrine may also pass into breast milk and could reduce milk production. This medicine is not recommended during breastfeeding unless advised by a doctor. Consider alternative treatments or monitor the infant for drowsiness.
💊 Overdose Management
Overdose of this medicine may cause severe drowsiness, agitation, hypertension, palpitations, or seizures. If you suspect an overdose, seek emergency medical attention immediately. Treatment is supportive and symptomatic, including monitoring of vital signs and management of specific symptoms. There is no specific antidote. Do not induce vomiting unless instructed by a healthcare professional.
⏰ 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 to catch up.
Additional Safety Advice
Take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not exceed the recommended dose or duration. 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 impair your ability to perform tasks. Inform your doctor if you have high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, thyroid problems, or kidney disease before taking this medicine. 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, particularly drowsiness, dry mouth, and urinary retention. They may also have reduced renal function, which can affect drug clearance. Dose adjustment may be necessary. Use with caution and monitor closely.
🤰 Pregnancy Planning (TTC)
If you are planning to become pregnant, consult your doctor before taking this medicine. Levocetirizine may be considered safe, but phenylephrine should be avoided, especially during the first trimester, as it may affect uterine blood flow. Alternative treatments may be recommended.
🏥 Post-Surgery Considerations
After surgery, consult your doctor before taking this medicine. The decongestant component may increase blood pressure and heart rate, which could be problematic in the postoperative period. Additionally, drowsiness may interfere with recovery and mobility.
🦷 Dental Procedures
Inform your dentist if you are taking this medicine before any dental procedure. The dry mouth caused by this medicine may increase the risk of dental caries and oral infections. Your dentist may recommend preventive measures.
💚 Lifestyle Tips for Better Results
🏋️ Exercise Considerations
This medicine may cause drowsiness or dizziness, which can affect your coordination. Avoid strenuous exercise or activities that require mental alertness until you know how the medicine affects you. If you experience palpitations or shortness of breath during exercise, stop and consult your doctor.
🥗 Diet Recommendations
💼 Impact on Daily Work & Life
This medicine can cause drowsiness, which may affect your ability to perform tasks that require alertness, such as driving or operating machinery. It is advisable to avoid such activities until you know how the medicine affects you. If your work involves operating heavy equipment, inform your employer and take necessary precautions.
🛑 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 medical advice.
📅 Long-Term Use Effects
Long-term use of this medicine is not recommended without medical supervision. Prolonged use of decongestants like phenylephrine can lead to rebound congestion, where nasal congestion worsens when the medicine is stopped. Long-term antihistamine use may cause tolerance or other side effects. Regular monitoring by a doctor is advised if extended use is necessary.
🌿 Non-Medicine Approaches
These can complement medicine but do not replace prescribed treatment.
Using a saline solution to rinse the nasal passages can help relieve congestion and allergens.
Evidence: Well-establishedIdentifying and avoiding triggers such as pollen, dust, and pet dander can reduce allergic symptoms.
Evidence: Well-establishedThese are effective for allergic rhinitis and can be used as an alternative or adjunct to oral medications.
Evidence: Well-established💉 Vaccination Considerations
💉 If You're Getting Vaccinated
There are no known interactions between this medicine and vaccines. However, if you are scheduled to receive a vaccine, inform your healthcare provider that you are taking this medicine.
📦 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 the dosing schedule as advised by your doctor. Check local customs regulations regarding prescription medications before you travel.
💰 Cost Analysis & Savings
👥 Real Patient Stories
Educational, anonymized scenarios. Individual results may vary.
💬 Questions Patients Often Ask
A: This medicine usually starts relieving symptoms within 1 hour after taking it.
A: Yes, taking it with food can help reduce stomach upset.
A: This medicine may cause drowsiness. Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how it affects you.
A: Consult your doctor first. The decongestant component may increase blood pressure.
A: Do not use it for more than 7 days without consulting your doctor.
🤔 Common Patient Concerns
🔄 Substitutes for histarest plus 2.5mg/10mg/325mg tablet
View AllAlternative brands with exact same active ingredient:
-
lpc tabletMoraceae Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd ₹24.35 51.3% CHEAPER
-
allermin tabletUnimarck Healthcare Ltd ₹38.50 23% CHEAPER
-
l-cet p kid 2.5mg/10mg tabletAllenge India ₹40.00 20% CHEAPER
-
vilcold z tabletVilco Laboratories Pvt Ltd ₹43.65 12.7% CHEAPER
-
acolate lp 2.5mg/10mg tabletGujarat Terce Laboratories Ltd ₹44.00 12% 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 relieves symptoms; it does not cure the underlying viral infection. - Myth: It is safe to take this medicine for weeks.
Fact: Prolonged use without medical supervision can lead to rebound congestion and other side effects. - Myth: This medicine is safe for everyone.
Fact: It is not safe for people with certain conditions like high blood pressure, heart disease, or severe kidney problems.
🔄 Alternative Options
Generic Alternatives
- Levocetirizine + Phenylephrine generic tablets