nircold drop - Paracetamol (125mg) + Phenylpropanolamine (6.25mg) medicine

Nircold Drop: Complete Medicine Guide For Cold, Fever, And Nasal Congestion

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🏭 Nirlife Healthcare 📦 Varies by brand 💊 Allopathy 📅 Updated: Oct 29, 2026
📋 Prescription Required 💊 Generic Available
Medically Reviewed
11 min read
Evidence: Established for short-term symptomatic relief of cold symptoms; evidence for the fixed-dose combination is limited.
Reviewed by
SaathiMed Expert Panel | Oct 29, 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 headache with visual changes or confusion
  • Chest pain, palpitations, or difficulty breathing
  • Sudden swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
  • Yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, or severe abdominal pain
  • Unusual bleeding or bruising
  • Fainting or severe dizziness
  • High fever that does not come down with treatment

If experiencing severe symptoms, call emergency services immediately.

What is nircold drop used for?

This medicine is an oral drop combination of Paracetamol 125 mg and Phenylpropanolamine 6.25 mg used for short-term relief of fever, body ache, and nasal congestion in common cold. It must be taken only in the dose advised by a doctor, and it should not be used by people with uncontrolled high blood pressure, severe heart disease, or those taking MAOIs.

  • Generic Name: Paracetamol (125mg) + Phenylpropanolamine (6.25mg)
  • Manufacturer: Nirlife Healthcare
  • Form: Allopathy
  • Pregnancy Category: Consult doctor
  • Prescription Required: Yes

🇮🇳 nircold drop के बारे में (Hindi Summary)

उपयोग: यह दवा पैरासिटामोल 125 मिलीग्राम और फेनिलप्रोपेनॉलामाइन 6.25 मिलीग्राम का ओरल ड्रॉप संयोजन है। इसका उपयोग सर्दी-जुकाम में नाक बंद होने, हल्के से मध्यम बुखार, सिरदर्द और शरीर दर्द से राहत के लिए किया जाता है। पैरासिटामोल बुखार और दर्द कम करता है, जबकि फेनिलप्रोपेनॉलामाइन नाक की रक्त वाहिकाओं को सिकोड़कर नाक खोलने में मदद करता है। यह दवा केवल डॉक्टर की सलाह से और सीमित समय के लिए लेनी चाहिए।

साइड इफेक्ट्स: इस दवा से आमतौर पर हल्की मतली, पेट में असहजता, मुँह सूखना, बेचैनी और कभी-कभी चक्कर आ सकते हैं। कुछ लोगों में दिल की धड़कन तेज होना या रक्तचाप बढ़ना जैसी गंभीर समस्या भी हो सकती है। अगर सीने में दर्द, साँस लेने में कठिनाई, तेज सिरदर्द या चेहरे पर सूजन हो तो तुरंत डॉक्टर से मिलें।

सुरक्षा सलाह: इस दवा को डॉक्टर द्वारा बताई गई मात्रा और समय से ज्यादा न दें। पैरासिटामोल की अधिक मात्रा से लिवर को नुकसान हो सकता है और फेनिलप्रोपेनॉलामाइन से रक्तचाप बढ़ सकता है। बच्चों को बिना बाल रोग विशेषज्ञ की सलाह के यह दवा न दें। इसके साथ अन्य पैरासिटामोल वाली दवाएँ न लें। शराब का सेवन बिल्कुल न करें। दवा को ठंडी और सूखी जगह पर, बच्चों की पहुँच से दूर रखें।

💡 Did You Know? The first generic medicine was introduced in India in 1970 after the Patents Act was amended.

💊 nircold drop Uses & Benefits

[{"condition":"Common cold with nasal congestion","description":"Provides short-term relief of nasal stuffiness along with fever and body ache associated with common cold.","evidence":"Established for short-term symptomatic use"},{"condition":"Fever with headache","description":"Paracetamol reduces fever and relieves mild to moderate headache, while phenylpropanolamine helps clear nasal blockage.","evidence":"Established for symptomatic relief"},{"condition":"Mild to moderate pain with congestion","description":"Used when pain or fever occurs together with a blocked nose, such as in upper respiratory tract infections.","evidence":"Established for short-term symptomatic use"}]

Off-label uses: []

Primary treatment for: Common cold and flu symptoms with nasal congestion

Also treats: Fever with headache, Mild to moderate body ache with nasal stuffiness, Upper respiratory tract infection symptoms

📋 Drug Information

Generic Name(s)Paracetamol (125mg) + Phenylpropanolamine (6.25mg)
Brand Namenircold drop
ManufacturerNirlife Healthcare
Packaging / FormVaries by brand (Allopathy)
Therapeutic ClassRESPIRATORY
Action Class
Route of AdministrationOral
StorageStore below 30°C in a dry place, protected from direct sunlight. Keep the bottle tightly closed and out of reach of children. Do not freeze unless the label specifically allows it.
Shelf LifeRefer to the expiry date printed on the pack. Do not use after the expiry date.
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
Use the dropper supplied with the product to measure the dose accurately, because household spoons are not reliable.
2
Avoid combining this medicine with other paracetamol-containing products to prevent accidental overdose.
3
Check blood pressure before recommending this medicine to patients with hypertension or heart disease.
4
Advise patients to stop the medicine and seek review if symptoms do not improve within a few days.
5
Warn patients not to take this medicine with alcohol because of the risk of liver injury and increased dizziness.
6
Ask about MAOI use before prescribing, as the combination can cause a dangerous rise in blood pressure.
7
For children, calculate the dose based on age and weight and document the advice clearly for the parents.

🔍 Is This Medicine Right for Your Symptom?

Educational reference. Always consult a doctor for diagnosis.

✅
Nasal congestion with mild fever
This medicine is commonly used for short-term relief of these symptoms.
Likely Use
❌
Severe chest pain
This is a medical emergency and requires immediate attention, not this medicine.
Not Primary
❌
Chronic joint pain
This medicine is not intended for chronic pain conditions.
Not Primary

🔬 How This Medicine Works (Pharmacology)

Pharmacokinetics

AbsorptionParacetamol is rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract after oral administration. Phenylpropanolamine is also absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. Exact absorption data for this specific fixed-dose drop formulation are not established from the available information.
DistributionParacetamol distributes widely into body fluids and tissues. Phenylpropanolamine distribution data for this specific product are not established from the available information.
Protein BindingParacetamol has low plasma protein binding. Phenylpropanolamine protein binding data for this specific product are not established from the available information.
MetabolismParacetamol is metabolized mainly in the liver by conjugation pathways, with a small fraction oxidized by cytochrome P450 enzymes. Phenylpropanolamine metabolism data for this specific product are not established from the available information.
Half-LifeParacetamol elimination half-life is typically about 2 to 3 hours in adults at usual doses. Phenylpropanolamine elimination half-life for this specific product is not established from the available information.
ExcretionParacetamol is excreted mainly in urine as conjugated metabolites. Phenylpropanolamine is excreted in urine, partly unchanged. Exact excretion data for this specific product are not established from the available information.
BioavailabilityParacetamol oral bioavailability is high. Phenylpropanolamine oral bioavailability for this specific product is not established from the available information.
Onset of ActionParacetamol usually begins to reduce fever and pain within 30 to 60 minutes after oral intake. Phenylpropanolamine nasal decongestant effect may begin within 15 to 30 minutes. Exact onset for this specific product is not established from the available information.
Peak Plasma TimeParacetamol peak plasma levels are usually reached within 30 to 60 minutes after oral dosing. Phenylpropanolamine peak plasma time for this specific product is not established from the available information.
Duration of ActionParacetamol fever and pain relief usually lasts about 4 to 6 hours. Phenylpropanolamine decongestant effect may last about 4 to 6 hours. Exact duration for this specific product is not established from the available information.

How It Works

This medicine combines two active ingredients with different actions. Paracetamol acts mainly in the central nervous system to reduce fever and pain by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis and modulating pain pathways. Phenylpropanolamine is a sympathomimetic amine that stimulates alpha-adrenergic receptors on nasal blood vessels, causing vasoconstriction and reduced swelling of the nasal mucosa. The combination provides symptomatic relief of fever, pain, and nasal congestion.

Mechanism Steps

1
Paracetamol central action: Paracetamol reduces prostaglandin production in the brain and spinal cord, which helps lower fever and decrease pain perception.
2
Phenylpropanolamine alpha-adrenergic stimulation: Phenylpropanolamine stimulates alpha-adrenergic receptors on blood vessels in the nasal lining, causing them to narrow.
3
Reduced nasal swelling: Narrowing of nasal blood vessels decreases blood flow and swelling in the nasal passages, which opens the airway and relieves stuffiness.
4
Combined symptom relief: The two ingredients together reduce fever, ease pain, and clear nasal congestion, giving relief from common cold symptoms.

💡 How to Take nircold drop

Strength: Oral drops containing Paracetamol 125 mg and Phenylpropanolamine 6.25 mg per dose unit, immediate-release formulation.

1Shake the bottle well before each use.
2Measure the dose accurately with the dropper or measuring device supplied with the product.
3Take the medicine by mouth, with or without food, as advised by the clinician.
4Do not mix the drops into a large amount of liquid unless the doctor or pharmacist says it is acceptable.
5Wash the dropper after use and close the bottle tightly.
6Do not exceed the recommended dose or duration.

Dosage Information

Adult DosageThe dose of this medicine must be individualized by a qualified clinician based on the indication, age, weight, and liver and kidney function. It is usually taken by mouth for short-term relief of cold symptoms. Adults should not exceed the dose advised on the prescription or product label, and self-medication beyond a few days is not recommended. 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. Drops must be measured with the supplied dropper or a proper measuring device, and the dose depends on the child's age and weight.
Elderly DosageOlder adults may be more sensitive to the blood pressure and stimulant effects of phenylpropanolamine and to the liver effects of paracetamol. Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration and only under medical supervision. Dose must be individualized by a qualified clinician.
Renal ImpairmentPeople with kidney disease may need a reduced dose or longer dosing interval. This medicine should be used only under medical advice in such patients. Dose must be individualized by a qualified clinician based on renal function.
Hepatic ImpairmentPeople with liver disease should use this medicine only under medical supervision because of the risk of paracetamol-related liver injury. A lower dose or avoidance may be advised. Dose must be individualized by a qualified clinician based on hepatic function.
Maximum Daily DoseThe maximum daily dose depends on the prescribed strength and the clinician's assessment. Do not exceed the dose recommended by the doctor or the product label. For paracetamol, exceeding the recommended daily limit can cause serious liver injury.

Dosage Timeline

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

🍽️ Food Timing Guide

With food
May be taken with or without food
Taking with food can reduce stomach upset.
Caffeine-containing drinks
Limit intake
Caffeine can add to the stimulating effects of phenylpropanolamine.

⏰ 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 nircold drop

✅ Common Side Effects

Nausea (Common)
Take the medicine with food or milk if stomach upset occurs. Consult the doctor if nausea persists.
Dry mouth (Common)
Sip water frequently. This usually settles without any treatment.
Restlessness or irritability (Uncommon)
Avoid late evening doses if sleep is disturbed. Inform the doctor if this continues.
Dizziness (Uncommon)
Avoid driving or operating machinery until you feel normal. Consult the doctor if dizziness is severe.

🚨 Serious Side Effects

Marked rise in blood pressure (Rare)
Seek immediate medical attention if there is severe headache, chest pain, or visual disturbance.
Fast or irregular heartbeat (Rare)
Stop the medicine and get urgent medical help if palpitations or chest discomfort occur.
Severe allergic reaction (Rare)
Seek emergency care for swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, or difficulty breathing.
Severe skin reaction (Very rare)
Stop the medicine and seek immediate medical care if a painful rash, blistering, or peeling skin develops.

⚠️ Rare Side Effects

Blood disorders such as low platelet count
Report unusual bruising or bleeding to the doctor immediately.
Liver injury with prolonged or excessive paracetamol use
Seek medical attention if yellowing of eyes or skin, dark urine, or severe abdominal pain occurs.

Consult your doctor if you experience any unusual symptoms.

🔬 Drug Interactions

Drug Severity Effect
MAOIs Major
Other decongestants Major
Warfarin Moderate
Antihypertensives Moderate
Tricyclic antidepressants Moderate
Caffeine Minor

🚨 Major Interactions

  • Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
  • Other sympathomimetic decongestants
  • Warfarin

⚡ Moderate Interactions

  • Antihypertensive medicines
  • Tricyclic antidepressants
  • Caffeine and other stimulants

🍷 Alcohol Interaction

Alcohol should be avoided while taking this medicine. Alcohol increases the risk of liver injury from paracetamol and can worsen dizziness, drowsiness, and blood pressure changes.

🔎 Check Your Other Medicines

Educational tool. Always confirm with your doctor or pharmacist.

🛡️ Safety & Warnings

🚫 Contraindications

["Known allergy to paracetamol, phenylpropanolamine, or any ingredient of this medicine","Uncontrolled high blood pressure","Severe coronary artery disease or recent heart attack","Use of monoamine oxidase inhibitors within the last 14 days","Hyperthyroidism","Closed-angle glaucoma","Severe liver disease","Children below the age approved by the clinician for this product"]

⚠️ Warnings & Precautions

["Do not exceed the recommended dose because of the risk of paracetamol-related liver injury.","Avoid other paracetamol-containing medicines to prevent accidental overdose.","Use with caution in people with high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, or thyroid disorders.","Avoid alcohol completely during treatment.","Do not use for more than a few days without medical review.","Keep out of reach of children and use a proper measuring device for drops."]

🤱 Lactation Safety

Paracetamol passes into breast milk in small amounts and is generally considered compatible with breastfeeding for short-term use. Phenylpropanolamine safety during breastfeeding is not well established. Breastfeeding mothers should consult a clinician before using this medicine.

💊 Overdose Management

Overdose of this medicine can cause serious liver injury from paracetamol and dangerous blood pressure elevation or heart rhythm problems from phenylpropanolamine. If an overdose is suspected, seek emergency medical care immediately, even if the person feels well. Do not wait for symptoms. Treatment may include activated charcoal, measurement of blood levels, and acetylcysteine for paracetamol toxicity, along with blood pressure and heart monitoring.

⏰ Missed Dose

If a dose is missed, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for the next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and continue with the regular schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Additional Safety Advice

General Safety

Use this medicine only in the dose and duration advised by a qualified clinician. Do not exceed the recommended amount, because the paracetamol component can harm the liver in overdose and the phenylpropanolamine component can raise blood pressure. Avoid giving this medicine to children below the age recommended by your pediatrician, and never use it to make a child sleepy. Do not combine it with other paracetamol-containing products, as this can lead to accidental overdose. People with high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, thyroid problems, or glaucoma should inform the doctor before use. Avoid alcohol completely while taking this medicine. Keep the bottle tightly closed and out of reach of children.

👴 Special Considerations for Elderly

💡 For Patients Above 65

Older adults are more likely to have high blood pressure, heart disease, and reduced liver or kidney function. They may be more sensitive to the blood pressure and stimulant effects of phenylpropanolamine and to the liver effects of paracetamol. Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration and only under medical supervision.

🤰 Pregnancy Planning (TTC)

Women who are planning pregnancy should avoid this medicine unless a clinician specifically advises it. Paracetamol may be used for short-term relief when needed, but phenylpropanolamine is generally avoided in pregnancy. Discuss safer alternatives with the doctor before trying to conceive.

🏥 Post-Surgery Considerations

After surgery, use this medicine only if the surgeon or treating doctor approves it. Paracetamol may be used for pain relief in some cases, but the decongestant component may not be suitable because of its effects on blood pressure and heart rate. Always inform the surgical team about all medicines being taken.

🦷 Dental Procedures

Inform the dentist about this medicine before any dental procedure. Paracetamol may help with post-procedure pain, but the decongestant component can affect blood pressure and heart rate. The dentist may recommend a different pain reliever depending on your overall health.

💚 Lifestyle Tips for Better Results

🏃
Drink plenty of warm fluids to help loosen nasal congestion.
🥗
Take adequate rest to help the body recover from cold and fever.
😴
Use saline nasal drops or steam inhalation for additional relief from nasal stuffiness.
💧
Avoid smoking and exposure to second-hand smoke, as these worsen nasal congestion.
🧘
Maintain good hand hygiene to reduce the spread of cold viruses.
🌞
Keep the room comfortably warm and use a humidifier if the air is dry.

🏋️ Exercise Considerations

Avoid strenuous exercise while you have fever or active cold symptoms. Rest is more helpful during the acute phase. Once symptoms improve, you may gradually return to your normal routine. If you feel dizzy or weak after taking this medicine, avoid exercise until you feel normal.

🥗 Diet Recommendations

Drink warm water, soups, and herbal teas to soothe the throat and loosen congestion.
Include vitamin C-rich fruits such as oranges and amla in the diet.
Avoid cold drinks and ice cream if they worsen throat discomfort.
Eat light, easily digestible meals during fever.
Limit caffeine because it can add to the stimulating effects of the decongestant.

💼 Impact on Daily Work & Life

This medicine may cause mild dizziness or restlessness in some people. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how the medicine affects you. Most people can continue light desk work, but rest is advised if fever or body ache is significant.

🛑 When to Stop This Medicine

Stop this medicine when the symptoms improve or as advised by the doctor. Do not continue it for more than a few days without medical review. If symptoms worsen or new symptoms appear, stop the medicine and consult a clinician. Do not stop any other prescribed medicine without medical advice.

📅 Long-Term Use Effects

Long-term use of this medicine is not recommended. Prolonged use of paracetamol can increase the risk of liver injury, especially with alcohol or other liver-damaging medicines. Prolonged use of phenylpropanolamine can cause persistent blood pressure elevation, palpitations, and sleep disturbance. If symptoms persist, the patient should be reviewed by a clinician to find the underlying cause rather than continuing this medicine.

🌿 Non-Medicine Approaches

These can complement medicine but do not replace prescribed treatment.

Saline nasal drops and steam inhalation

Help relieve nasal congestion without decongestant medicines.

Evidence: Well-established for symptomatic relief
Paracetamol alone

Useful when only fever and pain are present without significant nasal congestion.

Evidence: Well-established
Adequate rest and fluids

Supports natural recovery from common cold and reduces the need for medicines.

Evidence: Well-established

💉 Vaccination Considerations

💉 If You're Getting Vaccinated

This medicine does not replace vaccination. Annual influenza vaccination and other recommended vaccines should be continued as advised by the doctor. There is no known interaction between this medicine and routine vaccines, but inform the vaccination provider about all medicines being taken.

📦 Storage Guide

✅ DO

Store below 30°C in a dry place

❌ DON'T

Do not store in direct sunlight or in a hot place

✅ DO

Keep the bottle tightly closed

❌ DON'T

Do not leave the cap open or transfer to another container

✅ 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 the prescription or a copy of the prescription. Keep it in a cool, dry place during travel and avoid leaving it in a hot car or in direct sunlight. If travelling across time zones, continue the dosing schedule as advised by the doctor and do not double the dose to adjust for time changes. Check the customs rules of the destination country for carrying prescription medicines.

💰 Cost Analysis & Savings

👥 Real Patient Stories

Educational, anonymized scenarios. Individual results may vary.

👤 A 6-year-old child with common cold, mild fever, and blocked nose
The child was prescribed this medicine by a pediatrician for short-term symptom relief. The parents measured the drops with the supplied dropper and gave the medicine exactly as advised. The fever and nasal stuffiness improved over two days, and the medicine was stopped after the symptoms settled.
💡 Lesson: Using the correct measuring device and following the prescribed duration helps ensure safe and effective relief.
👤 A 35-year-old adult with cold who also had high blood pressure
The patient wanted a quick remedy for nasal congestion and almost took this medicine without informing the doctor about the blood pressure problem. On checking, the clinician advised against it because phenylpropanolamine can raise blood pressure, and a safer alternative was suggested.
💡 Lesson: Always inform the doctor about existing conditions such as high blood pressure before using cold medicines that contain decongestants.

💬 Questions Patients Often Ask

Q: How long does it take to work?

A: Paracetamol usually starts reducing fever and pain within 30 to 60 minutes, while the nasal decongestant effect may begin within 15 to 30 minutes.

Q: Can I take this medicine with other cold medicines?

A: You should avoid combining it with other cold medicines unless a doctor advises, because many contain paracetamol or decongestants and can cause overdose or high blood pressure.

Q: Is this medicine safe for children?

A: It should be given to children only in the dose advised by a pediatrician, using the proper measuring device.

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

A: Take it as soon as you remember if it is not almost time for the next dose. Otherwise, skip the missed dose and do not double the dose.

🤔 Common Patient Concerns

💭 These are the concerns patients most commonly raise

  • Can this medicine be taken for more than three days?
  • Does this medicine raise blood pressure?
  • Can it be given to infants?
  • Can it be taken with antibiotics?
  • What should I do if my child vomits after taking the drops?
  • Is it safe to drive after taking this medicine?

🔄 Substitutes for nircold drop

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 be taken for any cold for many days.
    Fact: It is meant for short-term relief only and should not be used for prolonged periods without medical review.
  • Myth: More drops will give faster relief.
    Fact: Taking more than the recommended dose can cause serious liver and blood pressure problems.
  • Myth: It is safe to combine with other cold and flu products.
    Fact: Many cold products contain paracetamol or decongestants, and combining them can lead to overdose or dangerous blood pressure elevation.

🔄 Alternative Options

Generic Alternatives

  • Paracetamol and phenylpropanolamine oral drops

📊 Comparison with Similar Medicines

[{"medicine":"This medicine","composition":"Paracetamol 125 mg + Phenylpropanolamine 6.25 mg","main_use":"Fever, pain, and nasal congestion","route":"Oral"},{"medicine":"Paracetamol oral drops","composition":"Paracetamol only","main_use":"Fever and mild pain","route":"Oral"},{"medicine":"Paracetamol and phenylephrine oral drops","composition":"Paracetamol + Phenylephrine","main_use":"Fever, pain, and nasal congestion","route":"Oral"}]

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