Alcicold Oral Suspension: 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
- Difficulty breathing or swelling of face, lips, or throat
- Severe abdominal pain or yellowing of eyes or skin
- Blood in vomit or stool
- Irregular heartbeat or chest pain
- Confusion or severe dizziness
- Decreased urine output
If experiencing severe symptoms, call emergency services immediately.
What is unicold syrup used for?
This medicine is a combination of chlorpheniramine maleate (an antihistamine) and paracetamol (a pain reliever and fever reducer) used to treat symptoms of common cold and allergies such as runny nose, sneezing, and mild fever.
- Generic Name: Chlorpheniramine Maleate (0.5mg) + Paracetamol (125mg)
- Manufacturer: UniBiotics Pharmaceutical
- Form: Allopathy
- Pregnancy Category: Consult doctor
- Prescription Required: Yes
🇮🇳 unicold syrup के बारे में (Hindi Summary)
उपयोग: यह दवा सर्दी-जुकाम और एलर्जी के लक्षणों जैसे नाक बहना, छींक आना, आंखों में पानी आना और हल्के बुखार में राहत देने के लिए इस्तेमाल की जाती है।
साइड इफेक्ट्स: इस दवा के सामान्य दुष्प्रभावों में नींद आना, चक्कर आना, मुंह सूखना और पेट खराब होना शामिल हैं। गंभीर दुष्प्रभाव दुर्लभ हैं लेकिन एलर्जी, सांस लेने में कठिनाई या लीवर की समस्या हो सकती है।
सुरक्षा सलाह: इस दवा को डॉक्टर की सलाह के अनुसार ही लें। गाड़ी चलाने या मशीन चलाने से बचें क्योंकि इससे नींद आ सकती है। शराब का सेवन न करें। यदि आप गर्भवती हैं या स्तनपान करा रही हैं तो डॉक्टर से सलाह लें।
💊 unicold syrup Uses & Benefits
[{"condition":"Common cold","description":"Relieves symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, and mild fever associated with the common cold.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Allergic rhinitis","description":"Helps reduce sneezing, runny nose, and itchy, watery eyes caused by allergies.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Upper respiratory tract allergies","description":"Provides symptomatic relief from allergic reactions affecting the nose and throat.","evidence":"Well-established"}]
Off-label uses: []
Primary treatment for: Common cold and allergic rhinitis
Also treats: Upper respiratory tract allergies, Sneezing, Runny nose
📋 Drug Information
| Generic Name(s) | Chlorpheniramine Maleate (0.5mg) + Paracetamol (125mg) |
| Brand Name | unicold syrup |
| Manufacturer | UniBiotics Pharmaceutical |
| 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 dry place, away from direct sunlight. Do not freeze. |
| Shelf Life | 24 months from 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 an antihistamine and an analgesic-antipyretic. Chlorpheniramine maleate works by competitively blocking histamine H1 receptors, thereby reducing allergic symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, and watery eyes. Paracetamol acts centrally to relieve pain and reduce fever, though its exact mechanism is not fully understood; it is believed to inhibit prostaglandin synthesis in the central nervous system.
Mechanism Steps
💡 How to Take unicold syrup
Strength: Each 5 mL of suspension contains Chlorpheniramine Maleate 0.5 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 4 doses in 24 hours. However, 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, especially drowsiness and anticholinergic effects. Use with caution and consult a doctor for appropriate dosing. |
| Renal Impairment | Dose adjustment may be required in patients with renal impairment. Consult a doctor. |
| Hepatic Impairment | Dose adjustment may be required in patients with hepatic impairment. Consult a doctor. |
| Maximum Daily Dose | For adults: Maximum 8 tablets or 40 mL of suspension in 24 hours. Do not exceed recommended dose. |
Dosage Timeline
🍽️ Food Timing Guide
⏰ What to Do If You Miss a Dose
⚠️ Side Effects of unicold syrup
✅ 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 | |
| CNS depressants | Moderate | |
| Anticholinergics | Moderate | |
| Cholestyramine | Moderate | |
| Antacids | Minor | |
| Caffeine | Minor |
🚨 Major Interactions
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
- Alcohol
- Warfarin
⚡ Moderate Interactions
- CNS depressants (e.g., benzodiazepines, opioids)
- Anticholinergic drugs (e.g., atropine, tricyclic antidepressants)
- Cholestyramine
🍷 Alcohol Interaction
Alcohol should be avoided while taking this medicine because it can increase drowsiness and the risk of liver damage, especially due to the paracetamol component.
🔎 Check Your Other Medicines
Educational tool. Always confirm with your doctor or pharmacist.
🛡️ Safety & Warnings
🚫 Contraindications
["Hypersensitivity to chlorpheniramine, paracetamol, or any component","Severe liver disease","Narrow-angle glaucoma","Urinary retention","MAOI therapy within 14 days"]
⚠️ Warnings & Precautions
["May cause drowsiness; avoid driving or operating machinery.","Avoid alcohol.","Do not exceed recommended dose.","Use with caution in patients with liver or kidney disease.","Consult doctor before use in pregnancy or breastfeeding.","Do not use for longer than directed without medical advice."]
🤱 Lactation Safety
Chlorpheniramine and paracetamol are excreted in breast milk in small amounts. Caution is advised; consult your doctor before use.
💊 Overdose Management
Overdose can cause severe liver damage due to paracetamol. Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and confusion. Seek immediate medical attention. Treatment may include activated charcoal and acetylcysteine.
⏰ 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.
Additional Safety Advice
Do not exceed the recommended dose of this medicine. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how this medicine affects you, as it may cause drowsiness. Do not consume alcohol while taking this medicine, as it can increase drowsiness and the risk of liver damage. Inform your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease, glaucoma, difficulty urinating, or any chronic illness. Do not use this medicine for longer than directed without consulting a doctor. Keep out of reach of children. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult your doctor before use. Do not take other medicines containing paracetamol while on this medicine to avoid overdose.
👴 Special Considerations for Elderly
💡 For Patients Above 65
Elderly patients are more prone to side effects such as drowsiness, confusion, and anticholinergic effects. Use with caution and consult a doctor for dose adjustment.
🤰 Pregnancy Planning (TTC)
Consult your doctor before taking this medicine if you are planning pregnancy or are pregnant. The safety of this combination in pregnancy is not well established.
🏥 Post-Surgery Considerations
Consult your doctor before using this medicine after surgery, as it may interact with other medications or affect recovery.
🦷 Dental Procedures
Inform your dentist if you are taking this medicine, as it may cause dry mouth and increase the risk of dental issues.
💚 Lifestyle Tips for Better Results
🏋️ Exercise Considerations
Avoid strenuous exercise if you feel drowsy or dizzy from this medicine. Light activities are fine if you feel well.
🥗 Diet Recommendations
💼 Impact on Daily Work & Life
This medicine may cause drowsiness, which can affect your ability to drive or operate machinery. It is best to avoid these 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 days, if they worsen, or if you experience any serious side effects.
📅 Long-Term Use Effects
Long-term use of this medicine is not recommended without medical supervision. Prolonged use of paracetamol may increase the risk of liver damage, especially with high doses or alcohol consumption. Chlorpheniramine may cause tolerance to its sedative effects. Regular monitoring of liver function may be required if used for extended periods.
🌿 Non-Medicine Approaches
These can complement medicine but do not replace prescribed treatment.
Helps relieve nasal congestion without medication.
Evidence: Well-establishedCan help ease breathing and loosen mucus.
Evidence: Limited💉 Vaccination Considerations
💉 If You're Getting Vaccinated
Not established from the available information.
📦 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
Carry this medicine in its original packaging with a copy of the prescription. Store at room temperature and protect from direct sunlight. If traveling across time zones, adjust dosing schedule accordingly, but do not exceed the maximum daily dose. Check customs regulations for carrying medicines.
💰 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 can be taken with or without food, but taking it with food may reduce stomach upset.
A: It may be used in children above 2 years under medical supervision. Consult a pediatrician for appropriate dosing.
🤔 Common Patient Concerns
🔄 Substitutes for unicold syrup
View AllAlternative brands with exact same active ingredient:
-
Stencold Oral SuspensionStensa Life Sciences ₹34.69 5.7% COSTLIER
-
kunim cold syrupStenkem Molecules Pvt Ltd ₹42.19 28.6% COSTLIER
-
zecold kid oral suspensionMedivista Lifesciences Pvt. Ltd. ₹43.13 31.5% COSTLIER
-
avokold syrupAvonic Life Sciences ₹45.00 37.2% COSTLIER
-
antidoz-kid oral suspensionMedisoft Pharma ₹45.00 37.2% COSTLIER
Medical Note: Always consult your doctor before switching medications.
🛑 Myths vs. Facts
- Myth: This medicine can cure the common cold.
Fact: It only relieves symptoms; it does not cure the viral infection. - Myth: It is safe to take with alcohol.
Fact: Alcohol increases drowsiness and risk of liver damage.
🔄 Alternative Options
Generic Alternatives
- Chlorpheniramine + Paracetamol suspension