AntiFlu

AntiFlu is a combination medicine used for the symptomatic treatment of colds and flu. It contains three active ingredients: paracetamol, phenylephrine hydrochloride and chlorphenamine maleate. Each of these ingredients has a specific action aimed at relieving various symptoms associated with colds and flu.

Composition and action of components

1. Paracetamol:

   • Action: Pain reliever (analgesic) and antipyretic (antipyretic) agent.
   • Mechanism: Blocks the synthesis of prostaglandins in the central nervous system, which leads to a decrease in pain and temperature.

2. Phenylephrine hydrochloride:

   • Action: Vasoconstrictor (decongestant) that reduces swelling of the nasal mucosa.
   • Mechanism: Stimulates alpha-adrenergic receptors, which causes constriction of blood vessels, reduction of swelling and improvement of nasal breathing.

3. Chlorphenamine maleate:

   • Action: An antihistamine that relieves allergy symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing and itching.
   • Mechanism: Blocks histamine H1 receptors, which reduces allergic manifestations.

Indications AntiFlu

1. Fever and high temperature: Due to the content of paracetamol, AntiFlu effectively reduces body temperature.
2. Headache and muscle pain: The analgesic effect of paracetamol helps to reduce the pain that often accompanies colds and flu.
3. Nasal congestion: Phenylephrine hydrochloride has a vasoconstrictor effect, reducing swelling of the nasal mucosa and improving breathing.
4. Runny nose and sneezing: Chlorphenamine maleate, as an antihistamine, reduces nasal discharge and the frequency of sneezing.
5. Sore throat: Paracetamol helps relieve the sore throat that often occurs with colds and flu.

Symptoms for which AntiFlu may be prescribed:

• Fever.
• Headache.
• Myalgia (muscle pain).
• Arthralgia (joint pain).
• Sore throat.
• Nasal congestion.
• Rhinorrhea (nasal discharge).
• Sneezing.
• Chills and general malaise.

AntiFlu is recommended for use at the first signs of colds and flu to quickly relieve symptoms and improve the general condition of the patient.

Important notes:

• AntiFlu does not treat the infection itself that causes a cold or flu, but it helps to cope with its symptoms.
• If symptoms persist or worsen despite taking AntiFlu, you should consult a doctor to clarify the diagnosis and adjust treatment.

Release form

Powder for preparation of oral solution:

• Packets of powder that dissolves in hot water to create a drink. Typically this form comes in lemon, raspberry, or other fruit flavors.

Pills:

• Tablets for oral administration that contain a combination of active ingredients in a specific dosage. They are convenient to use anywhere and do not require preparation.

Pharmacodynamics

1. Paracetamol

• Mechanism of action: Paracetamol has an analgesic (pain-relieving) and antipyretic (antipyretic) effect. It inhibits the enzyme cyclooxygenase (COX) in the central nervous system, which leads to a decrease in the synthesis of prostaglandins, substances that increase pain and cause an increase in body temperature.
• Effects: Reduced pain (headache, muscle, joint) and fever.

2. Phenylephrine hydrochloride

• Mechanism of action: Phenylephrine is a sympathomimetic that stimulates alpha-adrenergic receptors in the walls of blood vessels. This results in vasoconstriction, which reduces swelling of the nasal mucosa.
• Effects: Reduces nasal congestion, facilitates breathing through the nose.

3. Chlorphenamine maleate

• Mechanism of action: Chlorphenamine is an antihistamine that blocks histamine H1 receptors. Histamine is a mediator of inflammation and allergic reactions, causing symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, and itching.
• Effects: Reduction of allergic manifestations such as rhinorrhea (nasal discharge), sneezing and itching.

Synergistic action

The combination of these three components allows AntiFlu to effectively combat the complex of cold and flu symptoms. Paracetamol reduces pain and temperature, phenylephrine relieves nasal congestion, and chlorphenamine reduces allergic reactions. As a result, the use of AntiFlu contributes to a significant improvement in the well-being of patients suffering from cold and flu symptoms.

Pharmacodynamic benefits

• Rapid onset of action thanks to a combination of rapidly absorbed ingredients.
• Comprehensive action on the main symptoms of colds and flu.
• Reduce the need to take multiple different medications to relieve symptoms.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption and bioavailability

Paracetamol and chlorphenamine are rapidly and completely absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, whereas phenylephrine has relatively low bioavailability due to presystemic metabolism.

Distribution

All three components are distributed throughout the body fairly quickly, with paracetamol and chlorphenamine being able to penetrate the placental barrier and be excreted in breast milk.

Metabolism

Metabolism of all components occurs primarily in the liver. Paracetamol is metabolized to form non-toxic conjugates, phenylephrine undergoes oxidative metabolism with the participation of MAO, and chlorphenamine is partially oxidized.

Withdrawal

The main route of elimination for all components is the kidneys. Half-lives vary from 1-4 hours for paracetamol, 2-3 hours for phenylephrine, and up to 12-15 hours for chlorphenamine.

These pharmacokinetic properties ensure the effective and comprehensive action of AntiFlu in the symptomatic treatment of colds and flu.

Dosing and administration

Pills:

• Adults and children over 12 years of age are recommended to take 1-2 tablets every 4-6 hours as needed.
• The maximum daily dose should not exceed 8 tablets.
• The tablets are taken whole with a glass of water.

Powder for solution preparation:

• Dissolve the packet of powder in a glass of hot water according to the instructions on the package.
• It is generally recommended to take 1 sachet every 4-6 hours as needed.
• The maximum daily dose is usually 4 sachets.

Use AntiFlu during pregnancy

• Paracetamol (acetaminophen):

  • Paracetamol is the most commonly used medication to treat pain and fever in pregnant women. Recent studies have shown that long-term use of paracetamol during pregnancy may be associated with an increased risk of behavioral and neuropsychiatric disorders in children, such as ADHD and autism spectrum disorders (Fays et al., 2015), (Liew et al., 2014). However, these studies cannot draw firm conclusions about causality.

• Phenylephrine hydrochloride:

  • Phenylephrine is a decongestant used to relieve nasal congestion. Its use during pregnancy may be associated with an increased risk of birth defects, although specific data are limited. It is important to consult with your doctor before using medications containing phenylephrine during pregnancy (Andrade, 2016).

• Chlorphenamine maleate:

  • Chlorphenamine is an antihistamine used to reduce allergy and cold symptoms. Although there is limited data on its safety in pregnancy, it is typically used in low doses and is considered relatively safe for short-term use. However, as with other antihistamines, its use in the first trimester requires caution (Sun et al., 2006).

Contraindications

1. Hypersensitivity or allergic reaction: Any of the ingredients of the drug, including paracetamol, phenylephrine hydrochloride or chlorphenamine maleate, may cause an allergic reaction in some people. If you have a known allergy to any of these ingredients, you should avoid using the drug.
2. Hypertension: Phenylephrine hydrochloride, one of the components of AntiFlu, is a vasoconstrictor that can increase blood pressure. People with hypertension are advised to avoid its use without consulting a doctor.
3. Prostatic hypertrophy: Phenylephrine hydrochloride may cause worsening of symptoms in patients with prostatic hypertrophy.
4. Glaucoma: This medicine contains phenylephrine, which can cause an increase in intraocular pressure, which is potentially dangerous for patients with glaucoma.
5. Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Use of AntiFlu during pregnancy or breastfeeding should be carried out under the supervision of a physician, as some components may affect the fetus or breast milk.
6. Children: Some forms of AntiFlu may not be suitable for use in children of a certain age. It is recommended to discuss the use of the drug with a pediatrician for children.
7. Liver and kidney disease: Paracetamol contained in AntiFlu is metabolized in the liver. People with liver or kidney disease may require dosage adjustment or additional medical supervision when using the drug.

Side effects AntiFlu

1. Drowsiness and tiredness: AntiFlu may cause drowsiness or tiredness in some people. This is especially likely when daily doses are taken during the day.
2. Dizziness: Some people may experience dizziness after taking AntiFlu.
3. Dry mouth: Some people may experience a feeling of dry mouth after taking this medicine.
4. Insomnia: In some patients, AntiFlu may cause sleep disturbances or insomnia.
5. Increased blood pressure: Due to the presence of phenylephrine hydrochloride in AntiFlu, some people may experience increased blood pressure.
6. Tachycardia: Some people may experience an increase in heart rate (tachycardia) after taking the drug.
7. Stomach upset: Stomach upset such as nausea, vomiting or diarrhea may occur.
8. Allergic reactions: In rare cases, AntiFlu may cause allergic reactions such as skin rash, itching, swelling or angioedema.
9. Bradycardia: Some patients may experience a decrease in heart rate (bradycardia) after taking the drug.
10. Urination problems: Some people may experience difficulty urinating after taking AntiFlu.

Overdose

1. Symptom Severity: Increase in all side effects of the drug, such as drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and so on.
2. Severe side effects: Such as cardiac arrhythmias, rapid heartbeat, high blood pressure, bradycardia (slow heart rate), or other serious reactions.
3. Liver damage: Paracetamol poisoning can cause severe liver damage, which can be life-threatening.
4. Kidney Damage: Poisoning may result in kidney failure or other kidney damage.

Interactions with other drugs

1. Medicines containing paracetamol: Using AntiFlu with other medicines containing paracetamol can lead to an excess of this component, which can cause severe liver damage.
2. Drugs that enhance sedation: Both AntiFlu and some other drugs can have a sedative effect. Their combined use can enhance this effect and lead to increased drowsiness and slower reactions.
3. Medicines that increase blood pressure: Phenylephrine, which is contained in AntiFlu, can increase blood pressure. Use with other drugs, such as adrenergic agonists or sympathomimetics, can increase this effect and lead to an increase in pressure.
4. Blood pressure lowering drugs: Some antihypertensive drugs, such as beta blockers or calcium antagonists, can lower blood pressure. Concomitant use with AntiFlu may reduce the effectiveness of these drugs.
5. Medicines that increase the risk of bleeding: Paracetamol may increase the risk of bleeding when used in combination with anticoagulants such as warfarin or thrombolytic drugs.
6. Drugs that increase the risk of kidney damage: Phenylephrine can increase the workload on the kidneys. When used with other drugs that also have a negative effect on the kidneys, the risk of kidney failure may increase.