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 components has a specific effect aimed at relieving various symptoms associated with colds and flu.

Composition and action of components

1. Paracetamol:

   • Action: Analgesic (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), reducing swelling of the nasal mucosa.
   • Mechanism: Stimulates alpha-adrenergic receptors, which causes constriction of blood vessels, reduced swelling and improved breathing through the nose.

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. Headaches 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 a sore throat, often associated 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 to be used at the first signs of colds and flu to quickly relieve symptoms and improve the patient’s general condition.

Important notes:

• AntiFlu does not treat the infection itself that caused a cold or flu, but helps 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 oral solution:

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

Tablets:

• Oral tablets 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 reliever) 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 decreased fever.

2. Phenylephrine hydrochloride

• Mechanism of action: Phenylephrine is a sympathomimetic that stimulates alpha-adrenergic receptors in the walls of blood vessels. This causes blood vessels to narrow (vasoconstriction), which reduces swelling of the nasal mucosa.
• Effects: Reduced nasal congestion, easier 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.

Synergetic action

The combination of these three components allows AntiFlu to effectively combat the complex symptoms of colds and flu. Paracetamol reduces pain and fever, phenylephrine relieves nasal congestion, and chlorphenamine reduces allergic symptoms. As a result, the use of AntiFlu significantly improves the well-being of patients suffering from cold and flu symptoms.

Pharmacodynamic benefits

• Quick onset of action thanks to a combination of rapidly absorbed components.
• Complex effect on the main symptoms of colds and flu.
• Reducing 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, while phenylephrine has relatively low bioavailability due to first-pass metabolism.

Distribution

All three components are distributed fairly quickly throughout the body, while paracetamol and chlorphenamine can penetrate the placental barrier and be excreted in breast milk.

Metabolism

Metabolism of all components occurs mainly 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 12-15 hours for chlorphenamine.

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

Dosing and administration

Tablets:

• 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 completely with a glass of water.

Powder for preparing the solution:

• A packet of powder is dissolved in a glass of hot water according to the instructions on the package.
• It is usually 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 medicine 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 disorder (Fays et al., 2015), (Liew et al., 2014). However, these studies cannot draw firm conclusions about cause and effect.

• Phenylephrine hydrochloride:

  • Phenylephrine is a vasoconstrictor used to relieve nasal congestion. Its use during pregnancy may be associated with an increased risk of fetal 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 usually used in small 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 components 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 components, you should avoid using the drug.
2. Hypertension: Phenylephrine hydrochloride, one of the components of AntiFlu, is a vasoconstrictor that may 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 may cause an increase in intraocular pressure, which is potentially dangerous for patients with glaucoma.
5. Pregnancy and breastfeeding: The use of AntiFlu during pregnancy or breastfeeding should be under medical supervision, as some components may have effects on the fetus or breast milk.
6. Children's age: 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 diseases: Paracetamol contained in AntiFlu is metabolized in the liver. People with liver or kidney disease may require dosage adjustments or additional medical supervision when using the drug.

Side effects AntiFlu

1. Drowsiness and fatigue: AntiFlu may cause drowsiness or fatigue in some people. This is especially likely when daily doses are taken during the day.
2. Dizziness: Some people may feel dizzy after taking AntiFlu.
3. Dry mouth: Some people may experience a feeling of dry mouth after taking the 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 an increase in blood pressure.
6. Tachycardia: Some people may experience an increase in heart rate (tachycardia) after taking the medicine.
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: In some patients may experience a decrease in heart rate (bradycardia) after taking the drug.
10. Urinary problems: Some people may experience difficulty urinating after taking AntiFlu.

Overdose

1. Symptom intensity: Increased 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 can lead to kidney failure or other kidney damage.

Interactions with other drugs

1. Medicines containing paracetamol: Using AntiFlu with other drugs containing paracetamol may result in 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 may enhance this effect and lead to increased drowsiness and slower reactions.
3. Medicines that increase blood pressure: Phenylephrine contained in AntiFlu may increase blood pressure. Use with other drugs, such as adrenergic agonists or sympathomimetics, may enhance this effect and lead to increased blood pressure.
4. Drugs that lower blood pressure: Some antihypertensive drugs, such as beta blockers or calcium channel blockers, may lower blood pressure. Combined use with AntiFlu may lead to a decrease in the effectiveness of these drugs.
5. Drugs that increase the risk of bleeding: Paracetamol may increase the risk of bleeding when used together with anticoagulants such as warfarin or thrombolytic drugs.
6. Drugs that increase the risk of kidney damage: Phenylephrine may increase the load on the kidneys. When used together with other drugs that also have a negative effect on the kidneys, the risk of developing renal failure may increase.