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Health

Helpex

, medical expert
Last reviewed: 03.07.2025
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Helpex is a drug from the pharmacological group of anti-inflammatory analgesics. Let's consider its main properties, indications for use and other features of use.

A combination painkiller from the group of antipyretic, non-steroidal antirheumatic drugs, used to treat acute respiratory viral infections. The drug has antitussive, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, antiallergic and analgesic properties.

The medicine has several forms of release, which are suitable for patients of all ages. The composition of the medicine includes several active components that have a strong therapeutic effect. These are paracetamol, phenylephrine, caffeine, menthol, chlorpheniramine, cetirizine and others. It is available without a prescription, but before using it, you should consult a doctor.

Indications Helpex

The pharmacological group of the drug indicates its anti-inflammatory, antipyretic and antirheumatic properties. Let's consider the indications for the use of Helpex:

  • Acute infectious diseases of the upper respiratory tract
  • Symptomatic therapy of influenza and acute respiratory viral infections
  • A cold accompanied by a dry cough and fever
  • Allergic rhinitis

The drug is excellent for the first symptoms of flu or acute respiratory viral infection. Since the medicine contains several active components, it perfectly relieves headaches, malaise, nasal congestion and other signs of a cold.

Release form

The pharmaceutical product has several forms of release, which makes it available for use by patients of different age categories. Let's consider the main types of the drug, release forms and composition:

  • Helpex Anticold

Tablets for oral use, available in packs of 4, 10, 80 and 100 tablets. Active ingredients: paracetamol, caffeine, chlorpheniramine maleate and phenylephrine hydrochloride.

  • Helpex Anticold DX

Tablets for oral administration, sold in packs of 4, 10, 80 and 100 tablets. Active ingredients: paracetamol, dextromethorphan hydrobromide, caffeine, phenylephrine hydrochloride, chlorpheniramine maleate.

  • Helpex Anticold Syrup

The medication is available in 60 and 100 ml bottles. Each bottle contains: menthol, chlorpheniramine maleate, bromhexine hydrochloride, dextromethorphan hydrobromide and phenylephrine hydrochloride.

  • Helpex Hot Cap

Powder for solution for oral use. Available in lemon and raspberry flavors in 5 g sachets. Active ingredients: paracetamol, cetirizine hydrochloride and phenylephrine hydrochloride.

Helpex Anticold

An effective combination remedy for eliminating symptoms of acute respiratory viral infections and flu is Helpex Anticold. The medicine has analgesic, antitussive, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory and antiallergic properties. It relieves symptoms such as rhinitis, nasal congestion, headaches, sneezing. When used at the first signs of a cold, it significantly improves overall well-being and helps the immune system fight viruses.

Since the tablets contain several active components, let's consider the action of each of them:

  • Paracetamol – has an antipyretic, anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect. This therapeutic effect is associated with the influence of the drug on the thermoregulation center located in the hypothalamus.
  • Phenylephrine hydrochloride – has a vasoconstrictive effect, reduces swelling of the mucous membrane of the nasal sinuses.
  • Caffeine – stimulates the central nervous system, affects the vasomotor and respiratory centers.
  • Dextromethorphan hydrobromide has antitussive properties, reduces the sensitivity of receptors and increases the threshold of sensitivity of the respiratory tract to various irritants.
  • Chlorpheniramine maleate – eliminates itching in the nose and lacrimation, has anti-allergic properties.

The medication is approved for use by patients over 12 years of age. The dosage and duration of therapy are determined by the doctor. As a rule, take 1 tablet 3-4 times a day, the interval between doses should be 4 hours. The duration of treatment should not exceed 5 days.

Contraindicated for use in case of intolerance to any of the components of the product, as well as in diabetes mellitus, arrhythmia, various blood diseases, renal and hepatic dysfunction, prostate adenoma, pancreatitis. Not used simultaneously with MAO inhibitors, in patients under 12 years of age, during pregnancy and lactation.

Side effects include allergic reactions, increased blood pressure, nausea, vomiting. In addition, anxiety, insomnia or drowsiness, dizziness, lethargy, confusion are possible. In case of overdose, a hepatotoxic effect, nausea, vomiting, allergic reactions appear. Treatment is symptomatic.

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Helpex anticold dx

Especially popular during the cold season are drugs that effectively and quickly eliminate the symptoms of the disease. Helpex Anticold dx has an analgesic and antipyretic effect, as well as an anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effect. Quickly relieves the first symptoms of acute respiratory viral infections. After using it, general well-being improves, headaches, sneezing, watery eyes, nasal congestion, coughing go away.

  • The medication contains several active ingredients: paracetamol, cetirizine hydrochloride and phenylephrine hydrochloride. These substances affect the central nervous system and sensory receptors that cause coughing fits.
  • The medicine is taken from the first days of the disease. Patients over 12 years old are prescribed 1 capsule up to 4 times a day. It is recommended to observe a time interval of 3-4 hours between taking the tablets. The course of treatment should not exceed 5-7 days.
  • Do not use in case of hypersensitivity to any of the components, cardiovascular diseases and hyperthyroidism, during pregnancy and lactation. Concomitant use with tricyclic antidepressants and MAO inhibitors is contraindicated.
  • If the doctor's recommendations are not followed, side effects appear that affect all body systems. Most often, patients complain of decreased/increased blood pressure, tachycardia, urinary retention, various sedative effects, nausea, vomiting and discomfort in the gastrointestinal tract.
  • In case of non-compliance with the recommended dosage and exceeding the course of treatment, overdose symptoms appear. Biochemical and clinical signs of liver damage due to the action of paracetamol are observed. Patients' skin turns pale, nausea, abdominal pain, and metabolic disorders appear. Other components cause drowsiness, increased blood pressure, and dizziness. If the above symptoms appear, it is necessary to seek medical help and conduct symptomatic therapy.

Helpex Anticold Syrup

Very often, various syrups and mixtures are used to treat colds accompanied by cough. Helpex Anticold Syrup helps to eliminate the first signs of ARVI and colds. The composition of the drug includes several active components that affect the sensitive centers of the body and the central nervous system. The drug contains substances such as: phenylephrine hydrochloride, menthol, chlorpheniramine maleate, bromhexine hydrochloride and dextromethorphan hydrobromide. The complex action of the active components allows you to achieve a lasting therapeutic effect in the first days of use.

  • The drug is prescribed for the treatment of acute inflammatory infectious diseases, allergic rhinitis, cough, lacrimation and other signs of damage to the upper respiratory tract. The syrup is taken orally with water. Patients over 12 years old are prescribed 5-10 ml every 3-4 hours 3 times a day. If the drug is used for children aged 6-12 years, then I prescribe 5 ml every 4 hours 3 times a day. The course of treatment should not exceed 7 days.
  • In case of individual intolerance to one of the components, the drug is contraindicated for use. Not used during pregnancy and lactation, as well as for patients under 6 years of age.
  • Side effects include gastrointestinal disturbances, mental disorders, dry mucous membranes of the mouth, throat and nose, increased sweating, increased heart rate and others.
  • In case of overdose, the following occur: increased weakness, sleep disorders, tremor, urinary retention, allergic skin reactions, respiratory depression. Treatment is supportive and symptomatic. In case of excessive overdose, it is necessary to seek medical help and monitor the patient's body temperature, respiratory function, and blood pressure.

Pharmacodynamics

The effectiveness of a drug is determined by the action of its components after use. Pharmacodynamics Helpex is represented by several active substances, let's consider their properties in more detail.

  • Paracetamol

It has antipyretic, analgesic and weak anti-inflammatory properties. The mechanism of action is based on the impact on the thermoregulation center and inhibition of the synthesis of prostaglandins and inflammation mediators. Increases the threshold of pain sensitivity.

  • Cetirizine hydrochloride

Selective H1-receptor antagonist , potent antihistamine. Reduces late allergic reaction, reduces release of inflammatory mediators. Does not affect other receptors and does not cause antiserotonin or anticholinergic effects.

  • Phenylephrine hydrochloride

Selective α 1 -adrenomimetic with vasoconstrictor action. Reduces swelling of the nasal mucosa, improves nasal breathing, reduces the volume of nasal secretion, which facilitates the passage of air.

  • Dextromethorphan hydrobromide

Antitussive, increases the threshold of sensitivity of the cough center receptors to various irritants. Softens dry unproductive cough and relieves irritation of the respiratory tract.

  • Caffeine

Affects the central nervous system, stimulates the cerebral cortex, respiratory and vasomotor centers.

  • Chlorpheniramine maleate

It has an anti-allergic effect, relieves itching in the nose, sneezing and watery eyes.

  • Menthol

It has a calming and analgesic effect. The effectiveness of the substance is due to reflex reactions that are associated with irritation of nerve endings. This action leads to a decrease in painful sensations.

  • Bromhexine hydrochloride

Antitussive, expectorant and mucolytic substance. Stimulates the synthesis of endogenous surfactant, which ensures stable functioning and protection of alveolar cells. Improves the rheological action of bronchopulmonary secretion and sputum removal.

Pharmacokinetics

Once ingested, all active substances behave differently, creating a therapeutic effect. Pharmacokinetics describes the processes of distribution, metabolism and elimination of active components, let's consider this in more detail:

  • Paracetamol

It is quickly absorbed from the digestive tract, the maximum concentration in the blood plasma is 1 hour after administration. Binding to blood proteins is insignificant. The half-life is 1-4 hours. The antipyretic effect lasts for 6-7 hours, the analgesic effect - about 5 hours. It is excreted by the kidneys, about 5% unchanged.

  • Dextromethorphan hydrobromide

Completely absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, metabolized in the liver, excreted unchanged by the kidneys. Half-life is 3-4 hours.

  • Caffeine

Absorbed from the intestine, most of it is oxidized and demethylated. Excreted by the kidneys, half-life is 5-10 hours.

  • Cetirizine hydrochloride

It is quickly absorbed in the digestive tract. Food intake does not affect the absorption level. The maximum concentration in blood plasma is 30-60 minutes after administration. In adult patients, the half-life is 7-11 hours, in children 6-7. Binding to blood proteins in the blood is at the level of 90%.

  • Chlorpheniramine

Slowly absorbed in the digestive tract, the maximum concentration occurs 3-6 hours after administration. 70% binds to blood proteins, bioavailability is at the level of 25-50%. In the process of distribution throughout the body, it penetrates the blood-brain barrier. It is excreted by the kidneys within 4-6 hours.

  • Phenylephrine

Characterized by uneven absorption and low bioavailability. Excreted as metabolites in urine. In case of urine acidification, the excretion process accelerates.

Dosing and administration

The effectiveness of therapy for upper respiratory tract lesions depends on the duration of the course of treatment. The method of administration and dosage of Helpex are based on the form of release of the drug and the recommendations of the attending physician.

  • Helpex Anticold and Helpex Anticold DX are approved for use by patients over 12 years of age. As a rule, 1 tablet is prescribed up to 4 times a day. A time interval of 4 hours must be observed between doses of the medication. The medication is taken one hour after meals, with plenty of liquid. The course of therapy should not exceed 5 days.
  • Helpex Anticold syrup is taken orally with water. For patients over 12 years old, 5-10 ml is prescribed 2-3 times a day, and for children 6-12 years old, 5 ml 3 times a day.

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Use Helpex during pregnancy

Treatment of colds in expectant mothers is a rather complicated process, as many drugs have a negative effect on fetal development. The use of Helpex during pregnancy is contraindicated.

The ban on the use of the drug is explained by the fact that the tablets and syrup contain several active substances that affect the body of the woman and the child differently. Thus, paracetamol and phenylephrine penetrate into breast milk, so the drug is not used during lactation.

Contraindications

When using any medicine, you must consult with your doctor. This is because all medications have certain contraindications for use. Let's consider this using the example of the combined anti-cold drug Helpex.

Contraindications:

  • Individual intolerance to components
  • Diabetes mellitus
  • Arrhythmia
  • Arterial hypertension
  • Diseases of the circulatory system
  • Hyperthyroidism
  • Pancreatitis (in the acute stage)
  • Severe renal and hepatic dysfunction
  • Prostate adenoma (with difficulty urinating)
  • Alcoholism
  • Peripheral arterial thrombosis
  • Pregnancy and lactation
  • Patients under 12 years of age (tablets)
  • Patients under 6 years of age (syrup)
  • Concomitant use of MAO inhibitors.

Side effects Helpex

If the drug is used without following the recommendations specified in the instructions, a number of negative reactions occur. Side effects of the anti-inflammatory analgesic are manifested by the following symptoms:

  • Hepatic colic
  • Nausea
  • Vomit
  • Diarrhea/constipation
  • Decreased appetite
  • Pain in the epigastric region
  • Anemia
  • Skin allergic reactions
  • Thrombocytopenia
  • Aseptic pyuria
  • Insomnia
  • Anxiety
  • Dizziness
  • Interstitial glomerulonephritis
  • High blood pressure
  • Confusion of consciousness.

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Overdose

Since the anti-cold drug Helpex is multi-component, the effects of overdose are based on the mechanism of action of all its active substances.

  • Paracetamol causes the development of a hepatotoxic effect. After 24-72 hours, symptoms of liver damage are observed. The patient suffers from vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain, and pale skin.
  • Caffeine causes nausea, headaches, anxiety, tremors, rapid heartbeat, vomiting and confusion.
  • Phenylephrine causes an increase in blood pressure, ventricular extrasystole, a feeling of heaviness in the head and limbs, and paroxysms.
  • In case of overdose, chlorpheniramine provokes depression/excitement of consciousness, convulsive syndrome. In rare cases, atropine-like symptoms are observed.
  • Cetirizine - in adult patients it causes drowsiness, and in children it causes excitement, which quickly gives way to drowsiness.

To eliminate the above-described symptoms, symptomatic therapy is recommended. During the first hour, gastric lavage and intake of absorbents are advisable. During the first day after an overdose, N-acetylcysteine should be administered.

Interactions with other drugs

Treatment of acute respiratory viral infections and colds requires a comprehensive approach, so several drugs are often used simultaneously. Interaction with other drugs is possible with appropriate doctor's instructions.

  • Paracetamol interacts with anticoagulants and anticonvulsants. Its antipyretic activity is reduced when used with barbiturates.
  • Caffeine reduces the effect of sleeping pills and narcotics. Its absorption rate is reduced by colestyramine and increased by metoclopramide.
  • When phenylephrine is used with MAO inhibitors and sympathomimetic amines, blood pressure increases.
  • Chlorpheniramine does not function simultaneously with drugs that depress the central nervous system (MAO inhibitors, barbiturates, tricyclic antidepressants, tranquilizers), calcium chloride, norepinephrine and kanamycin sulfate.

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Storage conditions

The effectiveness of the therapeutic effect of the drug depends on its storage conditions. All forms of Helpex should be stored in a dry place, protected from sunlight and inaccessible to children. The storage temperature should not exceed 20-25 °C. It is recommended to keep the medicine in its original packaging.

Shelf life

Helpex syrup and tablets have different expiration dates. After the first opening of the bottle, the syrup is suitable for use within 7 days. Tablets and unopened syrup can be stored for 24 months from the production date (indicated on the package/bottle), subject to storage rules.

Attention!

To simplify the perception of information, this instruction for use of the drug "Helpex" translated and presented in a special form on the basis of the official instructions for medical use of the drug. Before use read the annotation that came directly to medicines.

Description provided for informational purposes and is not a guide to self-healing. The need for this drug, the purpose of the treatment regimen, methods and dose of the drug is determined solely by the attending physician. Self-medication is dangerous for your health.

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