Vix Active

Vicks Active belongs to the subgroup of antipyretic and analgesic drugs.

Paracetamol has analgesic, antipyretic and weak anti-inflammatory effects. These effects mainly develop when the processes of PG binding inside the central nervous system are slowed down. [ 1 ]

Phenylephrine hydrochloride is an artificial adrenergic agonist that has a stimulating effect on α-adrenergic receptors. It is a decongestant that reduces swelling (also of the nasal mucosa and paranasal sinuses) and constricts blood vessels. [ 2 ]

Indications Vix Active

It is used to eliminate symptoms of flu and colds (aches and pains in the body, fever, headache, nasal congestion and sore throat).

Release form

The medicine is released in the form of a laminated sachet - 5 or 10 pieces inside the package.

Pharmacokinetics

Paracetamol.

It is almost completely absorbed at high speed in the gastrointestinal tract, crosses the placenta and is excreted in small quantities in breast milk.

95% of the substance is involved in intrahepatic metabolism (through glucuronoconjugation and sulfoconjugation, as well as oxidation by hemoprotein P450).

The half-life is 1-4 hours. The duration of the therapeutic effect is within 3-4 hours. Excretion is realized through the kidneys, mainly in the form of metabolic elements; 3% of paracetamol is excreted unchanged.

Phenylephrine hydrochloride.

The effect of the component develops almost immediately after application and lasts for about 20 minutes.

Metabolic processes occur inside the gastrointestinal tract or liver.

Excretion occurs through the kidneys.

Dosing and administration

Vicks Active should be taken orally. Dissolve 1 sachet in 0.25 l of hot water and then take warm. One sachet should be used per dose.

The dose should be repeated at 4-6 hour intervals (if necessary), but no more than 4 sachets per day.

The therapeutic cycle can last a maximum of 3-5 days.

• Application for children

The medicine should not be prescribed to persons under 12 years of age.

Use Vix Active during pregnancy

It is prohibited to use Vicks Active during breastfeeding or pregnancy.

Contraindications

Among the contraindications:

• severe intolerance to paracetamol or other components of the drug;
• diseases affecting the cardiovascular system, diabetes mellitus, pheochromocytoma, high blood pressure, hyperthyroidism, glaucoma and enlarged prostate;
• active hepatitis, alcoholism, renal/hepatic dysfunction and pancreatitis;
• when using MAOIs (or for 2 weeks after discontinuing such therapy), vasodilators, tricyclics, β-blockers and other sympathomimetics;
• phenylketonuria, a tendency to form blood clots and an increased rate of blood clotting.

Side effects Vix Active

Main side effects:

• signs of allergy: rashes on the mucous membranes or epidermis (mostly erythematous; urticaria is also possible, associated with propyl parahydroxybenzoate and methyl present in the drug), itching, bronchial spasm, MEE (including SJS), Quincke's edema and TEN. If a rash develops, you must immediately stop using the drug;
• CNS disorders (mainly when used in large doses): insomnia, dizziness, tremor, psychomotor agitation, headache, anxiety, restlessness and disorientation;
• problems with the functioning of the cardiovascular system: increased blood pressure and tachycardia;
• digestive disorders: vomiting, epigastric pain, loss of appetite, nausea, increased activity of serum liver enzymes (usually without the appearance of jaundice) and hepatonecrosis (depending on the portion size);
• manifestations associated with the endocrine system: hypoglycemia, hypoglycemic coma may occur;
• lesions in the area of hematopoietic organs: hemolytic anemia, sulf- and methemoglobinemia (dyspnea, cyanosis and pain in the heart area). In case of prolonged use of excessively large doses, pancyto-, leukopenia-, neutro- and thrombocytopenia (may cause bleeding gums or nosebleeds), aplastic anemia and agranulocytosis are observed.

Overdose

Paracetamol.

Ingestion of 10 g of paracetamol may cause liver damage. Administration of 5+ g of the substance may cause similar damage in case of long-term therapy with phenobarbital, primidone, carbamazepine, rifampicin, phenytoin, St. John's wort or other drugs that induce liver enzymes. In addition, also with regular alcohol consumption and suspected glutathione depletion (in case of HIV, cachexia, eating disorders, cystic fibrosis and starvation).

Symptoms of paracetamol poisoning include vomiting, abdominal pain, nausea, anorexia, and pallor during the first 24 hours. Liver damage may develop 12-48 hours after administration. Metabolic acidosis or abnormal glucose metabolism may occur. In severe intoxication, liver failure may progress to hypoglycemia, hemorrhage, encephalopathy, cerebral edema, and death. In acute renal failure, active tubular necrosis (symptoms include hematuria, lumbar pain, and proteinuria) may also occur without severe liver dysfunction. There are reports of pancreatitis and cardiac arrhythmia.

To improve the condition of paracetamol overdose, treatment should be started immediately. Although there are no strong early signs, the patient should be hospitalized immediately to provide qualified assistance. Manifestations may be limited to vomiting or nausea, not reflecting the intensity of poisoning or organ damage. In case of development of signs of paracetamol intoxication, SH-category donors and precursors of glutathione-methionine binding (after 8-9 hours from the moment of poisoning), as well as N-acetylcysteine (after 12 hours) should be used. The need for additional treatment procedures (subsequent use of methionine, intravenous injections of N-acetylcysteine) depends on the blood paracetamol level and the time that has passed since its administration.

Phenylephrine hydrochloride.

Symptoms of severe phenylephrine poisoning include cardiovascular failure with respiratory depression and hemodynamic changes. In addition, gastric lavage and supportive procedures are performed.

Interactions with other drugs

Domperidone or metoclopramide can increase the rate of absorption of paracetamol; cholestyramine, on the contrary, reduces it.

In case of long-term continuous use of paracetamol, potentiation of the anticoagulant effect of warfarin and other coumarins is possible with an increase in the likelihood of bleeding. With rare use of dosages, no noticeable effect is observed.

Hypertensive interactions with sympathomimetic amines (MAOIs or phenylephrine) are observed. Phenylephrine can reduce the effects of β-blocking agents and antihypertensive drugs. In conditions requiring the use of such medications, the use of Vicks Active is prohibited.

The drug may increase the risk of arrhythmia in digitalized patients. Potentiation of the effect of sympathomimetic amines (decongestant) on the cardiovascular system is possible.

Substances that induce liver microsomal enzymes (barbiturates, alcohol, tricyclics) can increase the hepatotoxicity of paracetamol, especially in cases of poisoning.

Storage conditions

Vicks Active should be stored in a place closed to small children. Temperature values - no more than 25 ⁰ C.

Shelf life

Vicks Active can be used for a period of 36 months from the date of manufacture of the therapeutic product.

Analogues

Analogues of the drug are Coldrex Junior with Vicks Anti-Grip Complex, as well as Axagrip with Amicitron Plus.