Weeks asset

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

Paracetamol has analgesic, antipyretic and mild anti-inflammatory effects. These effects mainly develop when the processes of PG binding within 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 substance that weakens swelling (also of the mucous membranes of the nasal membranes and paranasal sinuses) and constricts blood vessels. [2]

Indications Weeks asset

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

Release form

The release of the medication is made in the form of a laminated sachet - 5 or 10 pieces inside the package.

Pharmacokinetics

Paracetamol.

Almost fully, at high speed, it is absorbed inside 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 glucurono- and sulfoconjugation, as well as oxidation by hemoprotein P450). [3]

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; in an unchanged state, 3% of paracetamol is excreted.

Phenylephrine hydrochloride.

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

Metabolic processes occur inside the gastrointestinal tract or liver.

Excretion is carried out through the kidneys.

Dosing and administration

Vicks asset must be taken orally. Dissolve 1 sachet in 0.25 l of hot water and then take warm. For 1 reception, you need to use 1 sachet.

Reception should be repeated at 4-6 hour intervals (if necessary), but not more than 4 sachets per day.

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

• Application for children

Do not prescribe medication to persons under 12 years of age.

Use Weeks asset during pregnancy

It is forbidden to use Vicks asset in case of hepatitis B or pregnancy.

Contraindications

Among the contraindications:

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

Side effects Weeks asset

The main side symptoms:

• signs of allergy: rashes on the mucous membranes or epidermis (mostly erythematous; urticaria associated with the propyl parahydroxybenzoate and methyl present in the drug), itching, bronchial spasm, MEE (including SS), Quincke's edema and TEN are also possible. With the development of a rash, you must immediately discontinue the use of the medication;
• disorders in the central nervous system (mainly when used in large portions): insomnia, dizziness, tremors, psychomotor agitation, cephalalgia, anxiety, anxiety and disorientation;
• problems with the work of the CVS: increased blood pressure and tachycardia;
• disorders of the digestive function: vomiting, epigastric pain, loss of appetite, nausea, increased activity of serum liver enzymes (usually without the appearance of jaundice) and hepatonecrosis (depending on portion size);
• manifestations associated with the endocrine system: hypoglycemia, hypoglycemic coma may be noted;
• lesions in the area of hematopoietic organs: hemolytic anemia, sulf- and methemoglobinemia (dyspnea, cyanosis and pain in the heart). In the case of prolonged use of excessively large dosages, pancyto-, leuko-, neutro- and thrombocytopenia (can cause bleeding gums or nosebleeds), aplastic type anemia and agranulocytosis are noted.

Overdose

Paracetamol.

The use of 10 g of paracetamol can cause liver damage. The introduction of 5+ g of the substance can cause a similar disturbance in the case of prolonged therapy with phenobarbital, primidone, carbamazepine, rifampicin, phenytoin, common St. John's wort, or other drugs that induce liver enzymes. In addition, also with regular drinking and suspected glutathione depletion (in the case of HIV, cachexia, eating disorders, cystic fibrosis and starvation).

Among the manifestations of paracetamol poisoning - during the first 24 hours, vomiting, abdominal pain, nausea, anorexia and pallor appear. The development of hepatic damage can occur after 12-48 hours from the moment of application. The occurrence of metabolic acidosis or abnormality of glucose metabolic processes is possible. In the case of severe intoxication, liver failure can progress to hypoglycemia, hemorrhage, encephalopathy, cerebral edema and death. In acute renal failure, the active form of tubular necrosis (symptoms are hematuria, lumbar pain, and proteinuria) can occur without severe hepatic dysfunction. There is information about the development of pancreatitis and cardiac arrhythmias.

To improve the condition in case of an overdose of paracetamol, you need to start treatment immediately. Although there are no strong early signs, the patient must be hospitalized immediately to provide qualified care. Manifestations can be limited to vomiting or nausea, without 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 injection of N-acetylcysteine) depends on the blood count of paracetamol and the time that has passed since its administration.

Phenylephrine hydrochloride.

Symptoms of severe phenylephrine poisoning are insufficient work of the CVS with respiratory suppression 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; on the contrary, cholestyramine weakens it.

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

There is a hypertensive interaction with amines of the sympathomimetic group (MAOI or phenylephrine). Phenylephrine is able to reduce the effects of β-blocking agents and antihypertensive drugs. In conditions requiring the intake of such medications, the use of Vicks asset is prohibited.

The medication may increase the risk of arrhythmias in digitalized patients. Potentiation of the effect of sympathomimetic amines (decongestant) in relation to CCC is possible.

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

Storage conditions

Vicks asset must be kept in a place out of the reach of small children. Temperature values - no more than 25 ⁰ С.

Shelf life

Vicks asset can be applied for a 36-month term from the date of manufacture of the therapeutic product.

Analogs

Analogues of the medication are Coldrex Junior with Vicks AntiFlu Complex, as well as Axagripp with Amicitron Plus.