Coldrex Caps

Coldrex Caps is a combination drug that is widely used to relieve cold and flu symptoms. It contains the following active components:

1. Paracetamol - has an antipyretic and analgesic effect, helps reduce fever and relieve pain such as headaches or muscle pain.
2. Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) - helps strengthen the immune system and promotes overall health, which can help fight viral infections.
3. Caffeine - stimulates the central nervous system, helps reduce fatigue and increase alertness, which is often necessary when sick.
4. Chlorphenamine hydromaleate is an antiallergic (antihistamine) that helps reduce allergic symptoms, such as nasal congestion and sneezing, that often accompany the common cold.

Indications Coldrexa

1. Fever: Coldrex Caps helps reduce body temperature when it rises.
2. Pain: The drug has analgesic properties and can help relieve muscle pain, headaches, sore throats and other types of pain that often accompany the flu and colds.
3. Runny nose and nasal congestion: Chlorphenamine hydromaleate, contained in Coldrex Caps, can help relieve runny nose and nasal congestion.
4. Allergic reactions: Chlorphenamine hydromaleate may also help relieve allergy symptoms such as itching, runny nose and watery eyes.
5. Fatigue and drowsiness: The caffeine contained in the drug may help fight fatigue and increase alertness.
6. Immune support: Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) supports the immune system and helps the body fight infections.

Release form

Coldrex Caps is usually available in the form of capsules for oral administration.

Pharmacodynamics

1. Paracetamol: It is an analgesic (pain reliever) and antipyretic (a means to reduce fever). It works by blocking the production of prostaglandins in the central nervous system, which reduces pain and temperature during fever.
2. Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C): Has antioxidant properties and strengthens the immune system. Vitamin C is involved in the formation of collagen, which promotes tissue healing and strengthens the vascular wall.
3. Caffeine: Has a stimulating effect on the central nervous system, which can help reduce fatigue and increase alertness. In some cases, caffeine may also enhance the analgesic effect of paracetamol.
4. Chlorphenamine hydromaleate: A derivative of promethazine that has antihistamine properties. It blocks the action of histamine, reducing allergic reactions and accompanying symptoms such as itching, runny nose and watery eyes.

Pharmacokinetics

1. Paracetamol:

   • Absorption: Paracetamol is usually completely and rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract.
   • Metabolism: Mainly metabolized in the liver, mainly by conjugation with glucuronic acid and sulfation.
   • Excretion: Excreted mainly by the kidneys in the form of conjugated metabolites, as well as in small amounts unchanged in urine.

2. Ascorbic acid (vitamin C):

   • Absorption: Well absorbed in the intestines.
   • Metabolism: Almost not metabolized in the body.
   • Excretion: Excreted mainly unchanged by the kidneys.

3. Caffeine:

   • Absorption: Rapidly and completely absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract.
   • Metabolism: Metabolized in the liver to form active metabolites.
   • Excretion: Mainly through urine as metabolites.

4. Chlorphenamine hydromaleate:

   • Absorption: Well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract.
   • Metabolism: Metabolized in the liver to form inactive metabolites.
   • Excretion: Excreted mainly in urine as metabolites.

Dosing and administration

Method of application:

• Oral administration: Coldrex Caps should be taken orally.
• Time of administration: The drug is best taken with food or immediately after a meal to reduce the risk of stomach irritation.
• Chewing: Capsules should be swallowed whole, without chewing, with plenty of water.

Dosage:

The dosage of Coldrex Caps depends on the age and physical condition of the user:

• Adults and children over 12 years of age:
  • It is usually recommended to take 2 capsules every 4-6 hours as needed.
  • Do not take more than 8 capsules within 24 hours.

Use Coldrexa during pregnancy

The use of Coldrex Caps during pregnancy requires special caution, since this drug contains a combination of several active ingredients, each of which can have different effects on the pregnant woman and the developing fetus.

Components of Coldrex Caps and their effects during pregnancy:

1. Paracetamol:

   • Paracetamol is generally considered safe for use during pregnancy when taken in recommended doses. However, it is important to avoid long-term use or exceeding the recommended dose, as this may lead to liver damage and other unwanted effects.

2. Ascorbic acid (vitamin C):

   • Vitamin C in small doses is usually safe during pregnancy, but high doses can be potentially dangerous and cause problems such as premature birth.

3. Caffeine:

   • Caffeine should be consumed in moderation during pregnancy. It is recommended to limit caffeine intake to 200 mg per day, as excess caffeine intake may be associated with the risk of miscarriage and low birth weight of the newborn.

4. Chlorphenamine maleate:

   • It is an antihistamine that may cause drowsiness and other side effects, and its safety during pregnancy has not been fully established. The use of chlorphenamine during pregnancy may potentially pose a risk to the fetus and should be avoided unless determined otherwise by your doctor.

General recommendations:

• Before starting to take Coldrex Caps or any other medicine during pregnancy, be sure to consult your doctor. Your doctor will help you evaluate the risks and benefits of using the drug based on your medical condition and stage of pregnancy.
• It is important to consider alternative treatments for cold and flu symptoms that may be safer during pregnancy, such as humidification, drinking plenty of fluids, and rest.
• If taking Coldrex Caps is necessary, you should strictly follow the recommended dosage and duration of use prescribed by your doctor.

Contraindications

1. Known individual intolerance: People with a known individual intolerance to any of the components of the drug should avoid its use.
2. Hypersensitivity to acetaminophen (paracetamol): People who are hypersensitive or allergic to paracetamol should avoid taking the drug.
3. Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Taking Coldrex Caps during pregnancy and breastfeeding should be carried out under the supervision of a doctor and only in case of strict medical indications.
4. Liver disease: Because paracetamol is metabolized in the liver, in patients with liver disease such as cirrhosis or hepatitis, the use of Coldrex Caps may be contraindicated due to the risk of liver damage.
5. Diseases of the cardiovascular system: This medicine contains caffeine, which may have an effect on the cardiovascular system. Therefore, it should be used with caution in patients with cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, arrhythmia, etc.
6. Hypertension: Because Coldrex Caps contains caffeine, which may increase blood pressure, it should be used with caution in patients with hypertension.
7. Kidney disease: Due to the presence of paracetamol, which can cause kidney damage with excessive or long-term use, use of the drug may be contraindicated in patients with kidney disease.

Side effects Coldrexa

1. Drowsiness or restlessness: The caffeine contained in this medicine may cause restlessness or insomnia in some people. On the other hand, chlorphenamine hydromaleate may cause drowsiness.
2. Dry mouth: Chlorphenamine hydromaleate may cause dry mouth.
3. Increased heart rate: Caffeine may cause increased heart rate or palpitations in some people.
4. Gastrointestinal disorders: Paracetamol may cause stomach irritation in some people. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and other gastrointestinal disorders are also possible.
5. Allergic reactions: Some people may experience allergic reactions to the components of the drug, including rash, itching, or angioedema.
6. Changes in Blood Pressure: Caffeine may cause changes in blood pressure in some people.
7. Other side effects: Other unusual reactions or side effects not listed here may also occur.

Overdose

1. Paracetamol: Overdose of paracetamol can cause severe liver damage, including liver failure, hepatitis and even hepatic necrosis. This may occur within the first 24 hours after taking an overdose, especially in people with liver disease or when combined with alcohol consumption.
2. Ascorbic acid: An overdose of vitamin C can cause diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and increased formation of oxalates in the urine, which can lead to the formation of kidney stones.
3. Caffeine: Caffeine overdose can cause insomnia, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, palpitations, high blood pressure, anxiety, agitation, restlessness and in some cases even cardiac arrhythmia.
4. Chlorphenamine hydromaleate: An overdose of an antihistamine may cause drowsiness, dizziness, gastrointestinal upset, rapid heartbeat, seizures and, in rare cases, hallucinations.

Interactions with other drugs

1. Alcohol: Caffeine may increase the stimulating effects of alcohol, and alcohol may increase the risk of paracetamol side effects on the liver.
2. Medicines containing paracetamol: Concomitant use with other drugs containing paracetamol may lead to a risk of overdose and increased stress on the liver.
3. Medicines containing ascorbic acid (vitamin C): Interactions with other drugs containing ascorbic acid are usually minor, but taking large doses of vitamin C may increase the risk of kidney stones.
4. Caffeine-containing medications: Concomitant use with other caffeine-containing medications may increase the stimulant effects of caffeine and lead to high blood pressure, anxiety, and insomnia.
5. Drugs that cause sedation: Chlorphenamine hydromaleate contained in the drug may enhance the sedative effect of other drugs, such as sleeping pills, antidepressants and antihistamines.
6. Medicines affecting kidney and liver function: Paracetamol is metabolized in the liver, so drugs that affect liver function (eg cytochrome P450 inhibitors) may alter its metabolism and increase its toxic effects. Caffeine may also affect kidney function by causing diuresis and increasing the excretion of water and electrolytes.