Cetirizine Dihydrochloride 5mg, Phenylephrine hcl 10 mg, Paracetamol 325 mg

Category- Allopathy

Medicine Highlights

Cetirizine Dihydrochloride + Phenylephrine hcl + Paracetamol Uses

Cetirizine Dihydrochloride + Phenylephrine HCL + Paracetamol is an oral antihistamine, decongestant, and analgesic–antipyretic combination. This medicine is used to relieve and treat conditions such as: 

1. Common cold 
2. Dry cough 
3. Allergic rhinitis (sneezing, runny or itchy nose) 
4. Fever, headache and body ache associated with cold or flu 
5. Nasal congestion        

Directions for use

1. Take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor, at the same time each day. 
2. Do not stop taking this medicine without your doctor’s approval, even if you feel better. 
3. If you forget to take this medicine, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose.  

Cetirizine Dihydrochloride + Phenylephrine hcl + Paracetamol side effects 

More Common  

1. Drowsiness or sleepiness 
2. Dry mouth or throat 
3. Mild headache 
4. Nausea or stomach discomfort 
5. Restlessness or trouble sleeping     

Less Common

1. Increased heart rate or palpitations 
2. High blood pressure 
3. Allergic reaction (rash, itching, or swelling) 
4. Dizziness 
5. Liver problems   

How Cetirizine Dihydrochloride + Phenylephrine hcl + Paracetamol works 

This medicine works by combining the effects of three ingredients. Cetirizine is an antihistamine that blocks the action of histamine, a chemical in the body that causes allergic symptoms like sneezing, itching, and a runny nose. Phenylephrine is a decongestant that narrows the blood vessels in the nasal passages, helping reduce stuffiness and making it easier to breathe. Paracetamol helps lower fever and relieves pain, such as headaches or body ache. Together, they help you feel better by reducing allergy symptoms, nasal congestion, fever, and discomfort caused by cold or flu. 

Safety Measures and Warning 

Allergy/Hypersensitivity

If you have ever had an allergic reaction to phenylephrine, cetirizine, paracetamol (such as rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, or difficulty breathing), do not take this medicine. Inform your doctor before use. 

High Blood Pressure or Heart Problems

If you have high blood pressure, heart disease, or irregular heartbeat, avoid this medicine because Phenylephrine can raise blood pressure and strain the heart. 

Glaucoma

If you have narrow-angle glaucoma, avoid using this medicine, as Phenylephrine can increase pressure inside the eyes. 

Overactive Thyroid (Hyperthyroidism)

Avoid this medicine if you have an overactive thyroid, as Phenylephrine can increase heart rate and cause palpitations. 

Children below 12 years

This medicine is not safe for very young children as their body cannot handle the medicine well, and it may cause side effects like sleepiness, restlessness, or stomach upset. Always use it only if a doctor advises. 

Antidepressant Medicines

Do not take this medicine if you are using antidepressants. Phenylephrine can react with these medicines and cause a sudden, dangerous rise in blood pressure. Always tell your doctor if you are taking any antidepressant medicines before using medicine. 

Cetirizine Dihydrochloride + Phenylephrine hcl + Paracetamol Interaction with Food Product

Avoid alcohol and too much caffeine, as they can cause dizziness or fast heartbeat. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and ease coughing. 

Cetirizine Dihydrochloride + Phenylephrine hcl + Paracetamol Interaction with Other Medicines

Avoid taking Cetirizine + Phenylephrine + Paracetamol with the following medicines, as it may increase or decrease the desired effect, or in worse cases, it could be fatal: 

Cetirizine Dihydrochloride + Phenylephrine hcl + Paracetamol Chemical Structure

IUPAC (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry)/ Chemical name

Cetirizine: 2-[2-[4-[(4-chlorophenyl)-phenylmethyl]piperazin-1-yl]ethoxy]acetic acid 

Phenylephrine: 3-[(1R)-1-hydroxy-2-(methylamino)ethyl]phenol 

Paracetamol: N-(4-hydroxyphenyl) acetamide 

Intake routine/cycle

Daily dose

Take Cetirizine Dihydrochloride + Phenylephrine hcl + Paracetamol exactly as your doctor recommends. The dose may change based on your condition and how well you respond. Do not take more than prescribed without consulting your doctor. 

Missed Dose

If you forget to take your medicine, take the medication as soon as you remember. If it’s nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue with your regular schedule. Always consult the doctor before making any changes to your dosage. 

Overdose

It is not recommended to take Cetirizine more than 10 mg, Phenylephrine more than 10 mg, and Paracetamol 4000 mg (4 g) per day, as overdose may cause drowsiness, dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, restlessness, high blood pressure, liver damage, or severe allergic reactions; seek medical help immediately if this happens. 

Storage

1. Store the medicine at room temperature 
2. Keep away from sunlight and moisture 
3. Keep out of reach of children 

Cetirizine Dihydrochloride + Phenylephrine hcl + Paracetamol Summary

This medicine is used to relieve symptoms of common cold, flu, and allergies. It helps reduce runny or blocked nose, sneezing, watery eyes, fever, headache, sore throat, and body pain. It has three main ingredients, cetirizine helps stop sneezing and runny nose caused by allergies, Phenylephrine helps clear a blocked nose so you can breathe easily, and Paracetamol helps bring down fever and reduce pain. Together, they make you feel better when you have a cold or flu. Always take this medicine as advised by the doctor.   

FAQ’s

Can Cetirizine and Paracetamol be taken together? 

Yes, they can be taken together. Cetirizine helps with allergies, and Paracetamol reduces fever and pain. But please don’t take more than the recommended dose. 

What are the side effects of Cetirizine? 

Common side effects include sleepiness, dry mouth, dizziness, and headache. Rarely, it may cause stomach upset or allergic skin reactions. These effects are usually mild and go away on their own. 

Is Cetirizine safe during pregnancy? 

Cetirizine is generally considered safe in pregnancy when used at the recommended dose. However, it should be taken only if advised by a doctor, especially during the first trimester, to ensure safety for both mother and fetus. 

What are the side effects of Paracetamol?

Paracetamol is usually safe when taken in the correct dose. Rare side effects may include nausea, stomach pain, rash, or allergic reaction. Taking too much can cause serious liver damage, so always follow the recommended dose.  

What are the uses of Paracetamol? 

Paracetamol is used to reduce fever and relieve mild to moderate pain such as headache, toothache, body pain, muscle pain, back pain, and pain due to cold or flu. 

What are the uses of Phenylephrine? 

Phenylephrine is used to relieve nasal congestion caused by common cold, allergies, or sinusitis. It helps clear blocked nose and makes breathing easier. 

What is the class of Phenylephrine? 

Phenylephrine belongs to the nasal decongestant and sympathomimetic class of drugs. It works by narrowing blood vessels in the nose to reduce swelling and congestion. 

Reference 

1. PubChem. Cetirizine [Internet]. pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. Available from 
2. PubChem. Phenylephrine [Internet]. pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. Available from 
3. PubChem. Acetaminophen [Internet]. Pubchem. PubChem; 2020. Available from 
4. Thornton P. Cetirizine Hcl: Uses, Dosage & Side Effects [Internet]. Drugs.com. 2021. Available from 
5. Richards E, Maani CV. Phenylephrine [Internet]. Nih.gov. StatPearls Publishing; 2023. Available from 
6. Durbin K. Acetaminophen [Internet]. Drugs.com. Drugs.com; 2023. Available from 
7. 1mg.com. Cetirizine + Paracetamol + Phenylephrine: View Uses, Side Effects and Medicines | 1mg [Internet]. 1mg. 2024 [cited 2025 Oct 31]. Available from  

Pranathi Chintaluri

Pranathi is a final year Pharm D student at Chalapathi Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences. She loves learning and applying her knowledge in pharmacy and has a passion for writing, which allows her to express ideas clearly and creatively. She enjoys combining her technical skills with her love for writing and communication to make a meaningful impact. Currently she is working on a research paper about “Consanguineous marriages and its impact on children’s health” which will be published by the end of 2025.