Each of us has experienced a cold at least once in our lives. Fever, stuffy nose, headache and other unpleasant symptoms are sometimes so annoying that you want to get rid of them as soon as possible.
They say to fight the cause, not treat the symptoms. However, it usually takes at least a week to treat the virus, and you want to deal with its terrible symptoms right now. What to do in this case? Buy antibiotics? What if there is absolutely no time to visit a doctor?
"Coldrex" (reviews of which are quite good) is a drug that helps the body fight the symptoms of flu and colds, namely:
- reduces elevated body temperature;
- eliminates headaches as well as joint and muscle pain;
- eliminates nasal congestion;
- relieves sore throat.
"Coldrex", the price of which varies from 150 rubles for tablets to 300 rubles for bags of powder, can be found in almost every pharmacy in any city in Russia. The drug can be bought without a prescription.
It does not cause drowsiness and relieves symptoms after the first dose.
A little about the manufacturer
"Coldrex" (we will review reviews about it a little later) is a product of the world famous pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline. It was formed back in 2001, and today it accounts for almost 6% of the global pharmaceutical market.
Headquartered in the UK, GlaxoSmithKline has offices in 114 countries around the world with 24 laboratories and 78 factories. GSK products are distributed in more than 150 countries around the world.
How to choose the right product for you?
There are several variants of Coldrex. Their composition is insignificant, but still different. The drug is available in tablets or powder for solution. Below you will find a detailed description of each species.
Means "Coldrex". Tablets
This form of the drug is available in the form of two-layer capsule-shaped tablets, one layer is orange, the second is white. On one side of the tablets, the inscription "Coldrex" is embossed. The composition of one tablet is as follows:
-
coldrex composition 500 mg paracetamol;
- 30 mg ascorbic acid;
- 25 mg caffeine;
- 20 mg terpinhydrate;
- 5 mg phenylephrine hydrochloride.
Also, the tablet contains some excipients:
- 103, 5 mg cornstarch;
- 30 mg pregelatinized starch;
- 12, 47 mg talc;
- 6, 24 mg stearic acid;
- 4mg povidone;
- 0.8mg potassium sorbate;
- 0.8 mg sodium lauryl sulfate;
- 0.4 mg dye E110 (sunset yellow).
Based on the composition of the tablets, we can conclude that the effect of one tablet is slightly weaker (a smaller amount of the active ingredient of paracetamol) than that of Coldrex (powder).
The following is an instruction for the use of Coldrex tablets.
This form is intended for oral administration. For adults and children over 12 years of age, it is recommended to take two tablets no more than 4 times a day. In addition, between doses should take about 4 hours. The total number of tablets taken per day should not exceed 8 pieces.
Children aged 6 to 12 are recommended to take one tablet no more than 4 times a day. The total amount per day - no more than 4.
Children under 6 should not take this drug without a doctor's recommendation.
It is also not recommended to exceed the daily dosage and take "Coldrex" with some other drugs (see the section "Interaction of Coldrex with other drugs"). Avoid caffeine during treatment, as this may lead to unwanted side effects of the drug (see section "Side Effects")
If symptoms persist after treatment, see a physician.
Drug "Coldrex (powder) MaxGripp"
"Coldrex MaxGripp" - a drug in the form of a powder thatused to prepare a solution. It is a light yellow powder with a lemon scent. It dissolves in hot water and forms a cloudy yellowish solution without foam, also with a lemon smell. Designed for oral use.
"Coldrex" - sachets (each 5 g) consist of:
- 1000 mg paracetamol;
- 40 mg ascorbic acid;
- 10 mg phenylephrine hydrochloride;
- 3725 mg sucrose;
- 680 mg citric acid;
- 430 mg sodium citrate;
- 200 mg corn starch;
- 200 mg lemon flavor;
- 79 mg sodium cyclamate;
- 54 mg sodium saccharinate;
- 7 mg E100 dye (curcumin);
- 2 mg colloidal silicon dioxide.
As you noticed, there is no caffeine in Coldrex MaxGripp. However, the presence of sucrose in it suggests that if you have diabetes, fructose intolerance or similar diseases, then you should refrain from using this medication.
So, we have examined the composition of the Coldrex preparation (powder). Instructions for using the product are given below.
To prepare the solution, you need to dissolve the contents of one sachet in half a mug of hot water. If necessary, then add cold water and sugar to taste.
For adults only.
Maximum daily dose is 4 sachets, 4 hours between each dose.
It is not recommended to continue treatment for more than 5 days. If during this timesymptoms persist, see a doctor.
Drug "Coldrex (powder) HotRem"
Means "Coldrex HotRem" differs from the drug "MaxGripp" only in that the amount of the main active ingredient (paracetamol) in it is slightly less. Otherwise, it is the same drug in the form of a powder, with which an oral solution is prepared.
Pay attention to what types this drug from the Coldrex family has: lemon and honey, just lemon, and in some countries there are many other varieties that, unfortunately, are not very common in Russia. We will take a closer look at HotRem. Lemon" and "HotRem. Lemon and Honey.”
Each sachet of Coldrex HotRem. Lemon consists of:
- 750 mg paracetamol;
- 10 mg phenylephrine hydrochloride;
- 60 mg ascorbic acid;
- 600 mg citric acid;
- 40 mg sodium saccharinate;
- 500 mg sodium citrate;
- 50mg Lemon Tetrarom 100%;
- 83, 33 mg lemon flavor;
- 0.75 mg quinoline yellow (E104);
- 2904, 42 mg sucrose.
We reviewed the composition of Coldrex HotRem. Instructions for using this tool are described below.
The contents of the sachet must be dissolved in half a cup of hot water (but not boiling water). You can add sugar to taste or dilute the solution with cold water.
This remedy is not recommended for children under 6 years of age. Children from 6 to 12 years old cantake the drug "Coldrex" no more than 3 times a day, one sachet. Adults - no more than 4 times one sachet.
Means "Lemon and Honey. Coldrex HotRem", the instructions for use of which are the same as for lemon, in fact, and the composition does not differ much from it.
Composition of one sachet (5 g):
- 750 mg paracetamol;
- 10 mg phenylephrine hydrochloride;
- 60 mg ascorbic acid;
- 600 mg citric acid;
- 10 mg sodium saccharinate;
- 500 mg sodium citrate;
- 100 mg Lemon Flavor PHS-163671;
- 75mg honey flavor PFW-050860;
- 125 mg Felton Honey Flavor F7624P;
- 50 mg caramel color 626;
- 200 mg corn starch;
- 50 mg aspartame;
- 2468, 50 mg sucrose.
As you can see, it has the same active substances and in the same quantity, so these species act in the body in the same way. The difference is only in the amount of flavorings and dyes. By the way, in the preparation "Coldrex. Lemon and Honey "there is no real honey, or at least its extract. There are only honey flavors.
Drug "Coldrex (powder) Junior"
Designed for use by children from 6 to 12 years old. It is also available as a light yellow powder to be mixed into a solution.
Composition of one sachet of Coldrex Junior:
- 300 mg paracetamol;
- 5 mg phenylephrine hydrochloride;
- 20mg Ascorbicacids;
- 21, 5 mg sodium saccharinate;
- 31, 5 mg sodium cyclamate;
- 340 mg citric acid;
- 215 mg sodium citrate;
- 100 mg cornstarch;
- 1862, 5 mg sucrose;
- 100 mg lemon flavor;
- 3, 5 mg of E100 curcumin dye;
- 1 mg colloidal silicon dioxide.
As you can see, other products in this series contain more paracetamol than Junior Coldrex (powder). Instructions for using this tool are given below.
Dissolve the contents of the sachet in half a cup (125 ml) of hot water. If desired, dilute with cold water, add sugar.
It is recommended to use one sachet 4 times a day. Continue treatment for no more than 5 days.
Interaction of Coldrex with other drugs
For convenience, we will separately describe the interaction of each active ingredient with other drugs.
Paracetamol
The main active ingredient can enhance the effect of indirect anticoagulants (drugs that prevent the formation of prothrombin in the liver - Warfarin, Dicumarin, Sincumar and others), which significantly increases the risk of bleeding. This effect is observed only with repeated use.
The risk ofhepatoxic action.
Also, paracetamol reduces the effectiveness of diuretic drugs and enhances the effects of ethanol, sedatives, MAO inhibitors.
Phenylephrine
Leads to an increase in blood pressure when taken simultaneously with MAO inhibitors. Reduces the effectiveness of antihypertensive drugs, can increase the risk of developing hypertension, as well as disorders of the cardiovascular system.
When taken with halothane, the risk of ventricular arrhythmia increases.
Various antipsychotics, antidepressants, phenothiazine derivatives, when taken with the drug, lead to urinary retention, constipation, dry mouth.
Ascorbic acid
When interacting with sulfonamides or salicylates, it can slow down the excretion of acids by the kidneys. When taken with drugs that are alkaline, it increases the rate of their excretion.
The drug is not recommended to be taken simultaneously with other paracetamol-containing drugs, as well as with other non-narcotic analgesics, acetylsalicylic acid, metamizole sodium, ibuprofen, barbiturates, rifampin, antiepileptic drugs, chloramphenicol, decongestants, appetite suppressants, and other drugs for relief of flu and cold symptoms.
Also, Coldrex can distort the results of some laboratory tests and you should tell your doctor that you are undergoing treatment.
Important note!
Paracetamol should never beconsume with alcoholic beverages, as this leads to toxic liver damage!
Contraindications
All varieties of Coldrex (powder sachets or tablets) have the same contraindications. So, you should not take Coldrex if:
- you are hypersensitive to any component of the preparation;
- you have kidney or liver problems (even mild ones);
- you are a person with an overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism, or thyrotoxicosis);
- you have diabetes or have a hereditary disorder of sugar absorption (the product contains sugar!);
- you have heart disease (acute myocardial infarction, tachyarrhythmia, aortic stenosis);
- are you taking any tricyclic antidepressants, beta-blockers, MAO inhibitors, or stopped taking before 14 days ago;
- you have arterial hypertension;
- you are taking other medicines containing paracetamol;
- you have prostate adenoma;
- you are under 12;
- you are fructose intolerant, sucrose (isom altase) deficient, or have glucose-galactose malabsorption.
The drug can be taken with caution if you have:
- genetic absence of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase;
- benign hyperbilirubinemia;
- pheochromocytoma;
- vasospastic diseases (Raynaud's syndrome);
- any cardiovascular diseasesystem.
For the above ailments, you will need to consult your doctor before taking Coldrex.
It is also recommended to consult a doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Side effects
For convenience, side effects are also classified by the active substance that causes them and by organ system.
Paracetamol
Very rarely causes any side effects.
- Allergic reactions: May cause anaphylactic shock, skin rash, angioedema, urticaria, Stevens-Johnson syndrome.
- Respiratory system: Bronchospasm is very rare in patients who have hypersensitivity to acetylsalicylic acid and other NSAIDs.
- Liver and biliary tract: Liver dysfunction is rare.
- Hematopoietic Organs: May cause leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, or agranulocytosis (very rare).
Phenylephrine
Sometimes has side effects.
- Nervous system: often after taking the drug, headache, insomnia, dizziness, irritability may occur.
- Cardiovascular system: Rarely, tachycardia may develop. A more common side effect is an increase in blood pressure.
- Digestive system: phenylephrine often causes nausea, vomiting.
- Sense Organs: You may notice dilated pupils (mydriasis).
- Allergic reactions: urticaria, skin rash allergic dermatitis - rare side effectsaction of phenylfrine.
Ascorbic acid
May cause skin rash or flushing, gastrointestinal irritation.
Please note that if you experience any side effects, you should immediately consult a doctor and in no case treat them yourself.
If you notice other side effects not listed above, you should tell your doctor.
Overdose
If you know for sure that you have taken more of the drug than you need, but there are no symptoms of an overdose, you should still seek medical help, as there is a risk of delayed liver damage.
So, let's describe in detail the symptoms of an overdose of each active substance from the composition of the drug and their treatment.
Paracetamol
Overdose symptoms:
- pale skin, nausea, vomiting, decreased appetite, abdominal pain may appear during the first 24 hours;
- after 12-48 hours, liver dysfunction may be felt.
When taking more than 10 g of paracetamol, increased activity of "liver" transaminases is manifested. Paracetamol poisoning develops severe liver failure, which leads to hepatic encephalopathy and even coma or death.
Overdose treatment:
during the first hour, it is advisable to take a few tablets of activated charcoal and immediately consult a doctor. Further, you should not be treated on your own
Phenylephrine
Overdose symptomssimilar to its side effects:
- first of all there is dizziness, headache, insomnia, increased blood pressure, nausea, vomiting;
- in severe cases, there may be hallucinations, convulsions, arrhythmia.
You cannot self-treat an overdose of phenylephrine.
Ascorbic acid
In an amount of more than 3000 mg causes osmotic diarrhea, disorders of the gastrointestinal tract - discomfort in the stomach, nausea, vomiting. If you find these symptoms, you should immediately consult a doctor.
Coldrex drug: reviews
At the beginning of the article it was said that the reviews about Coldrex are quite good.
This is true, more than half of the people taking this drug spoke positively about it.
But there are still negative sides:
- many side effects;
- high cost;
- too much paracetamol.
This has already been mentioned to everyone in the article, but it is worth emphasizing once again that any drug has its drawbacks.
He has much more pluses:
- he's great for flu and cold symptoms;
- tastes good;
- can be taken by both children and adults;
- tablets greatly simplify the treatment process (some people don't like the taste of such solutions);
- the drug has several flavors;
- convenient packaging.
Some analogues of Coldrex
Unfortunately, the cost of thisfunds are high enough, so some people are looking for quality counterparts.
And indeed, there are some products that do not differ in composition and are much cheaper than Coldrex. These analogues are as follows:
- Powder "Theraflu". It is located approximately in the same price category with Coldrex. The composition is the same.
- Maxicold preparation. Absolutely similar composition, and its cost does not exceed 150 rubles, which is an order of magnitude lower than the cost of Coldrex or TheraFlu.
- Means "Flukodex-S". Identical composition, acceptable price - about 80 rubles.
- Prostudox powder. Another tool, similar in composition, but with a much lower price. The drug can be bought for only 70 rubles.
- Means "Influnorm". Its price is about 100 rubles, and the composition is identical to the composition of the drug Coldrex.
For more information, contact any pharmacy in your city. It is not necessary to buy the Coldrex drug. Its analogues are also very effective.
Perhaps the pharmacist at the pharmacy will suggest you something that is not mentioned above.
So, in this article we reviewed the drug "Coldrex": reviews, composition, method of application, side effects, overdose and other features.
Remember that any drug is not as safe as it seems. And the drug "Coldrex" (powder and tablets), the instructions for the use of which we considered today, is also not safe.
