Manufacturer: Lupin Ltd
Salt Composition : Levocetirizine, Phenylpropanolamine, Paracetamol
Unocet Cold Tablet can be taken with or without food. The dose required by you may vary depending on what you are taking it for. This medicine is usually taken in the evening, but follow the advice of your doctor on how to take it. You may need this medicine only on days you have symptoms, but if you are taking it to prevent the symptoms then you should take it regularly. If you miss doses or stop taking it earlier than advised, your symptoms may come back.
This medicine is generally very safe. The most common side effects include feeling sleepy or dizzy, dry mouth, fatigue, and headache. These are usually mild and go away after a couple of days as your body adjusts to it. Consult your doctor if any of the side effects persist or worry you.
Before taking it, tell your doctor if you have any kidney problems or epilepsy (seizures). Your dose may need to be modified or this medicine may not suit you. Some other medicines can interact with this medicine so let your healthcare team know what else you are taking. You should also talk to your doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, although it is not thought to be harmful.
Unocet Cold Tablet is a combination of three medicines: Levocetirizine, Phenylpropanolamine and Paracetamol which relieve common cold symptoms. Levocetirizine is an antiallergic which relieves allergy symptoms like runny nose, watery eyes and sneezing.
Levocetirizine exhibited linear pharmacokinetics over the therapeutic dose range in adult healthy subjects. Levocetirizine is rapidly and extensively absorbed following oral administration. In adults, peak plasma concentrations are achieved 0.9 hour after administration of the oral tablet.Phenylpropanolamine is a sympathomimetic agent that acts as a nonselective adrenergic receptor agonist and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. It has been used as a decongestant and appetite suppressant. Currently, it is withdrawn from the market in Canada and the United States due to the risk for hemorrahgic strokes.It distributes rapidly and evenly throughout most tissues and fluids and has a volume of distribution of approximately 0.9L/kg. 10 to 20% of the drug is bound to red blood cells. Paracetamol is extensively metabolised (predominantly in the liver), the major metabolites being the sulphate and glucuronide conjugates.
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Common side effects of Unocet Cold
Sleepiness
Fatigue
Dryness in mouth
Headache
Vomiting
Nasopharyngitis (inflammation of the throat and nasal passages)
Systemic hypertension (high blood pressure)
Nausea
Insomnia (difficulty in sleeping)
Palpitations
Constipation
Itching
Hypersensitivity to Unocet Cold Tablet is a contraindication. In addition, Unocet Cold Tablet should not be used if you have the following conditions:
Allergic reactions
Breastfeeding
Children below the age of six years
Glaucoma
Hepatic impairment
Hypersensitivity
Hypertension
Hyperthyroidism
Intestinal obstruction
Pregnancy
Unocet Cold Tablet may be unsafe to use during pregnancy. Although there are limited studies in humans, animal studies have shown harmful effects on the developing baby. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you. Please consult your doctor.
It is unsafe to consume alcohol with Unocet Cold Tablet.
Information regarding the use of Unocet Cold Tablet during breastfeeding is not available. Please consult your doctor.
Use with caution
Below 9years: Contraindicated
Levocetirizine + Phenylpropanolamine + Paracetamol is a combination of three medicines: Levocetirizine , Phenylpropanolamine and Paracetamol which relieve common cold symptoms. Levocetirizine is an antiallergic which relieves allergy symptoms like runny nose, watery eyes and sneezing. Phenylpropanolamine is a decongestant which narrows the small blood vessels providing relief from congestion or stuffiness in the nose. Paracetamol is an analgesic (pain reliever) and antipyretic (fever reducer). It blocks the release of certain chemical messengers in the brain that are responsible for pain and fever.
If you use other drugs or over the counter products at the same time, the effects of Unocet Cold Tablet may change. This may increase your risk for side-effects or cause your drug not to work properly. Tell your doctor about all the drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements you are using, so that you doctor can help you prevent or manage drug interactions. Unocet Cold Tablet may interact with the following drugs and products:
Acebutolol
Alcohol
Atropine
Bromocriptine
Debrisoquine
Doxepin
Ephedrine
Furazolidone
Guanethidine
Indomethacin
Do not chew, crush or break it. Unocet Cold Tablet is to be taken with food.
Store below 30°C
If you miss a dose of Unocet Cold Tablet, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.
Consult a doctor before taking any medicines.
Levocetirizine
Your doctor has prescribed Levocetirizine to help relieve allergy symptoms such as itching, swelling, and rashes.
As compared to other similar medications, it is much less likely to make you feel sleepy.
Be cautious while driving or doing anything that requires concentration as it can cause dizziness and sleepiness.
Do not drink alcohol while taking this medication as it may cause increased sleepiness.
Stop taking Levocetirizine at least three days before taking an allergy test as it can affect the test results.
Phenylpropanolamine
Do not continue phenylpropanolamine for more than 7 days if your condition does not improve or if you have high fever.
Tell your doctor if you have high blood pressure, heart problems, liver or kidney disease, diabetes, prostate enlargement or visual problems due to increased pressure in the eyes (glaucoma).
Seek immediate medical attention and discontinue medication if you experience difficulty in breathing, sudden swelling or skin reactions, fits, rapid heartbeat or hallucinations.
Use with caution if you are a woman or an elderly patient. Woman may be at a higher risk of haemorrhagic stroke (bleeding in the brain).
Avoid driving or operating machinery if you feel dizzy or drowsy after taking phenylpropanolamine.
Tell your doctor if you are or planning to become pregnant or are breastfeeding.
Do not take if allergic to phenylpropanolamine or any of its ingredients.
Paracetamol
Paracetamol should be taken with food or milk to prevent upset stomach.
Take it as per the dose and duration prescribed by your doctor. Long term use may lead to serious complications such as stomach bleeding and kidney problems.
Do not take indigestion remedies (antacids) within 2 hours of taking Paracetamol.
Avoid consuming alcohol while taking this medicine as it can increase your risk of stomach problems.
Inform your doctor if you have liver disease as your dose may need to be adjusted.
Your doctor may regularly monitor your kidney function, liver function and levels of blood components if you are taking this medicine for long-term treatment.
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Unocet Cold Tablet is to be taken with food.
Levocetirizine
Q. Is Levocetirizine a steroid? What is it used for?
No, Levocetirizine is not a steroid. It is an anti-allergic medication which is used to relieve the symptoms of allergy. It relieves runny nose, sneezing and redness, itching and watering of the eyes caused by hay fever or seasonal allergies. It also relieves similar symptoms caused due to allergies to substances, such as dust mites, animal dander and mold. Additionally, it is helpful in treating symptoms of hives, including itching and rash.
Q. Does Levocetirizine make you tired and drowsy?
Yes, Levocetirizine can make you feel tired, sleepy and weak. If you have these symptoms, avoid driving or operating heavy machinery. Consult your doctor if not sure.
Q. How long does it take for Levocetirizine to work?
Levocetirizine starts working and showing improvement within an hour of taking it. However, it may take a little longer to notice the full benefits.
Q. Can I take Levocetirizine and Fexofenadine together?
Sometimes the doctor may advise you to take two different antihistamines together if you are being treated for a severe itchy rash. If you are taking Levocetirizine during the daytime, your doctor may prescribe another antihistamine for the night which causes sleepiness, especially if the itch makes it difficult for you to sleep.
Q. Is it safe to take Levocetirizine for a long time?
Levocetirizine is safe if used as prescribed by your doctor. Moreover, it is unlikely to harm you if you take it for a long time. But, it is best to take Levocetirizine for only as long as you need it.
Q. For how long should I continue Levocetirizine?
The duration for which the medicine needs to be taken depends on the problem being treated. For instance, if you are taking it for an insect bite, you may need it for a day or two. While, if you are taking it to prevent symptoms of chronic allergic rhinitis (inflammation of nose) or chronic urticaria, you may need to take Levocetirizine for a longer time. Talk to your doctor if you are unsure about the duration of using Levocetirizine
Phenylpropanolamine
Q. Is phenylpropanolamine the same as phenylephrine?
Phenylpropanolamine and phenylephrine are different drugs belonging to the same class of medications (nasal decongestants). Both are used to relieve blocked nose or sinuses caused by common cold and seasonal nasal allergies (hay fever)
Q. Does Phenylpropanolamine cause stroke?
Phenylpropanolamine has shown to increase the risk of hemorrhagic stroke (bleeding in the brain). Women are at a higher risk.
Q. Is Phenylpropanolamine a controlled substance?
Phenylpropanolamine is a controlled substance since it can be used for manufacturing of illegal drugs
Q. Is Phenylpropanolamine still on the market?
Phenylpropanolamine is banned in India due to increased risk of haemorrhagic stroke (bleeding in the brain) and is no longer marketed in India
Paracetamol
Q. What if I vomit after taking Paracetamol?
If you vomit in less than 30 minutes after having a dose of Paracetamol tablets or syrup, retake the same dose again. If you vomit after 30 minutes of a dose, you do not need to take another one until the next standard dose.
Q. When will I feel better after taking the Paracetamol?
Usually, you will start feeling better after about half an hour of taking a Paracetamol.
Q. How often can I take the Paracetamol?
You should only take four doses of Paracetamol in 24 hours. There should be a gap of at least 4 hours between two doses. Do not take Paracetamol for more than 3 days without consulting a doctor first.
Q. Does Paracetamol make babies sleepy?
No, Paracetamol does not make babies sleepy. It is a pain-relieving medicine that is also used to control high fever.
Q. Is Paracetamol safe for children?
Paracetamol is considered safe for children only when used as directed by the doctor.
Q. Is Paracetamol an antibiotic?
No, Paracetamol is not an antibiotic. It works as a painkiller and fever-reducing medicine.
Q. Can I take Paracetamol and ibuprofen together?
Ibuprofen and Paracetamol are safe medicines, but both should not be used together. Consult your doctor if you are not sure.
Q. How long does a Paracetamol take to work?
Paracetamol takes around 30-45 min to start working and show its effects. It is advised to take this medicine for the duration suggested by the doctor. Consult your doctor if you experience any bothersome side effects.
Q. What are the serious side effects of taking an excess of the Paracetamol?
Overdose of Paracetamole may cause severe life-threatening liver injury. Taking more than the prescribed dose may also cause kidney injury, decreased platelet count, and even coma. Early symptoms of an overdose include nausea, vomiting, and general tiredness. Immediately consult a doctor or reach an emergency in case of a suspected overdose.
