Each of us has at least once in a lifetime encountered a cold. An elevated temperature, a stuffy nose, a headache and its other unpleasant symptoms are sometimes so annoying that you want to get rid of them as quickly as possible.
They say that you need to deal with the cause, and not heal 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? But what if there is absolutely no time to visit a doctor?
Coldrex (reviews of which are good enough) is a drug that helps the body fight the symptoms of flu and the common cold, namely:
- lowers fever;
- eliminates headache, as well as pain in the joints and muscles;
- eliminates nasal congestion;
- relieves sore throat.
Coldrex, the price of which varies from 150 rubles per tablet to 300 rubles for powder bags, 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 eliminates symptoms after the first dose.
A little about the manufacturer
Coldrex (we will review the reviews a bit 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.
Its headquarters are located in the UK, but GlaxoSmithKline's offices are open in 114 countries around the world, with 24 laboratories and 78 plants. GSK products are distributed in more than 150 countries around the world.
How to choose the product that suits you?
There are several variants of Coldrex. Their composition is insignificant, but still different. The drug is available in tablets or in powder for the preparation of a 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 of orange, the second white. On one side of the tablets the Coldrex inscription is supplanted. The composition of one tablet is as follows:
- 500 mg paracetamol;
- 30 mg of ascorbic acid;
- 25 mg caffeine;
- 20 mg terpin hydrate;
- 5 mg phenylephrine hydrochloride.
Also in the composition of the tablet there are some auxiliary substances:
- 103.5 mg of corn starch;
- 30 mg pregelatinized starch;
- 12.47 mg of talc;
- 6.24 mg of stearic acid ;
- 4 mg povidone;
- 0.8 mg potassium sorbate;
- 0.8 mg sodium lauryl sulfate;
- 0.4 mg of dye E110 (sunset yellow).
Based on the composition of the tablets, we can conclude that the effect of one tablet is slightly weaker (less active paracetamol component) than the Coldrex drug (powder).
Below is an instruction for using 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 receptions should take about 4 hours. The total number of tablets taken per day should not exceed 8 pieces.
Children from 6 to 12 years old are recommended to take one tablet no more than 4 times a day. Total amount per day - no more than 4.
Children under 6 years old can 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 section “Interaction of Coldrex with other drugs”). For the duration of treatment, refrain from consuming caffeine, as this can lead to undesirable side effects of the drug (see section “Side effects”).
If symptoms still persist after treatment, consult a physician.
The drug "Coldrex (powder) MaxGripp"
Coldrex MaxGripp is a powder preparation that is used to prepare a solution. It is a light yellow powder with a lemon smell. It dissolves in hot water and forms a solution of a dull yellowish color without foam, also with the smell of lemon. Intended for oral administration.
Coldrex - sachets (each 5 g each) consist of:
- 1000 mg paracetamol;
- 40 mg of ascorbic acid;
- 10 mg phenylephrine hydrochloride ;
- 3,725 mg sucrose;
- 680 mg of citric acid;
- 430 mg sodium citrate;
- 200 mg of corn starch;
- 200 mg lemon flavoring;
- 79 mg sodium cyclamate ;
- 54 mg sodium saccharinate;
- 7 mg of dye E100 (curcumin);
- 2 mg of colloidal silicon dioxide.
As you noticed, the Coldrex MaxGripp contains no caffeine. However, the presence of sucrose in it suggests that if you are sick with diabetes mellitus, fructose intolerance or similar diseases, then you should refrain from using this medication.
So, we examined the composition of the drug Coldrex (powder). Instructions for use 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.
The drug is intended for adults only.
The maximum daily dose is 4 sachets, with breaks of 4 hours between each dose.
It is not recommended to continue treatment for more than 5 days. If symptoms persist during this time, consult a doctor.
The drug "Coldrex (powder) HotRem"
Means "Coldrex HotRem" differs from the drug "MaxGripp" only in that the amount of the main active component (paracetamol) in it is slightly less. Otherwise, this is the same drug in the form of a powder, with which a solution for oral administration is prepared.
Pay attention to the types of this Coldrex product: 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 bag of Coldrex HotRem. Lemon "consists of:
- 750 mg paracetamol;
- 10 mg phenylephrine hydrochloride;
- 60 mg of ascorbic acid;
- 600 mg of citric acid;
- 40 mg sodium saccharinate;
- 500 mg sodium citrate;
- 50 mg of lemon tetraroma 100%;
- 83.33 mg of lemon flavor;
- 0.75 mg of quinoline yellow dye (E104);
- 2904.42 mg sucrose.
We examined the composition of the Coldrex HotRem drug. Instructions for use of this tool are described below.
The contents of the bag must be dissolved in half a mug of hot water (but not boiling water). You can add sugar to taste or dilute the solution with cold water.
This tool is not recommended for children under 6 years of age. Children from 6 to 12 years old can take the drug "Coldrex" no more than 3 times a day for one sachet. Adults - no more than 4 times, one sachet.
Means "Lemon and Honey. Coldrex HotRem ”, the instruction for use of which is the same as that of 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 of ascorbic acid;
- 600 mg of citric acid;
- 10 mg sodium saccharinate;
- 500 mg sodium citrate;
- 100 mg of lemon flavoring PHS-163671;
- 75 mg of honey flavor PFW-050860;
- 125 mg of honey flavor Felton F7624P;
- 50 mg caramel dye 626;
- 200 mg of corn starch;
- 50 mg of aspartame;
- 2468.50 mg sucrose.
As you can see, the active substances in him are the same and in the same quantity, so that these species act in the body the same way. The difference is only in the number of flavors and colors. By the way, in the drug Coldrex. Lemon and Honey "real honey, or at least its extract, no. Only honey flavors are present there.
The drug "Coldrex (powder) Junior"
Designed for use by children from 6 to 12 years. It is also available in the form of a light yellow powder, with which you need to prepare a solution.
The composition of one sachet of Coldrex Junior:
- 300 mg paracetamol;
- 5 mg phenylephrine hydrochloride;
- 20 mg of ascorbic acid;
- 21.5 mg sodium saccharinate;
- 31.5 mg sodium cyclamate;
- 340 mg of citric acid;
- 215 mg sodium citrate;
- 100 mg of corn starch;
- 1862.5 mg sucrose;
- 100 mg of lemon flavor;
- 3.5 mg of curcumin dye E100;
- 1 mg of colloidal silicon dioxide.
As you noticed, other products in this series contain more paracetamol than the Junior Coldrex Medication (powder). Instructions for use of this tool are given below.
Dissolve the contents of the bag 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 component with other drugs.
Paracetamol
The main active ingredient is able to enhance the effect of indirect anticoagulants (drugs that prevent the formation of prothrombin in the liver are Warfarin, Dikumarin, Sinkumar and others), which significantly increases the risk of bleeding. This effect is observed only with repeated use.
With the simultaneous use of inducers of microsomal oxidation enzymes in the liver (drugs such as diphenin, carbamazepine, rifampicin, phenytoin, zidovuin, barbiturates, tricyclic antidepressants) with paracetamol, the risk of hepatoxicity increases.
Paracetamol also reduces the effectiveness of diuretic drugs and enhances the effects of ethanol, sedatives, MAO inhibitors.
Phenylephrine
Leads to increased blood pressure while taking with MAO inhibitors. Reduces the effectiveness of antihypertensive drugs, can increase the risk of hypertension, as well as disorders of the cardiovascular system.
When taken with halothane, the risk of developing ventricular arrhythmia increases.
Various antipsychotics, antidepressants, phenothiazine derivatives while taking with the drug lead to urinary retention, constipation, dry mouth.
Ascorbic acid
When interacting with sulfonamides or salicylates, it can slow the excretion of acids by the kidneys. When taken with drugs that have an alkaline reaction, it increases the rate of their elimination.
The drug is not recommended to be taken at the same time as other paracetamol-containing drugs, as well as with other non-narcotic analgesics, acetylsalicylic acid, metamizole sodium, ibuprofen, barbiturates, rifampsin, antiepileptic drugs, chloramphenicol, decongestants, relievers and other drugs for suppressing symptoms .
Also, Coldrex can distort the results of some laboratory tests and it is worth informing the doctor that you are undergoing treatment.
Important notice!
Paracetamol should never be consumed with alcoholic beverages, as this leads to toxic liver damage!
Contraindications
All varieties of Coldrex (powder bags or tablets) have the same contraindications. So, you should not take Coldrex if:
- you are hypersensitive to any component of the drug;
- you have kidney or liver problems (even mild);
- you are a person with excessive thyroid activity (hyperthyroidism, or thyrotoxicosis);
- you are sick with diabetes or have hereditary disorders associated with the absorption of sugar (the drug contains sugar!);
- you have heart disease (acute myocardial infarction, tachyarrhythmia, stenosis of the mouth of the aorta);
- you are taking any tricyclic antidepressants, beta-blockers, MAO inhibitors, or stopped taking it earlier than 14 days ago;
- you have arterial hypertension;
- you are taking other drugs containing paracetamol;
- you have prostate adenoma;
- you are not 12 years old;
- you have fructose intolerance, sucrose (isomaltase) deficiency, or you have glucose-galactose malabsorption.
The drug can be taken, while observing caution if you:
- genetic absence of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase;
- benign hyperbilirubinemia;
- pheochromocytoma;
- vasospastic diseases (Raynaud's syndrome);
- any diseases of the cardiovascular system.
With the aforementioned ailments, you will need to consult a doctor before taking Coldrex.
A doctor’s consultation is also recommended if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Side effects
For convenience, side effects are also classified by the active substances that cause them, and by organ systems.
Paracetamol
Very rarely causes any side effects.
- Allergic reactions: may cause anaphylactic shock, skin rash, angioedema, urticaria, Stevens-Johnson syndrome.
- Respiratory system: very rarely bronchospasm occurs in patients who have an increased sensitivity to acetylsalicylic acid and other NSAIDs.
- Liver and bile ducts: impaired liver function is quite rare.
- Hematopoietic organs: May cause leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, or agranulocytosis (very rare).
Phenylephrine
Often has side effects.
- Nervous system: often after taking the drug, headache, insomnia, dizziness, and irritability may appear.
- Cardiovascular system: tachycardia can rarely develop. A more common side effect is an increase in blood pressure.
- Digestive system: often phenylephrine causes nausea, vomiting.
- Sensory organs: dilated pupils (mydriasis) can be seen.
- Allergic reactions: urticaria, skin rash, allergic dermatitis - rare side effects of phenylphrine.
Ascorbic acid
May cause skin rash or flushing, irritation of the gastrointestinal mucosa.
Please note that if any side effects occur, you need to urgently see a doctor and in no case do not treat them yourself.
If you notice the appearance of other side effects not described above, you should inform your doctor.
Overdose
If you know for sure that you have taken a larger amount of the drug than necessary, but there are no symptoms of an overdose, you should still seek the help of a doctor, since there is a risk of delayed liver damage.
So, we will describe in detail the symptoms of an overdose of each active substance from the composition of the drug and their treatment.
Paracetamol
Symptoms of an overdose:
- during the first 24 hours, pallor of the skin may appear, a feeling of nausea, vomiting, appetite may decrease, and abdominal pain may appear;
- after 12-48 hours, impaired liver function can be felt.
When taking more than 10 g of paracetamol, an increased activity of “liver” transaminases is manifested. With paracetamol poisoning, severe liver failure develops, which leads to hepatic encephalopathy and even coma or death.
Overdose treatment:
- during the first hour, it is advisable to take several tablets of activated carbon and consult a doctor immediately. Further self-treatment is not worth it.
Phenylephrine
Symptoms of an overdose are similar to its side effects:
- in the first place, dizziness, headache, insomnia, increased blood pressure, nausea, vomiting;
- in severe cases, there may be hallucinations, convulsions, arrhythmia.
It is impossible to independently treat an overdose of phenylephrine.
Ascorbic acid
In an amount of more than 3,000 mg, it causes osmotic diarrhea, gastrointestinal disorders - discomfort in the stomach, nausea, vomiting. If these symptoms are found, you should immediately consult a doctor.
The drug "Coldrex": reviews
At the beginning of the article it was said that 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 aspects:
- a huge number of side effects;
- high price;
- too much paracetamol in the composition.
This was already mentioned to everyone in the article, but it is worth emphasizing once again that any drug has its drawbacks.
He has much more advantages:
- he copes with the symptoms of flu and colds;
- tastes good;
- can be taken by both children and adults;
- tablets greatly simplify the treatment process (some taste unpleasant in such solutions);
- the drug has several tastes;
- convenient packaging.
Some analogues of Coldrex
Unfortunately, the cost of this tool is quite high, so some people are looking for quality analogues.
And indeed, there are some products that do not differ in composition and are much cheaper than Coldrex. These analogs are as follows:
- Teraflu powder. It is located in approximately the same price category as Coldrex. The composition is the same.
- The drug "Maksikold." An absolutely similar composition, and its cost does not exceed 150 rubles, which is an order of magnitude lower than the cost of Coldrex or TeraFlu preparations.
- Means "Flucodex-S." Identical composition, reasonable price - about 80 rubles.
- Powder Prostudox. 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 analogs are also very effective.
Perhaps the pharmacist in the pharmacy will tell you some tool that was not mentioned above.
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