"Vicks Asset" is a combined action drug that has an antipyretic, anti-inflammatory and anti-congestive effect. It is often used to relieve symptoms of the common cold and flu.
We will consider reviews of Vicks Active powder below.
Structure
The powder is produced in sachets, each of which includes:
1. Paracetamol.
2. Guaifenesin.
3. Phenylephrine hydrochloride.
4. Auxiliary components (aspartame, sucrose, etc.)
Vicks Active powder is used to relieve acute respiratory symptoms. Let's take a closer look at the active ingredients of the drug and their properties:
1. Paracetamol. An analgesic from a non-narcotic group, has an analgesic and antipyretic effect. Paracetamol helps slightly against inflammation, since the substance is inhibited by cell peroxidases. Paracetamol deactivates cyclooxygenases and stops the production of prostacyclins and prostaglandins derived from arachidonic acid. In this way, the conduct of pain impulses is suspended and the excitability of the thermoregulatory center is reduced.
2. Guaifenesin. Mucolytic substance. It is able to increase the amount and reduce the viscosity of sputum, facilitates its removal from the respiratory system. Guaifenesin helps reduce coughing fits, makes expectoration easier, and relieves sore throat. This is confirmed by the instructions and reviews attached to the Vicks Active powder.
3. Phenylephrine hydrochloride. Being a sympathomimetic substance, it stimulates alpha-adrenergic receptors in the vessels of the nasal mucosa. Relieves swelling and symptoms of hyperemia of the nasal mucosa, facilitates breathing and can reduce the severity of rhinorrhea.
Mechanism of action
The peak activity of the drug occurs in a period of half an hour after administration, and the effect lasts up to 12 hours. The active components of Vicks Asset are absorbed by the intestines. Metabolic processes involving phenylephrine hydrochloride and paracetamol occur mainly in the liver. Most of the substances excreted by the kidneys in the form of derivatives or in an unchanged form. The elimination half-life of paracetamol occurs four hours after administration, guaifenesin is excreted within 1 hour. Complete elimination from the body occurs after a day. Paracetamol is able to cross the placenta. Reviews about the powder "Vicks Asset" are available in large quantities.
Indications
The drug is used to relieve symptoms of acute respiratory infections. Indications for admission are:
1. Productive cough when sputum discharge is difficult.
2. Rhinorrhea.
3. Sore throat.
4. Headache and muscle pain.
5. Fever.
Contraindications
Contraindications for taking the “Vicks Active” powder according to the instructions are:
1. Individual intolerance to the components of the drug and other analgesics of the non-narcotic group.
2. Hypersensitivity to phenylketonuria and fructose.
3. Diabetes mellitus.
4. Arterial hypertension.
5. Failures in the cardiovascular system.
6. Hyperthyroidism.
7. Prostate hyperplasia.
8. Pheochromocytoma and angle-closure glaucoma.
9. Renal and liver failure.
10. Alcoholism.
11. Children under 12 years old.
12. Reception of MAO inhibitors and microsomal enzyme inducers.
During pregnancy and during lactation, taking the medication is also prohibited.
Side effects
Against the background of taking Vicks Active powder according to reviews, the manifestation of such undesirable reactions as:
1. On the part of the cardiovascular system and blood circulation: thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, neutropenia, sulfhemoglobinemia, anemia, methemoglobinemia, tachycardia, arterial hypertension, rapid heartbeat.
2. From the central nervous system: tremor, headache, insomnia, a feeling of constant anxiety, dizziness, psychomotor disturbances, coordination failure.
3. From the digestive system: vomiting, anorexia, nausea, soreness in the epigastrium, an increase in the number of enzymes in the liver, hepatonecrosis.
4. Allergy: urticaria, bronchospasm, rash, Quincke's edema, toxic epidermal necrolysis, erythema.
5. Urinary retention and hypoglycemia.
If you observe the above symptoms, then you must immediately stop taking the drug and seek qualified medical help. This is indicated in the instructions for use with the Vicks Active powder.
According to reviews, if the dosage regimen prescribed by the instructions is not observed, an overdose may develop.
Overdose
1. An overdose of paracetamol. The critical dose is 10 grams, for patients with malnutrition and cystic fibrosis - 5 grams. Signs of excess dosage of paracetamol include vomiting, headache, pallor, nausea, and liver damage. Severe paracetamol poisoning can cause malfunctions in glucose metabolism, metabolic acidosis, hepatic encephalopathy, respiratory depression, coma, severe renal failure, and even death.
Therapy consists of gastric lavage, intake of enterosorbents and specialist supervision. In individual cases, special antidotes such as acetylcysteine and methionine can be prescribed. A patient with an overdose of paracetamol should be in the hospital for at least two days.
2. Overdose of phenylephrine hydrochloride. It suggests the manifestation of such symptoms: sleep disturbance, a feeling of anxiety and anxiety, headache, bradycardia, arrhythmia, jumps in blood pressure.
Treatment is symptomatic and includes gastric lavage, enterosorbents and medical supervision.
3. An overdose of guaifenesin. Against the background of abnormal doses of this substance, vertigo, digestive organs dysfunction, impaired consciousness, increased irritability and depressed breathing can develop. The treatment is the same as in the two previous paragraphs.
The use of Vicks Active powder and interaction
It is taken orally. The contents of the bag are stirred in warm water until completely dissolved immediately before administration. Already diluted drug can not be stored. You can take the drug regardless of food. The treatment regimen is prescribed by the doctor, as well as the duration of admission. The standard dosage regimen is 1 sachet up to 4 times a day.
The break between the two “Vicks Asset” receptions should be at least 4 hours. The maximum dosage per day is 4 sachets. If you reduce the frequency of administration or increase the number of sachets, then the risk of side effects and symptoms of an overdose increases.
The drug "Vicks Asset" should not be taken for more than 5 days, unless the doctor prolongs the course of therapy. If after three days of admission there is no positive dynamics in the patient's condition, then the drug must be canceled and consult a specialist.
As for the interaction with other drugs, it is impossible to take “Vicks Asset” together with monoamine oxidases, including within two weeks after the treatment.
It is forbidden to take the drug with ethanol and inducers of liver enzymes at the same time, as this can cause the development of increased toxicity of paracetamol. Together with anticoagulants, paracetamol increases their effectiveness, which increases the risk of hemorrhagic syndrome. Domperidone and metoclopramide together with paracetamol increase the absorption rate of the latter.
Cholestyramine in combination with paracetamol reduces the rate of absorption of the latter by the intestine. Phenylephrine in the composition is able to reduce the activity of drugs of the beta-adrenergic blocking group.
Testimonials about Vix Active powder
Reviews of experts are mostly good. The drug is effective, relieves pain, reduces temperature. The main thing is not to exceed the dosage and follow the instructions.
Patient Reviews
In general, reviews about the drug are positive. Patients note a quick effect and relief from a cold. I especially like the duration of its action, which makes it possible to receive only two sachets per day. The relatively high cost (on average, about 300 rubles) and the presence of an extensive list of side effects and contraindications are not comfortable with taking the drug.
What other reviews of Vicks Active powder exist?
Some patients are confused by the high content of paracetamol in the powder, and they prefer similar means with a lower dosage of the active substance. However, for the most part, it is an effective and modern drug that will quickly remove the first symptoms of the common cold and flu, facilitate breathing, and help remove sputum from the lungs. However, despite the ease and accessibility of its use, it is impossible to use the drug on its own, it is necessary to appoint a doctor.