Introduction About CRITICOLD PLUS TABLET

CRITICOLD PLUS TABLET is a combination of Caffeine, Chlorpheniramine, Paracetamol and Phenylephrine, which belongs to the group of medicines called Central nervous system stimulants, Antihistamines, Analgesics and nasal decongestants respectively. It is used in the management of the common cold and flu to provide relief from fever, nasal congestion, headache, pain and symptoms of the nose or throat due to upper respiratory tract allergies. It is also used in bacterial infections such as sinusitis, tonsillitis and otitis media, along with other medicines.

While taking CRITICOLD PLUS TABLET, avoid alcohol, coffee, strong tea and other tonic drinks. CRITICOLD PLUS TABLET is not recommended for use in patients with asthma, severely impaired liver or kidney function, severe hypertension, heart diseases, closed-angle glaucoma, an adrenal gland tumour (Pheochromocytoma), hyperthyroidism, diabetes, porphyria, peptic ulcer or hyperplasia of the prostate gland.

CRITICOLD PLUS TABLET is also not recommended for use in pregnant women, breastfeeding women or children below 12 years of age. In elderly patients, CRITICOLD PLUS TABLET should be used with caution. The common side effects of CRITICOLD PLUS TABLET are nausea and vomiting, drowsiness, insomnia, dizziness, headache and nervousness. If any of these become worse, contact your doctor.

Uses Of CRITICOLD PLUS TABLET

Manages the following conditions in adults and children (6 to12 years of age):

• Common cold and flu to provide relief from fever, nasal congestion, headache and pain
• Allergic symptoms of the nose or throat due to upper respiratory tract allergies
• Bacterial infections such as sinusitis, tonsillitis and otitis media along with other medicines

How CRITICOLD PLUS TABLET Works

[GBNKWEYORD] is a combination of medicines, where Paracetamol works by elevating the pain threshold and acting on the heat-regulating centre in the brain to reduce pain and fever; Phenylephrine works by reducing swelling of the blood vessels in the nasal passages; Chlorpheniramine reduces the effects of the natural chemical histamine in the body and Caffeine enhances the activity of Paracetamol and reduces drowsiness due to Chlorpheniramine. This collective collection provides relief from fever, nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, headache and pain.

How to use CRITICOLD PLUS TABLET

Take CRITICOLD PLUS TABLET as advised by your physician. Swallow the medicine with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew the medicine. The correct dose and duration for you will be decided by your doctor, depending on your age, body weight and disease condition. Do not stop taking CRITICOLD PLUS TABLET unless your doctor advises you to stop.

Side Effects Of CRITICOLD PLUS TABLET

How To Manage Side Effects

Nausea or vomiting:

Take CRITICOLD PLUS TABLET with or just after meals, along with your medication. Stick to simple meals and avoid eating oily or spicy foods. If there is no improvement, contact your doctor for advice.

Headache:

Try to relax and rest yourself. Apply pain balm to the head to ease the pain. Sip on some hot water or ginger tea. If there is no improvement, contact your doctor for advice.

Dizziness:

Sit down or lie down slowly when you are feeling dizzy. Take some time to rest and drink plenty of water. Avoid coffee and other carbonated drinks. If there is no improvement, contact your doctor for advice.

Warning & Precautions

Pregnancy

CRITICOLD PLUS TABLET is generally not recommended for use in pregnant women. Consult your doctor for advice.

Breastfeeding

CRITICOLD PLUS TABLET is generally not recommended for use in breastfeeding women as it may pass through the breast milk. Consult your doctor for advice.

Driving and Using Machines

Do not drive or operate any machines if you feel dizzy, drowsy or blurred vision after taking CRITICOLD PLUS TABLET.

Alcohol

Avoid consumption of alcohol while taking CRITICOLD PLUS TABLET because it might make you drowsier and impairs your concentration.

Kidney

CRITICOLD PLUS TABLET is not recommended for use in patients with severely impaired kidney function. Consult your doctor for advice.

Liver

CRITICOLD PLUS TABLET is not recommended for use in patients with severely impaired liver function. Consult your doctor for advice.

Allergy

Do not take CRITICOLD PLUS TABLET if you are allergic to Caffeine, Chlorpheniramine, Paracetamol and Phenylephrine.

Lungs

CRITICOLD PLUS TABLET is not recommended for use in patients with asthma. Consult your doctor for advice.

Heart Disease

CRITICOLD PLUS TABLET is not recommended for use in patients with severe hypertension, coronary heart disease and cardiovascular disorders. Consult your doctor for advice.

Interactions

A. Drug-Drug interactions:  

Before taking CRITICOLD PLUS TABLET, inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicine:

• medicines used in depression management [ex. isocarboxazid, phenelzine, amitriptyline]
• brompheniramine, benzphetamine, ephedrine (other medicines used for nasal congestion, allergic shock and heart failure)
• digoxin (a medicine used in the management of heart diseases)
• phenytoin (a medicine used in epilepsy management)
• zolpidem, flurazepam, suvorexant, butabarbital and triazolam (medicines used for sleep disorders)
• ergotamine and methysergide (medicines used to manage severe, throbbing headaches, such as migraine and cluster headaches)
• medicines used to control blood pressure (ex. reserpine, methyldopa, debrisoquine, atenolol and propranolol)
• warfarin and dicumarol sodium (medicines used to manage blood clotting)

B. Drug - Food interaction:

Avoid taking coffee, strong tea and other tonic drinks while taking CRITICOLD PLUS TABLET.

Overdosage:

If you or anyone else accidentally take too much of CRITICOLD PLUS TABLET, consult your doctor immediately or visit the nearby hospital. Symptoms of overdose are pallor, nausea, vomiting, anorexia, abdominal pain, vomiting, excessive urination, tachycardia, insomnia, restlessness, excitement, agitation, jitteriness, tremors and convulsions.

Synopsis

More Information

• Keep CRITICOLD PLUS TABLET out of reach from children
• Store at room temperature

FAQs About CRITICOLD PLUS TABLET

Q: What is CRITICOLD PLUS TABLET used for?

A: CRITICOLD PLUS TABLET temporarily manages symptoms caused by the common cold, flu, allergies or other breathing illnesses (such as sinusitis and bronchitis). It also helps relieve stuffy nose, sinus and ear congestion symptoms.

Q: Is CRITICOLD PLUS TABLET suitable for cold weather?

A: CRITICOLD PLUS TABLET contains medicines that manage headache, fever, body aches, a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, itching, watery eyes and sinus congestion caused by allergies, the common cold or the flu. Always take the medicine after consulting a doctor.

Q: Can CRITICOLD PLUS TABLET cause high BP?

A: CRITICOLD PLUS TABLET can cause severe hypertensive episodes leading to intracranial haemorrhage in the case of overdosage. Always inform patients about the dangers of exceeding the recommended dose and the increased risk of serious adverse effects such as hypertensive crises.

Q: Does CRITICOLD PLUS TABLET affect the kidney?

A: CRITICOLD PLUS TABLET can cause irreversible kidney damage if used for a prolonged period. Thus, it is not recommended for use in patients with severely impaired kidney function. You should always consult a doctor before taking the medicine.

Q: Can we take CRITICOLD PLUS TABLET and cetirizine together?

A: Using CRITICOLD PLUS TABLET together with Cetirizine may increase side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness and difficulty concentrating. Some people, especially the elderly, may also experience impaired thinking, confusion and problems in motor coordination.

References

1. KD Tripathi. Drugs acting on the Autonomic nervous system, Autacoids and related drugs, Essentials of medical pharmacology. Eighth edition. 2019. Page – 245, 179, 153, 223.

2. Abdulbari, M. M. and M. S. Ihsan. Simultaneous determination and validation of chlorpheniramine maleate, acetaminophen, phenylpropanolamine hydrochloride and caffeine in tablet dosage form by using reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography. [Revised in July 2013] [Accessed on 20th June 2022] https://asset-pdf.scinapse.io/prod/2186195757/2186195757.pdf

3. Saga Laboratories. COL-COL. https://www.nafdac.gov.ng/wp-content/uploads/Files/SMPC/Jan_2022/COL-COL-Tablet-SmPC.pdf

4. Centaurpharma.Sinarest Tablet. https://www.centaurpharma.com/downloads/Sinarest%20Tab.pdf

Useful Diagnostic Tests

• Liver function tests
• Fasting blood sugar level
• Random blood sugar level