ambroxol/cetirizine/phenylephrine/ guaiphenesin/menthol

Action and Spectrum

Actions and Spectrum

ambroxol is a mucolytic agent that works by thinning and loosening mucus in the airways, making it easier to cough up and clear from the respiratory tract.

cetirizine is an antihistamine that works by blocking the action of histamine, a chemical in the body that causes allergic symptoms like runny nose, itching and watery eyes.

phenylephrine is a decongestant that constricts blood vessels in the nasal passages and reduces swelling in the nasal tissues, helping to relieve nasal congestion.

guaifenesin is an expectorant that helps to thin and loosen mucus in the airways thus makes easier to cough up and clear the respiratory passages.

menthol is a natural compound that has cooling and soothing properties. It can provide a cooling sensation and help relieve minor throat and nasal irritation.

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency not defined

Dry mouth

Diarrhea

Diplopia

Headache

Malaise

Euphoria

Excessive tiredness

Fatigue

Nervousness

Tinnitus

Vomiting

Sore throat

Stomach pain

Anxiety

Asystole

Nausea

Nervousness

Pallor

Palpitations

Premature ventricular contractions

Rash

Bradycardia

Allergic reactions

Anaphylaxis

Black Box Warning

Black Box Warning

None

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution:

Contraindication:

• ambroxol/cetirizine/phenylephrine/ guaiphenesin/menthol should not be used if an individual has a known allergy or hypersensitivity reactions of its components.

Caution:

• Use ambroxol with caution in patients with a history of gastric ulcers or active gastric ulcers.
• Use cetirizine with caution in individuals with impaired kidney function.
• Use phenylephrine with caution in individuals with heart disease or high blood pressure.
• Use guaifenesin with caution in individuals with a history of kidney stones.

Individuals who are allergic or highly sensitive to menthol should avoid products containing menthol.

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy consideration:

Pregnancy category: N/A

Lactation: Excretion into human milk is unknown

Pregnancy Categories:     

Category A: well-controlled and Satisfactory studies show no risk to the fetus in the first or later trimester.

Category B: there was no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal studies, and there were not enough studies on pregnant women.

Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women.

Category D: adequate data with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits.

Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women.

Category N: There is no data available for the drug under this category.

Pharmacology

Pharmacology

ambroxol is a mucolytic agent. It works by increasing the production of surfactant in the respiratory tract, which helps to reduce the surface tension of mucus, making it less viscous and easier to clear.

cetirizine is classified as a second-generation antihistamine and it acts by selectively blocking histamine H1 receptors, thereby inhibiting the actions of histamine.

phenylephrine stimulates alpha-adrenergic receptors in the nasal mucosa, causing vasoconstriction and reducing blood flow. guaifenesin helps to increase the volume and reduce the viscosity of respiratory tract secretions.

menthol works by activating temperature-sensitive receptors in the skin and mucous membranes, including TRPM8 receptors, which are involved in sensing cold.

Pharmacodynamics

ambroxol promotes the activity of cilia, which are tiny, hair-like structures lining the respiratory tract. This increased ciliary movement helps transport mucus out of the airways, facilitating its clearance.

cetirizine effectively reduces the symptoms of allergies by preventing histamine from binding to its receptors, thus preventing or mitigating allergic responses.

phenylephrine is a sympathomimetic amine which works by stimulating alpha-adrenergic receptors in the smooth muscles of blood vessels in the nasal mucosa.

guaifenesin acts as an expectorant by increasing the volume and reducing the viscosity of respiratory tract secretions. menthol’s producing a cooling sensation and mild analgesic (pain-relieving) effect and soothing irritation and itchiness in the throat and nasal passages.

Pharmacokinetics

Limited information available on ADME.

Adminstartion

Administration

ambroxol/cetirizine/phenylephrine/ guaiphenesin/menthol is a combination medicine available in expectorant syrup for oral intake.

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet

Generic Name: ambroxol/cetirizine/phenylephrine/ guaiphenesin/menthol

Why do we use ambroxol/cetirizine/ phenylephrine/guaiphenesin/menthol?

Capex-CZ (ambroxol/cetirizine/ phenylephrine/guaiphenesin/menthol) is a combination medicine used in the treatment of cough and cold. This combination medicine gives relief from runny nose, itching, and watery eyes. This combination medicine also provide help from cough by loosening thick mucus and makes easier to cough it out.