Okacet Cold Tablet

Okacet Cold tablet is a combination medicine used in allergic rhinitis and nasal congestion. It contains paracetamol, cetirizine and phenylephrine as active ingredients. Take as directed by the doctor and in doses and duration as prescribed.

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to any of the components of this medicine, have high blood pressure problems or have any liver disease. Okacet cold should be used with caution in children and it is recommended to consult the doctor before using the medicine in pregnant and lactating women.

Dosage

Overdose

Symptoms of overdose include irritation, restlessness, palpitations, high blood pressure, nausea, vomiting, thirst feeling, fits or convulsions. If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, contact your doctor immediately or visit the nearest hospital.

Missed a Dose

Do not take a double dose if you have missed the dose, take the next dose as soon as you remember.

Mode of Action

How Does It Work?

• Paracetamol inhibits prostaglandin synthesis, which is responsible for pain. It also acts on the thermoregulatory centre in the brain and blocks the effect of pyrogen (which is responsible for fever).
• Cetirizine inhibits the allergic symptoms produced by histamines (a certain chemical substance released by the body).
• Phenylephrine acts by constricting the arterioles of the nasal mucosa and helps in nasal decongestion.

Directions for Use

• Take Okacet Cold tablet as directed by your doctor.
• Swallow entirely with a glass of water, do not cut, break or chew the medicine.
• It will be best if you took it at a fixed time for optimal results and should not consume it more than that prescribed by the doctor.

Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy

Can I take Okacet Cold tablet during pregnancy?

Limited information is available on the use of Okacet Cold tablet in pregnancy. Hence it is used only if prescribed by your doctor.

Breast Feeding

Can I take Okacet Cold tablet while breastfeeding?

It is not recommended to breastfeed during the treatment with Okacet cold. Refrain from self-medication.

Driving

Can I drive if I have consumed Okacet Cold tablet?

You need to be cautious while driving. It can make you sleepy and affect your mental alertness.

Alcohol

Can I consume alcohol with Okacet Cold tablet?

It is advisable to avoid alcohol intake along with Okacet cold as it can worsen the side effects like more drowsiness.

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if

• You may feel sleepy after taking this medicine. Be cautious while doing activities that require mental alertness such as driving.
• You are suffering from a disease Raynaud's phenomenon.
• You have kidney or liver disease.
• You do not feel any improvement in symptoms.
• This medicine is not recommended in children below the age of 12 years.

Contraindications

• If you are allergic to this medicine or any of the ingredient of Okacet cold.
• If you are suffering from high blood pressure.
• If you have any heart disease or a liver problem.

Side effects

• Drowsiness
• Sleepiness
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Headache
• Irregular heartbeat

Interactions

Interactions with other medicines

• Certain medicines can interfere with the action of the Okacet Cold tablet or the Okacet Cold tablet itself can affect the action of other medicines taken at the same time.
• Always inform your doctor about all the medicine you are taking, that includes all prescribed or non-prescribed herbal medicines, dietary supplements as well as other treatments you are taking for any disorder.
• In particular, if you are taking medicines for brain-related disorders, medicines used to treat high cholesterol such as cholestyramine, muscle relaxants, anticoagulants like warfarin, etc.
• Other medicines that should be used with caution are antibiotics such as chloramphenicol, medicines to stop vomiting, nausea such as metoclopramide, etc.

Storage and disposal

• Store this medicine at room temperature.
• Keep this medicine out of the reach of children.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Does Okacet Cold tablet make me feel drowsy?

Yes this medicine may cause drowsiness in some individuals.

Can I take sedatives or tranquilizers along with this medicine?

Sedatives, anti-anxiety pills, muscle relaxants, anesthetic agents must be used with caution or avoided (if possible) while taking Okacet Cold tablet. Certain anti-depressants like selegiline, rasagiline should not be taken until 14 days before or after stopping this medicine. It is also advised to avoid alcohol while taking Okacet Cold tablet.

Can Okacet Cold tablet be taken continuously?

If your symptoms don’t improve even after using Okacet Cold tablet for 7 days, you need to visit your doctor. The long term use of this medicine without any medical advice is not recommended.

Can I take Okacet cold for headache?

No, this medicine is not effective in headache. Okacet cold is used for the treatment of allergic rhinitis, fever and nasal congestion. It is advised to take this medicine only after consulting the doctor.

Is Okacet an antibiotic?

No, it is not an antibiotic. Okacet cold is an anti-allergic medicine.

Can Okacet be taken twice a day?

You can take Okacet if needed or for the specific duration prescribed by the doctor, depending on the severity of the allergic reaction.

Can Okacet be taken empty stomach?

You should take Okacet as advised by your doctor and for the exact prescribed duration. It can be taken with or without food. It should be swallowed entirely with a glass of water, do not cut, breaks or chew the medicine.