123 COLD Tablets

What is 123 COLD

123 COLD is a multi-symptom cold and flu relief tablet designed to provide comprehensive relief from the discomfort associated with upper respiratory tract infections. It is formulated to target multiple symptoms such as nasal congestion, sneezing, cough, headaches, fever, and body aches. Each component in the formulation serves a specific role, making this medicine effective in managing the full spectrum of cold-related symptoms.

• Paracetamol – provides pain relief and reduces fever.
• Codeine – acts as a cough suppressant and mild analgesic.
• Carbinoxamine – an antihistamine that alleviates sneezing and nasal irritation.
• Phenylephrine – a nasal decongestant that relieves stuffy nose.
• Caffeine – enhances the analgesic effect and reduces fatigue and drowsiness.

It is available as tablets and is commonly used for adults and adolescents over the age of 12, under medical advice.

How to use 123 COLD

Proper usage ensures the medicine works effectively and reduces the risk of side effects. It is important to follow dosage instructions and medical advice strictly.

• Dosage Form: Oral tablet.
• Route: By mouth with water, with or without food.
• Frequency: Typically 1 tablet every 4–6 hours as needed.
• Maximum Dose: Do not exceed 4 tablets per 24 hours.
• Do not crush or chew the tablet; swallow whole.
• Avoid concurrent use with other Paracetamol-containing products to prevent overdose.
• Ensure adequate hydration and rest during treatment.

Patients should be monitored for signs of overuse, especially those sensitive to opioids or antihistamines. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery during use due to potential drowsiness and sedation.

Mode of Action 123 COLD

Each active ingredient in 123 COLD plays a synergistic role in managing cold and flu symptoms:

• Paracetamol: Inhibits central prostaglandin synthesis, providing analgesic and antipyretic effects.
• Codeine: Binds to opioid receptors in the brain, suppressing the cough reflex and providing mild pain relief.
• Carbinoxamine: Blocks H1 histamine receptors, reducing allergic reactions such as sneezing and runny nose.
• Phenylephrine: Acts on alpha-adrenergic receptors causing vasoconstriction in nasal mucosa, relieving congestion.
• Caffeine: Stimulates the CNS and enhances the effect of Paracetamol while counteracting Codeine’s sedative effects.

This multi-targeted approach makes 123 COLD an efficient option for symptomatic management of colds, but should only be used short-term.

123 COLD Interactions 123 COLD

Drug interactions can enhance toxicity or reduce the effectiveness of 123 COLD. Common interactions include:

• MAO Inhibitors: Risk of hypertensive crisis when combined with Phenylephrine or Codeine.
• Alcohol and CNS Depressants: Increase sedation, drowsiness, and risk of respiratory depression (especially with Codeine).
• Beta-blockers and antihypertensives: Phenylephrine may reduce their effect.
• Warfarin: Chronic Paracetamol use may increase bleeding risk.
• Other Paracetamol-containing products: Increases risk of hepatotoxicity.
• Enzyme inducers (e.g. phenytoin, carbamazepine): May reduce Paracetamol’s efficacy and increase liver damage.

Always consult your healthcare provider before combining 123 COLD with other medications.

Dosage of 123 COLD

• Adults and Children >12 years: 1 tablet every 4–6 hours as needed. Do not exceed 4 tablets per day.
• Children under 12 years: Not recommended due to the presence of Codeine and Carbinoxamine.
• Geriatric patients: Use with caution; lower doses may be needed due to sensitivity to sedatives.

Dosing should be based on medical advice, especially for patients with hepatic or renal impairment. Avoid long-term use due to risk of Codeine dependency and liver toxicity from Paracetamol.

Possible side effects of 123 COLD

Side effects vary based on individual sensitivity and dose used. Common and serious side effects include:

• Gastrointestinal: Nausea, vomiting, constipation (Codeine).
• CNS: Drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, headache.
• Allergic reactions: Skin rash, itching, rarely anaphylaxis (Carbinoxamine or Paracetamol).
• Respiratory: Respiratory depression with high doses or in sensitive individuals (Codeine).
• Cardiovascular: Increased blood pressure, palpitations (Phenylephrine).
• Hepatic: Liver damage with Paracetamol overdose.

Seek immediate medical attention for difficulty breathing, swelling of face/lips, or signs of liver injury like jaundice.

123 COLD Contraindications 123 COLD

Do not use 123 COLD if:

• Allergic to any of the active ingredients.
• History of respiratory depression or asthma (due to Codeine).
• Severe liver or kidney impairment.
• Concurrent use with or within 14 days of MAO inhibitors.
• Hypertension or serious heart disease (Phenylephrine caution).
• Under 12 years of age (due to risk of opioid toxicity).

Special caution is needed in patients with epilepsy, glaucoma, enlarged prostate, or those taking CNS depressants.

Storage of 123 COLD

• Store below 25°C in a dry place.
• Protect from moisture and direct light.
• Keep in original packaging and out of reach of children.
• Do not use after expiry date printed on the box.
• Dispose of unused tablets safely to avoid accidental ingestion.

Improper storage may reduce effectiveness or cause degradation of active ingredients, especially Paracetamol and Codeine.