CORISTINA D

Acetylsalicylic acid combines significant advantages such as strong anti-pyretic, analgesic and anti-inflammatory action, that is the measure of comparison with all the newer NSAIDs.

Dexchlorpheniramine, the d-isomer of the racemic compound chlorpheniramine, is two times more active than chlorpheniramine. Dexchlorpheniramine does not prevent the release of histamine, but rather, competes with free histamine for binding at the H₁-receptor sites, and competitively antagonizes the effects of histamine on H₁-receptors in the GI tract, uterus, large blood vessels, and bronchial muscle. Blockade of H₁-receptors also suppresses the formation of oedema, flare, and pruritus that result from histaminic activity. Since dexchlorpheniramine binds to central and peripheral H₁-receptors, sedative effects are likely to occur. Dexchlorpheniramine has high antihistaminic activity, moderate anticholinergic effects and minimal sedative effects.

Phenylephrine is a sympathomimetic agent with mainly direct effects on adrenergic receptors. It has predominantly alpha adrenergic activity and is without stimulating effects on the central nervous system. The sympathomimetic effect of phenylephrine produces vasoconstriction which in turn relieves nasal congestion.

Caffeine is structurally related to the methylxanthines theophylline and theobromine. Caffeine’s main action is as a CNS stimulant.