MERICOL COLD FLU & COUGH

Paracetamol is a medication used to treat pain and fever. It does appear to selectively inhibit COX activities in the brain, which may contribute to its ability to treat fever and pain.

Pentoxyverine is a non-opioid antitussive used to prevent cough caused by common cold. It is used as an active ingredient of several oral over-the-counter cough suppressants alone or in combination with other medications, especially decongestants.

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.

Guaifenesin is an expectorant the action of which promotes or facilitates the removal of secretions from the respiratory tract. The precise mechanism of action of guaifenesin is not known; however, it is thought to act as an expectorant by increasing the volume and reducing the viscosity of secretions in the trachea and bronchi. In turn, this may increase the efficiency of the cough reflex and facilitate removal of the secretions. Guaifenesin is over-the-counter drug for the treatment of cough and common cold.

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

Chlorphenamine is a potent antihistamine (H₁-antagonist). Antihistamines diminish or abolish the actions of histamine in the body by competitive reversible blockade of histamine H₁-receptor sites on tissues. Chlorphenamine also has anticholinergic activity.