Cheston Cold
Cheston Cold is a tablet made by Cipla that contains Cetirizine + Phenylephrine + Paracetamol. It combines Cetirizine: antihistamine, Phenylephrine: nasal decongestant and Paracetamol: pain reliever and fever reducer.
| Ingredient (salt) | Amount |
|---|---|
| Cetirizine | see pack |
| Phenylephrine | see pack |
| Paracetamol | see pack |
Cetirizine
What it is used for
Relieves sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, hives and other allergies.
How it works
A newer antihistamine that blocks histamine with much less drowsiness than older ones, easing sneezing, itchy eyes, runny nose, hives and itching.
How to take it
Adults and children over 12: 10 mg once a day, with or without food. Some people find it is best taken at night.
Common side effects
- Mild drowsiness
- Tiredness
- Dry mouth
- Headache
Get medical help straight away if
- Allergic swelling or breathlessness
- Difficulty passing urine
Be careful
Can cause mild drowsiness in some people.
Other medicines and interactions
Alcohol and sedatives can add to drowsiness.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
One of the preferred antihistamines in pregnancy and breastfeeding when needed, at the usual dose; ask a pharmacist first.
Phenylephrine
What it is used for
Shrinks swollen blood vessels in the nose to relieve a blocked or runny nose.
How it works
It narrows swollen blood vessels in the nose lining, which reduces congestion. Taken by mouth it is less effective than as a spray.
How to take it
Take the combination tablet or syrup as directed on the pack, usually every 4 to 6 hours. Do not use for more than about 7 days.
Common side effects
- Restlessness
- Headache
- Trouble sleeping
- Raised blood pressure
Get medical help straight away if
- Severe headache, fast or irregular heartbeat
- Difficulty passing urine
Be careful
Can raise blood pressure and heart rate; caution with high BP, heart disease or thyroid problems.
Other medicines and interactions
Avoid with MAOI antidepressants and other decongestants. Can raise blood pressure and counteract blood pressure medicines; take care with beta blockers.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Best avoided in pregnancy, especially the first three months, and while breastfeeding; ask a pharmacist for alternatives such as saline drops.
Paracetamol
What it is used for
Brings down fever and eases mild to moderate pain such as headache, body ache and toothache.
How it works
It works in the brain to raise the pain threshold and acts on the body's temperature centre to bring a fever down. Unlike NSAIDs it has little effect on swelling and is gentle on the stomach.
How to take it
Usual adult dose is 500 mg to 1 g every 4 to 6 hours, no more than 4 g (for example eight 500 mg tablets) in 24 hours; lower if you weigh under 50 kg, drink alcohol regularly or have liver disease. Children's doses go by weight. It can be taken with or without food.
Common side effects
- Side effects are rare at normal doses
- Occasionally rash or nausea
Get medical help straight away if
- You took more than the maximum dose, even if you feel well (liver damage shows up only after 1 to 3 days)
- Yellow skin or eyes
- A rash with blistering
Be careful
Too much damages the liver. Many cold and pain medicines also contain it, so avoid taking two at once; avoid with heavy alcohol use.
Other medicines and interactions
Many cold, flu and combination painkillers already contain paracetamol, so check every label to avoid a double dose. Regular high use can strengthen the effect of warfarin. Heavy alcohol use raises the risk of liver damage.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Paracetamol is the usual first choice for pain and fever in pregnancy and while breastfeeding, at the lowest dose that works for the shortest time.
Common questions
What is Cheston Cold?
Cheston Cold is a tablet by Cipla containing Cetirizine + Phenylephrine + Paracetamol.
What is Cheston Cold used for?
Relieves sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, hives and other allergies. Shrinks swollen blood vessels in the nose to relieve a blocked or runny nose. Brings down fever and eases mild to moderate pain such as headache, body ache and toothache.
How should I take Cheston Cold?
Adults and children over 12: 10 mg once a day, with or without food. Some people find it is best taken at night. Take the combination tablet or syrup as directed on the pack, usually every 4 to 6 hours. Do not use for more than about 7 days. Usual adult dose is 500 mg to 1 g every 4 to 6 hours, no more than 4 g (for example eight 500 mg tablets) in 24 hours; lower if you weigh under 50 kg, drink alcohol regularly or have liver disease. Children's doses go by weight. It can be taken with or without food. Always follow the dose your doctor or the pack gives.
What are the side effects of Cheston Cold?
Common side effects include: Mild drowsiness, tiredness, dry mouth, headache, Restlessness, headache, trouble sleeping, raised blood pressure, Side effects are rare at normal doses, occasionally rash or nausea. Get medical help straight away for: Allergic swelling or breathlessness, difficulty passing urine, Severe headache, fast or irregular heartbeat, difficulty passing urine, You took more than the maximum dose, even if you feel well (liver damage shows up only after 1 to 3 days), yellow skin or eyes, a rash with blistering.
Does Cheston Cold need a prescription?
It is usually sold without a prescription in India, but ask a pharmacist if you take other medicines or have a long-term illness.
Can I take Cheston Cold in pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
One of the preferred antihistamines in pregnancy and breastfeeding when needed, at the usual dose; ask a pharmacist first. Best avoided in pregnancy, especially the first three months, and while breastfeeding; ask a pharmacist for alternatives such as saline drops. Paracetamol is the usual first choice for pain and fever in pregnancy and while breastfeeding, at the lowest dose that works for the shortest time.
What are the substitutes for Cheston Cold?
We have no other brand with exactly the same composition and strength in our list yet. Ask your pharmacist for an equivalent.
Sources and further reading
- Cetirizine: NHS · MedlinePlus
- Phenylephrine: NHS · MedlinePlus
- Paracetamol: NHS · MedlinePlus
NHS (UK National Health Service) and MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine) are free, reviewed medicine guides. Brand names and doses there may differ from India.
Composition checked against pack details from large Indian online pharmacies. Last reviewed 31 October 2026. Written by Satya Babu.
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