Description:

Coldrilif Capsules (by Entrance Pharmaceuticals) is a combination over-the-counter cold and flu relief capsule used to provide symptomatic relief from common cold symptoms. It is indicated for the temporary relief of nasal congestion, sinus pressure, sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, headache, fever, body aches, and minor sore throat associated with the common cold, flu, or upper respiratory allergies. In Ghana (Accra), it is one of the most commonly purchased OTC cold remedies available in pharmacies and retail outlets for adults and older children.

Prescription: Over-the-counter (OTC) in Ghana. No prescription required; freely available in pharmacies, supermarkets, and health shops.

Therapeutic Category:

Cough & Cold Combination / Symptomatic Cold & Flu Relief (Analgesic + Antihistamine + Decongestant fixed-dose combination).

Active Ingredients/Composition: Each capsule typically contains (standard Coldrilif formulation):

• Paracetamol (Acetaminophen) – 500 mg (analgesic/antipyretic – relieves pain and fever)
• Chlorpheniramine maleate – 2 mg or 4 mg (antihistamine – reduces runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes, itching)
• Phenylephrine hydrochloride – 5 mg or 10 mg (nasal decongestant – relieves nasal/sinus congestion and pressure) Other ingredients: Capsule shell (gelatin), magnesium stearate, talc, starch, povidone, and colorants. Capsules are usually hard gelatin, green/white or blue/white, and may be imprinted with brand or strength.

Vitamins: None.

Minerals: None.

Variant:

• Coldrilif Capsules (standard triple-action combination). Related variants: Coldrilif Syrup (liquid form for children), Coldrilif Night (with added sedative/antihistamine for night-time use), Coldrilif Forte (higher dose in some markets), or smaller packs (e.g., 4, 8, or 10 capsules). The standard capsule is the most common form.

Consume Type:

Oral – Hard gelatin capsule (swallow whole with water; do not crush or chew).

Directions/Usage: Adults and children over 12 years: 1 capsule every 4–6 hours as needed (maximum 4 capsules in 24 hours).

• Take with a full glass of water.
• Can be taken with or without food (food may reduce stomach upset).
• Duration: Short-term only (maximum 3–5 days without medical advice).
• Do not exceed recommended dose (risk of paracetamol overdose/liver damage or phenylephrine-related hypertension).
• Not recommended for children under 12 years without medical advice.

Common Side Effects: Common:

• Drowsiness or sedation (from chlorpheniramine).
• Dry mouth, nose, or throat.
• Dizziness or light-headedness.
• Mild gastrointestinal upset (nausea, constipation).
• Restlessness or insomnia (from phenylephrine in sensitive individuals). Rare/serious (seek help): Severe allergic reactions (rash, swelling, breathing difficulty), severe drowsiness, confusion, rapid heartbeat, high blood pressure, or liver damage signs (jaundice, dark urine).

Package Type:

Blister packs (commonly 10 capsules per strip; packs of 1×10, 2×10 = 20, or 3×10 = 30 capsules; foil blisters in carton or simple box with patient leaflet).

Storage Advice: Store at room temperature (below 25–30°C) in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture. Keep in original packaging, tightly closed. Out of reach of children.

Safety Advice:

• Do not exceed recommended dose or duration (risk of paracetamol hepatotoxicity or phenylephrine-induced hypertension).
• Contraindicated in hypersensitivity to any ingredient, severe hypertension, severe coronary artery disease, narrow-angle glaucoma, or concurrent use of MAO inhibitors (risk of hypertensive crisis).
• Caution in pregnancy/breastfeeding (consult doctor), elderly (increased sedation risk), liver/kidney impairment, asthma, prostate enlargement, or thyroid disorders.
• Drowsiness may occur – avoid driving or operating machinery.
• Avoid alcohol (increases sedation and liver risk).
• If fever persists >3 days, cough worsens, or symptoms include severe headache, chest pain, or breathing difficulty, stop use and seek medical care (may indicate serious condition).
• Keep out of reach of children (overdose risk – especially paracetamol).

Product Substitutes: Similar cold & flu combination capsules in Ghana include:

• Coldex Capsules
• Panadol Cold & Flu
• Action Cold & Flu
• Generic paracetamol + chlorpheniramine + phenylephrine capsules
• Alternatives: Paracetamol 500mg alone + separate decongestant/antihistamine, or newer combinations (e.g., paracetamol + pseudoephedrine). Consult pharmacist in Accra (e.g., Scab Pharmacy, Country Medical Pharmacy) for availability.

Manufacturer/Marketer:

Entrance Pharmaceuticals & Research Centre (Ghana-based; produces Coldrilif as part of its cold & flu and OTC range). Marketed/distributed locally in Ghana by Entrance (Accra-based) and pharmacies.

Country of Origin:

Ghana (manufactured locally by Entrance Pharmaceuticals; widely stocked in Accra pharmacies as a local product).