Grippostad®

definition

The drug Grippostad® is a combination preparation of 4 active ingredients. It is produced in the form of capsules and swallowed with water. Each capsule contains 200 mg paracetamol, 150 mg vitamin C (= ascorbic acid), 2.5 mg chlorophenamine and 25 mg caffeine.

application areas

Grippostad® is used for common colds to relieve pain, lower fever, reduce swelling of the nasal mucosa and prevent a weakening of the immune system caused by a lack of vitamin C.

The typical signs of a cold are sore throat, fever and shivering, swelling / inflammation of the nasal mucosa (= runny nose) and cough. Headaches and body aches are also common.
Adults have around 2-3 colds a year, but they get better quickly without medication.

The typical cold is usually caused by viruses. These cannot be killed by antibiotics like bacteria. Because there are generally only a few means of killing viruses in the human body and because a typical cold only lasts a few days, the disease is only treated symptomatically and not causally - i.e. not by combating the pathogens. In the elderly and the chronically ill, if a cold is suspected, the course of the disease should be carefully observed - it is often confused with the flu, which can be life-threatening for old and sick people.

Grippostad® can be used in children from 12 years of age to alleviate the unpleasant symptoms until the disease subsides. If only a few of the above symptoms occur, other medications should be considered, as Grippostad® is a fixed combination and ideally with a combination of these symptoms is used.

Mode of action

The use of Grippostad® for colds is based on the mode of action of the 4 active ingredients mentioned above, which are explained in more detail below:
Paracetamol has an antipyretic, analgesic and light effect
anti-inflammatory. It is one of the most widely used pain relievers in the world today. The most common reasons for taking paracetamol are mild to moderate pain (migraines and headaches, body aches, toothache, menstrual pain, joint pain) and fever. To date, however, the exact mechanism of action is not known despite the widespread use of this drug. However, it is known that it is involved in various mechanisms in the human body: it blocks the production of certain substances that increase inflammation - the prostaglandins.

Paracetamol also influences nerve cells that are controlled by the transmitter serotonin and are important for pain sensitivity, among other things. An influence on the internal cannabinoid system (on which e.g. cannabis also acts) is known, which probably explains part of the analgesic effect. These mechanisms of action differ from those of typical, lighter pain relievers such as aspirin or ibuprofen. Therefore, these substances are not clinically included in the same group. Paracetamol's anti-inflammatory properties are very weak compared to similar agents. Still, it is used in many cases. The reason is often the advantages over substances such as aspirin, such as no weakening of blood clotting and less frequent stomach ulcers.

As in Grippostad®, paracetamol is often used in combination with caffeine. This increases its effect up to 1.7 times. This reinforcement enables the dose of paracetamol taken to be reduced, thus reducing the occurrence of potential side effects.

In addition to this supporting function, caffeine has a number of other effects on the human body, some of which can also arise after drinking coffee. In small doses (like in Grippostad®) it has a stimulating effect, stimulates the brain and thus leads to increased concentration and decreased fatigue. It can have a positive effect on mood. In addition to these generally known effects, it can also, for example, the Heart and respiratory rate increase, Constrict blood vessels or expand. These effects result from the accumulation of caffeine on certain recipient substances ("Receptors") in the brain, which when activated normally have an inhibitory effect on the brain. Is stored Caffeine however, on them, the natural activator of these receptors can no longer work. So the brain experiences indirectly through one lack of inhibition the described stimulation.

vitamin C Like every vitamin, it is a substance that cannot be produced by the human body itself and must therefore be ingested through food. With a balanced diet, which is characterized in particular by sufficient quantities of fruit and vegetables, usually none occur Deficiency symptoms on. vitamin C is found in particularly high quantities in citrus fruits, broccoli and paprika. Pregnant women and people who do not have a balanced diet are more likely to suffer from it Vitamin C deficiency.

American studies in recent years described that up to 20% of the local population at least at a slight Vitamin C deficiency Suffer. This manifests itself in different ways: through Bleeding in the skin and Mucous membranes (especially on Gums), by rough, flaky and dry skin, a deteriorated Wound healing, Joint and limb pain, weakness and fatigue, increased Infections such as Mood swings. These phenomena occur because of the wide range of functions of vitamin C on. It plays, for example, in the structure of the connective tissue in our body, which, among other things, Ensuring the stability of blood vessels plays a role. Will it be because of one Vitamin C deficiency produced incorrectly, can Bleeding and Wound healing disorders occur. It will continue to be used in the manufacture of amino acids required - the building blocks of all proteins in the human body. This is how it is immune system also on vitamin C reliant. A dose of vitamin C can be used if there is a deficiency Immune defense stimulate and so your own immune system support in the fight against disease. Furthermore it is for the inclusion of iron from the Intestines ins blood important.A Vitamin deficiency can do one Iron deficiency which in turn are caused by various symptoms such as paleness, Slackness, fatigue, Hair loss and brittle nails expresses.

Chlorphenamine the last important component is a so-called Antihistamine. Substances that have the effect of the carrier substance are referred to as such histamine weaken. histamine is an important part of the body's natural defense reaction. If the effect is reduced, there is a weakened reaction of the body to the pathogen, which only fewer signs of inflammation how pain and swelling arise. The swelling is typically caused by a widening of the vessels, causing fluid to leak from the vessels into the surrounding tissue. Histamine is also involved allergic reactions and asthma known - it leads to, for example Reddening of the skin, itching and to Swelling of the mucous membranes. When taking Grippostad®, chlorphenamine is responsible in particular for the swelling of the nasal mucous membrane, which "clears" the nose again and enables undisturbed breathing.

Does Grippostad® also have an expectorant effect?

Grippostad® does not have an expectorant effect. The components of Grippostad® only have a soothing effect.
The paracetamol it contains reduces fever (antipyretic) and relieves pain (analgesic), the caffeine and chlorphenamine maleate stimulate (keep you awake) and the ascorbic acid supports the immune system.

Correct dosage

All 4 Active ingredients can at Overdose typical Symptoms trigger. If these occur, one should be given immediately doctor to prevent an aggravation if necessary.

Overdose with Paracetamol expresses itself through nausea, Vomit, paleness and stomach pain. The liver be severely damaged. There may be an improvement in these symptoms, although the Liver damage continues to progress.

Caffeine Excessive doses can cause problems in the Nervous system lead (e.g. strong euphoria) as well as tremors and Cardiac arrhythmias trigger.

vitamin C can, if the amount consumed is not through the Gastrointestinal tract is included, too diarrhea to lead.

Chlorphenamine can at Overdose a so-called "Anticholinergic syndrome" cause in which the damping part of the Nervous system works worse due to the effect of the drug and thus symptoms such as excitement, Hallucinations, a dry mouth, dilated pupils, fever and Redness may appear on the face.

Price from Grippostad®

Grippostad® is available in capsule form and as a hot drink in powder form. With a pack size of 24 capsules, these are available from 5-6 euros. The Grippostad® hot drink is available for approx. 5-6 euros in a pack size of 10 bags.

Is Grippostad® available without a prescription?

Grippostad® is only available from a pharmacy, not a prescription. That is, it is available at the pharmacy without a prescription from a doctor. Grippostad® does not contain any ingredients that require a prescription. No extreme side effects or interactions can therefore be assumed.

Side effects

Many other undesirable effects can in principle also occur without overdosing with Grippostad®. In most cases, however, the side effects are very weak or not at all. Possible disorders include more irregular and to fast heartbeat, Tiredness, drowsiness, insomnia and restlessness, Gastrointestinal complaints, a headache, Damage to the Kidneys and the liver and allergic reaction (such as rash, fever, swelling). Chlorphenamine, especially in combination with alcohol, can lead to impaired responsiveness and thus to inability to drive. If severe side effects are noticed, the drug should no longer be taken. If you forget to take one capsule, it should not be taken in addition to the next - this can lead to increased side effects.

Will I get tired when taking Grippostad®?

Tiredness does not usually occur when taking Grippostad®. The contained caffeine and chlorphenamine maleate should even induce temporary alertness.
However, especially in connection with alcohol, Grippostad® can lead to tiredness and delayed reactions.

Contraindication to taking Grippostad®

In principle, Grippostad® should not be used during pregnancy and the Lactation be taken. In the case of individual components and the combination of active ingredients, the effect on the unborn child has not been clarified. This is especially true for Paracetamol.

In addition, parts of Grippostad® can pass into breast milk and work in the breastfed child, which is why breastfeeding mothers are not advised to take it.

Further contraindications to taking are strong Kidney and Liver damage. The risk of further damage to these organs or an accumulation of the drug in the body is then greatly increased. Also at Alcohol abuse Grippostad® should be avoided as liver damage may already be present.

The use of Grippostad® in children under the age of 12 is not recommended. If there are illnesses that lead to an increased iron level in the blood, Grippostad® should only be taken cautiously.

Care should also be taken to ensure that no other paracetamol-containing medicines are taken while Grippostad® is being used. This increases the risk of the overdose described above and damage to the liver.

If you have allergies or hypersensitivity reactions to one of the components of Grippostad®, the drug should also not be taken.

Drug interactions

Grippostad® can change the duration and strength of a large number of other drugs and be influenced by many other drugs. It is therefore fundamentally important to check the compatibility of Grippostad® with other medications you have taken. For example, the effect can be different Sleeping pills, heart rate increasing agents, nicotine, different Antibiotics, Psychotropic drugs, Allergy drugs, of the pill and changed from alcohol while taking Grippostad®.

In summary, Grippostad® is a relatively well-tolerated and harmless preparation if the recommended dose is taken correctly. While it can relieve cold symptoms well, it doesn't necessarily speed healing.

Grippostad® and pill

There are no known interactions between Grippostad® and the pill. The pill can therefore be taken as usual and protection is still guaranteed if taken at the same time. There are interactions with the pill only with antibiotics and some other drugs. This can be found in more detail in the package insert for the respective medication or the pill itself.
If you have any questions, the pharmacist or attending physician can be consulted.

Grippostad® and alcohol

Grippostad® and alcohol should not be taken together. Since the active ingredients in Grippostad® are broken down by the liver, the effect of Grippostad® may be strengthened and prolonged by the alcohol. Concomitant use should therefore be avoided.