Rhicet M 5mg/10mg Tablet

Rhicet M 5mg/10mg Tablet is a combination medicine used in the treatment of allergic symptoms such as runny nose, stuffy nose, sneezing, itching, swelling, watery eyes and congestion or stuffiness. It also reduces inflammation in the airways and make breathing easier.

Rhicet M 5mg/10mg Tablet is taken with or without food in a dose and duration as advised by the doctor. The dose you are given will depend on your condition and how you respond to the medicine. You should keep taking this medicine for as long as your doctor recommends. If you stop treatment too early your symptoms may come back and your condition may worsen. Let your healthcare team know about all other medications you are taking as some may affect, or be affected by this medicine.

The most common side effects are nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, dryness in the mouth, headache, skin rash, flu-like symptoms, and fatigue. Most of these are temporary and usually resolve with time. Contact your doctor straight away if you are at all concerned about any of these side effects. This medicine may cause dizziness and sleepiness, so do not drive or do anything that requires mental focus until you know how this medicine affects you. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medicine as it can worsen your sleepiness.

Never support self-medication or recommend your medicine to another person. It is beneficial to have plenty of fluids while taking this medication. Before you start taking this medicine it is important to inform your doctor if you are suffering from kidney disease.

Treatment of Allergic skin conditions

Treatment of Sneezing and runny nose due to allergies

Treatment of Hay fever

Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Rhicet M 5mg/10mg Tablet may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.

Rhicet M 5mg/10mg Tablet is a combination of two medicines: Levocetirizine and Montelukast, which relieves sneezing and runny nose due to allergies. Levocetirizine is an antiallergic which blocks a chemical messenger (histamine) responsible for runny nose, watery eyes and sneezing. Montelukast is a leukotriene antagonist. It works by blocking another chemical messenger (leukotriene). This reduces inflammation (swelling) in the airways and nose, and improves symptoms.

Q: What if you forget to take Rhicet M Tablet?
A: If you miss a dose of Rhicet M 5mg/10mg Tablet, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.

You have been prescribed Rhicet M 5mg/10mg Tablet to help relieve symptoms of allergy such as runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes, and cough.

Be cautious while driving or doing anything that requires concentration as Rhicet M 5mg/10mg Tablet can cause dizziness and sleepiness.

Do not drink alcohol while taking Rhicet M 5mg/10mg Tablet as it may cause increased sleepiness.

Dry mouth may occur as a side effect. Frequent mouth rinses, good oral hygiene, increased water intake and sugarless candy may help.

Stop taking Rhicet M 5mg/10mg Tablet at least three days before taking an allergy test as it can affect the test results.

Q. What is Rhicet M 5mg/10mg Tablet?

Rhicet M 5mg/10mg Tablet is a combination of two medicines: Montelukast and Levocetirizine. Levocetirizine is an antiallergic which helps to relieve allergy symptoms like runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes and cough. It works by lowering chemicals in the body that cause allergy symptoms. Montelukast works by blocking another chemical messenger (leukotriene) and reduces inflammation (swelling) in the airways and nose. This further helps to relieve the symptoms.

Q. Can the use of Rhicet M 5mg/10mg Tablet cause drowsiness or sleepiness?

Yes, the most common side effect of Rhicet M 5mg/10mg Tablet is sleepiness. Do not drive, operate heavy machinery or engage in other activities that need your full attention unless your doctor says that you may do so. Do not drink alcohol or take other central nervous system depressants, such as cough and cold medicines. Also avoid taking certain pain relief medicines and medicines that help you sleep as they can lead to severe drowsiness or can worsen it, causing falls or accidents.

Q. Can Rhicet M 5mg/10mg Tablet be stopped when allergy symptoms are relieved?

No, Rhicet M 5mg/10mg Tablet should be continued as advised by the doctor. If you experience any side effects of this medicine or the symptoms of allergy are worsened, consult the doctor for re-evaluation.

Q. Can the use of Rhicet M 5mg/10mg Tablet cause dry mouth?

Yes, the use of Rhicet M 5mg/10mg Tablet can cause dry mouth. If you experience dry mouth, drink plenty of water. Take regular sips during the day and keep some water by your bed at night. You may use lip balm if your lips are also dry.

Q. Can I drink alcohol while taking Rhicet M 5mg/10mg Tablet?

No, do not take alcohol while taking Rhicet M 5mg/10mg Tablet. Drinking alcohol will increase the severity of drowsiness/sleepiness caused by Rhicet M 5mg/10mg Tablet.

Q. Will Rhicet M 5mg/10mg Tablet be more effective if taken in higher doses?

No, taking a higher dose of this medicine than recommended will not make it more effective. Consuming higher than the recommended dose of Rhicet M 5mg/10mg Tablet can cause increased side effects. If the symptoms are getting severe, please consult the doctor for re-evaluation.

Q. What are the instructions for storage and disposal of Rhicet M 5mg/10mg Tablet?

Keep this medicine in the container or the pack it came in, tightly closed. Store it according to the instructions mentioned on the pack or label. Dispose of the unused medicine. Make sure it is not consumed by pets, children, and other people.

In Treatment of Allergic skin conditions

Rhicet M 5mg/10mg Tablet is effective in treating allergic skin conditions with inflammation and itching. It reduces the actions of chemicals in the body that cause inflammation of the skin. When used correctly it is a safe and effective treatment. It reduces the redness, rash, pain or itchiness caused by your skin’s reaction to an irritant. It thus improves your self-esteem and confidence as your appearance changes. Keep taking it for as long as it is prescribed to get the full benefits.

Nausea

Diarrhea

Dryness in mouth

Fatigue

Headache

Skin rash

Sleepiness

Vomiting

Upper respiratory tract infection

Sore throat

Fever

Abdominal pain

Increased liver enzymes

Alcohol:CAUTION

Caution is advised when consuming alcohol with Rhicet M 5mg/10mg Tablet. Please consult your doctor.

Pregnancy:SAFE IF PRESCRIBED

Rhicet M 5mg/10mg Tablet is generally considered safe to use during pregnancy. Animal studies have shown low or no adverse effects to the developing baby; however, there are limited human studies.

Breast feeding:UNSAFE

Rhicet M 5mg/10mg Tablet is unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Data suggests that the drug may cause toxicity to the baby.

Driving:UNSAFE

Rhicet M 5mg/10mg Tablet may decrease alertness, affect your vision or make you feel sleepy and dizzy. Do not drive if these symptoms occur.

Kidney:CAUTION

Rhicet M 5mg/10mg Tablet should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease. Dose adjustment of Rhicet M 5mg/10mg Tablet may be needed. Please consult your doctor.Use of Rhicet M 5mg/10mg Tablet is not recommended in patients with severe kidney disease.

Liver:CAUTION

Rhicet M 5mg/10mg Tablet should be used with caution in patients with severe liver disease. Dose adjustment of Rhicet M 5mg/10mg Tablet may be needed. Please consult your doctor.Limited information is available on the use of Rhicet M 5mg/10mg Tablet in these patients. No dose adjustment is recommended in patients with mild to moderate liver disease.

Adsule SM, Misra D. Long term treatment with montelukast and levocetirizine combination in persistent allergic rhinitis: review of recent evidence. J Indian Med Assoc. 2010;108(6):381-382. [Accessed 16 Apr. 2020]. (online) Available from: View