Combiflam A Common Household: Uses, Side Effects, and More
Combiflam is one of the most commonly used over-the-counter medicines found in nearly every household. It serves various purposes, including reducing fever, alleviating ear pain, relieving cold symptoms, managing headaches, toothaches, and body pain. It’s an analgesic that can also help with joint pain. Additionally, Combiflam tablets may have other applications not mentioned in this medication guide.
Manufacturer: Sanofi Aventis
How Combiflam Works:
Combiflam tablets function by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins, which are released in the body during pain. This action increases the pain threshold and enhances blood flow across the skin, aiding in heat loss and sweating.
Combiflam Ingredients:
Combiflam is a combination of two over-the-counter medications: Paracetamol/Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen. Ibuprofen is a Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID), while Paracetamol/Acetaminophen is a common over-the-counter pain relief medication.
Side Effects of Combiflam (Combiflam Disintegration Issue):
Here is a list of potential side effects associated with the ingredients in Combiflam tablets. It’s important to note that not everyone will experience these side effects, and some of them may be rare but severe. If you encounter any of the following side effects, especially if they persist, consult your doctor:
- Abdominal pain
- Gas
- High blood pressure
- Swelling of facial features
- Headache
- Constipation
- Skin rash
- Allergic reactions
- Nausea
- Eczema
There may be other side effects not listed here.
Is Combiflam Banned or Recalled?
Combiflam is among the fixed-drug combinations that have survived recent regulatory scrutiny by the Union Health Ministry. This scrutiny resulted in the banning of 350-odd medicines, combinations of fixed doses of one or more drugs, for various reasons.
Certain batches of 60 drugs, including Combiflam, painkiller Combiflam, anti-allergic Cetirizine, anti-cold D Cold Total, and antibiotics containing ciprofloxacin and ofloxacin, failed quality tests in sample-based screenings conducted by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO). Some batches of Combiflam failed these tests due to “disintegration” issues.
CDSCO found Combiflam and D Cold Total, along with 60 other batches, to be substandard in various tests, deeming them as “not of Standard Quality/Adulterated/Spurious/Misbranded.”
Sanofi, the drug manufacturer, has recalled specific batches of Combiflam medicine produced in 2015 due to delayed disintegration time of the tablet.
It’s important to note that Combiflam tablets may be unsafe during pregnancy. While animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, there is limited data available from human studies. Therefore, consulting your doctor is advisable.
The Drug Controller General of India ordered the withdrawal of certain batches of Combiflam from the market due to substantial quality issues. This action was taken in the interest of public safety. However, there is no blanket ban on the sale of Combiflam medicine at present.
Furthermore, India recently banned 344 combination drugs, including popular medicines such as Vicks Action 500 Extra, Corex, Dolo, and Phensedyl cough syrups. Notably, Combiflam was not included in this list of banned combination drugs.