ascorbic acid + paracetamol + phenylephrine hydrochloride at a glance
Medicine class
Analgesic–antipyretic, sympathomimetic decongestant and vitamin combination
Usual role
Short-term relief of cold and influenza symptoms, including pain, feverishness and congestion
Form
Lemon-flavoured powder mixed with hot water to make an oral drink
Important check
Do not combine with other paracetamol-containing, cold, flu or decongestant products
What is ascorbic acid + paracetamol + phenylephrine hydrochloride used for?
Licensed for short-term relief of:
Influenza, feverishness and chills
Colds with headache, sore-throat pain, aches or pains
Nasal congestion, acute nasal catarrh, sinusitis and associated pain
How does ascorbic acid + paracetamol + phenylephrine hydrochloride work?
Paracetamol reduces pain and fever. Phenylephrine narrows swollen nasal blood vessels to reduce congestion. Ascorbic acid supplies vitamin C included to replace losses that may occur early in acute viral infections.
How to take ascorbic acid + paracetamol + phenylephrine hydrochloride
Follow the package leaflet and prepare the powder as a hot oral drink.
Empty the sachet into a suitable mug or beaker.
Partly fill with very hot water and stir well.
Add cold water if needed; sugar may be added if desired.
Do not use with another paracetamol-containing, cold, flu or decongestant product.
Do not drive or operate machinery if dizziness occurs.
ascorbic acid + paracetamol + phenylephrine hydrochloride side effects
Common or expected effects
- Headache or dizziness
- Difficulty sleeping, nervousness, irritability or restlessness
- Nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea
- Raised blood pressure
Get urgent medical advice
- Severe allergic reaction
- Severe rash, skin peeling or mouth ulcers
- Bronchospasm, particularly with aspirin or NSAID sensitivity
- Unexplained bruising, bleeding or recurrent infections
- Liver dysfunction, including yellow skin or eyes
- Acute angle-closure glaucoma or marked visual disturbance
- Fast or irregular heartbeat
- Urinary retention
- High-anion-gap metabolic acidosis in susceptible patients
ascorbic acid + paracetamol + phenylephrine hydrochloride in pregnancy
Do not use during pregnancy without medical advice because this combination contains phenylephrine. The use of paracetamol alone during pregnancy does not establish the suitability of this multi-ingredient product.
ascorbic acid + paracetamol + phenylephrine hydrochloride while breastfeeding
Do not use while breastfeeding without medical advice. Phenylephrine may enter breast milk, and every ingredient must be assessed. Combination cold remedies need a separate check, especially for a premature or unwell infant.
ascorbic acid + paracetamol + phenylephrine hydrochloride interactions
Check all prescribed and non-prescribed products because paracetamol and phenylephrine have important interactions.
Other paracetamol-containing products
Can cause accidental overdose and serious liver injury.
Other sympathomimetics, including decongestants
Increase cardiovascular adverse effects and are contraindicated.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors, including moclobemide
A dangerous hypertensive interaction may occur; current or recent use is contraindicated.
Common questions about ascorbic acid + paracetamol + phenylephrine hydrochloride
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What is it used for?
Short-term relief of cold and influenza symptoms, including feverishness, chills, pain, sore throat and nasal or sinus congestion.
Does it cure a cold or influenza?
No. It relieves symptoms but does not eliminate the underlying viral infection.
Can I use another paracetamol product or decongestant?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.