caffeine + paracetamol + phenylephrine hydrochloride at a glance
Medicine class
Paracetamol analgesic and antipyretic with caffeine and the sympathomimetic decongestant phenylephrine.
Symptom targets
Pain, headache, sore throat, fever, fatigue and nasal congestion associated with colds and influenza.
Administration
The selected products are hard capsules swallowed whole with water; do not chew them.
Important check
Do not combine with another paracetamol-containing product or sympathomimetic decongestant.
What is caffeine + paracetamol + phenylephrine hydrochloride used for?
The selected products relieve symptoms of the common cold and influenza.
Aches and pains
Sore throat and headache
Raised temperature or feverishness
Fatigue and drowsiness
Nasal congestion
How does caffeine + paracetamol + phenylephrine hydrochloride work?
Paracetamol reduces pain and fever. Phenylephrine narrows swollen blood vessels in the nasal lining. Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system, helping counter tiredness and promote alertness.
caffeine + paracetamol + phenylephrine hydrochloride preparations and strengths
Capsule
Route: Oral
Strengths: 300 mg + 25 mg + 5 mg
How to take caffeine + paracetamol + phenylephrine hydrochloride
Swallow the selected hard capsules whole with water and do not chew them.
Check other painkillers and cold or flu remedies for paracetamol.
Do not use another sympathomimetic decongestant at the same time.
Avoid excessive caffeine from coffee, tea, cola and energy drinks because stimulant effects may add together.
caffeine + paracetamol + phenylephrine hydrochloride side effects
Common or expected effects
- Nervousness, restlessness, anxiety or difficulty sleeping
- Headache or dizziness
- Nausea, vomiting or stomach discomfort
- Palpitations or increased blood pressure
Get urgent medical advice
- Severe allergic reaction, including facial or throat swelling and breathing difficulty
- Serious skin reaction with blistering, peeling or widespread rash
- Sudden painful red eye, blurred vision or halos around lights
- Urinary retention, particularly with an enlarged prostate
- Unexpected bruising, bleeding, recurrent infections or severe sore throat
- Persistent chest pain, marked palpitations, fainting or an irregular heartbeat
caffeine + paracetamol + phenylephrine hydrochloride in pregnancy
Generally avoid this combination during pregnancy unless a healthcare professional specifically recommends it. Paracetamol alone has an established role, but oral phenylephrine may reduce placental blood flow; particular caution applies with a history of pre-eclampsia.
caffeine + paracetamol + phenylephrine hydrochloride while breastfeeding
Avoid this combination if possible while breastfeeding unless a healthcare professional recommends it. Paracetamol alone is compatible with breastfeeding, but oral phenylephrine may theoretically reduce milk production. Caffeine can reach breast milk and may cause irritability or poor sleep, particularly in younger infants.
caffeine + paracetamol + phenylephrine hydrochloride interactions
Check prescribed, pharmacy and supermarket products because any of the three ingredients can interact.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors, including moclobemide
Do not use during treatment or within two weeks of stopping because phenylephrine can cause a dangerous rise in blood pressure.
Other sympathomimetic decongestants
Combining them with phenylephrine increases hypertension and cardiovascular risks.
Common questions about caffeine + paracetamol + phenylephrine hydrochloride
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Does it cure a cold or flu?
No. It temporarily relieves selected symptoms but does not eliminate the virus or shorten the infection.
Can I take it with paracetamol?
Do not take another paracetamol-containing product at the same time. Accidental overdose can cause delayed liver injury.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.