guaifenesin + paracetamol + phenylephrine hydrochloride at a glance
Medicine class
Analgesic and antipyretic, expectorant and sympathomimetic decongestant combination
Usual role
Relief of cold or flu symptoms when pain or fever, nasal congestion and a chesty cough occur together
What is guaifenesin + paracetamol + phenylephrine hydrochloride used for?
Selected products are licensed for combined symptomatic relief of colds and influenza.
Aches and pains, headache and sore throat
Raised temperature or chills
Blocked nose or nasal congestion
Chesty cough with mucus
How does guaifenesin + paracetamol + phenylephrine hydrochloride work?
Paracetamol reduces pain and fever through predominantly central actions. Phenylephrine constricts swollen blood vessels in the nasal lining. Guaifenesin increases and loosens respiratory secretions, making mucus easier to cough up.
guaifenesin + paracetamol + phenylephrine hydrochloride preparations and strengths
Capsule
Route: Oral
Strengths: 500 mg + 100 mg + 6.1 mg
Oral solution
Route: Oral
Strengths: 1000 mg + 200 mg + 12.2 mg
How to take guaifenesin + paracetamol + phenylephrine hydrochloride
Follow the instructions for the exact product because formulations and age restrictions differ.
Swallow capsules or tablets whole with water; do not chew them.
Dissolve powder formulations in hot water and stir before drinking; selected sachets may be sweetened to taste.
Check every other product for paracetamol or a decongestant.
It may be taken with or without food unless the pack states otherwise.
guaifenesin + paracetamol + phenylephrine hydrochloride side effects
Common or expected effects
- No adverse effect is classified as common in the selected product information. Effects reported with unknown frequency include nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort, diarrhoea, headache, palpitations and rash.
Get urgent medical advice
- Allergic reaction, particularly facial or throat swelling or breathing difficulty
- Serious skin reaction with blistering, peeling or widespread rash
- Marked hypertension, severe palpitations or an irregular heartbeat
- Urinary retention
- Unexplained bruising, bleeding or frequent infections suggesting a blood disorder
- Deep rapid breathing, drowsiness, nausea or vomiting that may indicate metabolic acidosis in susceptible people
guaifenesin + paracetamol + phenylephrine hydrochloride in pregnancy
Generally avoid this combination during pregnancy unless a healthcare professional recommends it. Paracetamol alone has an established role, but evidence for guaifenesin is limited and phenylephrine may reduce placental blood flow. Selected products must not be used with a history of pre-eclampsia.
guaifenesin + paracetamol + phenylephrine hydrochloride interactions
Check all prescribed, non-prescription and herbal products because each active ingredient has separate interactions.
Other paracetamol-containing products
Combining products can cause an unintentional overdose and serious delayed liver injury.
Other decongestants or sympathomimetics
Concurrent use increases the risk of hypertension and other cardiovascular effects and is contraindicated by selected products.
Common questions about guaifenesin + paracetamol + phenylephrine hydrochloride
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Can it be taken with other paracetamol products?
No. Duplicate paracetamol can cause a dangerous overdose.
Can it be taken with another decongestant?
No. Combining sympathomimetic decongestants can raise blood pressure and increase cardiovascular adverse effects.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.