paracetamol + phenylephrine hydrochloride at a glance
Medicine class
Analgesic and antipyretic combined with a sympathomimetic nasal decongestant.
Main role
Relieves symptoms but does not treat the viral infection.
Administration
Selected products are sachet powders dissolved in hot water before drinking.
Important check
Do not combine with another paracetamol-containing product or sympathomimetic decongestant.
Age restriction
Selected products must not be given to children under 16 years.
What is paracetamol + phenylephrine hydrochloride used for?
Selected UK products are licensed for short-term relief of cold and influenza symptoms.
Aches and pains, including headache
Sore throat
Raised temperature or fever
Blocked nose and congestion
How does paracetamol + phenylephrine hydrochloride work?
Paracetamol reduces pain and fever, probably by reducing prostaglandin production in the central nervous system. Phenylephrine stimulates alpha-1 adrenergic receptors, narrowing blood vessels in the nasal lining to reduce swelling and congestion.
How to take paracetamol + phenylephrine hydrochloride
Follow the directions for the exact product supplied, as sachet contents differ.
Empty the sachet into a suitable cup or mug.
Add hot water and stir until dissolved before drinking.
The solution may be sweetened to taste.
Check other cold, flu and pain products for paracetamol or another decongestant before combining them.
paracetamol + phenylephrine hydrochloride side effects
Common or expected effects
- Headache, nausea, vomiting or abdominal discomfort.
- Palpitations, increased blood pressure or difficulty passing urine.
- Skin rash.
Get urgent medical advice
- Severe allergic reaction, including facial or throat swelling and breathing difficulty.
- A widespread blistering, peeling or otherwise severe skin reaction.
- Unusual bruising, nosebleeds or recurrent infections.
- Chest pain, marked palpitations or symptoms of severely raised blood pressure.
- Confusion, rapid breathing or severe deterioration in a high-risk patient, which may indicate metabolic acidosis.
paracetamol + phenylephrine hydrochloride in pregnancy
Paracetamol alone can generally be used for pain or fever during pregnancy, but this combination contains phenylephrine. Avoid decongestants during pregnancy unless a healthcare professional recommends this combination; take particular care in early pregnancy and with a history of pre-eclampsia.
paracetamol + phenylephrine hydrochloride while breastfeeding
Paracetamol alone is compatible with breastfeeding, but phenylephrine-containing combinations should preferably be avoided, especially with a newborn or while milk supply is being established. If use is considered necessary by a healthcare professional, monitor the infant for feeding difficulty, inadequate weight gain, irritability or poor sleep.
paracetamol + phenylephrine hydrochloride interactions
Check all prescription, pharmacy and over-the-counter products before use.
Other paracetamol-containing products
Can cause unintentional overdose and serious liver injury.
Other sympathomimetic decongestants
Increase cardiovascular adverse effects and are contraindicated with selected products.
Common questions about paracetamol + phenylephrine hydrochloride
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Can it be taken with other cold and flu remedies?
Only after checking every active ingredient. Do not combine with another product containing paracetamol or a sympathomimetic decongestant.
Can it be taken with high blood pressure?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.