Information for the user

Boots Pharmacy Cold & Flu 24 Hour Capsules

What this medicine is for

The Day capsules and Night capsules both contain paracetamol, an analgesic, which relieves pain and reduces fever, a decongestant to relieve a blocked up nose and a cough suppressant to relieve coughing. The Night capsules also contain an antihistamine, which causes drowsiness and helps you to get a restful night's sleep.

It can be used to relieve even the worst symptoms of colds and flu during the day and night, and to help you get a restful night’s sleep.

Before you take this medicine

This medicine can be taken by adults and children over the age of 12. However, some people should not take this medicine or should seek the advice of their pharmacist or doctor first.

Other important information

Driving and using machinery: The Night Capsules may cause drowsiness or dizziness. You should not drive or operate machinery until you are sure you are not affected.

Do not drink alcohol (e.g. wine, beer, spirits) whilst taking this medicine.

Information about some of the ingredients in this medicine: The colours allura red (E129) in the Day capsules, and ponceau 4R (E124) in the Night capsules, may cause allergic reactions.

Taking other medicines

! This medicine contains paracetamol. Do not take with any other paracetamol-containing products.

Before you take these capsules, make sure that you tell your pharmacist about ANY other medicines you might be using at the same time, particularly the following:

• Barbiturates, sleeping tablets, strong painkillers, sedatives or tranquillisers (because the Night capsules may make you feel more sleepy for a longer time)
• Tricyclic antidepressants and atropine like medicines such as antihistamines or other medicines which may cause a dry mouth (you may have more risk of having some of the side effects)
• Medicines for high blood pressure (your blood pressure may increase whilst you are taking this medicine)
• Digoxin for heart problems (this may make your heart beat too fast)
• Domperidone or metoclopramide, for nausea and vomiting (may increase the effect of the painkiller in this medicine)
• Cholestyramine, for lowering blood lipid levels (may reduce the effect of the painkiller in this medicine)
• Warfarin or other coumarins (for thinning the blood) – If you take warfarin you can take occasional doses of this medicine, but talk to your doctor first before you take it on a regular basis

If you are unsure about interactions with any other medicines, talk to your pharmacist. This includes medicines prescribed by your doctor or medicine you have bought for yourself including herbal and homeopathic remedies.

How to take this medicine

Check that the foil is not broken before use.

If it is discard the capsule.

The pack contains two types of capsules.

The Day capsules are for you to take during the day.

The Night capsules are for you to take at bedtime only.

• Adults and children 12 years and over
  • Take two Day capsules every four hours, if you need to, up to a maximum of 6 capsules in 24 hours and
  • Take 2 Night capsules at bedtime only, at least four hours after the last day capsule
• Don’t take more than 8 capsules in 24 hours

Swallow each capsule whole with water.

Do not give to children under 12 years.

Do not take more than the dose recommended above.

Do not take this medicine for more than 7 days unless your doctor agrees.

If symptoms persist consult your doctor.

! If you take too many capsules: Immediate medical advice should be sought in the event of an overdose, even if you feel well, because of the risk of delayed, serious liver damage. Go to your nearest hospital casualty department. Take your medicine and this leaflet with you.

Possible side effects

Most people can take this medicine without any problems but sometimes you may notice some side effects, which may include:

• Drowsiness, tiredness, dizziness, muscular weakness
• Feeling sick, being sick, diarrhoea, constipation, stomach pain
• Headache, blurred vision, ringing in the ears, loss of appetite
• Irritability, nightmares
• Hallucinations, particularly in children
• Difficulty in passing urine, dry mouth, fast heart rate, tremors, skin rashes
• Unusual bruising, or infections such as sore throats – that may be a sign of very rare changes in the blood

If any side effect becomes severe, or if you notice any side effect not listed here, please tell your pharmacist or doctor.

How to store this medicine

Keep this medicine in a safe place out of the sight and reach of children, preferably in a locked cupboard.

Do not use this medicine after the "Use by" date on the carton.

Do not store above 25ºC.

Store it in the original package.

What is in this medicine

Each Day capsule contains Paracetamol 500 mg, Pholcodine 5 mg, Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride 30 mg, which are the active ingredients.

As well as the active ingredients, the Day capsules also contain sodium lauryl sulphate, sodium starch glycolate, magnesium stearate. The capsule shell contains gelatin and colours, which are; quinoline yellow (E104), allura red (E129), titanium dioxide (E171), and Opacode black (printing ink containing shellac, iron oxide (E172), soya lecithin, Antifoam DC 1510).

Each Night capsule contains Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride 12.5 mg, Paracetamol 500 mg, Pholcodine 5 mg, Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride 30 mg which are the active ingredients.

 

As well as the active ingredients, the Night capsules also contain sodium lauryl sulphate, sodium starch glycolate, magnesium stearate. The capsule shell contains gelatin and colours, which are; brilliant blue (E133), black iron oxide (E172), titanium dioxide (E171), ponceau 4R (E124) and Opacode white (printing ink containing titanium dioxide (E171), shellac, soya lecithin, Antifoam DC 1510).

This pack contains 18 Day capsules and 6 Night capsules.

The Day capsules are yellow and orange with 0580 and BOOTS printed in black.

The Night capsules are blue and purple with 0581 and BOOTS printed in white.