Uses

This triple-combination is used for symptomatic relief of cold and flu symptoms including nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, headache, fever, and body aches. Paracetamol relieves pain and fever, pseudoephedrine acts as a decongestant, and diphenhydramine provides antihistaminic and mild sedating effects.

Do not use if

Contraindicated in patients receiving MAO inhibitors or within 14 days of stopping them, in severe hypertension or coronary artery disease, and in known hypersensitivity to any component. Not recommended in children under 6 years.

Side effects

Common side effects include drowsiness, dry mouth, urinary retention, constipation (diphenhydramine), palpitations, increased blood pressure, insomnia (pseudoephedrine), and hepatotoxicity at excessive paracetamol doses.

Warnings

Avoid alcohol during use. Do not exceed recommended paracetamol dose to prevent liver damage. Use with caution in patients with hypertension, hyperthyroidism, glaucoma, or prostatic hypertrophy. The sedating effect of diphenhydramine impairs ability to drive or operate machinery.

How it works

Paracetamol inhibits prostaglandin synthesis centrally to reduce pain and fever. Pseudoephedrine is a sympathomimetic that causes vasoconstriction of nasal mucosa to relieve congestion. Diphenhydramine is a first-generation H1 antihistamine that also has anticholinergic properties reducing secretions.

Storage

Store at room temperature (15–25°C), away from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.