Information specific to: Lemsip Max Cold and Flu Direct.
About Lemsip Max Cold and Flu Direct and how it works
This medicine helps relieve symptoms such as aches and pains, headache, fever, sore throat and blocked nose associated with the common cold and flu. It contains two main ingredients: paracetamol and phenylephrine. Paracetamol helps relieve pain and fever. Phenylephrine is a decongestant and relieves nasal congestion which helps make breathing easier.
This medicine is available in the form of a powder that is taken by mouth. You do not need to take this medicine with water, just place the contents of the sachet directly on the tongue and swallow it.
Do not take more than four doses in 24 hours.
Consult your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse during treatment with this medicine.
Before using Lemsip Max Cold and Flu Direct
This medicine may not be suitable for everyone and some people must never take it. Check the leaflet that comes with your medicine to make sure that the medicine is suitable before taking it.
Always get advice from a healthcare professional before taking this medicine if:
- you are allergic or sensitive to or have had a reaction to any of the ingredients in the medicine
- this medicine is for a child under 12 years of age
- you have heart and circulation problems
- you have high blood pressure
- you have an over active thyroid gland
- you have liver problems
- you have kidney problems
- you have Raynaud’s disease
- you have diabetes
- you have phenylketonuria
- you are taking other medicines that contain paracetamol
- you have closed-angle glaucoma
- you have an enlarged prostate gland
Medicines interactions
If you are taking more than one medicine they may interact with each other. Before taking this medicine consult your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines including vitamins, supplements and herbal or complementary preparations.
The following medicines may interact with this medicine:
- monoamine oxidase inhibitors including moclobemide - do not take this medicine if you are currently taking these medicines or have taken them within the last 14 days
- coumarin anticoagulants such as warfarin
- domperidone
- metoclopramide
- cholestyramine
- other sympathomimetics
- beta-blockers
- medicines that induce liver enzymes such as barbiturates or tricylic anti-depressants
- antihypertensives
- debrisoquine
- guanethidine
- reserpine
- methyldopa
- amitriptyline
- cardiac glycosides such as digoxin
Possible side effects of Lemsip Max Cold and Flu Direct
Most medicines can cause some side-effects but not everyone having the same medicine will get the same side-effects.
The following side-effects have been associated with people taking this medicine:
- hypersensitivity or allergic reactions such as skin rashes
- blood problems
- high blood pressure with a headache and vomiting - this could happen if you take more than the recommended amount
- palpitations
- pancreatitis - this may happen if you take more than the recommended dose
- urinary retention in males
Pregnancy and breast-feeding
If you are trying to become pregnant, are pregnant, or are breast-feeding, you should seek medical advice before taking this medicine.
Other important information
Make sure that you read the leaflet that comes with your medicine to check what dose you should take and if there is anything that you need to do if you take more than the recommended dose. If you are in any doubt about whether this medicine is suitable for you, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.
Seek immediate medical advice if you accidentally take an extra dose of this medicine even if you feel well.
This medicine may interact with alcohol.
Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
