Paracetamol, diphenhydramine, and pseudoephedrine
Class: Multi-symptom cold & flu relief syrup
Manufacturer:
Dosage Form: Oral syrup
Similar Brands:
Uses:
Symptomatic relief of cold and flu symptoms, including:
- Fever and high temperature.
- Headache, minor aches/pains, and muscular discomfort.
- Nasal congestion/stuffy nose.
- Coughing (including irritating cough).
- Sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, and congestion of upper respiratory mucous membranes.
Provides antihistaminic (reduces allergy-like symptoms), analgesic/antipyretic (pain/fever relief), decongestant (unblocks nose), and mild antitussive effects. Not for bacterial infections (antibiotics if needed) or viral-only symptoms—adjunctive for relief.
Dosage:
Take orally, every 4–6 hours as needed (do not exceed 4 doses/24 hours; shake bottle; use measuring device).
Adults and children ≥12 years: 20 mL (4 x 5 mL spoonfuls) up to 4 times daily.
Children 6–12 years (if advised): 10 mL (2 x 5 mL spoonfuls) up to 4 times daily.
Children under 6/12 years: Not recommended (many labels advise against use in <12 years due to risks).
Duration: Short-term (e.g., 3–5 days); seek medical advice if symptoms persist/worsen (fever >3 days, shortness of breath). Maximum daily dose: Do not exceed (risk of paracetamol overdose/liver damage).
Adults and children ≥12 years: 20 mL (4 x 5 mL spoonfuls) up to 4 times daily.
Children 6–12 years (if advised): 10 mL (2 x 5 mL spoonfuls) up to 4 times daily.
Children under 6/12 years: Not recommended (many labels advise against use in <12 years due to risks).
Duration: Short-term (e.g., 3–5 days); seek medical advice if symptoms persist/worsen (fever >3 days, shortness of breath). Maximum daily dose: Do not exceed (risk of paracetamol overdose/liver damage).
Side Effects:
Common (mild/transient): Drowsiness/sedation (from diphenhydramine), dizziness, dry mouth/nose/throat, blurred vision, constipation, nausea, restlessness, disturbed coordination.
Less common: Headache, epigastric distress, increased heart rate (from pseudoephedrine), urine discoloration (harmless).
Serious (rare, seek immediate care): Severe allergic reactions (rash, swelling, breathing difficulty), severe sedation/confusion (especially elderly/children), hypertension/hypertensive crisis (pseudoephedrine), GI bleeding (if combined with other NSAIDs), or overdose symptoms (liver damage from paracetamol: jaundice, dark urine)
Less common: Headache, epigastric distress, increased heart rate (from pseudoephedrine), urine discoloration (harmless).
Serious (rare, seek immediate care): Severe allergic reactions (rash, swelling, breathing difficulty), severe sedation/confusion (especially elderly/children), hypertension/hypertensive crisis (pseudoephedrine), GI bleeding (if combined with other NSAIDs), or overdose symptoms (liver damage from paracetamol: jaundice, dark urine)
Warnings & Precautions:
Causes drowsiness—avoid driving/machinery, alcohol, sedatives (enhanced CNS depression).
Use caution in hypertension, heart disease, hyperthyroidism, diabetes, glaucoma, prostate issues, urinary retention, or asthma (may thicken secretions).
Not for children under 12 years (sedation/respiratory risks).
Contains alcohol (~9.9% v/v) and paracetamol (overdose risk—fatal in high doses).
Pseudoephedrine: Restricted in some countries (misuse potential); monitor BP.
Seek doctor if persistent symptoms, high fever, wheezing, or bloody sputum.
Discard opened bottle after 4 weeks (contamination risk).
Use caution in hypertension, heart disease, hyperthyroidism, diabetes, glaucoma, prostate issues, urinary retention, or asthma (may thicken secretions).
Not for children under 12 years (sedation/respiratory risks).
Contains alcohol (~9.9% v/v) and paracetamol (overdose risk—fatal in high doses).
Pseudoephedrine: Restricted in some countries (misuse potential); monitor BP.
Seek doctor if persistent symptoms, high fever, wheezing, or bloody sputum.
Discard opened bottle after 4 weeks (contamination risk).
Pregnancy & Lactation:
Pregnancy: Limited data; pseudoephedrine/diphenhydramine may pose risks—avoid or use only if clearly needed; consult doctor.
Lactation: Not recommended (passes into milk; risk of infant sedation/respiratory effects).
Lactation: Not recommended (passes into milk; risk of infant sedation/respiratory effects).
Drug Interactions:
CNS depressants (alcohol, sedatives, opioids): Enhanced drowsiness/respiratory depression.
MAO inhibitors: Avoid (hypertensive crisis risk with pseudoephedrine).
Other decongestants/antihistamines: Additive effects.
Anticholinergics: Increased dry mouth/constipatio
MAO inhibitors: Avoid (hypertensive crisis risk with pseudoephedrine).
Other decongestants/antihistamines: Additive effects.
Anticholinergics: Increased dry mouth/constipatio
Contraindications:
Hypersensitivity to diphenhydramine, pseudoephedrine, paracetamol, or excipients.
Severe cardiovascular disease (hypertension, angina), hyperthyroidism, phaeochromocytoma, closed-angle glaucoma.
Concomitant MAO inhibitors (or within 14 days).
Children under 12 years (per many labels).
Severe liver disease.
Severe cardiovascular disease (hypertension, angina), hyperthyroidism, phaeochromocytoma, closed-angle glaucoma.
Concomitant MAO inhibitors (or within 14 days).
Children under 12 years (per many labels).
Severe liver disease.
Price: Ksh 1390/- (Benylin 4 Flu Syrup (200 mL bottle)), 730/- (Benylin 4 Flu Syrup (100 mL bottle))
Notes:
Do not exceed recommended doses or combine with other paracetamol/pseudoephedrine-containing products