Benylin Max Strength Cold & Flu Capsules (16)

Product Summary

Relieve the symptoms of colds and flu, including fever, sore throat, blocked nose, aches and pains, and headaches.

Also, contain caffeine to combat fatigue and drowsiness, and help you keep going.

Directions

For oral use only.

• Swallow whole with water. Do not chew.
• Adults and children aged 16 years and over: Take 2 capsules every four hours as required.
• Do not take more than 8 capsules in 24 hours.
• Not to be used by children under 16 years old. Do not exceed the stated dose.
• Please read the enclosed leaflet carefully before use.

If symptoms persist, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Talk to your doctor before taking this product if you are taking any other medicines if you have severe liver or kidney problems, or if you are pregnant.

Ingredients

Each capsule contains Paracetamol 500 mg, Caffeine 25 mg and Phenylephrine Hydrochloride 6.1 mg.

Warnings and Restrictions

Contains Paracetamol. Do not take any other paracetamol-containing products.

Immediate medical advice should be sought in the event of an overdose, even if you feel well.

Not recommended for children under 6 years.

Do not exceed the stated dose.

Please read the enclosed leaflet carefully before use.

Storage

Do not store this product above 25°C.

Do not use your medicine after the expiration date shown on the packaging.

Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.

Pharmacist FAQs Answered

What are they used for?

This over-the-counter maximum-strength drug is intended for temporary cold and flu symptom relief in adults and children 16 years and older. Don't forget high fever, nasal congestion, sore throat, plugged head, aching body, fatigue. It's not treating the virus – it's treating the symptoms so you can go about your business. Convenient if you're trying to make it through a workday or school day with a pounding head and a plugged nose.

How do the capsules work?

The three active ingredients in every capsule are formulated to target a different set of symptoms:

Paracetamol (500 mg) – centrally acting analgesic and antipyretic. Prostaglandin synthesis is inhibited in the brain, thereby decreasing pain as well as fever.

Phenylephrine (6.1 mg) – a selective alpha-1 adrenergic receptor agonist. It acts as a nasal decongestant by inducing the constriction of dilated nasal mucosal blood vessels, reducing swelling and dilating airways.

Caffeine (25 mg) – a weak CNS stimulant. It is an antidote to drowsiness and a promoter of alertness. It also possesses an adjuvant effect, potentiating the analgesic effect of paracetamol.

The combination is handy when symptoms hit from different angles and you don't want to take three separate products.

Who can use it?

Adults and children aged 16 and over. The dose is two capsules every four hours, swallowed whole with water. Do not chew them. Maximum 8 capsules in 24 hours. It’s meant for short-term use – if symptoms persist beyond a few days or worsen, stop and speak to your local healthcare professional.

Who shouldn’t take it?

Avoid if:

• You’re under 16.
• You’ve been allergic to paracetamol, phenylephrine, caffeine, or any other ingredients listed.
• You have severe liver or kidney disease.
• You’re pregnant or breastfeeding, unless advised by your doctor.
• You’re taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), or have taken them in the last 14 days – the phenylephrine can interact badly.
• You’re on certain antidepressants, blood pressure meds, or other cold/flu remedies – interactions are possible, and some combos are unsafe.

Can I take it with other medicine?

This is where most people get it wrong. These are already paracetamol-contained capsules, and therefore you shouldn't take them with any other product that contains paracetamol – tablets, sachets, or even some cough mixtures. Overdose on paracetamol will result in severe liver damage even though you might not feel sick immediately.

Also avoid other decongestants or stimulants (like pseudoephedrine or caffeinated drinks) while using this – the combined effect on your heart and blood pressure can be overwhelming. If in doubt, carry your other medications with you to the pharmacy and ask.

What are possible side effects?

Few people have problems, but you may find yourself:

• Restless or wide awake at night (from the caffeine)
• Pounding heart or raised blood pressure (from the phenylephrine)
• Nausea or indigestion (rare with paracetamol but possible)

Stop using this and consult your doctor if you experience any of the following:

• Allergic reaction – swelling, rash, shortness of breath
• Yellow colour to the skin or eyes (possible sign of liver discomfort)
• Blurred vision or headache (maybe a pressure effect of the phenylephrine)

What if I overdose?

Paracetamol overdose is serious if it's not treated. It damages the liver, but you might not notice until it's too late. If you've overdosed by taking more than the directed amount, go straight to A&E – even if you feel fine. State what you've taken and when precisely.

Storage advice

Keep the capsules in their original box, under 25°C. Please don't leave them in a humid place, like a bathroom, out of sight and reach of children. Never take the medicine past the expiry date – it's on the foil and the box.

Quick pharmacy tips

For short-term relief only.

Don't take it with alcohol – your liver's already doing too much.

Skip the coffee while on this – you’re already getting caffeine in the capsules.

If you’ve got high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, or thyroid problems – double-check before using.