Lemsip Max Cold & Flu Capsules are an over-the-counter oral capsule containing paracetamol 500mg, phenylephrine hydrochloride 6.1mg and caffeine 25mg per capsule, used for the relief of cold and flu symptoms including aches, headache, blocked nose, sore throat and fever, sold by Ways Pharmacy (UK).
Key facts
| Active ingredients | Paracetamol 500mg, phenylephrine hydrochloride 6.1mg, caffeine 25mg per capsule |
|---|---|
| Format | Swallowable oral capsule |
| Pack size | 16 capsules |
| Relieves | Cold and flu symptoms: body aches, headache, sore throat, blocked nose, sinus pressure and fever |
| Legal class | General Sales List (GSL) cold and flu medicine |
| Age | Adults and children aged 16 and over |
| Maximum daily dose | 8 capsules in 24 hours |
| Sold by | Ways Pharmacy, UK (GPhC-registered) |
Who it is for
- Adults and people aged 16 and over with a cold or flu who have several symptoms at once (aches, headache and a blocked nose)
- People who prefer a swallowable capsule rather than a hot drink sachet
- People who want daytime symptom relief and do not mind the small amount of caffeine
- People with a blocked or stuffy nose alongside a headache or fever
Not suitable for: children under 16; anyone allergic to any ingredient; people with serious heart disease, high blood pressure, an overactive thyroid, an enlarged prostate, phaeochromocytoma, diabetes or closed-angle glaucoma; and anyone taking an MAOI antidepressant or within 14 days of stopping one. Do not combine with other paracetamol-containing products or other sympathomimetic decongestants. Ask a doctor or pharmacist before use if you have liver or kidney problems, Raynaud’s syndrome, a history of stomach ulcers, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or take other medicines. If you take medicine for bipolar disorder or follow a low-salt diet, ask a pharmacist before use.
How to use
- Read the patient information leaflet inside the pack before you start.
- Adults and children aged 16 and over: take 2 capsules every 4 to 6 hours as needed.
- Swallow the capsules whole with water. Do not chew them.
- Do not take more than 8 capsules in any 24-hour period.
- Because of the caffeine, avoid taking a dose close to bedtime, and limit other caffeine drinks. If symptoms last more than 5 days or get worse, speak to your pharmacist or doctor.
Frequently asked questions
How many Lemsip Max capsules can I take a day?
Adults and children aged 16 and over can take 2 capsules every 4 to 6 hours. Do not take more than 8 capsules in 24 hours, and do not take a dose more often than every 4 hours.
Can I take Lemsip Max with paracetamol?
No. Each capsule already contains 500mg of paracetamol, so you must not take it with any other paracetamol-containing product. Taking more than one paracetamol product at once risks a serious overdose.
Why do these capsules contain caffeine?
Caffeine is included to help the pain-relieving effect of paracetamol. Because of the caffeine, avoid taking a dose near bedtime and go easy on tea, coffee and energy drinks while you are using it, as too much caffeine can cause restlessness or trouble sleeping.
Can I take Lemsip Max if I have high blood pressure?
Not without checking first. The phenylephrine decongestant can raise blood pressure, so it is not suitable if you have heart disease, high blood pressure or an overactive thyroid. Seek advice about an appropriate alternative.
How is this different from the Lemsip hot lemon sachets?
These are swallowable capsules with 500mg of paracetamol each and added caffeine, taken with water. The hot lemon sachets contain 1000mg of paracetamol per sachet, contain no caffeine, and are dissolved in hot water. The maximum daily limits are different, so follow the instructions for the one you are using.
Safety & storage
- Contains paracetamol. Do not take with any other paracetamol-containing products. Immediate medical advice should be sought in the event of an overdose, even if you feel well.
- Do not exceed the stated dose of 8 capsules in 24 hours.
- Do not take if you are allergic to any ingredient, or alongside other decongestants or MAOI antidepressants.
- If symptoms persist for more than 5 days or get worse, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
- Store below 25 degrees Celsius in a cool, dry place in the original packaging, and keep out of the sight and reach of children.
References
This page provides factual information about an over-the-counter cold and flu medicine. Always read the patient information leaflet before use. If symptoms persist or you are unsure whether this product is right for you, speak to a pharmacist. Suspected side effects can be reported via the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme.
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