Health Essentials Max Strength Cold & Flu Relief Blackcurrant Flavour (Phenylephrine Hydrochloride, Paracetamol)

Health Essentials Max Strength Cold & Flu Relief is indicated for temporary relief of several symptoms associated with colds and influenza.

• Relief of nasal congestion caused by swollen nasal mucosa.
• Reduction of fever associated with viral upper‑respiratory infections.
• Alleviation of mild to moderate headache, sore throat, or body aches.
• General comfort from common cold symptoms such as sinus pressure and chilliness.
• Decrease in sinus pressure that can improve breathing during rest.
• Mild soothing effect on throat irritation caused by coughing.

Side effects reported with phenylephrine/paracetamol combinations are generally mild, but serious reactions can occur in rare cases. These effects are usually reversible after discontinuation of the product. If any symptom persists, medical evaluation is recommended.

Common

• Tingling or numbness in the mouth.
• Mild dizziness or light‑headedness.
• Nausea or mild stomach upset.
• Temporary increase in heart rate.
• Dry mouth or throat irritation.
• Mild sleepiness or fatigue.

Serious

• Severe allergic reaction with rash, itching, or swelling.
• High blood pressure spikes or chest pain.
• Liver function abnormalities indicated by jaundice.
• Unusual bruising or bleeding indicating clotting issues.
• Persistent vomiting that may lead to dehydration.

Before using this product, consider the following precautions to ensure safe and appropriate use.

• Do not exceed the recommended daily dose; excessive intake can cause liver toxicity.
• Avoid use if you have known hypersensitivity to phenylephrine, paracetamol, or any excipients.
• Consult a healthcare professional if you have hypertension, heart disease, or thyroid disorders.
• Use caution when taking other medications containing paracetamol to prevent accidental overdose.
• Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should seek medical advice prior to use.
• Children under the recommended age limit should not use this formulation.

Phenylephrine and paracetamol may interact with other medicines; awareness of these interactions helps prevent adverse effects.

Avoid

• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or other sympathomimetic drugs, which can raise blood pressure excessively.
• Other decongestants such as pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine‑containing products, leading to additive cardiovascular effects.
• Alcohol or hepatotoxic drugs that increase risk of liver injury when combined with paracetamol.

Use with caution

• Anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin) as paracetamol may enhance anticoagulant effect.
• Antihypertensive agents; phenylephrine may reduce their effectiveness.
• Certain antidepressants (e.g., SSRIs) that can increase the risk of serotonin syndrome when combined with sympathomimetics.