Lemsip Max Cold & Flu Lemon (Phenylephrine Hydrochloride, Paracetamol)

• Phenylephrine and paracetamol act on nasal congestion and pain/fever pathways, respectively, to alleviate common cold and flu symptoms.
• Cold/flu: reduces nasal blockage and improves breathing
• Headache: alleviates pain associated with sinus pressure
• Fever: lowers elevated body temperature
• Sore throat: eases throat discomfort during infection
• General cold symptoms: provides overall symptom relief

• Phenylephrine is a selective α1‑adrenergic receptor agonist that causes vasoconstriction of the nasal mucosa, decreasing swelling and congestion. Paracetamol acts centrally by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis, which reduces the perception of pain and lowers the hypothalamic set‑point for body temperature, thereby providing analgesic and antipyretic effects.

Common Side Effects

• Nausea or upset stomach
• Dizziness or light‑headedness
• Headache
• Dry mouth
• Insomnia
• Mild skin rash

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)
• Marked increase in blood pressure
• Rapid heart rate (tachycardia)
• Liver injury or hepatitis
• Stevens‑Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis
• Blood disorders such as thrombocytopenia

Before using Lemsip Max Cold & Flu Lemon, consider the following precautions:

• Do not exceed the recommended daily dose: follow prescriber or label instructions.
• Avoid concurrent use with other sympathomimetic decongestants: risk of excess vasoconstriction.
• Use caution in patients with hypertension or cardiovascular disease: monitor blood pressure.
• Use caution in individuals with liver impairment: paracetamol metabolism may be affected.
• Do not give to children under the age specified on the label without medical advice.
• Store at ambient temperature: keep in the original pack, protect from moisture.

Phenylephrine and paracetamol may interact with several medicines.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs): risk of hypertensive crisis.
• Other nasal decongestants or sympathomimetics: additive vasoconstrictive effects.
• Additional paracetamol‑containing products: risk of overdose and liver toxicity.
• Certain antihypertensive agents: may reduce blood‑pressure‑lowering efficacy.
• Alcohol: increases risk of liver injury with paracetamol.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• Anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin): paracetamol may enhance anticoagulant effect.
• CYP450 substrates (e.g., carbamazepine): phenylephrine may alter metabolism.
• Antidepressants (e.g., SSRIs): potential for increased serotonergic activity.
• Diuretics: may affect blood pressure control when combined with phenylephrine.
• Herbal supplements (e.g., St. John's wort): possible enzyme induction affecting drug levels.