Nurofen Cold & Flu Relief (Phenylephrine Hydrochloride, Ibuprofen Bp)

Nurofen Cold & Flu Relief combines an NSAID with a decongestant to address several symptoms of upper respiratory infections.

• Common Cold: Reduces nasal congestion and improves airflow.
• Influenza: Alleviates fever, headache and body aches.
• Sinusitis: Decreases sinus pressure and associated pain.
• Seasonal Allergies: Relieves nasal stuffiness and mild facial pain.
• Fever in Adults: Lowers elevated body temperature.
• Fever in Children: Provides antipyretic effect when age‑appropriate dosing is used.

• Ibuprofen inhibits cyclo‑oxygenase (COX‑1 and COX‑2) enzymes, decreasing prostaglandin synthesis and thereby reducing inflammation, pain and fever. Phenylephrine acts as an α1‑adrenergic receptor agonist, causing vasoconstriction of nasal mucosal blood vessels, which lessens swelling and improves airway patency.

Nurofen Cold & Flu Relief may cause a range of adverse reactions, most of which are mild and reversible.

Common Side Effects

• Gastrointestinal discomfort: nausea, dyspepsia or mild abdominal pain.
• Headache: transient headache not related to the underlying illness.
• Dizziness: occasional light‑headedness.
• Elevated blood pressure: mild, temporary rise in systolic pressure.
• Skin reactions: mild rash or itching at the site of contact.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Gastrointestinal bleeding or ulceration: severe stomach pain or black/tarry stools.
• Allergic anaphylaxis: sudden swelling, difficulty breathing, or hives.
• Renal impairment: reduced urine output or swelling of the limbs.
• Hepatic injury: jaundice, dark urine, or elevated liver enzymes.
• Severe hypertension or cardiovascular events: chest pain, palpitations, or stroke symptoms.

When using Nurofen Cold & Flu Relief, consider the following safety measures.

• Age restrictions: Do not give to children under the age specified on the label.
• Cardiovascular risk: Use cautiously in patients with hypertension or heart disease.
• Gastro‑intestinal history: Avoid in individuals with active ulcers or a history of GI bleeding.
• Renal function: Monitor kidney function in patients with chronic kidney disease.
• Concomitant NSAIDs: Do not combine with other NSAID‑containing products.
• Store below 25°C: keep in the original packaging, protect from moisture and direct sunlight.

Nurofen Cold & Flu Relief can interact with several drug classes; monitoring is advised.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin): increased risk of bleeding.
• ACE inhibitors or ARBs: may reduce antihypertensive effect and worsen kidney function.
• Lithium: ibuprofen can raise lithium serum levels, risking toxicity.
• Methotrexate: reduced clearance leading to toxicity.
• Other decongestants: additive sympathomimetic effects causing hypertension.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs): modest increase in bleeding risk.
• Diuretics: possible reduction in renal perfusion.
• Corticosteroids: heightened risk of gastrointestinal ulceration.
• Beta‑blockers: may blunt the blood‑pressure‑raising effect of phenylephrine.
• Alcohol: enhances gastrointestinal irritation and hepatic load.