Benylin

What is Benylin?

Benylin tablets or capsules contain a combination of active medicines used to treat the symptoms of cold and flu. The active ingredients in Benylin are paracetamol (500mg), phenylephrine hydrochloride (6.1mg) and caffeine (25mg). Benylin can be bought as a pack of day and night tablets or just as Benylin Maximum Strength capsules.

While Benylin does not cure a cold or virus, the active ingredients in Benylin work in tandem to help relieve the symptoms of cold and flu, while your immune system fights the virus.

Whether you're coming down with a cold or want to be prepared in case you catch a cold or the flu, Prescription Doctor offers a range of cold and flu treatments that you can buy online and have delivered straight to your door.

What is Cold and Flu?

The common cold and flu are infections caused by viruses which attack the body’s respiratory system. They spread easily to other people through coughs and sneezes, as the virus can survive on hands and surfaces for up to 24 hours.

Some symptoms you may experience if you have a cold or the flu are:

• fever
• headaches
• coughing
• blocked nostrils
• body pain
• joint aches
• sneezing
• nasal congestion.

The complications of cold and flu infections can become severe if not effectively managed, potentially leading to other conditions such as pneumonia, bronchitis, and nasal or ear infections.

Colds can be particularly troublesome for people suffering from existing conditions such as asthma, COPD, heart disease and other conditions which might weaken the immune system. If you have asthma and find that colds or the flu drastically impact your condition, speak to your doctor or asthma nurse for practical advice on managing your asthma symptoms while you have a cold.

Since viruses, not bacteria, cause cold and flu infections, they cannot be treated with antibiotics.

It's important to keep up to date with your flu vaccinations. You can usually get a flu jab from your doctor's surgery or from some pharmacies. If you are unsure where to get your flu jab, speak to your doctor.

How does Benylin work?

The day and night combination pack contains day tablets with three active ingredients: paracetamol, caffeine, and phenylephrine hydrochloride. The night tablets, on the other hand, contain only paracetamol and phenylephrine hydrochloride.

Paracetamol acts to reduce aches and joint pains by inhibiting the production of prostaglandin in the brain. It also acts on the temperature-controlling centre in the brain to help lower the body’s temperature and reduce feverish symptoms.

Phenylephrine hydrochloride is a decongestant that helps relieve blocked nasal passages. It works by constricting the blood vessels lining the nose and sinuses, causing reduced blood flow into the vessels and, consequently, alleviating the feeling of congestion. Phenylephrine hydrochloride also reduces the production of mucus, which in turn reduces nasal congestion.

Caffeine is usually a part of Benylin's day pack of tablets, as it works as a mild stimulant that helps relieve symptoms like tiredness and drowsiness during the day.

How do I take Benylin?

Benylin tablets should be taken by mouth and swallowed whole with water.

You should take 2 tablets every 4 to 6 hours as needed.

Benylin Night tablets should be taken only at night before bed.

Do not take more than 4 doses or 8 tablets, including day and night tablets, in a 24-hour period.

Benylin side effects and cautions

Contraindications

Do not take Benylin cold and flu if you:

• Are you currently taking any other medicines which contain paracetamol?
• Are taking, or have taken in the last two weeks, drugs for depression known as Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)
• Have a history of stomach ulcers
• Have an overactive thyroid gland
• Have cardiovascular disorders
• Have high blood pressure
• Have severe heart disease

If any of the above apply to you, seek advice from your doctor or pharmacist before taking Benylin cold and flu.

Side effects

All medicines carry the risk of side effects, regardless of whether they are bought over-the-counter or prescribed by your doctor. Being aware of the side effects associated with the medicine you are taking is vital to your care. Before you begin taking Benylin, we encourage you to familiarise yourself with these risks by reading the patient information leaflet enclosed with your treatment.

Alternatively, you can view the patient information leaflet for Benylin online.

Side effects of Benylin cold and flu include:

• Difficulty sleeping
• Nausea
• Tingling and coolness of the skin

This is not an exhaustive list of side effects. For further information on the safety of this medicine, including a comprehensive list of side effects, please refer to the documentation provided with your treatment.

Allergies

Do not take Benylin cold and flu if you are allergic to paracetamol, phenylephrine hydrochloride, or any of the other excipients of this medicine listed within the patient information leaflet.

If you experience an allergic reaction to Benylin, discontinue use of the medicine and seek emergency medical attention.

Signs of an allergic reaction include:

• Dry, red, and cracked skin
• Itchy, red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis)
• Raised, itchy, red rash (hives)
• Swelling of the lips, face, tongue or throat.
• Tightness of the chest
• Wheezing

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, speak to your doctor or a pharmacist before taking Benylin to ensure it is safe for you to do so.

Other safety information

Always consult your doctor before purchasing Benylin online.

Please inform us of any underlying medical conditions which may impact your use of this treatment. Also, inform us of all other medications you are currently taking, including those purchased over-the-counter, prescribed by your doctor, or health supplements.

Do not use Benylin past the expiry date printed on the packaging.

Never throw away medicine via household or water waste. Take any unwanted or expired medicine to your pharmacy and ask them to dispose of it safely on your behalf.

Always store medicine out of sight and out of reach of children and pets.

Never share your medicine with anybody else, even if they are experiencing the same symptoms as you.

Paracetamol warning

Benylin cold and flu contains paracetamol.

While taking this medicine, avoid using other paracetamol-containing products. Always read the label of other medicines you are taking. If you are unsure whether another treatment contains paracetamol, consult your doctor or ask a pharmacist for advice.

Never exceed the maximum dosage of paracetamol, which is 1 gram (1000mg) per dose.

Never take more than the maximum daily limit of paracetamol, which is 4 grams (4000 mg) in any 24-hour period. Taking more paracetamol can lead to delayed liver damage.

Frequently asked questions

What should I do if I forget to take Benylin when I should?

If you forget to take Benylin when you should, take the next dose of 2 tablets as planned, but leave at least 4 to 6 hours between doses.

What should I do if I take too much Benylin?

If you have taken more than 8 tablets of Benylin within 24 hours, talk to a doctor or visit the nearest emergency department, as Benylin contains paracetamol, which can cause liver damage if taken in excess.

Do not take Benylin for more than 3 days, unless your doctor advises you to continue.

Can I drink alcohol while taking Benylin?

You should avoid drinking any form of alcohol when taking Benylin tablets.

Will Benylin impact my ability to drive or operate machinery?

If you feel drowsy or dizzy while taking Benylin, especially the night tablets, avoid driving or working with tools or machinery until you have stopped taking Benylin.

Can I buy Benylin online?

Yes, you can buy Benylin online from Prescription Doctor. All of our items are approved in the UK by the MHRA and dispatched from a GPhC-registered pharmacy.

When you purchase medicine through our online service, our UK-based pharmacy will dispatch your item in discreet packaging, which provides no indication of its contents.