Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Just because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect. Coughs can be one of the most annoying and persistent cold symptoms, but most should clear up within a week or so.

Evidence for cough syrups, however, is thin on the ground. They might offer some comfort at the time you take them, simply by coating the throat, but they'll have little to no effect on the natural course of the infection. You should not use this medicine if you are currently taking a type of medicine called a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), or have taken one of these medicines in the last 14 days. MAOIs include the antidepressants phenelzine, tranylcypromine, isocarboxazid and moclobemide, and the anti-Parkinson's medicines selegiline and rasagiline. This is because the combination of phenylephrine with these medicines could cause a dangerous increase in blood pressure (hypertensive crisis). There are several on the market that claim to be able to prevent a cold or nip it in the bud at the first sign of symptoms.

It's fine to take Beechams flu plus caplets with plain ibuprofen or aspirin (assuming these are appropriate for you). However, don't take them with co-codamol, co-dydramol or Tramacet because these contain paracetamol. Beechams flu plus caplets contain three active ingredients, paracetamol (500mg), phenylephrine (5mg) and caffeine (25mg). Don't take Beechams flu plus caplets if you have taken a type of medicine called a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) in the last 14 days. MAOIs include the antidepressants phenelzine, tranylcypromine, isocarboxazid and moclobemide, and the anti-Parkinson's medicines selegiline, safinamide and rasagiline. This is because the combination of phenylephrine with these medicines could cause a dangerous increase in blood pressure (hypertensive crisis). What to know about getting a flu jab - who's eligible for a free one, and where's cheapest otherwise

Allergic reactions such as a rash or itching. Stop using this medicine and get medical advice if you think you've had an allergic reaction to it.Patients with rare hereditary problems of fructose intolerance, glucose- galactose malabsorption or sucrase-isomaltase insufficiency should not take this medicine. Pre-clinical safety data on these active ingredients in the literature have not revealed any pertinent and conclusive findings which are of relevance to the recommended dosage and use of the product and which have not already been mentioned elsewhere in this Summary. The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the medicine's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist. How can this medicine affect other medicines?

Cold and flu medicines come in a range of formats including tablets, liquids and sachets (for making a hot drink). They typically contain paracetamol, phenylephrine (a decongestant), and caffeine. Medical advice should be sought before using this product in patients with these conditions:Medical advice should be sought before taking this medicine in patients with: glutathione depletion due to metabolic deficiencies.

All Products

The capsules should be swallowed whole with a drink. They can be taken either with or without food.

Don't be afraid to ask the pharmacist if there's a cheaper generic version of a medicine you're considering, or for advice on the evidence behind certain treatments, as they should be able to help with any queries you have about cold and flu medicines. Since this medicine contains caffeine, you should avoid drinking lots of caffeine-containing drinks, eg tea, coffee, cola, while you are taking it. Excessive caffeine consumption can cause insomnia, restlessness, anxiety, irritability, headaches and palpitations. We looked at prices for generic or supermarket own-brands and big brand max strength cold and flu tablets with the exact same active ingredients and dose.If you're taking medicines for high blood pressure you shouldn't take Beechams flu plus caplets, because the decongestant may make your blood pressure medicine less effective. Paracetamol is a simple painkilling medicine used to relieve mild to moderate pain and fever. Despite its widespread use for over 100 years, we still don't fully understand how paracetamol works to relieve pain and reduce fever. However, it is now thought that it works by reducing the production of prostaglandins in the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms of paracetamol overdosage in the first 24 hours are pallor, nausea, vomiting, anorexia and abdominal pain. Liver damage may become apparent 12 to 48 hours after ingestion. Abnormalities of glucose metabolism and metabolic acidosis may occur. In severe poisoning, hepatic failure may progress to encephalopathy, haemorrhage, hypoglycaemia, cerebral oedema, and death. Acute renal failure with acute tubular necrosis, strongly suggested by loin pain, haematuria and proteinuria, may develop even in the absence of severe liver damage. Cardiac arrhythmias and pancreatitis have been reported. Are taking colestyramine which is used to lower blood cholesterol, or metoclopramide or domperidone for nausea or vomiting. It is thought paracetamol reduces fever by affecting an area of the brain that regulates our body temperature (the hypothalamic heat-regulating center). The paracetamol in Beechams powders capsules helps relieve aches, pains, sore throats and fever associated with colds and flu.