A leading pharmacist has issued an urgent safety warning to the British public as cases of winter flu continue to rise sharply across the country. The alert focuses on the common but potentially dangerous mistake of mixing paracetamol with over-the-counter cold and flu medications.
The Hidden Danger in Your Medicine Cabinet
With hospital admissions for flu soaring this winter, many are reaching for remedies to ease their symptoms. However, pharmacist Anum has highlighted a critical and often overlooked risk. Many popular multi-symptom relief products already contain paracetamol, and taking additional paracetamol tablets alongside them can lead to a dangerous accidental overdose.
In a video message, Pharmacist Anum specifically named products like Lemsip, Day Nurse, and Benylin as examples of medicines that typically include paracetamol in their formulation. "You do not want to be taking these alongside paracetamol or any other paracetamol-containing medication," she advised. The key message is clear: always check the active ingredients listed on the packaging of any remedy before you take it.
Night-Time Remedies and Sedating Side Effects
The warning extends beyond just paracetamol. The pharmacist also cautioned about night-time specific cold and flu syrups, such as Night Nurse and Benylin Night. These often contain sedating antihistamines to aid sleep.
"Please do not take any additional antihistamines on top of this," Anum stated, naming common non-drowsy varieties like cetirizine, loratadine, and fexofenadine. Mixing these can cause extreme drowsiness and significantly increase the risk of other unwanted side effects, posing a safety risk especially when driving or operating machinery.
Official NHS Guidance on Flu Management
This expert advice aligns with official guidance from the National Health Service. The NHS website explicitly states: "Do not take paracetamol and flu remedies that contain paracetamol at the same time, as it's easy to take more than the recommended dose."
The health service also reminds the public that antibiotics are ineffective against viral infections like flu and will not relieve symptoms or speed up recovery. For most people, flu will resolve on its own with rest, hydration, and careful use of appropriate medication.
The overarching recommendation from both the pharmacist and the NHS is to always seek advice if you are unsure. "If you're ever unsure, speak with your pharmacist," Anum concluded. They can provide tailored treatment advice and help you navigate the shelves safely to avoid harmful combinations during this challenging winter season.
