Beechams all-in-one

How does it work?

Beechams all-in-one tablets and syrup contain three active ingredients, paracetamol, guaifenesin and phenylephrine hydrochloride.

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.

The body produces prostaglandins in response to injury and certain diseases. One of the effects of prostaglandins is to sensitise nerve endings, causing pain (presumably to prevent us from causing further harm to the area). As paracetamol reduces the production of these nerve sensitising prostaglandins it is thought it may increase our pain threshold, so that although the cause of the pain remains, we can feel it less.

It is thought paracetamol reduces fever by affecting an area of the brain that regulates our body temperature (the hypothalamic heat-regulating center).

Guaifenesin is a type of medicine called a cough expectorant. Expectorants are used to treat a productive or chesty cough, in which phlegm is coughed up. Expectorants such as guaifenesin are thought to work by stimulating receptors in the stomach, causing a reflex increase in the volume of fluid produced in the airways. This decreases the thickness of the secretions in the airways, thus loosening phlegm and making it easier to cough up.

Phenylephrine is a type of medicine called a decongestant. It works by acting on alpha receptors that are found in the walls of blood vessels in the linings of the nasal passages and sinuses. It causes these blood vessels to contract and narrow, thereby decreasing blood flow into the linings of the nose and sinuses. This reduces the feeling of congestion and also reduces the production of mucus, helping to relieve a blocked nose.

The combination of active ingredients in Beechams all in one helps to relieve the symptoms of colds and flu, including nasal congestion and chesty coughs.

What is it used for?

Relief from the symptoms of colds and flu, including chesty coughs, nasal congestion, fever, headache, aches and pains and sore throats.

Warning!

Do not take this medicine with any other products that contain paracetamol. Many over-the-counter painkillers and cold and flu remedies contain paracetamol. It is important to check the ingredients of any medicines you buy without a prescription before taking them in combination with this medicine. Seek further advice from your pharmacist.

An overdose of paracetamol is dangerous and capable of causing serious damage to the liver and kidneys. You should never exceed the dose stated in the information leaflet supplied with this medicine. Immediate medical advice should be sought in the event of an overdose with this medicine, even if you feel well, because of the risk of delayed, serious liver damage.

Alcohol increases the risk of liver damage that can occur if an overdose of paracetamol is taken. The hazards of paracetamol overdose are greater in persistant heavy drinkers and in people with alcoholic liver disease.

If symptoms persist despite treatment, seek medical advice from your doctor or pharmacist.

If you have any of the following symptoms you should consult your doctor so that the cough can be investigated further: coughing up phlegm that is green, rusty brown, yellow, blood-stained or foul smelling; shortness of breath, wheezing or difficulty breathing; chest pain; pain and swelling in the calf; sudden weight loss; recurrent night-time cough; or a long-term persistent cough.

Not to be used in

Children under 12 years of age, unless on the advice of a doctor

Severely decreased kidney function

Severely decreased liver function

Heart disease

High blood pressure

Overactive thyroid gland

Diabetes

People who have taken a monoamine-oxidase inhibitor antidepressant (MAOI) in the last 14 days.

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine should not be taken during pregnancy unless your doctor considers the expected benefit is greater than any possible risk to the developing baby. Seek medical advice from your doctor before taking this medicine if you are pregnant.

Although paracetamol and guaifenesin are considered safe for use during breastfeeding, it is not known if phenylephrine passes into breast milk, or its effect on a nursing infant. As a result, this medicine should not be used by breastfeeding mothers, unless your doctor considers the expected benefit is greater than any possible risk to the nursing baby. Seek medical advice from your doctor before taking this medicine if you are breastfeeding.

Label warnings

Do not take this medication with any other products containing paracetamol.

Refer to the printed instructions for maximum daily intake.

Side effects

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. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Abdominal discomfort

Increase in blood pressure

Increased heart rate

Awareness of your heartbeat (palpitations)

Nausea

Difficulty sleeping (insomnia)

Restlessness

Skin rashes

Headache

Dizziness

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug'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.

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