Hedex extra

How does it work?

Hedex extra tablets contain two active ingredients, paracetamol and caffeine.

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).

Paracetamol is about as effective as aspirin at relieving mild to moderate pain and fever, but unlike aspirin it has no anti-inflammatory effect.

Caffeine is a weak stimulant. It is thought that caffeine may enhance the painkilling effect of paracetamol.

What is it used for?

Mild to moderate pain, such as headache, migraine, toothache, sore throat, muscular and rheumatic pain, nerve pain and period pain.

Relieving aches, pains, sore throat and fever associated with colds and flu.

Warning!

As this medicine contains caffeine, you should avoid drinking too many drinks that also contain caffeine while taking it, eg tea, coffee, cola.

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.

Do not exceed the dose stated in the information leaflet supplied with this medicine.

If symptoms persist consult your doctor.

Taking a painkiller for headaches too often or for too long can make them worse. Consult your doctor if your headaches become persistant.

Use with caution in

Decreased kidney function

Decreased liver function

Not to be used in

Children under 12 years of age.

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.

There are no known harmful effects when this medicine is used during pregnancy. However, you should always seek advice from your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medicines during pregnancy.

Small amounts of this medicine may pass into breast milk, however there are no known harmful effects when it is used by breastfeeding mothers.

Label warnings

Do not take more than 2 at any one time. Do not take more than 8 in 24 hours.

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

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