Health Centres - Lemsip children's cold & flu blackcurrant
How does it work?
Lemsip children's cold & flu blackcurrant contains the active ingredient paracetamol, which is a simple painkilling medicine used to relieve mild to moderate pain and fever. (NB. Paracetamol is also available without a brand name, ie as the generic medicine.
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.
Prostaglandins are produced by the body in response to injury and certain diseases. One of their actions is to sensitise nerve endings, so that when the injury is stimulated it causes 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 injury 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 reducing fever, but unlike aspirin it has no anti-inflammatory effect.
Paracetamol can be used to relieve mild to moderate pain associated with conditions such as headaches, toothache, sore throat, colds and flu. It is also useful for reducing fever and discomfort associated with colds and flu.
Lemsip children's cold & flu blackcurrant are sachets of powder that are dissolved in cold water to make a blackcurrant drink. They are suitable for children aged six to twelve years.
What is it used for?
- Mild to moderate pain such as headache or sore throat
- Fever (pyrexia)
- Relieving aches, pains and fever associated with colds and flu
Warning!
- This medicine is not recommended for children under six years of age. Other preparations of paracetamol contain doses suitable for this age group. (See below).
- Do not exceed the dose stated in the information leaflet supplied with the medicine.
- This medicine must not be given with any other paracetamol containing products.
- 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 the medicine. Immediate medical advice should be sought in the event of an overdose with this medicine, even if your child seems well, because of the risk of delayed, serious liver damage.
- If symptoms persist consult your doctor.
Use with caution in
- Decreased kidney function
- Decreased liver function
Not to be used in
- Known sensitivity or allergy to any ingredient.
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.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
- There are no known harmful effects when this medicine is used during pregnancy.
Label warnings
- Dissolve or mix with water before taking.
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.
- Small amounts of this medicine may pass into breast milk, however there are no known harmful effects when it is used by breastfeeding mothers.
- Do not take this medication with any other products containing paracetamol.
- Refer to the printed instructions for maximum daily intake.
© Copyright 1998 - 2009 NetDoctor.co.uk - All rights reserved
