Lemsip Flu Max Strength Sachets (10)

Each sachet contains paracetamol 1000mg and phenylephrine hydrochloride 12.2mg. The paracetamol relieves pain and reduces fever, and the phenylephrine is a decongestant aimed at a blocked nose. It is a lemon flavoured powder that you dissolve in hot water.

1000mg, which is a full adult dose and the equivalent of two standard 500mg paracetamol tablets. This is the single most important thing to know about it, because it means you must not take other paracetamol products alongside it.

No more than 4 sachets in 24 hours, with at least 4 to 6 hours between doses. Four sachets is 4000mg of paracetamol, which is the maximum daily amount for an adult, so there is no headroom left for any other paracetamol on top of it.

Ibuprofen and paracetamol are different types of painkiller and are not the same drug, so they are not doubling up in the way two paracetamol products would. That said, whether it is appropriate for you depends on your own health, other medicines and whether ibuprofen suits you at all. Ask your pharmacist before combining them, and never use a second product that also contains paracetamol.

This variant does not. Its only actives are paracetamol and phenylephrine. Some other cold and flu products do include caffeine, so if you are avoiding it, check the actives on whichever pack you pick up rather than assuming.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist first. Paracetamol on its own is viewed differently from a combination product, and this one also contains a decongestant, which is the part that needs the advice. Do not self-select this product in pregnancy on the basis that paracetamol is usually considered acceptable.

Phenylephrine is the ingredient to raise with a pharmacist if you have high blood pressure, heart disease, an overactive thyroid, diabetes, glaucoma or prostate problems, or if you take antidepressants, particularly MAOIs. If a decongestant is not suitable for you, the paracetamol-only Lemsip sachets exist for exactly that reason.

No. It is an approved medicine in Australia and is listed on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods. The question usually comes from overseas regulatory reviews questioning how well oral phenylephrine works as a decongestant, which is a debate about effectiveness rather than safety. If that concerns you, the paracetamol-only version is the straightforward alternative.

Paracetamol taken as a dissolved drink is generally absorbed quickly, and relief of pain and fever typically begins within about half an hour. If your symptoms are not improving after a few days, or you develop a high fever, breathing difficulty or chest pain, stop self-treating and see a doctor.