A pharmacist has issued an important warning about paracetamol when taking common cold and flu remedies that already contain the painkiller, highlighting lesser-known facts about the widely-used drug that everyone should be aware of
Katie-Ann Gupwell Acting Content Editor
11:44, 19 Dec 2025
A warning has been given to anyone taking paracetamol for cold and flu symptoms (stock image)(Image: Grace Cary via Getty Images)
With the surge in flu cases this winter leading to a spike in hospital admissions, it’s crucial for those battling colds, coughs, flu or any other similar winter viruses to be aware of an important aspect of medication.
A pharmacist has issued a critical alert about paracetamol use during this season, highlighting lesser-known facts about the widely-used drug that everyone should be aware of. While paracetamol is frequently used to alleviate pain and fever, there are certain situations where its use should be avoided. Pharmacist Anum, a medical expert, shared this essential health information following a mum’s account of struggling with symptoms of the current “super flu”.
In a video, the pharmacist advised: “If you’re buying over the counter cold and flu remedies at your pharmacy, you need to watch this video. These are the things that you don’t want to mix with popular cold and flu remedies.”
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She cautioned against combining medications like Lemsip, Day Nurse, Benylin, or similar products with paracetamol or any other paracetamol-containing medication, explaining: “So think things like Lemsip, Day Nurse, Benylin, anything like this, you do not want to be taking alongside paracetamol or any other paracetamol-containing medication. The reason being is that they already contain paracetamol.
“So, if you’re taking paracetamol in addition, you’re running the risk of overdosing. You also want to be careful with night-time specific remedies.”
She added: “Things like Night Nurse, Benylin Night, cough syrup, to name a few. These often contain sedating antihistamines, so please do not take any antihistamines on top of this.
“What are antihistamines? Things like cetirizine, loratadine, fexofenadine. All that will happen is it will make you so much more drowsy, and increase the risk of side effects.
“If you’re ever unsure, speak with your pharmacist.”
When should you avoid taking paracetamol?
Whilst paracetamol can help alleviate flu symptoms, extreme caution is needed to prevent double-dosing, as numerous cold and flu remedies already contain paracetamol. Always check the label of any multi-symptom medicine carefully.
Never combine paracetamol with other paracetamol-containing products to prevent overdose, and always consult a pharmacist if you’re uncertain. The NHS provides guidance on this matter as well.
The NHS website states: “A pharmacist can give treatment advice and recommend flu remedies. 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.
“Antibiotics do not work for viral infections such as flu. GPs do not recommend antibiotics for flu, because they will not relieve your symptoms, or speed up your recovery.”
The report also highlighted that while flu typically resolves on its own over time, it can cause severe illness in some individuals. Hence, it’s crucial to get the flu jab if recommended.
For further details about colds and flu, refer to the NHS website. A pharmacist or GP can also provide guidance on managing symptoms effectively.