What are Night Nurse Capsules?
Night Nurse Capsules are a medicine that can help to ease cold and flu symptoms. Take 2 capsules before bed to ease your headache, sore throat, tickly cough, and runny nose, and make it easier to get a restful night’s sleep. Night Nurse Capsules are ideal for adults and children over the age of 16 who don’t want their cold or flu to get them down and ruin their sleep.
How will the ingredients in Night Nurse Capsules help to ease my cold and flu symptoms?
Night Nurse Capsules contain three ingredients which work together to ease a range of cold and flu symptoms. The active ingredients in each capsule are:
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Paracetamol 500mg – a popular over the counter pain killer which can also bring down a high temperature or fever
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Promethazine hydrochloride 10mg – An antihistamine which helps to dry up a runny nose and helps you to get to sleep
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Dextromethorphan hydrobromide 7.5mg – A cough suppressant which eases a dry or tickly cough
Do I have a cold or the flu?
If you have a cold or the flu, it can be difficult to work out which one you’re dealing with. However, there are a few clear differences that can help you to determine which one you have. The first is how quickly your symptoms appeared, if you have the flu then your symptoms will appear quickly, but symptoms of a cold can appear over a few days. If you’re too exhausted to complete any of your regular daily tasks, then you probably have the flu, as you can usually go about your day as normal when you have a cold. Do your symptoms affect more than just your nose and throat? If the answer’s yes, then you probably have the flu, but if you have a cold you’ll probably find that your symptoms mostly affect the nose and throat.
Can I drive after taking this medicine?
Night Nurse Capsules can cause drowsiness, dizziness, difficulty concentrating, movement difficulties, or blurred vision. If this happens to you, do not attempt to drive or use any tools or machinery until you are certain that you’re safe to do so.
Can I drink alcohol while I’m taking this medicine?
You should not drink alcohol while you’re taking Night Nurse capsules. Alcohol can increase some of the side effects of this medicine, such as drowsiness.
Can I take these capsules if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?
If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding you should not take Night Nurse capsules. If you’re suffering from a cold or the flu at this time, you should speak to your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Can I take this product if I’m taking other medication?
If you’re taking any other medication, including those you bought without a prescription, you should speak to your doctor or pharmacist before taking this product. Do not take Night Nurse capsules if you are already taking:
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Depression medications called monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), or have taken them within the past 2 weeks
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Any other medications which contain paracetamol
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Other cough or cold medicines
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Other products containing antihistamines, including those used on your skin
Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before taking this product if you’re already taking:
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Metoclopramide or domperidone, which are used for nausea or vomiting
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Colestyramine, which is used to lower blood cholesterol
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Medicines which give you blurred vision, dry mouth, or drowsiness
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Blood thinners, which are also called anticoagulants, e.g. warfarin
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Quinidine or amiodarone, which are used to control heart rhythm
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Medicines for anxiety or depression, e.g. SSRIs or tricyclic antidepressants
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Medicines to help you sleep
Can I take Night Nurse Capsules and Day Nurse Capsules at the same time?
You can take Night Nurse Capsules at the same time as Day Nurse Capsules, however, you should speak to your doctor or pharmacist first to make sure this combination is right for you. If they give you the go-ahead, make sure you only take 3 doses of Day Nurse during the day, rather than the usual four. Leave at least 4 hours between taking your last daily dose of Day Nurse before taking your Night Nurse capsules.
How to take this medicine
Take 2 Night Nurse Capsules with a drink of water just before bedtime. Do not take these capsules if you’ve taken 4 doses of paracetamol containing product during the day. Do not take for more than 3 days at a time.
When should these capsules not be used?
Night Nurse capsules are not suitable for use in children under the age of 16. Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to paracetamol, promethazine hydrochloride, dextromethorphan hydrobromide, or any of the other listed ingredients. Do not take this product if you have:
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A chest infection, worsening asthma, or severe respiratory problems
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Taken monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) for depression within the last 2 weeks
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Planned to have a pregnancy test carried out on your urine
Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before taking this product if you:
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Have a high temperature, skin rash, or persistent headache
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Have been told by your doctor that you have an intolerance to some sugars
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Have heart, kidney, or liver problems
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Have glaucoma, epilepsy, difficulty passing urine, or prostate problems
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Have a chronic or persistent cough with excessive phlegm or respiratory problems
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Are elderly and suffer from confusion
Do Night Nurse capsules have any side effects?
Like all medications, Night Nurse capsules can have side effects, although not everyone will experience them. If you experience any of the following side effects, stop use and speak to a doctor immediately:
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Allergic reactions, e.g. Skin rash, itching, swelling of the mouth, throat, face, etc., shortness of breath
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Skin rash, peeling, mouth ulcers
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Breathing problems, which may be more likely if you’ve experienced them while taking other painkillers, e.g. ibuprofen, aspirin
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Unexplained bruising or bleeding
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Confusion, restlessness, sweating, shaking, shivering, sudden muscular jerks, increased blood pressure
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Difficulty passing urine
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Feeling sick, being sick, stomach ache, sudden weight loss, loss of appetite, yellowing of eyes or skin
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Restlessness, nervousness, feeling irritable, increased energy, sleep disturbances, which are more likely in children
Other side effects you may experience include:
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Drowsiness
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Dizziness
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Blurred vision
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Difficulty concentrating
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Unsteadiness
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Clumsiness
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Headache
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Dry mouth
If you experience these or any other side effects while using this product, stop use and speak to your doctor or pharmacist. For more information about reporting the side effects of medication, please see the MHRA’s Yellow Card Scheme.
How to store this product
Store in a cool, dry place which is below 25 degrees C. Do not use this product if the expiry date printed on the original packaging has passed. Keep out of sight and reach of children.
Why do I need to answer questions to buy this product?
You do not need a prescription for Night Nurse Capsules, however, you will be asked to complete a short medical questionnaire by your pharmacist before we can take your order. This includes some simple questions that all pharmacies legally are required to ask before supplying this kind of product. This helps our pharmacy team to be sure that Night Nurse is the best choice for you.
More Information
This product is a medicine; make sure to speak to your doctor or pharmacist before taking this product if you have an underlying medical problem or are taking any other medicine or complementary therapy. If your symptoms get worse or continue after taking this product, contact us or your doctor. For medical services in your area, please refer to https://www.nhs.uk
If you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, speak to your doctor or our pharmacist before taking this product. If you suffer from any allergies, ask your doctor or our pharmacist if this medicine is right for you.
Store all medicines out of sight and reach of children.
Please read the included leaflet carefully before using this product.
Please contact your GP if appropriate regarding this product.
Helpful Advice on Medication Restrictions & Addiction
For further information on our medication restrictions policy, please click here.
If you are concerned about addiction to ‘over the counter’ medication, we urge you to visit the below links for professional help and advice:
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