Codral Original Cold & Flu Tablets (Paracetamol And Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Codral Original Cold & Flu Tablets Used For?
Codral Original Cold & Flu contains two active ingredients that work together to provide relief from cold and flu symptoms. This combination medication helps reduce pain, fever, and nasal congestion.
Primary Uses
Used for temporary relief from runny nose, nasal congestion, headache, body aches and pains, and fever associated with cold and flu.
How It Works
Paracetamol is an analgesic that stops pain messages from reaching the brain and acts in the brain to reduce fever. Pseudoephedrine hydrochloride is a sympathomimetic decongestant that reduces congestion in the upper respiratory tract, including the nose, nasal passages and sinuses, making it easier to breathe.
Good to know: This medication provides dual action – pain and fever relief plus nasal decongestant effects in one tablet.
How to Take Codral Original Cold & Flu Tablets
Take this medication exactly as directed on the package or as advised by your pharmacist or doctor. Swallow the tablets whole with water.
Dosage Instructions
Adults and children over 12 years: Take 2 tablets every 4 to 6 hours as necessary. Do not exceed 8 tablets in 24 hours. Do not exceed the recommended dosage. Do not use for more than a few days at a time except on medical advice.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose when you are meant to. Otherwise, you may take a dose as soon as you remember if you think you need it. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose.
Important: Never take more than 8 tablets in 24 hours and never double dose to make up for a missed dose.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Nausea or dyspepsia
- Stomach discomfort
- Diarrhoea
- Vomiting
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Difficulty sleeping
- Nervousness
- Excitability
- Feeling of extreme happiness
- Restlessness
- Fear or anxiety
- Rapid or irregular heart beat
- Tremor
- Headache
- Hallucinations
- Rectal bleeding
- Small bumps on the skin with or without fever or reddening of the skin
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Urine retention
- Pain when passing urine
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing or difficulty breathing
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or other parts of the body
- Rash, itching or hives on the skin
Important Warnings
Before taking this medication, it’s important to understand who should not use it and what medical conditions require special consideration.
Who Should Not Take Codral Original Cold & Flu Tablets
Do not use if you: are allergic to Paracetamol, Pseudoephedrine hydrochloride, or any ingredients; are younger than 12 years; have very high blood pressure; have severe coronary artery disease; have taken other products containing paracetamol; have taken monoamine oxidase inhibitors (medicines for depression) in the last 14 days.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you have: high blood pressure, overactive thyroid gland, diabetes, heart disease and poor blood flow, glaucoma (high pressure in the eyes), prostate problems, liver or kidney disease, alcohol dependence, or any other medical conditions.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you are breastfeeding or intend to breastfeed. Small amounts of pseudoephedrine pass into breast milk, so your healthcare provider will discuss the potential benefits and risks.
Drug Interactions
Tell your doctor or pharmacist about all medicines you are taking, including prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins and supplements, as some may interfere with this medication.
- Medicines used to treat depression, especially monoamine oxidase inhibitors and tricyclic antidepressants
- Medicines used to treat heart conditions
- Medicines used to treat high blood pressure
- Medicines used to treat urinary tract infections and bladder problems
- Medicines used to treat behavioural disorders
- Phenylephrine (medicine used to treat congestion)
- Appetite suppressants
- Warfarin (medicine used to prevent blood clots)
- Metoclopramide (medicine used to control nausea and vomiting)
- Medicines used to treat epilepsy or fits
- Chloramphenicol (antibiotic for ear and eye infections)
- Alcohol
- Flucloxacillin (antibiotic for skin infections)
Alcohol & Driving
This medication may affect your ability to drive or operate machinery and can interact with alcohol. Take appropriate precautions.
Alcohol
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you drink alcohol. Alcohol may interact with this medication.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how this medication affects you. This medication may cause dizziness in some people. If this happens, do not drive or operate machinery.
Storage
Keep your medicine in the original pack until it is time to take it. Store in a cool dry place where the temperature stays below 30°C. Do not store in the bathroom, near a sink, in the car, or on window sills. Keep away from moisture, heat and sunlight. Keep where young children cannot reach it.
Overdose Information
If you think you have used too much of this medication, you may need urgent medical attention. Immediately phone the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.
Frequently Asked Questions
The medication is designed to provide temporary relief from cold and flu symptoms. Take every 4 to 6 hours as necessary for ongoing symptom relief.
The medication information does not specify food restrictions. Swallow the tablets whole with water. If you experience stomach discomfort, consult your pharmacist.
This medication is for temporary relief of cold and flu symptoms. Stop use and talk to your doctor or pharmacist if your symptoms persist, worsen, or if new symptoms occur.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you drink alcohol, as alcohol may interact with this medication. Those with alcohol dependence should check with their healthcare provider before use.
People over 65 years of age may have an increased chance of getting side effects. Consult with a doctor or pharmacist before use if you are elderly.
If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Otherwise, take a dose as soon as you remember if you think you need it. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.
Do not exceed 8 tablets in 24 hours. The recommended dose is 2 tablets every 4 to 6 hours as necessary for adults and children over 12 years.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.