1. Name Of The Medicinal Product
Benylin Four Flu tablets
2. Qualitative And Quantitative Composition
Each tablet contains:
Diphenhydramine hydrochloride 12.5 mg
Paracetamol 500 mg
Pseudoephedrine hydrochloride 22.5 mg
Also contains:
Sunset yellow E110
For a full list of excipients, see section 6.1.
3. Pharmaceutical Form
Orange, oval, biconvex, film coated tablets
4. Clinical Particulars
4.1 Therapeutic Indications
For the relief of symptoms associated with colds and flu; including relief of nasal congestion and congestion of mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract, sneezing, runny nose, coughing, fever, headache, muscular aches and pains.
4.2 Posology And Method Of Administration
For oral use
Adults, the elderly and children aged 12 years and over:
Two tablets, up to four times daily, as required. Do not take more frequently than every four hours.
Children 6 to 12 years
One tablet, up to four times daily, as required. Do not take more frequently than every four hours. Not to be used for more than five days without the advice of a doctor. Parents or carers should seek medical attention if the child's condition deteriorates during treatment.
Children under 6 years
Benylin Four Flu Tablets are contraindicated in children under the age of 6 years (see section 4.3).
Do not exceed the stated dose.
4.3 Contraindications
Known hypersensitivity to diphenhydramine, paracetamol, pseudoephedrine or to any of the excipients.
Concomitant use of other sympathomimetic agents including those given by other routes, beta-blockers (see section 4.5) and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), or within 14 days of stopping MAOI treatment (see section 4.5)
Cardiovascular disease including hypertension
Diabetes mellitus
Phaeochromocytoma
Hyperthyroidism
Closed angle glaucoma
Severe renal impairment
Not to be used in children under the age of 6 years.
4.4 Special Warnings And Precautions For Use
As both diphenhydramine and pseudoephedrine have been associated with central nervous system adverse events (see section 4.8), there is a possibility that the risk of experiencing such adverse events may be increased by use of the combination.
If any of the following occur, Benylin Four Flu Tablets should be stopped
• Hallucinations
• Restlessness
• Sleep disturbances
Use with caution in prostatic hypertrophy, urinary retention, susceptibility to angle-closure glaucoma, moderate renal impairment, hepatic disease or occlusive vascular disease.
The hazard of overdose is greater in those with non-cirrhotic alcoholic liver disease.
The product may cause drowsiness. This product should not be used to sedate a child.
The product labelling will contain the following advice:-
Immediate medical advice should be sought in the event of an overdose, even if you feel well, because of the risk of delayed, serious liver damage.
Do not take with any paracetamol-containing products.
If symptoms persist, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Keep out of the reach and sight of children
Do not use to sedate a child.
Ask a doctor before use if you suffer from a chronic or persistent cough, if you have asthma, are suffering from an acute asthma attack or where cough is accompanied by excessive secretions.
4.5 Interaction With Other Medicinal Products And Other Forms Of Interaction
CNS depressants: may enhance the sedative effects of CNS depressants including barbiturates, hypnotics, opioid analgesics, anxiolytic sedatives, antipsychotics and alcohol.
Antimuscarinic drugs: may have an additive muscarinic action with other drugs, such as atropine and some antidepressants.
• MAOIs (see section 4.3) and/or RIMAs: Not to be used in patients taking MAOIs or within 14 days of stopping treatment as there is a risk of serotonin syndrome (diphenhydramine) or hypertensive crisis (pseudoephedrine).
• Moclobemide: risk of hypertensive crisis.
• Antihypertensives (including adrenergic neurone blockers & beta-blockers – see section 4.3): Benylin Four Flu Tablets may block the hypotensive effects.
• Cardiac glycosides: increased risk of dysrhythmias
• Ergot alkaloids (ergotamine & methysergide): increased risk of ergotism
• Appetite suppressants and amphetamine-like psychostimulants: risk of hypertension
• Oxytocin – risk of hypertension
• Enhances effects of anticholinergic drugs (such as TCAs)
The speed of absorption of paracetamol may be increased by metoclopramide or domperidone, and absorption reduced by colestyramine.
The anticoagulant effect of warfarin and other coumarins may be enhanced by prolonged regular use of paracetamol with increased risk of bleeding; occasional doses have no significant effect.
The use of drugs which induce hepatic microsomal enzymes, such as anticonvulsants and oral contraceptive steroids, may increase the extent of metabolism of paracetamol, resulting in reduced plasma concentrations of the drug and a faster elimination rate.
4.6 Pregnancy And Lactation
The active ingredients in Benylin Four Flu have not been conclusively associated with adverse effects on the developing foetus; but as with all drugs, care should be exercised in use of the product, particularly during the first trimester.
Epidemiological studies in human pregnancy have shown no ill effects due to paracetamol used in the recommended dosage, but patients should follow the advice of their doctor regarding its use
All of the actives are excreted into breast milk, although few adverse effects have been reported as a result of ingestion, cautious use of Benylin Four Flu is advised during lactation.
Paracetamol is excreted in breast milk but not in a clinically significant amount. Available published data do not contraindicate breast feeding.
4.7 Effects On Ability To Drive And Use Machines
Benylin Four Flu may cause drowsiness. If patients are affected they should not drive or use machinery.
4.8 Undesirable Effects
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4.9 Overdose
Paracetamol:
Liver damage is possible in adults who have taken 10g or more of paracetamol. Ingestion of 5g or more of paracetamol may lead to liver damage if the patient has risk factors (see below).
Risk Factors:
If the patient
A. Is on long term treatment with carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone, rifampicin, St John's Wort or other drugs that induce liver enzymes.
Or
B. Regularly consumes ethanol in excess of recommended amounts.
Or
C. Is likely to be glutathione deplete e.g. eating disorders, cystic fibrosis, HIV infection, starvation, cachexia.
Symptoms
Symptoms of paracetamol overdosage in the first 24 hours are pallor, nausea, vomiting, anorexia and abdominal pain. Liver damage may become apparent 12 to 48 hours after ingestion. Abnormalities of glucose metabolism and metabolic acidosis may occur. In severe poisoning, hepatic failure may progress to encephalopathy, haemorrhage, hypoglycaemia, cerebral oedema, coma and death. Acute renal failure with acute tubular necrosis, strongly suggested by loin pain, haematuria and proteinuria, may develop even in the absence of severe liver damage. Cardiac arrhythmias and pancreatitis have been reported.
Management
Immediate treatment is essential in the management of paracetamol overdose. Despite a lack of significant early symptoms, patients should be referred to hospital urgently for immediate medical attention. Symptoms may be limited to nausea or vomiting and may not reflect the severity of overdose or the risk of organ damage. Management should be in accordance with established treatment guidelines.
Treatment with activated charcoal should be considered if the overdose has been taken within 1 hour. Plasma paracetamol concentration should be measured at 4 hours or later after ingestion (earlier concentrations unreliable). Treatment with N-acetylcysteine may be used up to 24 hours after ingestion of paracetamol, however the maximum protective effect is obtained up to 8 hours post-ingestion. The effectiveness of the antidote declines sharply after this time. If required the patient should be given intravenous N-acetylcysteine, in line with the established dosage schedule. If vomiting is not a problem, oral methionine may be a suitable alternative for remote areas, outside hospital. Management of patients who present with serious hepatic dysfunction beyond 24h from ingestion should be discussed with the local centres and/or experts that provide advice on poisons and overdoses or a liver unit.
Diphenhydramine:
Symptoms of overdose may include drowsiness, hyperpyrexia and anticholinergic effects. With higher doses, and particularly in children, symptoms of CNS excitation include insomnia, nervousness, tremors and epileptiform convulsions. With massive overdose, coma or cardiovascular collapse may follow.
Treatment of overdosage should be symptomatic and supportive. Measures to promote gastric emptying (such as induced emesis or gastric lavage), and in cases of acute poisoning activated charcoal, may be useful.
Pseudoephedrine:
As with other sympathomimetic agents, symptoms of overdose include irritability, restlessness, tremor, convulsions, palpitations, hypertension and difficulty in micturition.
Necessary measures should be taken to maintain and support respiration and control convulsions. Gastric lavage should be performed if indicated. Catheterisation of the bladder may be necessary. If desired, the elimination of pseudoephedrine can be accelerated by acid diuresis or by dialysis.
5. Pharmacological Properties
5.1 Pharmacodynamic Properties
ATC code: N02BE51. Diphenhydramine has a potent antihistaminic action although the actions most beneficial in influenza are its antitussive and to a lesser extent anticholinergic properties, which may alleviate mucus hypersecretion.
Paracetamol has central analgesic and antipyretic actions and pseudoephedrine is an indirectly acting sympathomimetic which has vasoconstrictor, bronchodilator and decongestant effects.
5.2 Pharmacokinetic Properties
Diphenhydramine is well absorbed after oral administration with peak plasma levels at 2.5 hours and is subject to extensive first pass metabolism. The drug is 75% bound to plasma proteins, but binding decreases with chronic liver disease. Metabolism is by 2 successive N-demethylations followed by oxidation to a carboxylic acid. The terminal half life lies between 3.4 and 9.3 hours.
Paracetamol is rapidly and completely absorbed with peak plasma levels seen within 30 to 60 minutes. Less than 50% is protein bound and the drug is uniformly distributed throughout the body fluids. Paracetamol is eliminated by metabolism to inactive conjugates followed by urinary excretion. The half life is 2.75 - 3.25 hours.
Pseudoephedrine is rapidly absorbed, with peak serum levels after approximately 2.6 hours and onset of effect within about 30 minutes. It is well distributed throughout body fluids and tissues. Approximately 50% of the drug is excreted unchanged, the remainder undergoes metabolism to inactive metabolites. About 6% is converted to the active metabolite norpseudoephedrine.
5.3 Preclinical Safety Data
The active ingredients of Benylin Four Flu tablets are well known constituents of medicinal products and their safety profile is well documented. The results of preclinical studies do not add anything of relevance for therapeutic purposes.
6. Pharmaceutical Particulars
6.1 List Of Excipients
Pregelatinized maize starch
Povidone
Crospovidone
Stearic acid
Cellulose microcrystalline
Pregelatinised maize starch
Croscarmellose Sodium
Magnesium stearate
Film-coating material:
Opadry Yellow 00 F 32887
Containing:
Hypromellose
Talc
Titanium Dioxide (E171)
Macrogol
Quinoline Yellow Aluminium Lake (E104)
Quinoline Yellow (E104)
Sunset Yellow FCF (E110)
6.2 Incompatibilities
Not applicable.
6.3 Shelf Life
3 years
6.4 Special Precautions For Storage
Do not store above 25°C. Store in the original package.
Keep container in the outer carton
6.5 Nature And Contents Of Container
Blister pack containing 24 tablets
Each blister strip consists of a white, opaque PVC/PVdC film and paper/aluminium foil child resistant blister lidding.
6.6 Special Precautions For Disposal And Other Handling
No special requirements
7. Marketing Authorisation Holder
McNeil Products Limited
Foundation Park
Roxborough Way
Maidenhead
Berkshire
SL6 3UG
United Kingdom
8. Marketing Authorisation Number(S)
PL 15513/0058
9. Date Of First Authorisation/Renewal Of The Authorisation
01/06/2008
10. Date Of Revision Of The Text
3 July 2010
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