Deflu Tablet Guide: Uses and Dosage

Summarize with: ChatGPT Perplexity Claude Google AI Grok

Deflu tablets are used to provide short-term relief from symptoms of the common cold and flu. They can help reduce fever, headache, body aches, nasal congestion, runny nose and sneezing.

Deflu tablets contain a combination of paracetamol, phenylephrine hydrochloride and chlorpheniramine maleate. Each ingredient works on different symptoms.

Deflu is meant for symptom relief. It does not treat the underlying viral infection or cure the flu.

What is Deflu?

Deflu is a combination medicine used to relieve symptoms associated with the common cold and flu.

The Deflu tablet formulation contains:

The exact composition can vary between products with similar names. Therefore, always check the medicine pack before taking it.

Deflu should be used for symptom relief and not as a treatment for the virus causing a cold or flu.

Composition of Deflu Tablets

The identified Deflu tablet formulation contains three active ingredients. These ingredients work in different ways to relieve cold and flu symptoms.

Paracetamol

Paracetamol, also called acetaminophen, is a pain reliever and fever reducer.

It helps reduce fever and relieve mild to moderate pain such as headache, body aches, and sore throat discomfort.

Phenylephrine

Phenylephrine is a decongestant. It works by narrowing blood vessels in the nasal passages. This can reduce swelling in the nasal lining and help relieve a blocked nose.

Phenylephrine does not treat the cause of a cold or flu.

Chlorpheniramine Maleate

Chlorpheniramine maleate is a first-generation antihistamine.

It blocks the effects of histamine and can reduce symptoms such as a runny nose, sneezing, and watery eyes. It may also cause drowsiness.

Deflu Tablet Uses

Deflu tablets are mainly used to relieve several cold and flu symptoms at the same time.

Relief from Cold and Flu Symptoms

Deflu may help relieve symptoms such as:

It provides temporary symptom relief. It does not kill the virus that causes a common cold or flu.

Reduction of Fever

Paracetamol in Deflu helps lower fever.

Fever can occur with viral infections such as the flu. Reducing fever can help improve comfort while the body recovers.

Relief from Pain

Paracetamol also helps relieve mild to moderate pain.

It may help with:

Do not take additional paracetamol-containing medicines without checking the total daily dose. Taking too much paracetamol can cause serious liver damage.

Relief from Nasal Congestion

Phenylephrine helps reduce swelling inside the nasal passages.

This can provide temporary relief from a blocked or stuffy nose and may make breathing through the nose easier.

Relief from Runny Nose and Sneezing

Chlorpheniramine helps reduce allergy-like symptoms such as:

It works by blocking histamine, which is involved in these symptoms.

How to Use Deflu Tablets

Take Deflu tablets exactly as prescribed by your doctor or as directed on the product label.

Swallow the tablet with water. Do not crush or chew it unless the product instructions allow this.

It can generally be taken with or without food. If it causes stomach discomfort, taking it with food may help.

Dosage

The dose depends on the specific Deflu formulation, age, medical condition, and other medicines being taken.

For the identified Deflu tablet formulation, the product information states that adults and children over 12 years may take 1 or 2 tablets every 6 hours, with a maximum of 12 tablets in 24 hours and a treatment duration of no more than 5 days. However, the product label available in your market should always be followed because formulations can differ.

Do not use this adult dosing information for younger children.

Duration of Use

Deflu is intended for short-term symptom relief.

If symptoms continue, become worse, or last longer than the recommended treatment period, consult a healthcare professional.

Do not continue taking Deflu for an extended period without medical advice.

Potential Side Effects

Like other medicines, Deflu can cause side effects. The risk may depend on the dose, duration of use, and individual health conditions.

Common Side Effects

Possible side effects include:

Chlorpheniramine can cause drowsiness. Avoid driving or operating machinery if you feel sleepy or less alert.

Serious Side Effects

Seek medical attention if you develop:

Taking too much paracetamol can cause serious liver injury, even if you initially feel well.

Precautions and Warnings

Before taking Deflu, tell your doctor if you have any medical conditions or take other medicines.

Allergies

Do not take Deflu if you are allergic to paracetamol, phenylephrine, chlorpheniramine or any other ingredient in the product.

Seek immediate medical attention if you develop swelling, breathing difficulty, or another severe allergic reaction.

Medical Conditions

Tell your doctor if you have:

Phenylephrine may increase blood pressure in some people. Chlorpheniramine can worsen certain conditions such as glaucoma or urinary retention.

People with liver disease should also use paracetamol-containing medicines only under appropriate medical advice.

Drowsiness and Driving

Chlorpheniramine may cause drowsiness and reduced alertness.

Avoid driving, operating machinery, or performing activities that require full attention if you feel sleepy or dizzy after taking Deflu.

Alcohol can increase these effects.

Drug Interactions

Deflu may interact with other medicines.

Tell your doctor or pharmacist about all medicines you take, including prescription medicines, over-the-counter products, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

Important interactions may include:

Do not start another cold or flu medicine without checking its ingredients. Many combination products contain paracetamol or another antihistamine.

Deflu and Alcohol

Avoid alcohol while taking Deflu.

Alcohol can increase drowsiness caused by chlorpheniramine. It can also increase the risk of liver injury when combined with excessive paracetamol.

Deflu During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, consult your doctor before taking Deflu.

The individual ingredients may have different safety considerations during pregnancy and breastfeeding. A healthcare professional can decide whether the combination is appropriate for you.

Do not self-medicate during pregnancy, especially with combination cold medicines.

Who Should Avoid Deflu?

Deflu may not be suitable for people with certain medical conditions or those taking specific medicines.

It should be avoided in people with a known allergy to any of its ingredients.

People with uncontrolled high blood pressure, certain heart conditions, glaucoma, urinary retention, liver disease, or other relevant conditions should consult a doctor before using it.

Children should receive the medicine only according to the age and dose instructions for the specific product.

What Happens If You Take Too Much Deflu?

Taking too much Deflu can be dangerous.

An overdose may cause:

Paracetamol overdose can cause serious liver injury and may not cause obvious symptoms at first.

Seek emergency medical help if you think you or someone else has taken too much Deflu.

How Should Deflu Tablets Be Stored?

Store Deflu according to the instructions on the product packaging.

Conclusion

Deflu tablets are combination medicines used for short-term relief from common cold and flu symptoms.

The identified Deflu tablet formulation contains paracetamol, phenylephrine hydrochloride, and chlorpheniramine maleate. These ingredients help reduce fever and pain, relieve nasal congestion, and reduce symptoms such as a runny nose and sneezing.

Deflu does not cure the viral infection causing a cold or flu. Use it only as directed, and avoid taking other medicines that contain the same ingredients without medical advice.