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Teraflu for the treatment and prevention of flu and colds
Last reviewed: 03.07.2025
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Symptomatic over-the-counter drugs with combined action include Theraflu for flu and colds (manufactured by the transnational company GSK Consumer Healthcare).
Indications Teraflu
This product is intended for symptomatic treatment of acute respiratory diseases, including those caused by the flu virus. Taking Teraflu at the first signs of a cold, you can reduce the temperature and reduce fever; relieve headaches and body aches; reduce swelling and itching of the nasal mucosa, sneezing and nasal congestion, and also stop a runny nose.
Release form
Theraflu is available in powder form, packaged in sachets (each sachet is a single dose for dissolution in water).
Pharmacodynamics
The composition of Teraflu includes the following pharmacologically active components:
- analgesic and antipyretic paracetamol (in one dose - 325 mg), which has a weak anti-inflammatory effect. Its pharmacodynamics are due to the suppressive effect on the thermoregulation center in the brain, as well as blocking COX and inhibiting the production of prostaglandins;
- sympathomimetic phenylephrine hydrochloride (10 mg) – constricts the blood vessels of the nasal mucosa by stimulating endothelial α-adrenergic receptors;
- The antihistamine pheniramine maleate (20 mg) blocks receptors for the allergic reaction mediator histamine;
- Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is an antioxidant that increases the body's resistance to oxidative stress.
Pharmacokinetics
Paracetamol in Teraflu, when entering the gastrointestinal tract, is quickly absorbed, reaching maximum concentration in the blood after 30-45 minutes (binds to plasma proteins no more than a quarter of the dose taken). Transformation occurs in the liver (cytochrome P450 system), within 24 hours conjugated metabolites are excreted by the kidneys.
The absorption and bioavailability of phenylephrine hydrochloride are low, so its metabolism occurs not only in the liver, but also in the gastrointestinal tract; the breakdown products are excreted in the urine.
Pheniramine maleate is absorbed in the stomach; the highest level of the drug in the plasma is observed after 60-80 minutes; no more than 25-30% of the dose is broken down; excretion is through the kidneys.
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Dosing and administration
Theraflu cold powder is used no more than three times a day: one packet is diluted in 200 ml of hot water and taken orally.
Duration of use: no more than five days.
Use Teraflu during pregnancy
The use of Teraflu for flu and colds is contraindicated for pregnant and lactating women.
Contraindications
Contraindications to the use of Teraflu include: functional insufficiency of the liver and kidneys (paracetamol is particularly nephrotoxic); high blood pressure; abnormal heart rhythms (bradycardia) and hypertrophic heart pathologies; inflammation/ulcers of the stomach or duodenum; prostatic hyperplasia accompanied by dysuria; lung diseases; bronchial asthma.
Theraflu should not be given to children under 14 years of age.
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Side effects Teraflu
The most common side effects that each component of this drug causes include: dizziness and headache, hives, nausea and vomiting, constipation or diarrhea, increased dryness of the mucous membranes, problems with urination, changes in the cardiovascular system (arterial hypertension, heart rate disturbances), insomnia or drowsiness.
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Interactions with other drugs
When using Theraflu simultaneously with NSAIDs, more side effects occur.
Antibiotics increase the negative impact of paracetamol on the liver, and anesthetics can lead to severe arrhythmia.
Taking anticoagulants together with Theraflu reduces their therapeutic effect.
It should be borne in mind that due to the presence of pheniramine maleate, this drug is incompatible with antidepressants, MAO inhibitors, and hormonal contraceptives.
Shelf life
The expiration date is indicated on the packaging.
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Analogues of Teraflu for colds
There are a number of analogues of Theraflu available:
- Coldrex or Fervex (without phenylephrine); however, Coldrex Hotrem does not contain an antihistamine component, and the amount of paracetamol in one packet is half the permissible single dose;
- Antiflu, Gripout, Astracitron, Farmacitron forte – with the same components, but the paracetamol content is also higher than in Teraflu;
- Antigrippin (also without phenylephrine, chlorphenamine is used as a histamine receptor blocker).
Reviews
Some reviews of Theraflu concern its excipients – flavors, synthetic flavors, stabilizers, and colorants. Most often, concerns arise about titanium dioxide – food additive E17, the harmlessness of which many doubt, since it has not been fully clarified.
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Attention!
To simplify the perception of information, this instruction for use of the drug "Teraflu for the treatment and prevention of flu and colds" translated and presented in a special form on the basis of the official instructions for medical use of the drug. Before use read the annotation that came directly to medicines.
Description provided for informational purposes and is not a guide to self-healing. The need for this drug, the purpose of the treatment regimen, methods and dose of the drug is determined solely by the attending physician. Self-medication is dangerous for your health.