Combination cold and flu relief (cough suppressant, decongestant, antihistamine, painkiller)
Last reviewed July 2026
Who is this for?
This is a combination medicine that contains four active ingredients working together: a cough suppressant (dextromethorphan) to calm your cough, a nasal decongestant (phenylephrine) to open up your blocked nose, an antihistamine (doxylamine) to stop sneezing and runny nose, and a painkiller/fever reducer (acetaminophen, also known as paracetamol) to bring down fever and ease body pain.
Suppresses cough via sigma-1 receptor agonism in the medullary cough centre; activates α1-adrenergic receptors causing nasal vasoconstriction and decongestion; blocks H1 histamine receptors reducing sneezing and rhinorrhoea; and inhibits COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes, reducing prostaglandin-mediated fever, pain, and inflammation.
Available Over The Counter
Get this from any pharmacy or chemist: no prescription needed.
Is Dextromethorphan; safe to take with another drug?
Check with multiple drugs →Explore this drug
Since this medicine is taken only when you have symptoms, there is no strict schedule. If you forget a dose, take it when you remember, but do not double up or take two doses close together. Just continue with the next dose as needed.
Do not drive or operate machines after taking this medicine because it will make you very sleepy, so it is best taken at bedtime. Buy only from reputable pharmacies and check the expiry date, not from roadside vendors or open markets. Do not combine with other cold and flu medicines or extra paracetamol as overdose can seriously damage your liver.
Do not drink alcohol while taking this medicine as it increases drowsiness and can damage your liver. Avoid taking it together with other paracetamol-containing medicines like Panadol or other cold remedies to prevent overdose. If you are taking antidepressants (especially MAO inhibitors), do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor first.
Check your specific combination
Is it safe to take Dextromethorphan; with your other drugs?
This medicine is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Consult your doctor or pharmacist before using it if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or nursing a baby.
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat, as Nigerian weather can be very hot, so avoid leaving it in your car or near a window. Keep it in its original pack and far from the reach of children.
For information only: not medical advice. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before changing your medication.
Names this drug is sold under, especially in Nigerian and West African pharmacies
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Counterfeit Drug Warning
Fake drugs are a serious problem in Nigeria. Always buy from a registered pharmacy. If the packaging looks different from what is described above, do not use it.