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Lemsip Max Day & Night Cold & Flu – 24 Capsules

Lemsip Max Day & Night Cold & Flu – 24 Capsules

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  • ✔️ Relieves cold and flu fever, aches, and sore throat
  • ✔️ Non-drowsy day formula keeps you alert and functional
  • ✔️ Night capsules with diphenhydramine aid restful sleep
  • ✔️ Targets nasal congestion with phenylephrine decongestant
  • ✔️ 24-capsule pack covers full day and night symptom relief

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What Are Lemsip Max Day Night Cold Flu Capsules?

 

When a cold or flu hits, it rarely sticks to office hours. That's exactly why Lemsip Max Day Night cold flu capsules are designed to work around the clock — keeping you comfortable during the day and helping you rest at night. This 24-capsule pack contains two distinct formulations: day capsules to keep you functional, and night capsules to help you sleep through the worst of it. You can browse the full range of cold and flu treatments at Cured Pharmacy's cold and flu collection if you'd like to compare your options.

Each day capsule contains 500 mg paracetamol and 6.1 mg phenylephrine hydrochloride. The night capsules contain 500 mg paracetamol and 25 mg diphenhydramine hydrochloride. Together, these ingredients tackle the full spectrum of cold and flu symptoms — fever, aches, sore throat, and nasal congestion — without leaving you drowsy during working hours.

 

How Do Lemsip Max Day & Night Capsules Work?

 

The two capsule types work through different but complementary mechanisms. Here's how each one acts in the body:

  • Paracetamol (500 mg) — present in both day and night capsules. It reduces fever by acting on the hypothalamus and relieves mild to moderate pain, including headaches, sore throat, and body aches associated with colds and flu.
  • Phenylephrine hydrochloride (6.1 mg — day capsules only) — a sympathomimetic decongestant that causes vasoconstriction in the nasal mucosa, reducing swelling and relieving blocked nose without causing sedation.
  • Diphenhydramine hydrochloride (25 mg — night capsules only) — a first-generation antihistamine with sedative properties. It helps you fall asleep while also providing mild relief from runny nose and sneezing.

The NHS notes that paracetamol is one of the most widely used and well-tolerated analgesics and antipyretics available without prescription. Using a combined day/night formulation means you're not doubling up on sedating ingredients during the day — a common pitfall with some all-in-one cold remedies.

 

Who Is Lemsip Max Day & Night Suitable For?

 

This product is intended for adults and young people aged 16 and over who are experiencing cold or flu symptoms. It's particularly useful if your symptoms are disrupting both your daytime productivity and your ability to sleep at night. That said, it isn't right for everyone.

  • Adults aged 16 and over with cold or flu symptoms
  • People who need non-drowsy relief during the day
  • Those struggling to sleep due to cold symptoms at night
  • Individuals who want a single pack covering both day and night relief

It is not suitable for children under 16, pregnant or breastfeeding women (without medical advice), or anyone with severe liver or kidney impairment. If you're managing other conditions alongside your cold — such as high blood pressure or a heart condition — speak to your pharmacist before use, as phenylephrine can affect cardiovascular function.

 

How Does Lemsip Max Day & Night Compare to Other Cold Remedies?

 

Feature Lemsip Max Day & Night (24 Capsules) Standard All-in-One Cold Capsule
Day formulation (non-drowsy) Yes — phenylephrine only Varies — some contain sedating antihistamines
Night formulation (sleep aid) Yes — diphenhydramine included Usually no separate night capsule
Paracetamol dose per capsule 500 mg Typically 200–500 mg
Suitable for driving (day capsules) Generally yes — check individual response Not always — depends on formulation

 

Is Lemsip Max Day & Night Safe to Store at Home?

 

Store this product below 25°C in a dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep it out of the reach and sight of children at all times. Do not use after the expiry date printed on the pack. If you're also managing pain from other causes, you might find our pain relief collection helpful for exploring additional options alongside your cold treatment.

This product is a medicine. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before using if you have an underlying medical condition or are taking other medicines.

Lemsip Max Day & Night Cold & Flu – 24 Capsules specifications
Treatment category Cold and flu relief
Mechanism of action Analgesic/antipyretic (paracetamol), nasal decongestant (phenylephrine), sedating antihistamine (diphenhydramine)
Effective for Fever, headache, sore throat, nasal congestion, body aches, sleeplessness due to cold/flu
Suitable for Adults and young people aged 16 and over
Active ingredients Paracetamol 500 mg, Phenylephrine HCl 6.1 mg (day); Paracetamol 500 mg, Diphenhydramine HCl 25 mg (night)
Pack size 24 capsules (16 day + 8 night)
UK classification GSL (General Sale List)
Drug class Analgesic, decongestant, antihistamine combination
Preparation Hard capsule
Route of administration Oral

Specifications of Lemsip Max Day & Night Cold & Flu – 24 Capsules

 

What Is Lemsip Max Day & Night and What Is It Used For?

 

Lemsip Max Day & Night Cold & Flu 24 Capsules is an over-the-counter combination medicine used to relieve the symptoms of colds and flu in adults and young people aged 16 and over. The pack is split into day capsules and night capsules, each targeting your symptoms at the appropriate time. Day capsules provide non-drowsy relief from fever, headache, sore throat, and blocked nose. Night capsules add a sedating antihistamine to help you sleep while continuing to ease discomfort. The NHS advises that most cold and flu symptoms can be managed effectively with over-the-counter medicines, rest, and adequate fluid intake.

 

What Do You Need to Know Before Using Lemsip Max Day & Night?

 

Before taking this medicine, read the following carefully. Some people should not use this product at all, and others may need to take extra precautions.

Do not take if you:

  • Are under 16 years of age
  • Are allergic to paracetamol, phenylephrine, diphenhydramine, or any other ingredient
  • Are taking or have taken monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) within the last 14 days
  • Have severe liver or kidney disease
  • Are already taking other paracetamol-containing medicines — this is a significant risk for accidental overdose
  • Have a condition called phenylketonuria (the capsules may contain phenylalanine)

Speak to your pharmacist or doctor before use if you:

  • Have high blood pressure, heart disease, or an overactive thyroid
  • Have an enlarged prostate or difficulty urinating
  • Have glaucoma
  • Are pregnant or breastfeeding
  • Regularly drink alcohol
  • Have diabetes

Known drug interactions — do not take alongside:

  • Other paracetamol-containing products (risk of overdose)
  • MAOIs or within 14 days of stopping them
  • Sedatives, sleeping tablets, or tranquillisers (increased drowsiness risk with night capsules)
  • Tricyclic antidepressants
  • Beta-blockers or other antihypertensives (phenylephrine may reduce their effect)

If you're also dealing with symptoms affecting your ears, nose, or throat more broadly, our ear, nose and throat collection has additional products that may help.

 

How Should You Use Lemsip Max Day & Night Capsules?

 

  1. Read the patient information leaflet inside the pack before taking any capsules.
  2. Swallow the capsules whole with a full glass of water — do not chew or crush them.
  3. Take two day capsules every four to six hours as needed during the day.
  4. Do not take more than four doses (eight day capsules) in any 24-hour period.
  5. Take two night capsules at bedtime only — do not take during the day.
  6. Do not take the night capsules more than once in 24 hours.
  7. Do not take with any other paracetamol-containing product.
Capsule Type Age Group Dose Frequency
Day capsules Adults & young people 16+ 2 capsules Every 4–6 hours, max 4 doses/24 hrs
Night capsules Adults & young people 16+ 2 capsules At bedtime only, once in 24 hours
Day or night capsules Under 16 Not suitable — do not use

 

What Are the Possible Side Effects of Lemsip Max Day & Night?

 

Like all medicines, this product can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them. The night capsules carry a higher risk of drowsiness due to the diphenhydramine content.

Common side effects:

  • Drowsiness or sedation (particularly with night capsules)
  • Dry mouth
  • Nausea or stomach upset
  • Dizziness
  • Headache

Less common side effects:

  • Difficulty urinating (urinary retention)
  • Blurred vision
  • Palpitations or raised heart rate
  • Raised blood pressure (due to phenylephrine)
  • Skin rash or allergic reaction

Stop taking this medicine and seek immediate medical attention if you develop signs of a serious allergic reaction — such as swelling of the face, lips, or throat, difficulty breathing, or a severe skin rash. Paracetamol overdose is a medical emergency; if you suspect you or someone else has taken too much, go to A&E immediately even if you feel well, as liver damage may not be apparent for several days. If you're looking to support your recovery with vitamins, our vitamins and supplements collection includes options that may help during and after illness.

 

How Should You Store Lemsip Max Day & Night Capsules?

 

  • Store below 25°C in a dry place away from direct heat and sunlight.
  • Keep the pack out of the reach and sight of children at all times.
  • Do not use after the expiry date printed on the carton.
  • Do not store in a bathroom or near a sink — moisture can degrade the capsules.
  • Do not transfer capsules to another container — keep them in the original blister pack.
  • If you have unused or expired medicine, return it to your local pharmacy for safe disposal — do not flush or bin it.

Written and reviewed by our qualified team

Your safety and success are our highest priorities. Our medical team rigorously evaluates every product and piece of advice we provide, ensuring you receive only the most effective, science-backed solutions available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I buy Lemsip Max Day & Night Cold & Flu capsules online in the UK?

You can buy Lemsip Max Day & Night Cold & Flu 24 Capsules directly from Cured Pharmacy online for £5.99, with fast UK delivery. Cured Pharmacy is a GPhC-registered online pharmacy, so you can order with confidence knowing your medicine is genuine and dispensed safely. Browse the full cold and flu collection for more options if needed.

How do Lemsip Max Day & Night capsules work in the body?

The day capsules combine paracetamol — which lowers fever and eases pain — with phenylephrine, a decongestant that reduces swelling in the nasal passages to relieve a blocked nose. The night capsules swap phenylephrine for diphenhydramine, a sedating antihistamine that helps you sleep while paracetamol continues to manage fever and discomfort. Together, the two formulations provide targeted relief at the right time of day.

How do I use Lemsip Max Day & Night capsules step by step?

During the day, take two day capsules every four to six hours as needed, swallowed whole with a glass of water — never chew or crush them. At bedtime, take two night capsules once only. Do not exceed eight day capsules or two night capsules in any 24-hour period, and never take both types at the same time.

What is the correct dose of Lemsip Max Day & Night capsules for adults?

Adults and young people aged 16 and over should take two day capsules every four to six hours, with a maximum of four doses (eight capsules) in 24 hours. Two night capsules should be taken at bedtime only, and only once per 24-hour period. Never take more than the stated dose, as each capsule contains 500 mg paracetamol and exceeding the limit risks serious liver damage.

When is the best time to take Lemsip Max Day & Night capsules?

Take the day capsules as soon as symptoms appear during waking hours, spacing doses at least four hours apart. Switch to the night capsules at bedtime — the diphenhydramine in the night formula will cause drowsiness, so do not take them if you still need to drive or operate machinery. Timing your doses correctly ensures you get non-drowsy relief during the day and restful sleep at night.

What are the side effects of Lemsip Max Day & Night capsules?

Common side effects include drowsiness (especially from the night capsules), dry mouth, nausea, and dizziness. Less commonly, you may experience difficulty urinating, blurred vision, or a raised heart rate due to the phenylephrine in the day capsules. If you develop a skin rash, swelling, or difficulty breathing, stop taking the medicine immediately and seek urgent medical attention.

How do I manage side effects of Lemsip Max Day & Night capsules?

For dry mouth, sip water regularly and avoid caffeine. If you feel drowsy after taking the night capsules, ensure you are already in bed and do not attempt to drive the following morning until you feel fully alert. If nausea is a problem, try taking the capsules with a small amount of food, and speak to your pharmacist if side effects persist or concern you.

Who should not take Lemsip Max Day & Night Cold & Flu capsules?

This product is not suitable for children under 16, people taking MAOIs or who have taken them in the last 14 days, or anyone with severe liver or kidney disease. Those with high blood pressure, heart disease, glaucoma, an enlarged prostate, or an overactive thyroid should speak to a pharmacist or GP before use. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should also seek medical advice first.

Can I take Lemsip Max Day & Night capsules with other medicines?

Do not take this product alongside any other medicine containing paracetamol — including many other cold remedies, pain relief tablets, and some prescription medicines — as this significantly increases the risk of paracetamol overdose. Avoid combining with MAOIs, sedatives, sleeping tablets, tricyclic antidepressants, or beta-blockers. Always check with your pharmacist if you are unsure whether your current medicines interact with this product.

What happens if I miss a dose of Lemsip Max Day & Night capsules?

If you miss a dose, simply take the next dose when it is due — do not double up to make up for a missed one. Because this is a symptomatic treatment rather than a course of medicine, missing a single dose will not affect your recovery. Just continue as normal and ensure at least four hours pass between day capsule doses.

Can I drive after taking Lemsip Max Day & Night capsules?

The day capsules are formulated to be non-drowsy, so most people can drive after taking them — however, individual responses vary, so check how you feel before getting behind the wheel. The night capsules contain diphenhydramine, which causes significant drowsiness, and you must not drive or operate machinery after taking them. The effects of the night capsules may persist into the following morning.

How long can I take Lemsip Max Day & Night capsules for?

Do not use this product for more than five consecutive days without consulting a doctor or pharmacist. Cold and flu symptoms typically improve within seven to ten days, but if your symptoms worsen, persist beyond five days, or you develop a high fever that doesn't respond to treatment, seek medical advice. Prolonged use of decongestants can sometimes cause rebound congestion.

What are the alternatives to Lemsip Max Day & Night capsules?

Alternatives include other paracetamol-based cold remedies, ibuprofen-based products for pain and fever, or single-ingredient treatments such as a standalone decongestant nasal spray. If you prefer a non-capsule format, hot lemon drinks containing paracetamol are also available. You can explore the full range of options in our ear, nose and throat collection to find what suits you best.

Is Lemsip Max Day & Night suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

This product is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding without first consulting your GP or midwife. While paracetamol is generally considered the safest analgesic in pregnancy, the phenylephrine and diphenhydramine components carry additional risks that require professional assessment. Always seek personalised medical advice before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

What are the latest findings on combination cold and flu capsules like Lemsip Max?

Current NHS guidance continues to support the use of paracetamol-based combination cold remedies for symptomatic relief of cold and flu in adults. Evidence consistently shows that while these medicines do not shorten the duration of illness, they effectively reduce the severity of symptoms such as fever, pain, and congestion. The NHS recommends rest, fluids, and appropriate over-the-counter medicines as the cornerstone of cold and flu management. Supporting your immune system with good nutrition is also worthwhile — our vitamins and supplements collection includes relevant options.

How Should You Use Lemsip Max Day & Night Cold & Flu Capsules?

Always read the patient information leaflet inside the pack before taking this medicine. Swallow the capsules whole with a full glass of water — do not chew, crush, or open them. Keep day and night capsules separate and never take both types simultaneously.

What Is the Correct Dose of Lemsip Max Day & Night Capsules?

The dose differs between the day and night formulations, so it's important to follow the guidance below carefully. Each capsule — whether day or night — contains 500 mg of paracetamol, so exceeding the stated dose carries a real risk of liver damage.

When Is the Best Time to Use Lemsip Max Day & Night Capsules?

Take the day capsules as soon as cold or flu symptoms begin during waking hours, and space each dose at least four hours apart to maintain consistent symptom relief throughout the day. Switch to the night capsules at bedtime — the sedating diphenhydramine in the night formula is specifically designed for this time, helping you sleep through discomfort rather than lying awake with a blocked nose or aching limbs. Do not take the night capsules if you still need to be alert, as drowsiness can persist into the following morning.

How Long Can You Use Lemsip Max Day & Night Capsules For?

This medicine is intended for short-term use only. Do not take it for more than five consecutive days without speaking to a doctor or pharmacist. Cold and flu symptoms usually begin to improve within a few days, but if your symptoms worsen, fail to improve after five days, or you develop a high or persistent fever, seek medical advice promptly. Prolonged use of phenylephrine-containing decongestants is not recommended, as it may lead to rebound nasal congestion in some individuals.

Do not exceed the recommended dose. If in doubt, speak to your pharmacist.

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What Are the Most Common Side Effects of Lemsip Max Day & Night Capsules?

Most people tolerate this medicine well, but side effects can occur. The night capsules are more likely to cause side effects than the day capsules, largely due to the diphenhydramine content. Common side effects include:

  • Drowsiness or sedation (particularly after taking the night capsules)
  • Dry mouth
  • Nausea or stomach discomfort
  • Dizziness or light-headedness
  • Headache

These effects are generally mild and tend to resolve on their own. Staying well hydrated and taking capsules with food if nausea is a concern can help.

What Are the Less Common Side Effects of Lemsip Max Day & Night Capsules?

Less frequently, some people may experience side effects related to the phenylephrine in the day capsules or the antihistamine in the night capsules. These include:

  • Difficulty urinating or urinary retention (more likely in men with an enlarged prostate)
  • Blurred vision
  • Palpitations or a faster-than-normal heart rate
  • Raised blood pressure
  • Restlessness or excitability (paradoxical reaction, more common in older adults)
  • Skin rash or itching

If any of these occur and are troublesome, stop taking the medicine and speak to your pharmacist or GP.

What Are the Serious Side Effects of Lemsip Max Day & Night Capsules?

Serious side effects are rare but require immediate medical attention. The most significant risk associated with this product is paracetamol overdose, which can cause severe and potentially fatal liver damage — even if you feel well initially. Signs of liver damage may not appear for several days after an overdose. If you suspect you or someone else has taken too much, go to A&E immediately and take the packaging with you.

Serious allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) are rare but possible. Seek emergency help immediately if you experience swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, difficulty breathing, a rapid heartbeat, or a sudden drop in blood pressure.

What Should You Do If You Experience Side Effects of Lemsip Max Day & Night Capsules?

For mild side effects such as dry mouth or nausea, simple measures like sipping water, resting, and taking capsules with food are usually sufficient. If drowsiness from the night capsules persists into the following day, do not drive or operate machinery until you feel fully alert. For any side effect that is severe, unexpected, or does not resolve, stop taking the medicine and contact your pharmacist or GP. You can also report side effects directly to the MHRA via the Yellow Card scheme at yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk.

Can Lemsip Max Day & Night Capsules Interact With Other Medicines?

Yes — interactions are possible and some are clinically significant. Do not take this product alongside other paracetamol-containing medicines, as this dramatically increases the risk of accidental overdose. Avoid combining with MAOIs (or within 14 days of stopping them), sedatives, sleeping tablets, tricyclic antidepressants, or beta-blockers. The phenylephrine in the day capsules may reduce the effectiveness of antihypertensive medicines. Always tell your pharmacist about every medicine you are taking — including herbal remedies and supplements — before starting this product.

If you are concerned about any side effects, contact your pharmacist or GP immediately.

Patient Information Leaflet

Important - Before taking any medication, it is always important to read the Patient Information Leaflet (PIL)

Written and reviewed by our qualified team

GPhC Number: 2233073
Tarun Kumar

Reviewed by:

Tarun Kumar

Superintendent/ Clinical Lead

📖 Find out more about our team of medical content authors and how we ensure the accuracy of our content with our content guidelines.

Content last updated: 31 Mar 2025

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