Skip to product information
1 of 1

  • Images are for illustration purposes only

Night Nurse

Night Nurse

  • 1. Ozempic®️-equivalent therapy now available for weight management
  • 2. Average weight loss of 17%, with 1 in 3 patients achieving over 20%
  • 3. May help reduce osteoarthritis-related pain
  • 4. Wegovy®️ is not expected to impact the effectiveness of oral contraceptives
  • 5. Supports cardiovascular risk reduction
  • 6. Over 22 million patients treated with semaglutide-based therapies since 2018

  • ✔️ Relieves cold and flu symptoms to help you sleep
  • ✔️ Targets fever, cough, congestion and sore throat pain
  • ✔️ Contains paracetamol, promethazine and dextromethorphan
  • ✔️ Suitable for adults and young people aged 16 and over
  • ✔️ Available as easy-to-take liquid or capsules

Price Checker

Regular price £6.79
Sale price £6.79
Sale Sold out
  • Lowest price guarantee
  • Includes FREE private prescription
View full details

 

What Is Night Nurse Cold and Flu Relief?

 

When a cold or flu hits at night, it can feel relentless. The coughing, the blocked nose, the aching limbs — all of it conspiring to keep you awake when your body needs rest most. Night Nurse cold and flu relief is a well-established, over-the-counter remedy designed specifically for night-time use, targeting multiple cold and flu symptoms at once so you can actually get some sleep. Available as both a liquid and capsules, it has been a trusted name in UK households for decades. You can browse our full range of cold and flu treatments if you want to compare your options before buying.

Night Nurse is manufactured by Haleon (formerly GSK Consumer Healthcare) and is classified as a pharmacy (P) medicine in the UK, meaning it is available without a prescription but should be purchased from a registered pharmacy. Each dose contains three active ingredients working together to tackle the most disruptive night-time symptoms.

 

How Does Night Nurse Work to Relieve Symptoms?

 

Night Nurse works through a combination of three active ingredients, each targeting a different symptom:

  • Paracetamol (1,000 mg per dose): Reduces fever and relieves the aches and pains associated with colds and flu by acting on pain receptors in the brain and lowering the body's temperature set-point.
  • Promethazine hydrochloride (20 mg per dose): An antihistamine that helps relieve a runny nose and congestion. It also causes sedation, which is intentional in a night-time formulation — helping you drift off despite your symptoms.
  • Dextromethorphan hydrobromide (15 mg per dose): A cough suppressant that acts on the cough centre in the brain, reducing the urge to cough so you are not disturbed throughout the night.

Together, these three ingredients address fever, pain, congestion, and cough — the four symptoms most likely to disrupt your sleep when you have a cold or flu.

 

Who Is Night Nurse Suitable For?

 

Night Nurse is intended for adults and young people aged 16 and over who are experiencing cold or flu symptoms that are affecting their sleep. It is particularly useful if you have more than one symptom at the same time — for example, a cough alongside a fever and a blocked nose. That said, it is not appropriate for everyone.

Night Nurse may be suitable for you if:

  • You are aged 16 or over
  • You have cold or flu symptoms including cough, fever, sore throat, or congestion
  • Your symptoms are disrupting your sleep
  • You are not taking any other paracetamol-containing products
  • You are not taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or other sedating medicines

 

How Does Night Nurse Compare to Day Nurse?

 

Feature Night Nurse Day Nurse
Time of use Bedtime only During the day
Contains sedating antihistamine Yes (promethazine) No
Suitable for driving No Yes (if symptoms allow)
Cough suppressant Yes (dextromethorphan) Yes (pholcodine)
Paracetamol included Yes (1,000 mg) Yes (1,000 mg)

 

How Should You Store Night Nurse and Is It Safe Long-Term?

 

Store Night Nurse below 25°C in a dry place, away from direct sunlight and out of reach of children. Do not use it after the expiry date printed on the packaging. The liquid formulation should be kept upright and the cap secured tightly after each use.

Night Nurse cold and flu relief is intended for short-term use only — typically no more than five consecutive nights. It is not a long-term solution. If your symptoms persist beyond this period, worsen, or you develop a high fever that does not respond to treatment, you should seek advice from your GP. If you are also looking for daytime symptom relief, our ear, nose and throat range includes a variety of options to help manage congestion and sore throat during the day.

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.

Night Nurse specifications
Treatment category Cold and flu relief (night-time)
Active ingredients Paracetamol 1,000 mg, Promethazine hydrochloride 20 mg, Dextromethorphan hydrobromide 15 mg (per 20 ml dose)
Mechanism of action Analgesic/antipyretic, sedating antihistamine, cough suppressant
Suitable for Adults and young people aged 16 and over
Pack sizes 160 ml liquid; 10 capsules
UK classification Pharmacy (P) medicine
Drug class Analgesic, antihistamine, antitussive combination
Preparation Oral liquid; hard capsules
Route of administration Oral
Effective for Fever, pain, cough, congestion, sleeplessness due to cold/flu

Specifications of Night Nurse

 

What Is Night Nurse and What Is It Used For?

 

Night Nurse is a combination over-the-counter medicine used to relieve the symptoms of colds and flu at night. It contains paracetamol to reduce fever and ease aches, promethazine hydrochloride to relieve a runny nose and help you sleep, and dextromethorphan hydrobromide to suppress a persistent cough. It is available as an oral liquid (taken as a 20 ml dose) or as capsules (two capsules per dose). Night Nurse cold and flu relief is only intended for use at bedtime — it is not suitable for daytime use because of its sedating effects.

 

What Do You Need to Know Before Using Night Nurse?

 

Before taking Night Nurse, it is important to check whether it is appropriate for you. There are several situations in which you should not take it, and a number of medicines it can interact with.

Do not take Night Nurse if you:

  • Are under 16 years of age
  • Are pregnant or breastfeeding
  • Have severe liver or kidney disease
  • Are taking or have taken monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) within the last 14 days
  • Are allergic to paracetamol, promethazine, dextromethorphan, or any other ingredient in the product
  • Have a condition called phenylketonuria (the liquid contains aspartame)
  • Have epilepsy or are prone to seizures
  • Have glaucoma or an enlarged prostate

Night Nurse may interact with the following medicines:

  • Other paracetamol-containing products (risk of overdose)
  • Alcohol and other sedating medicines (increased drowsiness)
  • Warfarin and other anticoagulants (paracetamol may affect INR at high doses)
  • Antidepressants, including SSRIs and MAOIs
  • Antiepileptic medicines such as carbamazepine and phenytoin
  • Other antihistamines

Always tell your pharmacist about all medicines you are currently taking, including herbal remedies and supplements. If you are looking for non-drowsy daytime relief, our pain relief range includes paracetamol and ibuprofen options that will not affect your alertness.

 

How Should You Use Night Nurse?

 

Night Nurse should only be taken at bedtime. Never take it during the day or before driving. Follow these steps carefully:

  1. Check the expiry date on the packaging before use.
  2. For the liquid: shake the bottle gently, then measure exactly 20 ml using the graduated measuring cup provided.
  3. For capsules: swallow two capsules whole with a glass of water.
  4. Take your dose immediately before going to bed.
  5. Do not take a second dose within 24 hours.
  6. Do not take alongside any other paracetamol-containing product.
  7. Do not drink alcohol before or after taking Night Nurse.
Formulation Age Group Dose Frequency
Liquid Adults and young people 16+ 20 ml Once at bedtime only
Capsules Adults and young people 16+ 2 capsules Once at bedtime only
Liquid or capsules Under 16 Not suitable Not applicable

 

What Are the Possible Side Effects of Night Nurse?

 

Like all medicines, Night Nurse can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them. The sedating effect of promethazine is intentional at night but can persist into the following morning in some people.

Common side effects:

  • Drowsiness or grogginess the next morning
  • Dry mouth
  • Blurred vision
  • Dizziness

Less common side effects:

  • Urinary retention (difficulty passing urine)
  • Constipation
  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Skin rash or sensitivity to sunlight (photosensitivity)
  • Paradoxical excitability (more common in older adults)

Stop taking Night Nurse 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 — never exceed the stated dose, and never combine Night Nurse with other paracetamol products. If you suspect an overdose, go to A&E immediately even if you feel well, as liver damage may not be apparent for several days.

 

How Should You Store Night Nurse?

 

  • Store below 25°C in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
  • Keep the bottle or blister pack tightly closed when not in use.
  • Keep out of the sight and reach of children at all times.
  • Do not use after the expiry date printed on the carton or bottle.
  • Do not store in a bathroom or near a sink — moisture can degrade the product.
  • Do not freeze the liquid formulation.
  • Dispose of any unused medicine safely — return it to your pharmacy rather than putting it in household waste or flushing it down the sink.

If you are managing multiple symptoms and need additional support, our sleep aid range may also be of interest for nights when congestion has cleared but sleep remains difficult.

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 Night Nurse online in the UK?

You can buy Night Nurse online from Cured Pharmacy, a GPhC-registered UK online pharmacy. It is available without a prescription as a pharmacy (P) medicine. Simply add it to your basket and complete a short health questionnaire to confirm it is suitable for you.

How does Night Nurse work in the body?

Night Nurse cold and flu relief contains three active ingredients that work together. Paracetamol reduces fever and relieves pain, dextromethorphan suppresses the cough reflex in the brain, and promethazine acts as a sedating antihistamine to ease congestion and help you fall asleep. The combination targets multiple symptoms simultaneously rather than just one.

How do I use Night Nurse liquid step by step?

Shake the bottle gently, then measure exactly 20 ml using the graduated cup provided. Take the dose at bedtime only — never during the day. Do not take a second dose within 24 hours, and avoid alcohol before and after taking it.

What is the correct dose of Night Nurse for adults?

Adults and young people aged 16 and over should take 20 ml of Night Nurse liquid or two Night Nurse capsules at bedtime. This is a single dose and should not be repeated within 24 hours. Do not take more than the recommended amount — paracetamol overdose can cause serious liver damage.

Can I drive the morning after taking Night Nurse?

You should be cautious. Promethazine, the antihistamine in Night Nurse, can cause residual drowsiness that persists into the following morning in some people. Do not drive or operate machinery if you feel drowsy or unsteady. If in doubt, wait until you feel fully alert before getting behind the wheel.

Who should not take Night Nurse?

Night Nurse is not suitable for children under 16, pregnant or breastfeeding women, or people taking MAOIs. It should also be avoided by those with severe liver or kidney disease, glaucoma, an enlarged prostate, or epilepsy. Always speak to a pharmacist if you are unsure whether it is right for you.

Can I take Night Nurse if I am pregnant?

No. Night Nurse is not recommended during pregnancy. Promethazine and dextromethorphan are not considered safe in pregnancy, and you should speak to your GP or midwife before taking any cold or flu remedy. Your healthcare provider can advise on safer alternatives for managing your symptoms.

What are the side effects of Night Nurse?

Common side effects include drowsiness, dry mouth, blurred vision, and dizziness. Less commonly, some people experience nausea, constipation, urinary retention, or a skin rash. If you develop signs of a serious allergic reaction — such as swelling of the face or difficulty breathing — stop taking it and seek emergency medical help immediately.

Can I take Night Nurse with other cold and flu medicines?

No — you must not take Night Nurse alongside any other product containing paracetamol, as this significantly increases the risk of paracetamol overdose. You should also avoid combining it with other antihistamines, cough suppressants, or sedating medicines. Always check the ingredients of any other medicine you are taking before using Night Nurse.

How long can I take Night Nurse for?

Night Nurse is intended for short-term use only — generally no more than five consecutive nights. If your symptoms have not improved after this time, or if they worsen, you should consult your GP. Prolonged use of antihistamines and cough suppressants without medical supervision is not recommended. You can explore our cold and flu range for additional support products.

What happens if I miss a dose of Night Nurse?

Because Night Nurse is taken as a single bedtime dose rather than on a regular schedule, there is no "missed dose" in the traditional sense. Simply take it the following night if you still have symptoms. Never double up on doses to compensate — this could lead to paracetamol overdose.

What are the alternatives to Night Nurse?

Alternatives include Lemsip Max Night, Benylin Night Cough, or Sudafed Night-Time. You could also use individual products — paracetamol for fever and pain, a separate antihistamine for congestion, and a cough linctus for cough. Browse our ear, nose and throat collection for a wider selection of symptom-specific remedies.

Is Night Nurse liquid or capsules better?

Both formulations contain the same active ingredients at the same doses, so neither is clinically superior to the other. The liquid may act slightly faster as it does not need to dissolve, while capsules are more convenient for travel. Choose whichever you find easier to take at bedtime.

Can Night Nurse help with a sore throat?

Yes, indirectly. The paracetamol in Night Nurse cold and flu relief helps to relieve the pain associated with a sore throat by acting on pain receptors. However, it does not treat the underlying cause of a sore throat. If your sore throat is severe, lasts more than a week, or is accompanied by difficulty swallowing or breathing, see your GP.

What are the latest guidelines on treating cold and flu symptoms at night?

NHS guidance recommends rest, staying hydrated, and using over-the-counter remedies to manage symptoms while your immune system fights the infection. Combination night-time products like Night Nurse are considered appropriate for short-term symptom relief in adults. Antibiotics are not effective against viral infections such as colds and flu and should not be requested for these conditions.

How Should You Use Night Nurse?

Night Nurse is straightforward to use, but it is important to follow the instructions carefully to get the most benefit and avoid any risk of harm. It is a bedtime-only medicine — never take it during the day or before any activity that requires you to be alert.

Follow these steps each time you take Night Nurse:

What Is the Correct Dose of Night Nurse?

The dose of Night Nurse is the same whether you choose the liquid or the capsule formulation. Both deliver the same quantities of all three active ingredients. Do not adjust the dose yourself — taking more than recommended will not improve your symptoms and may cause serious harm, particularly due to the paracetamol content.

When Is the Best Time to Use Night Nurse?

The clue is in the name — Night Nurse should always be taken at bedtime, immediately before you intend to sleep. Taking it at this point means the sedating effect of promethazine coincides with when you want to be asleep, rather than leaving you drowsy at an inconvenient time. Do not take it in the afternoon or early evening, as the sedation may affect your ability to function safely.

Plan ahead: make sure you have at least seven to eight hours available for sleep after taking your dose. This reduces the chance of waking up feeling groggy or unsteady the next morning.

How Long Can You Use Night Nurse For?

Night Nurse is designed for short-term use only. You should not take it for more than five consecutive nights without speaking to a pharmacist or GP. Most cold and flu infections resolve within seven to ten days, so you should not need it for longer than this.

If your symptoms persist beyond five days, worsen significantly, or you develop a high fever that does not respond to paracetamol, seek medical advice promptly. Prolonged use of sedating antihistamines without supervision is not recommended, and continued cough suppression may mask an underlying condition that needs assessment.

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

What Are the Most Common Side Effects of Night Nurse?

The most frequently reported side effects of Night Nurse are directly related to its antihistamine ingredient, promethazine. Because promethazine is intentionally sedating, drowsiness is expected — but it can sometimes linger into the following morning. If you feel groggy when you wake up, do not drive or operate machinery until you feel fully alert.

  • Drowsiness or next-morning grogginess
  • Dry mouth
  • Blurred vision
  • Dizziness or light-headedness

What Are the Less Common Side Effects of Night Nurse?

Some people experience side effects that are less frequent but still worth being aware of. These are more likely in older adults or those taking other medicines that affect the nervous system or bladder function.

  • Difficulty passing urine (urinary retention)
  • Constipation
  • Nausea or stomach discomfort
  • Headache
  • Skin rash or increased sensitivity to sunlight (photosensitivity)
  • Paradoxical excitability or restlessness — more common in older adults
  • Palpitations

What Are the Serious Side Effects of Night Nurse?

Serious side effects are rare but require immediate medical attention. Paracetamol overdose is a particular concern — it may not cause obvious symptoms at first, but can lead to severe liver damage within days if untreated. Never take more than the stated dose, and never combine Night Nurse with any other paracetamol-containing product.

Seek emergency help immediately if you experience any of the following:

  • Signs of a serious allergic reaction: swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat; difficulty breathing; severe skin rash or hives
  • Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice) — a sign of liver problems
  • Severe skin reactions such as blistering or peeling
  • Seizures
  • Irregular or very fast heartbeat

What Should You Do If You Experience Side Effects?

If you experience mild side effects such as a dry mouth or slight dizziness, these usually resolve on their own once the medicine has worn off. Staying hydrated and resting can help. However, if side effects are troublesome, persistent, or unexpected, stop taking Night Nurse and speak to your pharmacist or GP before taking another dose.

In the event of a suspected overdose — even if you feel well — go to your nearest A&E department immediately and take the packaging with you. Do not wait for symptoms to appear, as paracetamol toxicity can be silent in its early stages.

Can Night Nurse Interact With Other Medicines?

Yes. Night Nurse has several clinically significant interactions. The most important is with other paracetamol-containing products — combining them can cause accidental overdose. Promethazine interacts with alcohol, other sedatives, antidepressants (particularly MAOIs and SSRIs), and antiepileptic medicines. Dextromethorphan can also interact with MAOIs, potentially causing a serious condition called serotonin syndrome. Always tell your pharmacist about every medicine, supplement, or herbal remedy you are taking before using Night Nurse.

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)

View Patient Information Leaflet (PDF)

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

We’re a safe and
regulated UK service

Registered Pharmacy Badge

Lowest Price Guarantee

We're convinced you won't find your treatment cheaper, but if you do we'll refund the difference.

Find out more

100% discreet packaging

We're convinced you won't find your treatment cheaper, but if you do we'll refund the difference.

Find out more

Agent

Need help?
Talk to our friendly experts now

How our service works

Service Setup

Service setup

Discreet Packaging

Discreet packaging

Express Delivery

Express delivery