You might find that you sneeze more often. Sneezing is another way that this airborne virus spreads between people. A raised temperature The speed of absorption of paracetamol may be increased by metoclopramide or domperidone and absorption reduced by colestyramine.

Adults and children aged 12 years and over should take two tablets every four hours as necessary, up to four times a day. Do not take more than four doses (eight tablets) in 24 hours. Brand names: Chlor Trimeton Nasal Decongestant, Contac Cold, Drixoral Decongestant Non-Drowsy, Elixsure Decongestant, Entex, Breathing in steam or applying a warm flannel to sinus areas to promote drainage and relieve pressure

In case of emergency/overdose

Sympathomimetic-containing products should be used with great care in patients suffering from angina and in patients receiving phenothiazines or tricyclic antidepressants. A head cold can be treated at home with rest and over-the-counter medicines to alleviate any uncomfortable symptoms, such as congestion. Colds shouldn’t usually require a visit to a GP. Epidemiological studies in human pregnancy have shown no ill effects due to paracetamol used in the recommended dosage, but patients should follow the advice of their doctor regarding its use.

Smoking and breathing in second-hand smoke can irritate and damage your throat lining, causing your body to produce more mucus. Avoiding smoking in all forms can help keep your mucus levels normal. Eucalyptus oil Eucalyptus oil can help subdue coughs and reduce mucus. You can usually apply them directly to your chest or add a few drops to your diffuser or warm bath. Phlegm in chest You might feel a build-up of pressure behind your eyes, or in your ears. This is linked to the inflammation of your sinuses and nasal passages. You might even find it difficult to hear while you have a cold, as swelling can keep the passages linking your ears and nose from opening. Loss of taste and smell

What side effects can this medication cause?

The safety of guaifenesin in pregnancy and lactation has not been fully established but this constituent is not thought to be hazardous. However the product should only be used in pregnancy when considered essential by the doctor.

Guaidex TR ® (containing Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin, Methscopolamine, Pseudoephedrine) § FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether Sudafed will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using Sudafed. Pseudoephedrine can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use Sudafed without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Most people get at least one cold a year and they can be difficult to avoid. However, there are a few things you can do to reduce your chances of catching one. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Concomitant use of other paracetamol-containing products should be avoided. If symptoms persist consult your doctor. A head cold is a respiratory illness caused by a virus. Often referred to as the common cold, the symptoms of a head cold usually appear in the sinuses and nasal passages. Women who are pregnant. (Phenylephrine has blood vessel constricting effects that could restrict blood supply to the placenta, or cause problems for women with a history of pre-eclampsia. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for further advice on how to treat cold and flu symptoms during pregnancy.) You can help to thin out the mucus and return it to its clear colour by drinking plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. Yellow mucus Symptoms of paracetamol overdosage in the first 24 hours are pallor, nausea, vomiting, anorexia and abdominal pain. Liver damage may become apparent 12 to 48 hours after ingestion. Abnormalities of glucose metabolism and metabolic acidosis may occur. In severe poisoning, hepatic failure may progress to encephalopathy, haemorrhage, hypoglycaemia, cerebral oedema, and death. Acute renal failure with acute tubular necrosis, strongly suggested by loin pain, haematuria and proteinuria, may develop even in the absence of severe liver damage. Cardiac arrhythmias and pancreatitis have been reported.