Beechams Powders Powder: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Beechams Powders Powder is an over-the-counter medicine containing aspirin and caffeine, dissolved in water and drunk to relieve cold and flu symptoms and mild to moderate pain. It is suitable for adults and children aged 16 and over. The aspirin relieves pain, reduces inflammation, and lowers fever, while caffeine boosts the effect of aspirin.

What is Beechams Powders Powder

Beechams Powders is an over-the-counter oral powder medicine that contains aspirin and caffeine. It belongs to the drug class of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) combined with a stimulant (caffeine). It is dissolved in water and drunk to relieve cold and flu symptoms and mild to moderate pain. It is suitable for adults and children aged 16 and over.

Beechams Powders Powder uses

• Relief of influenza symptoms, feverishness, chills and feverish colds
• Headache
• Sore throat pain
• Aches and pains
• Nasal congestion, sinusitis and its associated pain
• Acute nasal catarrh
• Mild to moderate pain including migraine, neuralgia, toothache, period pain and muscular aches and pains
• Rheumatic and muscular pain, backache, dental pain

Benefits of Beechams Powders Powder

• Combines aspirin and caffeine to relieve multiple cold and flu symptoms at once
• Convenient dissolvable powder format for people who find swallowing tablets difficult
• Can provide relief from fever, headache and body aches together

How Beechams Powders Powder works

Beechams Powders contain aspirin, which relieves pain, reduces inflammation, and lowers body temperature when you have a fever. Caffeine acts as a mild stimulant that helps boost the effect of aspirin.

Beechams Powders Powder dosage

Mix the powder with a little water and stir before drinking. Adults and children aged 16 years and over can take this medicine; do not give to children under 16 unless a doctor advises it. Leave at least a few hours between doses, as directed on the pack. Do not take with any other paracetamol-containing products. If symptoms persist or get worse, stop and see your doctor. Do not use for more than a few days for fever, or longer than about ten days for pain relief unless advised by a doctor.

Available forms and strengths

• Powder sachets (dissolved in water)

Side effects of Beechams Powders Powder

Common

• Nervousness
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Stomach discomfort or irritation with bleeding in people with sensitive stomachs
• Flushing

Serious

• Allergic reaction including swelling of the face, lips, or throat
• Breathing problems or asthma attack/tightening of the chest
• Visual disturbances
• Difficulty passing water
• Unusual bruising or bleeding
• Low blood pressure (hypotension)
• Blood disorders (very rare)

Warnings and precautions

• Do not take if you are allergic to aspirin, caffeine, or any other ingredient in the product.
• Do not take if you have, or have had, a stomach ulcer, or if you have blood clotting disorders such as haemophilia.
• Aspirin should not be given to children under 16 because of a possible link to Reye's syndrome, a very rare but potentially fatal disease.
• Do not take if you have had asthma or shortness of breath after taking aspirin before, or if you have high blood pressure or heart disease.
• Do not take if you have ever had a stomach ulcer, perforation, or bleeding of the stomach, or if you have blood clotting disorders or gout.
• This medicine contains soya protein and should not be taken if you are allergic to peanut or soya.
• Do not take with any other paracetamol-containing products because of the risk of accidental overdose.
• Avoid excessive caffeine intake, such as from coffee, tea, or some canned drinks, while taking this product.
• Tell your doctor before taking this medicine if you are taking methotrexate, blood-thinning drugs (anticoagulants), blood pressure lowering treatments, oral hypoglycaemics, or medicines for gout.
• Do not take this product if you are pregnant or breastfeeding unless your doctor advises it.
• Ask your doctor before use if you have kidney problems.
• Do not use if you have liver disease, and ask your doctor before use if you have liver problems.
• Drinking alcohol while taking this product increases the risk of bleeding.
• This medicine might affect your ability to drive or operate machinery; do not drive until you feel it is safe to do so.

Storage

• Store below 25°C in a cool, dry place out of sight and reach of children
• Do not use after the expiry date, referring to the last day of the month stated on the packaging
• Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste

When to see a doctor

• Stop taking this medicine and tell your doctor immediately if you have an allergic reaction, breathing problems, visual disturbances, nausea, or difficulty passing water.
• Seek emergency medical help if you notice signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling of the face and throat, skin rash, breathing difficulties, or loss of consciousness.
• If you experience unusual bleeding, tell your doctor straight away.
• If you take more than the recommended dose, seek medical advice immediately.

Alternatives

• Panadol Cold & Flu
• DayQuil
• Lemsip Sachet