Description

Night-Time Relief from Cold and Flu Symptoms

Night Nurse Liquid Overview

Night Nurse Liquid is a night-time cold and flu medicine designed to relieve multiple symptoms while helping you rest. It is formulated to ease aches and pains, headache, sore throat, runny nose, and dry cough, with added sedating properties to support sleep.

In the UK, Night Nurse Liquid is an over-the-counter medicine intended for short-term night-time use only. It is taken at bedtime to relieve symptoms that commonly disrupt sleep during colds and flu.

Understanding Night-Time Cold and Flu Symptoms

Why symptoms feel worse at night

Cold and flu symptoms often become more troublesome at night due to reduced distractions, postural changes when lying down, and natural circadian variations in inflammation and pain perception. Nasal congestion and coughing can be particularly disruptive to sleep, slowing recovery.

Night-time medicines are designed to address these symptoms together while avoiding the need for multiple products.

What Is Night Nurse Liquid?

Night Nurse Liquid is a combination medicine containing:

• Paracetamol, for pain relief and fever reduction
• Promethazine hydrochloride, a sedating antihistamine to help relieve runny nose and promote sleep
• Dextromethorphan hydrobromide, a cough suppressant for dry, irritating coughs

This formulation is intended specifically for bedtime use and should not be taken during the day.

How Does Night Nurse Liquid Work?

Paracetamol for pain and fever

Paracetamol acts in the central nervous system to reduce pain and lower fever, helping relieve headaches, sore throat discomfort, and general aches associated with colds and flu.

Antihistamine and sedative action

Promethazine blocks histamine receptors, helping to reduce nasal symptoms such as runny nose and sneezing. Its sedating effect helps reduce wakefulness, supporting sleep during illness.

Cough suppression

Dextromethorphan acts on the cough centre in the brain to reduce the frequency of dry, unproductive coughing that can disturb sleep.

What Night Nurse Helps With — and What It Does Not

What it helps with

Night Nurse Liquid may help relieve:

• night-time cold and flu symptoms
• headache and body aches
• sore throat discomfort
• runny nose and sneezing
• dry, irritating cough
• difficulty sleeping due to symptoms

What it does not treat

Night Nurse does not:

• cure viral infections
• relieve chesty or productive coughs
• replace daytime cold and flu medicines
• treat persistent or worsening symptoms

If symptoms are severe or prolonged, medical advice is required.

Who Is Night Nurse Liquid For?

Night Nurse Liquid may be suitable for:

• adults aged 16 years and over
• people whose cold or flu symptoms are disrupting sleep
• short-term night-time use only

It is intended to be taken once nightly at bedtime.

Who Should Avoid Night Nurse Liquid

Night Nurse Liquid is not suitable if:

• you are allergic to any of the ingredients
• you are taking other medicines containing paracetamol
• you have severe liver disease
• you have breathing problems such as asthma or COPD
• you are taking other sedating medicines
• you are pregnant or breastfeeding

A pharmacist can advise on suitability.

How to Take Night Nurse Liquid

Dosage

• Take one 20 ml dose at bedtime
• Use the supplied measuring cup
• Do not take more than one dose in 24 hours

Important usage advice

• For night-time use only
• Do not take with alcohol
• Do not drive or operate machinery after taking
• Do not combine with other cold and flu medicines

Safety, Warnings and Side Effects

Common side effects

Some people may experience:

• drowsiness
• dizziness
• dry mouth
• blurred vision

These effects may continue into the following morning in some individuals.

Paracetamol safety

Exceeding the recommended dose of paracetamol can cause serious liver damage. Always check labels and avoid taking multiple paracetamol-containing products together.

When to Seek Medical Advice

Speak to a GP or pharmacist if:

• symptoms last longer than 3–5 days
• symptoms worsen or change
• cough becomes productive or chesty
• you experience shortness of breath or chest pain

Urgent medical advice is required if overdose is suspected.

Use in Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Night Nurse Liquid is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Alternative treatments should be discussed with a healthcare professional.

How Night Nurse Compares to Other Cold and Flu Treatments

Night Nurse vs daytime cold remedies

Daytime products are non-sedating and suitable for use while active. Night Nurse is designed specifically for bedtime due to its sedating effects.

Night Nurse vs single-symptom treatments

Night Nurse provides multi-symptom relief in one product, reducing the need to take separate painkillers, antihistamines, or cough suppressants at night.

Supporting Recovery from Cold and Flu

Alongside medication, recovery may be supported by rest, adequate hydration, warm fluids, humidified air, and avoiding alcohol while unwell.

Night Nurse Liquid Summary

Night Nurse Liquid provides targeted night-time relief from cold and flu symptoms that commonly disrupt sleep. By combining pain relief, cough suppression, and sedating antihistamine action, it helps support rest and recovery during short-term illness.

Persistent or worsening symptoms should always be reviewed by a healthcare professional.