From the Research
In New Zealand, the most commonly available antihistamine and analgesic combination products are paracetamol with phenylephrine and chlorphenamine, and ibuprofen with phenylephrine and chlorphenamine, which can be found in various over-the-counter medications. These combinations are typically used to address multiple symptoms simultaneously, with the antihistamine component helping with runny nose and sneezing, and the analgesic reducing pain and fever. Some key points to consider when using these medications include:
- They are generally intended for short-term use, typically 3-5 days 1
- People with certain medical conditions, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, or diabetes, should consult a healthcare professional before using these combination products, as they may interact with other medications or exacerbate existing conditions
- The most recent and highest quality study on this topic, a 2022 Cochrane review, found that antihistamine-decongestant-analgesic combinations have some general benefit in adults and older children, but the evidence for their effectiveness is limited 2
- Another study from 2020 found that ibuprofen was associated with reduced temperature and less pain in children younger than 2 years compared to acetaminophen, with equivalent safety 3
- A 2013 study found that a fixed-dose combination of paracetamol, chlorphenamine, and phenylephrine was safe and effective in the symptomatic treatment of the common cold or flu-like syndrome in adults 1