SUMMARY OF PRODUCT CHARACTERISTICS

1 NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT

Lemsip Max All Day Cold & Flu Tablets, or Lemsip Max All Day Flu Relief Tablets, or Nurofen Cold & Flu Relief 200mg/5mg Tablets.

2    QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE COMPOSITION

Active Ingredients    Quantity

Ibuprofen BP    200.0mg

Phenylephrine hydrochloride    5.0mg

For full list of excipients, see Section 6.1

3    PHARMACEUTICAL FORM

Yellow film coated tablet, printed with an identifying motif (IPE) in black ink

4    CLINICAL PARTICULARS

4.1    Therapeutic indications

For the relief of symptoms of cold and ‘flu with associated congestion, including aches and pains, headache, fever, sore throat, blocked nose and sinuses.

4.2    Posology and method of administration

For oral administration and short-term use only.

Adults, the elderly and children over 12 years:

The lowest effective dose should be used for the shortest duration necessary to relieve symptoms. The patient should consult a doctor if symptoms persist or worsen, or if the product is required for more than 10 days.

Two tablets every 8 hours. Leave at least 4 hours between doses and do not exceed six tablets in any 24 hour period.

Not to be given to children under 12 years.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to ibuprofen, phenylephrine or any of the excipients in the product. Hypertension and severe coronary heart disease.

Patients who have previously shown hypersensitivity reactions (e.g. asthma, rhinitis, angioedema or urticaria) in response to aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Active or history of recurrent peptic ulcer/haemorrhage (two or more distinct episodes or proven ulceration or bleeding).

History of gastrointestinal bleeding or perforation, related to previous NSAIDs therapy. Severe heart failure, renal failure or hepatic failure (see Section 4.4).

Last trimester of pregnancy.

Use with concomitant NSAIDs including cyclo-oxygenase-2 specific inhibitors (see Section 4.5).

Hyperthyroidism.

Contraindicated in patients currently receiving or within two weeks of stopping therapy with monoamine oxidase inhibitors.

4.4 Special warnings and precautions for use

Ibuprofen

Undesirable effects may be minimised by using the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration necessary to control symptoms (see gastrointestinal and cardiovascular risks below).

The elderly are at increased risk of consequence of adverse reactions to NSAIDs, especially gastrointestinal bleeding and perforation which may be fatal.

Respiratory: Bronchospasm may be precipitated in patients suffering from or with a previous history of bronchial asthma or allergic disease.

Other NSAIDs: The use of this product with concomitant NSAIDs, including cyclo-oxygenase-2 selective inhibitors, should be avoided (see Section 4.5).

SLE and mixed connective tissue disease: Systemic lupus erythematosus and mixed connective tissue disease - increased risk of aseptic meningitis (see Section 4.8).

Renal: Renal impairment as renal function may further deteriorate (see Sections

4.3 and 4.8).

Hepatic: Hepatic dysfunction (see Sections 4.3 and 4.8).

Cardiovascular and cerebrovascular effects: Caution (discussion with doctor or pharmacist) is required prior to starting treatment in patients with a history of hypertension and/or heart failure as fluid retention, hypertension and oedema have been reported in association with NSAID therapy.

Clinical trial and epidemiological data suggest that use of ibuprofen, particularly at high doses (2400 mg daily) and in long-term treatment, may be associated with a small increased risk of arterial thrombotic events (for example, myocardial infarction or stroke). Overall, epidemiological studies do not suggest that low dose ibuprofen (<1200 mg daily) is associated with an increased risk of myocardial infarction.

Impaired female fertility: There is limited evidence that drugs which inhibit cyclo-oxygenase/prostaglandin synthesis may cause impairment of female fertility by an effect on ovulation. This is reversible on withdrawal of treatment.

Gastrointestinal: NSAIDs should be given with care to patients with a history of gastrointestinal disease (ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease) as these conditions may be exacerbated (see Section 4.8).

GI bleeding, ulceration or perforation, which can be fatal, has been reported with all NSAIDs at any time during treatment, with or without warning symptoms or a previous history of serious GI events.

The risk of GI bleeding, ulceration or perforation is higher with increasing NSAID doses, in patients with a history of ulcer, particularly if complicated with haemorrhage or perforation (see Section 4.3), and in the elderly. These patients should commence treatment on the lowest dose available.

Patients with a history of GI toxicity, particularly the elderly, should report any unusual abdominal symptoms (especially GI bleeding), particularly in the initial stages of treatment.

Caution should be advised in patients receiving concomitant medications which could increase the risk of ulceration or bleeding, such as oral corticosteroids, anticoagulants such as warfarin, selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors or antiplatelets agents such as aspirin (see Section 4.5).

When GI bleeding or ulceration occurs in patients receiving ibuprofen, the treatment should be withdrawn.

Dermatological: Serious skin reactions, some of them fatal, including exfoliating dermatitis, Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, and toxic epidermal necrolysis, have been reported very rarely in association with the use of NSAIDs (see Section 4.8). Patients appear to be at highest risk of these reactions early in the course of therapy: the onset of the reaction occurring in the majority of cases within the first month of treatment. This product should be discontinued at the first appearance of skin rash, mucosal lesions or any other sign of hypersensitivity.

The label will include:

Read the enclosed leaflet before taking this product.

Do not take if you:

Have (or have had two or more episodes of) a stomach ulcer, perforation or bleeding.

Are allergic to ibuprofen or any other ingredient of the product, aspirin or other related painkillers.

Are taking other NSAID painkillers, or aspirin with a daily dose above 75 mg. Speak to a pharmacist or your doctor before taking if you:

Have or have had asthma, diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, a stroke, heart, liver, kidney or bowel problems.

Are a smoker.

Are pregnant.

If symptoms persist or worsen, consult your doctor.

Phenylephrine

Phenylephrine should be used with care in patients with cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, closed angle glaucoma, prostatic enlargement and hypertension.

Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction

Ibuprofen

Ibuprofen should not be used in combination with:

Aspirin: Unless low-dose aspirin (not above 75 mg daily) has been advised by a doctor, as this may increase the risk of adverse reactions (see Section 4.4).

Experimental data suggest that ibuprofen may inhibit the effect of low dose aspirin on platelet aggregation when they are dosed concomitantly. However, the limitations of these data and the uncertainties regarding extrapolation of ex-vivo data to the clinical situation imply that no firm conclusions can be made for regular ibuprofen use, and no clinically relavant effect is considered to be likely for the occasional ibuprofen use (see section 5.1).

Other NSAIDs including cyclo-oxygenase-2 selective inhibitors: Avoid concomitant use of two or more NSAIDs as this may increase the risk of adverse reactions (see Section

4.4) .

Ibuprofen should be used with caution in combination with:

Anti-coagulants: NSAIDs may enhance the effects of anticoagulants such as warfarin (see Section 4.4).

Antihypertensives and diuretics: NSAIDs may diminish the effect of these drugs. Diuretics can increase the risk of nephrotoxicity.

Corticosteroids: Increased risk of gastrointestinal ulceration or bleeding (see Section

4.4) .

Anti-platelet agents and selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs): Increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding (see Section 4.4).

Cardiac glycosides: NSAIDs may exacerbate cardiac failure, reduce GFR and increase plasma glycoside levels.

Lithium: There is evidence for potential increase in plasma levels of lithium. Methotrexate: There is potential for an increase in plasma methotrexate.

Ciclosporin: Increased risk of nephrotoxicity.

Mifepristone:    NSAIDs should not be used for 8-12 days after mifepristone

administration as NSAIDs can reduce the effect of mifepristone.

Tacrolimus: Possible increased risk of nephrotoxicity when NSAIDs are given with tacrolimus.

Zidovudine: Increased risk of haematological toxicity when NSAIDs are given with zidovudine. There is evidence of an increased risk of haemarthroses and haematoma in HIV(+) haemophiliacs receiving concurrent treatment with zidovudine and ibuprofen.

Quinolone antibiotics: Animal data indicate that NSAIDs can increase the risk of convulsions associated with quinolone antibiotics. Patients taking NSAIDs and quinolones may have an increased risk of developing convulsions.

Phenylephrine

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (including moclobemide): hypertensive interactions occur between sympathomimetic amines such as phenylephrine and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (see section 4.3).

Sympathomimetic    amines: concomitant use of phenylephrine with other

sympathomimetic amines can increase the risk of cardiovascular side effects.

Beta-blockers and other antihypertensives (including debrisoquine, guanethidine, reserpine, methyldopa): phenylephrine may reduce the efficacy of beta-blockers and antihypertensives. The risk of hypertension and other cardiovascular side effects may be increased (see section 4.3).

Tricyclic antidepressants (e.g. amitriptyline): may increase the risk of cardiovascular side effects with phenylephrine (see section 4.3).

Digoxin and cardiac glycosides: concomitant use of phenylephrine may increase the risk of irregular heartbeat or heart attack.

4.6 Pregnancy and lactation Ibuprofen

Whilst no teratogenic effects have been demonstrated to in animal experiments, the use of this product should, if possible, be avoided during the first six months of pregnancy.

During the third trimester, ibuprofen is contraindicated as there is a risk of premature closure of the fetal ductus arteriosus with possible persistent pulmonary hypertension. The onset of labour may be delayed and the duration increased with an increased bleeding tendency in both mother and child (see Section 4.3).

In limited studies, ibuprofen appears in the breast milk in very low concentrations and is unlikely to affect the breast-fed infant adversely.

See Section 4.4 regarding female fertility.

Phenylephrine

The safety of this medicine during pregnancy and lactation has not been established but in view of a possible association of foetal abnormalities with first trimester exposure to phenylephrine, the use of the product during pregnancy should be avoided. In addition, because phenylephrine may reduce placental perfusion, the product should not be used in patients with a history of preeclampsia. In view of the lack of data on the use of phenylephrine during lactation, this medicine should not be used during breast feeding.

4.7 Effects on ability to drive and use machines

No adverse effects known

4.8 Undesirable effects Ibuprofen

Hypersensitivity reactions have been reported following treatment with ibuprofen and these may consist of:

(a) Non-specific allergic reaction and anaphylaxis.

(b)    Respiratory tract reactivity, e.g. asthma, aggravated asthma, bronchospasm or dyspnoea.

(c)    Various skin reactions, e.g. pruritis, urticaria, angioedema and, more rarely, exfoliative and bullous dermatoses (including epidermal necrolysis and erythema multiforme).

The following list of adverse effects relates to those experienced with ibuprofen at OTC doses, for short-term use. In the treatment of chronic conditions, under long-term treatment, additional effects may occur.

Hypersensitivity reactions

Uncommon: Hypersensitivity reactions with urticaria and pruritus.

Very rare: Severe hypersensitivity reactions. Symptoms could be: facial, tongue and laryngeal swelling, dyspnoea, tachycardia, hypotension (anaphylaxis, angioedema or severe shock).

Exacerbation of asthma and bronchospasm.

Gastrointestinal

The most commonly-observed adverse events are gastrointestinal in nature. Uncommon: Abdominal pain, nausea and dyspepsia.

Rare: Diarrhoea, flatulence, constipation and vomiting.

Very rare: Peptic ulcer, perforation and gastrointestinal haemorrhage, melaena, haematemesis, sometimes fatal, particularly in the elderly. Ulcerative stomatitis, gastritis and mouth ulceration.

Exacerbation of colitis and Crohn's disease (see Section 4.4).

Nervous System

Uncommon: Headache, dizziness and tinnitus.

Very rare: Aseptic meningitis - single cases have been reported very rarely.

Renal

Very rare: Acute renal failure, papillary necrosis, especially in long-term use, associated with increased serum urea and oedema.

Hepatic

Very rare: Liver disorders.

Haematological

Very rare: Haematopoietic disorders (anaemia, leucopenia, thrombocytopenia, pancytopenia, agranulocytosis). First signs are: fever, sore throat, superficial mouth ulcers, flu-like symptoms, severe exhaustion, unexplained bleeding and bruising.

Dermatological

Uncommon: Various skin rashes.

Very rare: Severe forms of skin reactions such as bullous reactions, including Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, erythema multiforme and toxic epidermal necrolysis, can occur.

Immune System

In patients with existing auto-immune disorders (such as systemic lupus erythematosus, mixed connective tissue disease) during treatment with ibuprofen, single cases of symptoms of aseptic meningitis, such as stiff neck, headache, nausea, vomiting, fever or disorientation, have been observed (see Section 4.4).

Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular

Oedema, hypertension and cardiac failure have been reported in association with NSAID treatment.

Clinical trial and epidemiological data suggest that use of ibuprofen, particularly at high doses (2400 mg daily) and in long-term treatment, may be associated with a small increased risk of arterial thrombotic events (for example, myocardial infarction or stroke) (see Section 4.4).

Phenylephrine

High blood pressure with headache and vomiting, probably only in overdose. Rarely, palpitations.

Also, rare reports of allergic reactions and occasionally urinary retention in males.

4.9 Overdose Ibuprofen

In children, ingestion of more than 400mg/kg may cause symptoms. In adults, the dose response rate effect is less clear cut. The half-life in overdose is 1.5-3 hours.

Symptoms

Patients who have ingested clinically important amounts of NSAIDs will develop no more than nausea, vomiting, epigastric pain, or more rarely diarrhoea. Tinnitus, headache and gastrointestinal bleeding are also possible. In more serious poisoning, toxicity is seen in the central nervous system, manifesting as drowsiness, occasionally excitation and disorientation or coma. Occasionally patients develop convulsions. In serious poisoning metabolic acidosis may occur and prothrombin time/INR may be prolonged, probably due to interference with the actions of circulating clotting factors. Acute renal failure and liver damage may occur. Exacerbation of asthma is possible in asthmatics.

Management

Management should be symptomatic and supportive and include the maintenance of a clear airway and monitoring of cardiac and vital signs until stable. Consider oral administration of activated charcoal if the patient presents within 1 hour of ingestion of a potentially toxic amount. If frequent or prolonged, convulsions should be treated with intravenous diazepam or lorazepam. Give bronchodilators for asthma.

Phenylephrine

Features of severe overdose of phenylephrine include haemodynamic changes and cardiovascular collapse with respiratory depression.

Treatment includes early gastric lavage and symptomatic and supportive measures. Hypertensive effects may be treated with an intravenous alpha-receptor blocking agent.

Phenylephrine overdose is likely to result in: nervousness, headache, dizziness, insomnia, increased blood pressure, nausea, vomiting, mydriasis, acute angle closure glaucoma (most likely to occur in those with closed angle glaucoma), tachycardia, palpitations, allergic reactions (e.g. rash, urticaria, allergic dermatitis), dysuria, urinary retention (most likely to occur in those with bladder outlet obstruction, such as prostatic hypertrophy).

Additional symptoms may include, hypertension, and possibly reflex bradycardia. In severe cases confusion, hallucinations, seizures and arrhythmias may occur. However the amount required to produce serious phenylephrine toxicity would be greater than that required to cause paracetamol-related liver toxicity.

Treatment should be as clinically appropriate. Severe hypertension may need to be treated with alpha blocking medicinal products such as phentolamine.

5 PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES

5.1 Pharmacodynamic properties

M01AE51 - Ibuprofen, combinations.

Ibuprofen

Ibuprofen is a propionic acid derivative NS AID that has demonstrated its efficacy by inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis. In humans ibuprofen reduces inflammatory pain, swellings and fever. Furthermore, ibuprofen reversibly inhibits platelet aggregation.

The therapeutic effect of ibuprofen in symptoms relating to the common cold and influenza has a duration of up to 8 hours.

Experimental data suggest that ibuprofen may inhibit the effect of low dose aspirin on platelet aggregation when they are dosed concomitantly. In one study, when a single dose of ibuprofen 400mg was taken within 8 hours before or within 30 minutes after immediate release aspirin (81 mg), a decreased effect of aspirin on the formation of thromboxane or platelet aggregation occurred. However, the limitations of these data and the uncertainties regarding extrapolation of ex vivo data to the clinical situation imply that no firm conclusions can be made for regular ibuprofen use, and no clinically relevant effect is considered to be likely for occasional ibuprofen use.

Phenylephrine

Phenylephrine is a post-synaptic alpha-receptor agonist with low cardioselective beta-receptor affinity and minimal central stimulant activity. It is a recognised decongestant and acts by vasoconstriction to reduce oedema and nasal swelling.

5.2 Pharmacokinetic properties Ibuprofen

Ibuprofen is rapidly absorbed following administration and is rapidly distributed throughout the whole body. The excretion is rapid and complete via the kidneys. Maximum plasma concentrations are reached 45 minutes after ingestion if taken on an empty stomach. When taken with food, peak levels are observed after 1-2 hours. These times may vary with different dosage forms.

The half-life of ibuprofen is about 2 hours.

In limited studies, ibuprofen appears in the breast milk in very low concentrations. Phenylephrine

Phenylephrine is absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, but has reduced bioavailability by the oral route due to first-pass metabolism.

It retains activity as a nasal decongestant when given orally, the drug distributing through the systemic circulation to the vascular bed of the nasal mucosa.

When taken by mouth as a nasal decongestant, phenylephrine is usually given at intervals of 4-6 hours.

Ibuprofen and Phenylephrine Combination

The ibuprofen component of this fixed combination (ibuprofen 200mg plus phenylephrine hydrochloride 5mg) is absorbed faster than standard ibuprofen 200mg tablets, with therapeutic levels being reached in 26.4 minutes (from the fixed combination) as opposed to 55.2 minutes (for standard ibuprofen).

5.3 Preclinical safety data

There are no findings of relevance to the prescriber other than those already mentioned elsewhere in the SPC.

6.1 List of excipients

Microcrystalline cellulose

Sodium starch glycolate Type A

Hypromellose

Magnesium stearate

Talc

Mastercote yellow FA 0156

Black printing ink (The ink contains the following residual materials after application: shellac (E904), iron oxide black (E172), propylene glycol (E1520)).

6.2    Incompatibilities

Not applicable

6.3    Shelf life

Two years

6.4    Special precautions for storage

Store in a dry place Store in the original package Store below 25°C

Keep out of reach and sight of children

6.5    Nature and contents of container

A strip pack consisting of a blister tray of white pigmented 250 pm PVC/40 gsm PVDC laminate heat-sealed to lacquered 20 pm aluminium foil containing 2, 4 or 8 tablets. One or two trays packed in a cardboard carton (i.e. 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14 or 16 tablets).

6.6    Special precautions for disposal

Not applicable

7    MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER

Reckitt Benckiser Healthcare (UK) Limited

Dansom Lane

Hull

HU8 7DS United Kingdom

8    MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBER(S)

PL 00063/0541

9    DATE OF FIRST AUTHORISATION/RENEWAL OF THE AUTHORISATION

17/11/2008

10 DATE OF REVISION OF THE TEXT

21/03/2014