Night Nurse
SUMMARY OF PRODUCT CHARACTERISTICS 1 NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT
Day & Night Nurse Capsules
2 QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE COMPOSITION
|
Day Nurse Capsules | |
|
Active Ingredient |
mg/cap |
|
Paracetamol |
500 |
|
Pseudoephedrine hydrochloride |
30 |
|
Pholcodine |
5 |
Night Nurse Capsules
Active Ingredient mg/cap
|
Paracetamol |
500 |
|
Promethazine hydrochloride |
10 |
|
Dextromethorphan hydrobromide |
7.5 |
For excipients, see 6.1.
3 PHARMACEUTICAL FORM
Capsule, hard
The Day capsule has an orange cap and yellow body printed ‘Day Nurse’ in black ink on the cap and the body.
The Night capsule has a green cap and white body printed ‘Night Nurse’ in black ink on the cap and the body.
CLINICAL PARTICULARS
4
4.1 Therapeutic indications
For the symptomatic relief of colds, chills and influenza during the day.
For the symptomatic relief of colds, chills and influenza at night.
4.2. Posology and Method of Administration
For oral administration.
Do not exceed the stated dose
Should not be used with other paracetamol-containing products; decongestants antihistamine containing products (including those used on the skin) or cough and cold medicines.
Not to be given to children under 12 years of age Day Capsules
Adults and children aged 12 years and over
Two capsules every four hours, up to a maximum of three doses in any 24 hour period. Minimum dosing interval: 4 hours
Night Capsules
Adults and children aged 12 years and over
Two capsules just before bedtime. Only one dose should be taken at night. Allow at least 4 hours between taking last dose of Day capsules and the dose of Night capsules.
Elderly
There is no specific requirement for dosage reduction in the elderly. However. the product should not be taken by elderly patients with confusion. The elderly may be more susceptible to adverse effects including confusion and paradoxical excitation with this medicine.
Do not use for longer than 3 days without medical advice.
4.3 Contraindications
This product is contraindicated in:
• Hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients or excipients
• Hyperexcitability.
Patients who are receiving monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or for two weeks after stopping the MAOI drug.
• Severe hypertension or severe coronary artery disease
• Patients with or at risk of developing, respiratory failure (e.g. those with chronic obstructive airways disease or pneumonia, or during an asthma attack or an exacerbation of asthma).
• Severe renal impairment.
• Patients with bronchiolitis or bronchiectasis, due to sputum retention.
• Patients who are receiving other sympathomimetics (such as decongestants, appetite suppressants and amphetamine-like psychostimulants)
4.4. Special Warnings and Precautions for Use
Medical advice must be sought before taking this product in people
with:
• Hepatic impairment. Underlying liver disease increases the risk of paracetamol-related liver damage.
• Mild to moderate renal impairment
• Chronic or persistant cough, such as occurs with asthma and emphysema, or where cough is accompanied by excessive secretions.
• Glaucoma
• Hypertension or cardiovascular problems including arrhythmia
• Prostatic hypertrophy
• Urinary retention
• Epilepsy
• Diabetes
• Hyperthyroidism
• Phaechromocytoma
There have been rare cases of posterior reversible encephalopathy (PRES)/reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) reported with sympathomimetic drugs, including pseudoephedrine. Symptoms reported included sudden onset of severe headache, nausea, vomiting, and visual disturbances. Most cases improved or resolved within a few days following appropriate treatment. Pseudoephedrine should be discontinued immediately and medical advice sought if signs/symptoms of PRES/RCVS develop.
Use with caution in the elderly, who are more likely to experience anticholinergic adverse effects including confusion and paradoxical excitation. Avoid use in elderly patients with confusion.
Children are more likely to experience paradoxical excitation with sedating antihistamine.
Medical advice should be sought if symptoms persist, or are accompanied by high fever, skin rash or persistent headache.
Patients with rare hereditary problems of galactose intolerance, the Lapp lactase deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption should not take this product.
Contains paracetamol.
Do not exceed the stated dose.
Alcohol should be avoided.
If symptoms persist, medical advice should be sought.
Should not be used with other paracetamol-containing products; decongestants antihistamine containing products (including those used on the skin) or cough and cold medicines
Keep out of reach and sight ofchildren.
Special label warnings
Immediate medical advice should be sought in the event of an overdose, even if you feel well.
Do not take with any other paracetamol-containing products. Do not take with other flu, cold or decongestant products.
Special leaflet warnings
Immediate medical advice should be sought in the event of an overdose, even if you feel well, because of the risk of delayed, serious liver damage.
4.5 Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction
Medical advice should be sought before taking paracetamol-pseudoephedrine-Pholcodine (Day capsules) in combination with these drugs:
Monoamine-oxidase inhibitors
Should not be given to patients being
|
(MAOIs) |
treated with monoamine oxidase inhibitors or within 14 days of stopping such treatment as may lead to hypertensive crisis |
|
CNS depressant drugs such as barbiturates, hypnotics, narcotic analgesics, sedatives and tranquillisers |
Pholcodine may enhance the sedative effect of central nervous system depressants. |
|
Neuromuscular blocking agents |
Pholcodine may predispose patients to developing anaphylaxis with neuromuscular blocking agents. |
|
Alcohol |
Concomitant use of alcohol with pholcodine may increase the CNS depressant effects of these drugs. |
|
Warfarin and other coumarins |
The anticoagulant effect of warfarin and other coumarins may be enhanced by prolonged regular daily use of paracetamol with increase risk of bleeding; occasional doses have no significant effect. |
|
Metoclopramide or domperidone |
The speed of absorption of paracetamol may be increased by metoclopramide or domperidone and absorption reduced by colestyramine |
|
Antihypertensive drugs |
Pseudoephedrine may diminish the antihypertensive effects of antihypertensive drugs (i.e beta-blockers, methyl-dopa, reserpine debrisoquine) |
|
Digoxin |
Pseudoephedrine may increase the possibility of arrhythmias in digitalised patients. |
|
Sympathomimetic agents (such as decongestants, appetite suppressants and amphetaminelike psychostimulants) |
Concomitant use of this medication with sympathomimetic agents which interfere with the catabolism of sympathomimietic amines, may occasionally cause a rise in blood pressure. |
Medical advice should be sought before taking paracetamol-promethazine-dextromethorphan (Night capsules) in combination with these drugs:
Monoamine-oxidase inhibitors
Severe reactions, including serotonin syndrome (see below), may occur when
|
(MAOIs) |
this product is taken concomitantly, or within two weeks of taking, an MAOI. MAOIs may prolong and intensify the anticholinergic effects of antihistamines. |
|
Selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs), tricylic antidepressants or MAOIs |
Concomitant use of dextromethorphan with selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs), tricyclic antidepressants, or MAOIs may result in serotonin syndrome with changes in mental status, hypertension, restlessness, myoclonus, hyperreflexia, diaphoresis, shivering and tremor. |
|
Anticholinergic drugs such as atropine, MAOIs and tricyclic antidepressants |
As promethazine has some anticholinergic activity, the effects of some anticholinergic drugs may be potentiated. |
|
Alcohol |
Concomitant use of alcohol with dextromethorphan and promethazine may increase the CNS depressant effects of these drugs. |
|
CNS depressant drugs such as antipsychotics, hypnotics or anxiolytics |
Promethazine may potentiate the sedative effects of other CNS depressant drugs. |
|
Warfarin and other coumarins |
The anticoagulant effect of warfarin and other coumarins may be enhanced by prolonged regular daily use of paracetamol with increase risk of bleeding; occasional doses have no significant effect. |
|
Inhibitors of cytochrome P450 2D6 |
Serum levels of dextromethorphan may be increased by the concomitant use of inhibitors of cytochrome P450 2D6, such as the antiarrhythmics quinidine and amiodarone, antidepressants such as fluoxetine and paroxetine, or other drugs which inhibit cytochrome P450 2D6 such as haloperidol and thioridazine. |
|
Metoclopramide or domperidone |
The speed of absorption of paracetamol may be increased by metoclopramide or domperidone and absorption reduced by colestyramine |
Promethazine (ingredient of Night Nurse capsules) may interfere with immunologic urine pregnancy tests to produce false results
4.6. Fertility, pregnancy and lactation Pregnancy
The product (both Day and Night Capsules) should not be used during pregnancy without medical advice.
Safe use of pseudoephedrine and pholcodine in pregnancy has not been established despite widespread use over many years. Caution should therefore be exercised by balancing the potential benefit of treatment to the mother against any possible hazards to the developing foetus.
In view of the possible association of foetal abnormalities with first trimester exposure to pseudoephedrine, this product should not be used during pregnancy without medical advice.
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.
No relevant data are available for products containing dextromethorphan. Human and animal studies with promethazine are insufficient to establish the safety of this drug during pregnancy. It should only be used when considered essential by the doctor
Lactation
This product (both Day and Night Capsules) should not be used whilst breast feeding without medical advice.
Pseudoephedrine is secreted into breast milk in small amounts but the effect of this on breast fed infants is unknown. The safety of pseudoephedrine and pholcodine during lactation has not been established and therefore the product should not be used during this period.
Paracetamol is excreted in breast milk but not in a clinically significant amount.
Promethazine may be excreted in breast milk. It should only be used when considered essential by a doctor.
Effects on ability to drive and use machines
4.7
The day capsule may cause dizziness. Patients should be advised not to drive or operate machinery if affected.
The night capsule may cause drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, cognitive and psychomotor impairment which can seriously affect the ability to drive and use machinery. If affected do not drive or operate machinery.
This class of medicine is in the list of drugs included in regulations under 5a of the Road Traffic Act 1988. When taking this medicine, patients should be told:
• The medicine is likely to affect your ability to drive
• Do not drive until you know how the medicine affects you
• It is an offence to drive while under the influence of this medicine
• However, you would not be committing an offence (called ‘statutory defence’) if:
o The medicine has been taken to treat a medical or dental problem and o You have taken it according to the information provided with the medicine
and
o It was not affecting your ability to drive safely.
4.8 Undesirable effects
The following convention has been utilized for the classification of undesirable effects: very common (< 1/10), common (< 1/100, <1/10), uncommon (< 1/1000, < 1/100), rare (< 1/10,000, < 1/1000), very rare (<1/10,000), not known (cannot be estimated from available data).
Paracetamol (ingredient included in Day and Night capsule)
Adverse events of paracetamol from historical clinical trial data are both infrequent and from small patient exposure. Accordingly, events reported from extensive post-marketing experience at therapeutic/labelled dose and considered attributable are tabulated below by system class. The frequency of these adverse is not known (cannot be estimated from available data).
|
Body System |
Undesirable effect |
|
Blood and lymphatic system disorders |
Thrombocytop enia |
|
Immune system disorders |
Anaphylaxis Cutaneous hypersensitivity reactions including skin rashes, angiodema and Stevens Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis |
|
Respiratory thoracic and |
Bronchospasm* |
|
mediastinal disorders | |
|
Hepatobiliary disorders |
Hepatic dysfunction |
*There have been cases of bronchospasm with paracetamol, but these are more likely in asthmatics sensitive to aspirin or other NSAIDs.
Dextromethorphan (ingredient included in Night capsule only)
The following adverse events have been observed in published clinical studies and are likely to represent uncommon adverse reactions to dextromethorphan.
|
Body system |
Undesirable effect |
|
Nervous system disorders |
Drowsiness, dizziness |
|
Gastrointestinal disorders |
Gastrointestinal disturbance, nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort |
Adverse reaction identified during post-marketing use with dextromethorphan are listed below. The frequency of these reactions is unknown but likely to be very rare.
|
Body system |
Undesirable effect |
|
Immune system disorders |
Allergic reactions (e.g. rash, urticaria, angiodema) |
|
Nervous system disorders |
Serotonin syndrome (with changes in mental status, restlessness, myoclonus, hyperreflexia, diaphoresis, shivering, tremor and hypertension) has been reported when dextromethorphan has been taken concurrently with MAOIs or serotonergic drugs such as SSRIs |
Promethazine (ingredient included in Night capsule only)
Adverse reactions which been observed in published clinical studies with promethazine and which are considered to be common or very common are listed below by MedDRA system Organ Class. The frequency of other reactions identified during post-marketing use is not known, but these reactions are likely to be uncommon or rare.
Body System
|
Immune system disorders |
Not known: Hypersensitivity reactions including rash, urticaria, angiodema and anaphylaxis, photosensitivty |
|
Psychiatric disorders |
Not known: Confusion*, disorientation*, paradoxical excitation*, **(e.g. increased energy, irritability, restlessness, nervousness, sleep disturbance) *The elderly are more susceptible to confusion, disorientation and paradoxical excitation **Children are more susceptible to paradoxical excitation |
|
Nervous system disorders |
Very common: Drowsiness Common: Psychomotor impairment, disturbance in attention, dizziness, headache. |
|
Eye disorders |
Common: Blurred vision |
|
Gastrointestinal disorders |
Common: Dry mouth Not Known: Gastrointestinal disturbance |
|
Renal and urinary disorders |
Not known: Urinary retention |
The elderly are more susceptible to anticholinergic effects of promethazine.
Pseudoephedrine (included in Day capsule only)
The frequency of reactions identified during post-marketing use is not known.
|
Body System |
Undesirable effect |
|
Psychiatric disorders |
Nervousness, insomnia |
|
Blurred vision | |
|
Agitation, restlessness | |
|
Hallucinations (particularly in children) | |
|
Nightmares | |
|
Nervous System Disorders |
Dizziness |
|
Headache, tinnitus, irritability, tremor | |
|
Cardiac Disorders |
Tachycardia, palpitations |
|
Vascular Disorders |
Increased blood pressure* |
|
Gastrointestinal Disorders |
Vomiting, dry mouth, nausea |
|
Diarrhoea or constipation, epigastric pain, anorexia | |
|
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders |
Rash, allergic dermatitis** |
|
Renal and Urinary Disorders |
Dysuria, urinary retention*** |
|
Micturition difficulty |
*Increases in systolic blood pressure have been observed. At therapeutic doses, the effects of pseudoephedrine on blood pressure are not clinically significant. **A variety of allergic skin reactions, with or without systemic features such as bronchospasm and angioedema have been reported following use of pseudoephedrine
***Urinary retention is most likely to occur in those with bladder outlet obstruction, such as prostatic hypertrophy.
Pholcodine (ingredient included in Day capsule only)
The frequency of reactions identified during post-marketing use is not known
|
Body System |
Undesirable effect |
|
Immune System disorders |
Hypersensitivity reactions including skin rashes, angioedema, anaphylaxis |
|
Gastrointestinal Disorders |
Nausea vomiting |
4.9 Overdose
Overdose
Paracetamol (ingredient included in Day and Night capsule)
Liver damage is possible in adults who have taken 10g or more of paracetamol. Ingestion of 5g or more of paracetamol may lead to liver damage if the patient has risk factors (see below).
Risk factors:
If the patient
a, Is on long term treatment with carbamazepine, phenobarbitone, phenytoin,
primidone, rifampicin, St John’s Wort or other drugs that induce liver enzymes.
Or
b, Regularly consumes ethanol in excess of recommended amounts.
Or
c, Is likely to be glutathione deplete e.g. eating disorders, cystic fibrosis, HIV infection, starvation, cachexia.
Symptoms:
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.
Management:
Immediate treatment is essential in the management of paracetamol overdose. Despite a lack of significant early symptoms, patients should be referred to hospital urgently for immediate medical attention. Symptoms may be limited to nausea or vomiting and may not reflect the severity of overdose or the risk of organ damage. Management should be in accordance with established treatment guidelines, see BNF overdose section.
Treatment with activated charcoal should be considered if the overdose has been taken within 1 hour. Plasma paracetamol concentration should be measured at 4 hours or later after ingestion (earlier concentrations are unreliable). Treatment with N-acetylcysteine may be used up to 24 hours after ingestion of paracetamol, however, the maximum protective effect is obtained up to 8 hours post-ingestion. The effectiveness of the antidote declines sharply after this time. If required the patient should be given intravenous N-acetylcysteine, in line with the established dosage schedule. If vomiting is not a problem, oral methionine may be a suitable alternative for remote areas, outside hospital. Management of patients who present with serious hepatic dysfunction beyond 24h from ingestion should be discussed with the NPIS or a liver unit.
Dextromethorphan (ingredient included in Day capsule only)
Symptoms:
Overdose is likely to result in effects similar to those listed under Adverse Reactions. The effects in overdosage will be potentiated by simultaneous ingestion of alcohol and psychotropic drugs. Following large overdoses, additional symptoms may include excitation, mental confusion, restlessness, nervousness and irritability, stupor, ataxia, dystonia, hallucinations, psychosis and respiratory depression.
Management:
Supportive and symptomatic care should be provided as required. If overdose is severe, nalaxone may be helpful, particulary for patients with respiratory depression.
Pholcodine (ingredient included in Day capsule only)
Symptoms:
Overdose symptoms may include nausea, drowsiness, restlessness, excitement and ataxia. The effects in overdosage will be potentiated by simultaneous ingestion of alcohol and psychotropic drugs. Central nervous system depression, including respiratory depression, may develop but is unlikely to be severe unless other sedative agents have been co-ingested, including alcohol, or the overdose is very large.
Management:
Supportive and symptomatic care should be provided as required. If overdose is severe, nalaxone may be helpful, particulary for patients with respiratory depression.
Pseudoephedrine Hydrocholride (ingredient included in Day capsules only). Symptoms:
As with other sympathomimetics pseudoephedrine overdose will result in symptoms due to central nervous system and cardiovascular stimulation e.g. excitement, irritability, restlessness, tremor, hallucinations, hypertension, palpitations,arrhythmias and difficulty with micturition. In severe cases, psychosis, convulsions, coma and hypertensive crisis may occur. Serum potassium levels may be low due to extracellular to intracellular shifts in potassium.
Management:
Treatment should consist of standard supportive measures. Beta-blockers should reverse the cardiovascular complications and the hypokalaemia.
Promethazine Hydrochloride(ingredient included in Night capsule only)
Symptoms:
Promethazine overdose is likely to result in effects similar to those listed under Adverse Reactions. Additional symptoms may include delirium, agitation, hallucinations, dystonic reactions, hypotension, and ECG changes. Large overdose may cause convulsions, toxic psychosis, arrythmias, coma and cardiorespiratory depression.
Management:
Treatment is supportive with attention to maintenance of adequate respiratory and circulatory status. Convulsions and marked CNS stimulation should be treated with parenteral diazepam or other suitable anti-convulsants.
5.1 Pharmacodynamic properties
Paracetamol - an analgesic and antipyretic.
Pseudoephedrine - a sympathomimetic agent with both direct and indirect effects on adrenergic receptors.
Pholcodine - an antitussive with little analgesic activity.
Promethazine hydrochloride - an antihistamine with anticholinergic activity. Dextromethorphan hydrobromide - an antitussive.
5.2 Pharmacokinetic properties
Paracetamol is readily absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract with peak plasma concentrations occurring about 30 minutes to 2 hours after oral administration. Paracetamol is distributed into most body tissues. It crosses the placenta and is present in breast milk. Plasma protein binding is negligible at usual therapeutic concentrations. Paracetamol is metabolised predominantly in the liver and excreted in the urine mainly as the glucuronide and sulphate conjugates, with about 10% as glutathione conjugates. Less than 5% is excreted as unchanged paracetamol. The elimination half-life varies from about 1 to 4 hours.
Pseudoephedrine is absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. It is resistant to metabolism and is excreted largely unchanged in the urine. It has a half-life of several hours but elimination is enhanced and half-life shortened in acid urine.
Pholcodine is rapidly absorbed after oral administration and maximum plasma concentrations are attained at about 4-8 hours. The elimination half-life ranges from 32 to 43 hours. The drug has a large volume of distribution and is only 23.5% protein bound. Pholcodine is metabolised in the liver but undergoes little conjugation with glucuronide and sulphate.
Promethazine hydrochloride is readily absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, but undergoes extensive first pass metabolism in the liver, with only 25% of the oral dose reaching the systemic circulation unchanged. After oral therapy therapeutic effects are identifiable at 15-30 minutes and peak plasma concentrations at 2 to 3 hours. Estimates of terminal half-life in blood plasma are in the range of 4-6 hours. It is extensively plasma protein bound. It is eliminated mainly as metabolites, predominantly by the faecal (via biliary) route, with < 1% of the parent compound and ca. 10% as the sulphoxide metabolite being excreted in the urine over a 72 hour period.
Dextromethorphan hydrobromide is well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. It is metabolised in the liver and excreted as demethylated metabolites including dextrorphan, and as a minor proportion of unchanged dextromethorphan. In a small proportion of individuals, metabolism proceeds more slowly and dextromethorphan predominates in blood and urine.
5.3 Preclinical safety data
There are no preclinical data of relevance to the prescriber which are additional to that already included.
6. Pharmaceutical Particulars
6.1. List of Excipient(s)
Day Nurse Capsules
Sodium lauryl sulphate Sodium starch glycollate Magnesium stearate (E572)
Hard gelatin capsule Quinoline yellow (E104)
Allura red (E 129)
Titanium dioxide (E171)
Printing Ink:
Shellac
Isopropyl alcohol Iron oxide black (E 172)
N-butyl alcohol Propylene glycol (E 1520)
Ammonium hydroxide (E 527)
Night Nurse Capsules
Lactose monohydrate Dimeticone
Colloidal anhydrous silica Gelatin
Patent blue V (E131)
Quinoline yellow (E104)
Titanium dioxide (E171)
Printing Ink:
Shellac
Isopropyl alcohol Iron oxide black (E 172)
N-butyl alcohol Propylene glycol (E 1520)
Ammonium hydroxide (E 527)
6.2 Incompatibilities
Not applicable
6.3 Shelf life
36 months
6.4 Special precautions for storage
Do not store above 25 °C. Store in the original package.
6.5 Nature and contents of container
Blisters: 250 pm PVC/60gsm PVDC blister tray with 30 pm aluminium foil lid. Each tray holds 6 Day Nurse capsules and 2 Night Nurse capsules.
Pack size: 24 capsules (3 trays) comprising 18 Day Nurse capsules and 6 Night Nurse capsules.
6.6 Special precautions for disposal
Not applicable.
7 MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER
Beecham Group plc 980 Great West Road Brentford Middlesex TW8 9GS United Kingdom
Trading as GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare, Brentford, TW8 9GS, U.K.
8 MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBER(S)
PL 00079/0387
9 DATE OF FIRST AUTHORISATION/RENEWAL OF THE AUTHORISATION
18 July 2002
10 DATE OF REVISION OF THE TEXT
29/09/2014