Dosage of Night Nurse Capsules

Night Nurse Capsules is an Over-the-Counter (OTC) medicine.

Take 2 capsules just before bedtime with a drink of water. Only take one dose per night.

Proper Administration

• Route: Oral capsule.
• How to Take: Swallow the two capsules whole with a drink of water (milk is not recommended for Promethazine absorption).
• Timing: Take the single dose just before bedtime (about 20 minutes before you plan to get into bed).
• Maximum Dose: Do NOT exceed 2 capsules per night. Only take one dose in any 24-hour period.

Missed Dose Guidance

• This is a single, nighttime dose. If you forget to take it and it is still early in the night, take the two capsules. If it is nearly morning, skip the dose to avoid next-day drowsiness, and resume the following night. Do not take a double dose.

Contraindications of Night Nurse Capsules

Do NOT take Night Nurse Capsules if you:

• Have a known allergy or hypersensitivity to Paracetamol, Promethazine, Dextromethorphan, or any other ingredient.
• Have severe liver or kidney problems.
• Have a chest infection, worsening asthma, or severe respiratory problems (as the sedative can worsen breathing).
• Are taking or have taken Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) prescribed for depression in the last two weeks.
• Are children under 16 years of age.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Warnings

• Pregnancy: Do NOT take Night Nurse Capsules if you are pregnant. While Paracetamol is generally considered safe, there is insufficient data on the safety of Promethazine and Dextromethorphan during pregnancy. Consult your doctor.
• Breastfeeding: Do NOT take Night Nurse Capsules if you are breastfeeding. The active ingredients can pass into breast milk and cause sedation or other adverse effects in the infant. Consult your doctor.

Side Effects of Night Nurse Capsules

Side effects are common due to the sedating antihistamine component.

• Common Side Effects (Mild and Expected): Drowsiness (very common and intended), dizziness, blurred vision, dry mouth, difficulty concentrating, unsteadiness, headache, constipation, or difficulty passing urine.
• Serious but Rare Side Effects (that may require medical attention):
  • Serotonin Syndrome: Symptoms like confusion, restlessness, sweating, shivering, sudden jerks of muscles, or increased heart rate (risk increases if taken with certain antidepressants).
  • Severe Allergic Reactions: Skin rash, peeling, swelling of the mouth/face, or difficulty breathing.
  • Liver Damage: Symptoms of unexplained bruising, bleeding, nausea, vomiting, or yellowing of the eyes/skin.

What to do if side effects occur:

• Due to the Promethazine, drowsiness the next morning is possible; do not drive or operate machinery until you are certain the effects have fully worn off.
• If you experience any severe symptoms, signs of liver damage, or a severe allergic reaction, stop the medication immediately and seek emergency medical attention.

Precautions and Warnings of Night Nurse Capsules

• Paracetamol Overdose: CRITICAL WARNING: Do not take any other product containing Paracetamol within four hours of taking Night Nurse Capsules, and do not exceed the maximum daily dose of 4000 mg of Paracetamol from all sources. Taking too much Paracetamol can cause delayed, serious liver damage.
• Alcohol: Do NOT drink alcohol while using Night Nurse Capsules, as alcohol will dangerously increase the sedative and dizzying effects.
• Duration of Use: Do not take for more than 3 consecutive nights without medical advice. Prolonged use may lead to dependence.
• Drug Interactions: Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking antidepressants (especially MAOIs or SSRIs), medicines for heart rhythm (e.g., Amiodarone), medicines for nausea (Metoclopramide/Domperidone), or blood thinners (Warfarin).

Driving: Do not drive or operate machinery if you feel drowsy, dizzy, or notice blurred vision.

The active ingredients are Paracetamol 500 mg, Promethazine Hydrochloride 10 mg, and Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide 7.5 mg per capsule. The typical dose is 2 capsules. It is supplied as oral capsules, often in packs of 10 or 20. It is an Over-the-Counter (OTC) Cold and Flu Remedy (Night-Time/Sedating).