Beechams Cold & Flu Hot Lemon & Honey - 5 Sachets

What Is Beechams Cold and Flu Hot Lemon Good For?

When a cold or flu hits, you want relief that actually works — and fast. Beechams Cold and Flu Hot Lemon is a well-known over-the-counter hot drink remedy designed to tackle multiple symptoms at once. Each sachet dissolves in hot water to create a soothing lemon and honey flavoured drink that helps ease the misery of colds and flu. It is available without a prescription and is suitable for adults and young people aged 16 and over. You can browse the full range of cold and flu treatments at our Cold and Flu collection.

Cold and flu symptoms — sore throat, blocked nose, headache, aches and pains, and fever — can leave you feeling completely drained. This product is formulated to address all of these at once, which is why it remains one of the most recognised cold remedies in UK pharmacies. At just £2.39 for five sachets, it offers accessible, convenient relief you can prepare at home or at work.

How Does Beechams Cold and Flu Hot Lemon Work?

This product works through a combination of three active ingredients, each targeting a different aspect of cold and flu symptoms. Understanding what each one does helps you use the product with confidence.

• Paracetamol (1000mg per sachet): Reduces fever and relieves pain, including headache, sore throat, and body aches. Paracetamol works by blocking the production of prostaglandins — chemicals in the body that trigger pain and raise temperature.
• Phenylephrine hydrochloride (12.2mg per sachet): A nasal decongestant that works by narrowing the blood vessels in the nasal passages, reducing swelling and congestion so you can breathe more easily.
• Ascorbic acid / Vitamin C (60mg per sachet): Included to support normal immune function during illness. While vitamin C does not cure a cold, it contributes to the body's natural defences.

Together, these three ingredients provide multi-symptom relief in a single, easy-to-prepare hot drink.

Who Should Use Beechams Cold and Flu Hot Lemon?

This product is intended for adults and young people aged 16 and over who are experiencing symptoms of a common cold or flu. It is particularly useful if you have several symptoms at once and want a single remedy rather than multiple separate products. That said, it is not suitable for everyone.

• Adults aged 16 and over with cold or flu symptoms
• People experiencing sore throat, headache, blocked nose, or mild fever
• Those who prefer a warm drink format over tablets or capsules
• Individuals who do not have contraindications to paracetamol or phenylephrine

It is not suitable for children under 12, and those aged 12–15 should only use it under medical supervision. Always read the label carefully before use.

How Does Beechams Cold and Flu Hot Lemon Compare to Other Cold Remedies?

Is Beechams Cold and Flu Hot Lemon Safe to Store at Home?

Yes — storing this product correctly is straightforward. Keep sachets in a cool, dry place below 25°C, away from direct sunlight and out of reach of children. Do not use sachets past the expiry date printed on the packaging. If you are managing multiple health conditions or taking regular medicines, it is worth checking with your pharmacist before adding Beechams Cold and Flu Hot Lemon to your routine, particularly if you already take paracetamol for another condition. For additional support during illness, you might also find our Vitamins and Supplements collection helpful for immune support products.

This product is a medicine. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before using if you have an underlying medical condition or are taking other medicines.

What Is Beechams Cold & Flu Hot Lemon & Honey and What Is It Used For?

Beechams Cold & Flu Hot Lemon & Honey is an over-the-counter multi-symptom cold and flu remedy in hot drink sachet form. It is used to relieve the symptoms of colds and flu in adults and young people aged 16 and over. These symptoms include sore throat pain, headache, blocked or runny nose, body aches, and raised temperature (fever). The NHS advises that most colds and flu episodes resolve on their own within one to two weeks, but symptomatic relief can make that time considerably more comfortable.

What Do You Need to Know Before Using Beechams Cold & Flu Hot Lemon & Honey?

Before using this product, check the following contraindications and warnings carefully. Do not use this product if any of the following apply to you:

• You are allergic to paracetamol, phenylephrine, ascorbic acid, or any other ingredient in the sachet
• You are under 12 years of age (and only use under medical supervision if aged 12–15)
• You are taking or have taken monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) within the last 14 days
• You have severe high blood pressure (hypertension) or severe heart disease
• You have an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)
• You have severe kidney or liver disease
• You are already taking other medicines containing paracetamol
• You are pregnant or breastfeeding — speak to your doctor or pharmacist first

The following medicines may interact with this product. Tell your pharmacist if you are taking:

• Other paracetamol-containing products (risk of overdose)
• MAOIs or tricyclic antidepressants
• Other sympathomimetic decongestants (e.g. pseudoephedrine)
• Beta-blockers or other antihypertensive medicines
• Warfarin or other anticoagulants (regular paracetamol use may affect INR)
• Metoclopramide or domperidone (may affect paracetamol absorption)

If you have diabetes, kidney stones, or glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, speak to your pharmacist before use. For broader symptom management, our Ear, Nose and Throat collection includes additional products that may help.

How Should You Use Beechams Cold & Flu Hot Lemon & Honey?

Always use this product exactly as directed on the label. Do not exceed the stated dose. Here is how to prepare and take each sachet:

1. Empty the contents of one sachet into a large mug.
2. Add freshly boiled water that has been allowed to cool slightly — do not use boiling water directly.
3. Stir well until the powder is fully dissolved.
4. Allow to cool to a comfortable drinking temperature before consuming.
5. Drink the full contents of the mug.

Do not take more than four sachets in any 24-hour period. Leave at least four hours between doses. Do not use for more than five days without speaking to a doctor or pharmacist.

What Are the Possible Side Effects of Beechams Cold & Flu Hot Lemon & Honey?

Like all medicines, this product can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them. Most side effects are mild and related to the phenylephrine decongestant component.

Common side effects may include:

• Nausea or stomach upset
• Difficulty sleeping (insomnia)
• Increased heart rate (palpitations)
• Headache (if not already present)

Less common side effects may include:

• Raised blood pressure
• Dizziness or restlessness
• Skin rash or itching
• Urinary retention (particularly in men with prostate problems)

Stop taking this product and seek immediate medical attention if you develop signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as swelling of the face, lips, or throat, difficulty breathing, or a severe skin reaction. Paracetamol overdose is a medical emergency — if you suspect you or someone else has taken too much, go to A&E immediately even if you feel well, as liver damage may not be apparent for several days.

How Should You Store Beechams Cold & Flu Hot Lemon & Honey?

Correct storage keeps the product effective and safe to use. Follow these guidelines:

• Store below 25°C in a cool, dry place
• Keep away from direct sunlight and moisture
• Keep out of the sight and reach of children
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the packaging
• Do not store in a bathroom or near a sink where humidity is high
• Dispose of unused sachets safely — return to a pharmacy if possible

If you are looking for additional support during cold and flu season, our Pain Relief collection includes a range of analgesics and anti-inflammatory options to complement your recovery.