Night Nurse Capsules - 10

What Are Night Nurse Capsules and How Do They Help?

When a cold or flu hits at night, it can feel relentless. The blocked nose, the nagging cough, the aching limbs — all conspiring to keep you awake when your body needs rest most. Night Nurse Capsules are a well-established, GSK-manufactured combination remedy designed specifically to tackle those night-time cold and flu symptoms so you can actually get some sleep. Each pack contains 10 capsules, making it a practical option to keep in your medicine cabinet during the colder months. You can browse the full range of cold and flu treatments at Cured Pharmacy if you want to compare your options.

This is an over-the-counter (OTC) medicine, meaning you don't need a prescription to buy it. It's classified as a P (Pharmacy) medicine in the UK, so it's sold under pharmacist supervision. At £9.99 for 10 capsules, it represents a straightforward, accessible option for adults who need relief from multiple symptoms at once.

How Do Night Nurse Capsules Work in the Body?

Night Nurse Capsules work through a combination of three active ingredients, each targeting a different symptom. This multi-action approach is what makes them particularly useful when you're dealing with several complaints at once.

• Paracetamol (500mg): Reduces fever and relieves aches and pains associated with colds and flu.
• Promethazine hydrochloride (10mg): An antihistamine that helps relieve nasal congestion and runny nose, and causes sedation to help you sleep.
• Dextromethorphan hydrobromide (7.5mg): A cough suppressant (antitussive) that acts on the cough centre in the brain to reduce the urge to cough.

Together, these three ingredients address the most disruptive night-time cold symptoms simultaneously. The sedative effect of promethazine is intentional here — it's not a side effect to worry about, it's part of the therapeutic design.

Who Is Night Nurse Capsules Suitable For?

Night Nurse Capsules are intended for adults and young people aged 16 and over who are experiencing cold or flu symptoms that are disrupting their sleep. They're particularly useful if you're dealing with more than one symptom at the same time — for instance, a cough alongside a fever and congestion.

• Adults aged 16 and over with cold or flu symptoms
• People experiencing night-time cough that disrupts sleep
• Those with fever, aches, and nasal congestion occurring together
• Individuals who want a single capsule to address multiple symptoms

They are not suitable for children under 16, pregnant or breastfeeding women, or people with certain medical conditions. See the patient information section below for a full list of contraindications.

How Do Night Nurse Capsules Compare to Night Nurse Liquid?

How Should You Store Night Nurse Capsules?

Store Night Nurse Capsules below 25°C in a dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep them out of reach and sight of children at all times. Do not use the capsules after the expiry date printed on the packaging. If you're also managing other symptoms like sore throat or body pain, you might find our pain relief collection useful alongside your cold treatment plan.

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 Are Night Nurse Capsules and What Are They Used For?

Night Nurse Capsules are a combination OTC medicine used to relieve the symptoms of colds and flu at night. They contain three active ingredients — paracetamol, promethazine hydrochloride, and dextromethorphan hydrobromide — which work together to reduce fever, ease aches and pains, suppress coughing, relieve nasal congestion, and promote sleep. They are intended for short-term use only, taken once at bedtime during the acute phase of a cold or flu.

What Do You Need to Know Before Using Night Nurse Capsules?

Before taking these capsules, it's important to check whether they are appropriate for you. Do not take Night Nurse Capsules if any of the following apply:

• You are under 16 years of age
• You are pregnant or breastfeeding
• You have liver or kidney disease
• You have epilepsy or a history of seizures
• You have glaucoma (raised pressure in the eye)
• You have an enlarged prostate or difficulty passing urine
• You are taking or have taken monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) within the last 14 days
• You have a known allergy to any of the active or inactive ingredients
• You have a chronic cough associated with asthma or excessive phlegm

The following medicines may interact with Night Nurse Capsules. Always tell your pharmacist or doctor what you are currently taking:

• Other paracetamol-containing products (risk of overdose)
• Sedatives, sleeping tablets, or tranquillisers (increased drowsiness)
• Antidepressants, particularly MAOIs and SSRIs
• Anticoagulants such as warfarin (paracetamol may affect INR with prolonged use)
• Other antihistamines
• Alcohol (significantly increases sedation — avoid completely)

How Should You Use Night Nurse Capsules Correctly?

Always read the patient information leaflet supplied with your pack before taking this medicine. Follow these steps carefully:

1. Check the expiry date on the packaging before use.
2. Take two capsules at bedtime only — do not take during the day.
3. Swallow the capsules whole with a full glass of water.
4. Do not take more than two capsules in any 24-hour period.
5. Do not take alongside any other paracetamol-containing product.
6. Do not drive, operate machinery, or drink alcohol after taking.

If your symptoms persist for more than 5 days, or worsen significantly, stop taking the capsules and consult your GP. You may also find it helpful to explore our ear, nose and throat remedies if congestion remains a problem after your cold has passed.

What Are the Possible Side Effects of Night Nurse Capsules?

Like all medicines, Night Nurse Capsules can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them. The sedative effect of promethazine is expected and intentional, but other effects listed below should be monitored.

Common side effects:

• Drowsiness and sedation (intended therapeutic effect)
• Dry mouth
• Dizziness
• Blurred vision
• Constipation

Less common side effects:

• Urinary retention (difficulty passing urine)
• Skin rashes or photosensitivity
• Nausea or stomach upset
• Confusion, particularly in older adults
• Paradoxical excitability (restlessness rather than sedation — more common in children, which is one reason this product is not for under-16s)

Stop taking the capsules and seek medical advice immediately if you experience signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as swelling of the face, lips, or throat, difficulty breathing, or a severe skin rash. 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 Night Nurse Capsules Safely?

• Store below 25°C in a dry place away from direct heat and sunlight
• Keep out of reach and sight of children at all times
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the carton
• Do not store in a bathroom or near a sink where moisture may affect the capsules
• Do not transfer capsules to another container — keep in original blister packaging

If you need to dispose of unused capsules, return them to your local pharmacy. Do not flush medicines down the toilet or throw them in household waste. If you're looking to support your recovery more broadly, our vitamins and supplements range includes immune-support options that may be useful during and after illness.