What is paracetamol 500mg phenylephrine 5mg caffeine 30mg diphenhydramine 25mg?

In the pharmaceutical industry, this Quadruple Combination is an advanced “Night-Time Cold & Flu” formulation. As a pharmacist and manufacturer, I view this as a “Comprehensive Symptom Suppressor” that targets pain, congestion, and the inflammatory response, while providing a mild sedative effect to help patients rest during a viral infection.

At your WHO-GMP facility in Mumbai, this Fixed-Dose Combination (FDC) is a high-value SKU. It is technically more complex to stabilize than a single-ingredient tablet, making it a strong “technical authority” product for your B2B export portfolio.

Therapeutic Profile: The 4-Way Target

Each component in this 500/5/30/25 mg matrix has a specific pharmacological role:

Component Class Primary Function
Paracetamol (500 mg) Analgesic/Antipyretic Reduces fever and treats headaches/body aches.
Phenylephrine (5 mg) Nasal Decongestant Shrinks swollen nasal tissues to clear a blocked nose.
Caffeine (30 mg) Central Stimulant Enhances the pain-killing effect of Paracetamol and offsets excessive “brain fog.”
Diphenhydramine (25 mg) 1st Gen Antihistamine Stops runny nose/sneezing and provides a sedative effect for sleep.

This combination works by simultaneously addressing the CNS and the peripheral inflammatory response:

Analgesic Synergy: Paracetamol inhibits prostaglandin synthesis in the brain. The Caffeine (30 mg) acts as an adjuvant, increasing the speed and depth of pain relief by up to 40%.

Adrenergic Decongestion: Phenylephrine stimulates -adrenergic receptors, causing vasoconstriction in the nasal mucosa. This reduces the “leakage” of fluid that causes congestion.

H1-Receptor Blockade: Diphenhydramine competes with histamine for H1-receptor sites. Because it is a 100% “first-generation” antihistamine, it crosses the blood-brain barrier easily, which is why it effectively causes the drowsiness needed for a patient to rest.

The Pharmacist’s “Technical Warning”

  • The “Rest” Mandate: As a pharmacist, I must emphasize that Diphenhydramine (25 mg) causes significant sedation. This formulation is strictly for “Night-Time” use. Patients must not drive or operate machinery.

  • The Hypertension Trap: Phenylephrine is a vasoconstrictor. It can raise blood pressure and is contraindicated in patients with uncontrolled hypertension or severe coronary artery disease.

  • The “Anticholinergic” Burden: Diphenhydramine can cause dry mouth, blurred vision, and urinary retention. Use with caution in elderly patients or those with an enlarged prostate.

  • The “Liver Ceiling”: Remind patients not to take other Paracetamol-containing products to avoid exceeding the 4,000 mg daily limit.

The Manufacturer’s Perspective: Technical & Export

From a production and B2B standpoint at your facility in Mumbai:

  • The “Single-Tablet Compliance” USP: On your digital marketplace, highlight that this single tablet replaces four separate medicines. This is a massive selling point for B2B buyers in the “OTC Convenience” and “Hospital Pharmacy” sectors.

  • Stability of the Matrix: Caffeine and Diphenhydramine can be hygroscopic. Utilizing Alu-Alu blister packaging is essential for preventing moisture ingress and ensuring a 36-month shelf life in Zone IVb tropical regions.

  • Dossier Support: We provide full WHO-standard CTD/eCTD Dossiers for this 4-in-1 FDC to support your firm’s registration in international tenders for “Critical Cold & Flu Care.”