Uphamol 1000mg Cold Honey Lemon Sachet

Uphamol 1000mg Cold Honey Lemon Sachet is a honey and lemon flavoured paracetamol granule that is sold in Malaysia as Uphamol 1000 Cold & Flu Honey Lemon. Each 5 g sachet contains Paracetamol 1000 mg, which is the only active ingredient. The contents of the sachet are dissolved in a cup of hot water and drunk as a warm drink, rather than swallowed as a tablet.

Although the product name includes the word Cold, the Malaysian product specifications reviewed list Paracetamol 1000 mg as the sole active ingredient, with no decongestant, antihistamine or cough ingredient. The 1000 mg strength is double that of a common 500 mg paracetamol tablet, so a single sachet already provides a full adult dose. It is sold as individual sachets and in boxes of 25 sachets, and the pack you receive may be either.

This is an OTC (Over-the-Counter) medicine that can be purchased without a doctor’s prescription. It is intended for adults, and for children aged 12 years and over only on medical advice. Because paracetamol is found in many other cold, flu and pain products, it is important to count the total paracetamol you take from all sources in 24 hours and never exceed the maximum of 4 sachets.

• Empty the contents of one sachet into a mug or cup and add hot water, then stir until the granules have dissolved.
• Let the drink cool slightly before sipping, and drink it all.
• Adults: take one sachet every 4 to 6 hours as necessary, up to a maximum of 4 sachets in 24 hours.
• Do not give to children under 12 years of age unless a doctor has advised it.
• Do not take any other paracetamol-containing medicine, including other cold and flu products, at the same time or within the dosing interval.
• Do not use the sachet if it is torn or damaged, and do not use after the expiry date printed on the pack.

Adults: one sachet (Paracetamol 1000 mg) dissolved in a cup of hot water, taken every 4 to 6 hours as necessary, up to a maximum of 4 sachets (4000 mg of paracetamol) in 24 hours. Do not take a sachet again sooner than 4 hours after the last one. Not recommended for children under 12 years of age except on medical advice. If a dose is missed, take the next dose only when it is due; never double up. Adults who weigh less than 50 kg, or who have liver or kidney problems, drink alcohol heavily, or are malnourished, should ask a doctor or pharmacist before using this 1000 mg strength. Use the lowest dose for the shortest time, and see a doctor if symptoms last longer than 3 days.

Use before the expiry date printed on the sachet and the outer box. Do not use a sachet that is past its expiry date or whose foil is torn or damaged.

Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture, and keep each sachet sealed until just before use. Keep out of the reach and sight of children. Prepare the drink fresh for each dose and do not store a made-up drink for later.

• Common: Side effects are uncommon when paracetamol is taken at the recommended dose. Mild nausea or stomach discomfort may occur in some people.
• Uncommon: Skin rash or itching as a mild allergic reaction.
• Serious: Severe allergic reactions or severe skin reactions such as blistering, peeling skin or sores in the mouth, eyes or genitals have been reported rarely with paracetamol. Stop the product and seek urgent medical help, as these can be life-threatening.
• Serious: Taking more than the maximum dose, or taking paracetamol from several products at once, can seriously damage the liver, often without obvious early symptoms. Seek emergency medical help immediately after any overdose, even if you feel well.
• Serious: Unexplained bruising, bleeding, persistent sore throat or fever, or yellowing of the skin or eyes can be signs of rare blood or liver problems and need prompt medical review.

• Do not use in anyone with a known allergy or hypersensitivity to paracetamol or to any other ingredient in the sachet.
• Do not use together with any other medicine containing paracetamol.
• Do not use in people with severe liver disease or severe liver impairment unless a doctor has advised it.
• Not recommended for children under 12 years of age except on medical advice.

• Duplicate paracetamol: do not take with any other product containing paracetamol (also called acetaminophen), including many cold, flu, fever and pain products, as this can cause a harmful overdose.
• Warfarin and other blood thinners: regular, prolonged use of paracetamol may increase the blood-thinning effect; ask your doctor or pharmacist if you take these regularly.
• Medicines that affect how quickly paracetamol is absorbed or processed (for example metoclopramide, domperidone, cholestyramine, or some anti-epilepsy medicines) can change its effect or liver risk; check with a pharmacist first.
• Flucloxacillin (an antibiotic): taking it with paracetamol may rarely cause a serious blood and body-chemistry problem (metabolic acidosis), especially in people with kidney problems or poor nutrition; tell your doctor.
• Alcohol: avoid regular or heavy alcohol use while taking paracetamol, as it increases the risk of liver damage. No specific food interactions are known.

• Write down the time of each sachet so you can keep to the interval of at least 4 hours and the limit of 4 sachets a day.
• Check the labels of any other cold, flu or pain medicine for paracetamol or acetaminophen before taking them with this sachet.
• Make the drink fresh with hot (not boiling) water and let it cool a little before drinking.
• Check the carton for sugar and sodium content if you have diabetes or a low-sodium diet, or ask a pharmacist.
• Keep unused sachets sealed and away from damp, heat and children.
• Do not drink alcohol heavily while taking paracetamol, and stop and see a doctor if symptoms last more than 3 days.

Precautions: Each sachet contains 1000 mg of paracetamol, so the total from all sources must not exceed 4000 mg in 24 hours. Check the labels of all other medicines for paracetamol or acetaminophen. Seek advice before use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, weigh under 50 kg, drink alcohol heavily, or have liver or kidney problems. Not recommended for children under 12 years unless a doctor advises it. People with diabetes or on a low-sodium diet should check the carton for sugar and sodium content.

When to See a Doctor or Pharmacist: See a doctor or pharmacist if symptoms last longer than 3 days, get worse, or if you develop a high or persistent fever, a rash, or difficulty breathing. Seek emergency medical help immediately if you have taken more than the recommended dose, even if you feel well, and stop and get urgent help for any rash with blistering or peeling skin, swelling of the face or throat, or yellowing of the skin or eyes.