FLUSTAT® Capsules are classified as a Schedule 2 (S2) medicine.
This means the medicine may be available without a doctor’s prescription, but it should be obtained from a pharmacy and used according to the instructions on the package leaflet or as advised by a pharmacist or healthcare professional.
FLUSTAT® Capsules are used for the relief of symptoms commonly linked to colds and influenza. These symptoms may include blocked nose, sniffing, headache, minor body aches and general pain.
Composition of FLUSTAT® Capsules
Each FLUSTAT® Capsule contains a combination of ingredients that help manage cold and flu symptoms.
| Active Ingredient | Strength |
|---|---|
| Phenylephrine hydrochloride | 5 mg |
| Chlorpheniramine maleate | 2 mg |
| Paracetamol | 300 mg |
| Ascorbic acid | 75 mg |
| Caffeine | 30 mg |
The capsules also contain lactose monohydrate. People who have been told by a doctor that they are intolerant to some sugars should speak to a healthcare provider before using this medicine.
What FLUSTAT® Capsules Are Used For
FLUSTAT® Capsules are intended to help relieve symptoms associated with colds and flu, including:
- Nasal congestion
- Sniffing
- Headache
- Minor aches and pains
Who Should Not Use FLUSTAT® Capsules
Do not use FLUSTAT® Capsules if you are allergic to any of the active or inactive ingredients. Signs of an allergic reaction may include difficulty breathing, wheezing, swelling of the face, lips or tongue, skin rash, itching or hives.
This medicine should also not be used by people with certain medical conditions, including:
- High blood pressure
- Heart or blood vessel disease
- Overactive thyroid
- Recurrent fits
- Enlarged prostate
- Digestive system problems
- Raised pressure in the eye
FLUSTAT® Capsules are not recommended for children under 6 years of age.
Important Warnings and Precautions
Before taking FLUSTAT® Capsules, speak to a doctor or pharmacist if you have liver or kidney disease, diabetes, a history of peptic ulcers, or if you operate vehicles or dangerous machinery.
This medicine may affect alertness and decision-making. Patients should avoid driving, operating dangerous machinery or climbing dangerous heights while using it.
Use With Other Medicines
Tell your healthcare provider if you are taking any other medicine, including complementary or traditional medicines.
Extra care is needed if you use medicines for:
- High blood pressure
- Heart conditions
- Depression
- Fits
- Sleep problems
- Pain medicines containing codeine or morphine
- Sedatives or tranquillisers
- Atropine
- Other flu preparations containing phenylpropanolamine
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, planning to become pregnant, or think you may be pregnant, ask your doctor, pharmacist or healthcare provider for advice before using this medicine.
FLUSTAT® Capsules should not be used during pregnancy.
Dosage Schedule
The recommended dosage schedule for FLUSTAT® Capsules is:
| Patient Group | Dose | Schedule |
|---|---|---|
| Adults | 2 capsules | Three times daily |
| Children aged 6 to 12 years | 1 capsule | Three times daily |
| Children under 6 years | Not recommended | Do not use |
Do not take more than the recommended dose. Do not use FLUSTAT® Capsules continuously for more than 10 days unless advised by a doctor.
Suggested Daily Timing Schedule
To help maintain a regular dosing routine, the medicine may be taken at evenly spaced times during the day.
| Dose | Suggested Time |
|---|---|
| Morning dose | After breakfast |
| Afternoon dose | After lunch |
| Evening dose | After dinner |
This is only a general schedule. Always follow the instructions given by your doctor, pharmacist or the product leaflet.
What to Do in Case of Overdose
Taking too much FLUSTAT® Capsules may cause symptoms such as:
- Muscle tremor
- Restlessness
- Ringing in the ears
- Vision problems
- Irregular heartbeat
- Paleness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
In case of overdose, contact a doctor or pharmacist immediately. If they are unavailable, go to the nearest hospital or poison control centre.
If You Miss a Dose
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for the next dose. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Possible Side Effects
Like all medicines, FLUSTAT® Capsules may cause side effects, although not everyone will experience them.
Stop using the medicine and seek urgent medical help if you experience serious allergic symptoms such as skin rash, severe allergic reaction, or difficulty breathing.
Other serious symptoms may include:
- Chest pain
- Rapid irregular heartbeat
- Tightness of the chest
- Tingling
- Passing less urine than usual
Other reported effects may include dizziness, headache, sedation, insomnia, blurred vision, ringing in the ears, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, dry mouth, tremors, anxiety, restlessness and difficulty passing urine.
Reporting Side Effects
If you experience side effects, speak to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. Reporting side effects helps provide more information about the safety of the medicine.
Storage Instructions
Keep FLUSTAT® Capsules out of reach of children. Store at or below 25 °C and protect from light and moisture. Do not store the medicine in bathrooms. Do not use it after the expiry date shown on the label.
Unused medicine should be returned to a pharmacist and should not be disposed of in drains, toilets or sewerage systems.
Pack Description
FLUSTAT® Capsules are size 0 capsules with a sky-blue cap and sky-blue body. The product name is printed in white on the capsule. Packs may contain 24, 100 or 1000 capsules, and patient-ready packs may be supplied in different pack sizes.
Registration Holder
The registration holder is Ranbaxy Pharmaceuticals (Pty) Ltd, based in Roodepoort, South Africa. The leaflet was last revised on 05 October 2022.
Medical Disclaimer
This article is for information only and should not replace advice from a doctor, pharmacist or other qualified healthcare provider.
