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Just a few questions from our Pharmacist before you checkout to make sure this medicine is safe for you.
Buy Night Nurse liquid – 160ml
Night Nurse liquid is a night-time cold and flu medicine designed to relieve your symptoms while you sleep. It contains three active ingredients:
- paracetamol to ease aches, pains and fever
- promethazine hydrochloride to help dry up a runny nose and encourage restful sleep
- dextromethorphan hydrobromide to help control dry, tickly coughs
Taken at bedtime, Night Nurse also helps soothe a sore throat and supports a more comfortable night when you're feeling unwell.
Key benefits of Night Nurse
Night Nurse liquid is designed to ease multiple cold and flu symptoms at once, helping you rest more comfortably through the night.
- Relieves aches, pains, headache and fever.
- Helps control dry, tickly coughs.
- Clears up a runny nose.
- Soothes discomfort caused by a sore throat.
- Promotes a more restful night’s sleep.
How does Night Nurse work?
Night Nurse combines three active ingredients that work in different ways to relieve cold and flu symptoms overnight.
- Paracetamol works in the brain to reduce pain signals and lower a high temperature.
- Promethazine hydrochloride is a drowsy antihistamine that blocks histamine receptors helping you breathe easier while also making sleep easier.
- Dextromethorphan hydrobromide is an antitussive (cough suppressant) that works in the brain to suppress the urge to cough, helping to control dry, tickly coughs.
How long does Night Nurse take to work?
Night Nurse typically starts to work within around 30 minutes, helping to ease symptoms so you can settle down more comfortably at bedtime.
How to use Night Nurse
Night Nurse liquid is taken once a day at bedtime to help relieve cold and flu symptoms overnight.
For adults and children aged 16 and over:
- take four 5ml spoonfuls (four tablespoons) before going to sleep
- use the measuring cup provided to make sure you take the correct amount
- only take one dose per night and do not take more than the recommended dose
Night Nurse should not be used for more than three days. If you feel like you need to use it for longer, contact a doctor or pharmacist for other options and advice.
How long does Night Nurse take to wear off?
The effects of Night Nurse can last for several hours, helping to relieve symptoms and promote sleep throughout the night.
As it can cause drowsiness, some people may still feel sleepy or less alert the next morning.
Night Nurse side effects
Like all medicines, Night Nurse can cause side effects, although not everyone will experience them.
Common side effects may include:
- drowsiness or feeling sleepy
- dizziness or headache
- blurred vision
- difficulty concentrating
- dry mouth
- feeling unsteady
For more information about potential side effects of Night Nurse liquid, read the patient information leaflet.
When to seek medical help
Stop taking Night Nurse and seek medical advice if you experience severe side effects like:
- an allergic reaction
- breathing difficulties
- unexplained bruising or bleeding
You should also speak to your doctor if your symptoms worsen, last longer than a few days, or are accompanied by a high temperature, skin rash or persistent headache.
When not to use Night Nurse
Night Nurse is not suitable for everyone, and you should check carefully before taking it.
Do not take this medicine if you:
- are allergic to any of its ingredients
- have severe respiratory problems such as worsening asthma or a chest infection
- you are taking (or have recently taken) MAOI antidepressants
- are under 16 years old
- have already taken other products containing paracetamol or antihistamines
Night Nurse and alcohol
Do not drink alcohol while taking Night Nurse. This medicine already contains alcohol and can make you feel drowsy, so drinking alcohol alongside it can increase these effects and may raise the risk of side effects.
Storage information
Keep Night Nurse out of the sight and reach of children and store it in a cool, dry place. You should keep Night Nurse in its original container to protect if from light and make sure not to use the medicine after the expiry date shown on the packaging.
Alternatives to Night Nurse liquid
If Night Nurse liquid isn’t for you, there are Night Nurse capsules that you can take instead. However, if you’re looking for something depending on your symptoms or more targeted relief, then there are other options.
- Day Nurse: Made up of similar ingredients to Night Nurse but without the drowsiness, giving you daytime relief for your cold and flu symptoms.
To deal with individual symptoms, then you can look at:
- paracetamol
- cough suppressants (e.g. Covonia)
- decongestant nasal sprays
Frequently asked questions about Night Nurse liquid
Does Night Nurse help you sleep?
Yes, Night Nurse can make you feel sleepy. It contains promethazine, a drowsy antihistamine that can help you relax and rest while your cold or flu symptoms are being treated.
Can you take Night Nurse with blood pressure tablets?
If you’re taking medication for blood pressure, speak to your doctor or pharmacist before using Night Nurse.
Some medicines can interact or increase side effects such as dizziness or drowsiness, so it’s best to check first.
Can you take ibuprofen with Night Nurse?
Yes, ibuprofen can usually be taken with Night Nurse, as they work in different ways.
However, you should only combine medicines if you need to and follow the recommended doses. If you’re unsure, ask a pharmacist.
Can you take Night Nurse with antibiotics?
Night Nurse can usually be taken alongside antibiotics, as they treat different things. However, some medicines can interact, so it’s always a good idea to check with your doctor or pharmacist before combining treatments.
Sources
- Night Nurse (2025). EMC. [Accessed 13 May 2026]
- Promethazine (Phenergan). NHS. [Accessed 13 May 2026]
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