D Cold Total
D Cold Total is a tablet made by Reckitt that contains Paracetamol 500 mg + Phenylephrine 10 mg + Caffeine 32 mg. It combines Paracetamol: pain reliever and fever reducer, Phenylephrine: nasal decongestant and Caffeine: stimulant.
| Ingredient (salt) | Amount |
|---|---|
| Paracetamol | 500 mg |
| Phenylephrine | 10 mg |
| Caffeine | 32 mg |
Paracetamol
What it is used for
Brings down fever and eases mild to moderate pain such as headache, body ache and toothache.
How it works
It works in the brain to raise the pain threshold and acts on the body's temperature centre to bring a fever down. Unlike NSAIDs it has little effect on swelling and is gentle on the stomach.
How to take it
Usual adult dose is 500 mg to 1 g every 4 to 6 hours, no more than 4 g (for example eight 500 mg tablets) in 24 hours; lower if you weigh under 50 kg, drink alcohol regularly or have liver disease. Children's doses go by weight. It can be taken with or without food.
Common side effects
- Side effects are rare at normal doses
- Occasionally rash or nausea
Get medical help straight away if
- You took more than the maximum dose, even if you feel well (liver damage shows up only after 1 to 3 days)
- Yellow skin or eyes
- A rash with blistering
Be careful
Too much damages the liver. Many cold and pain medicines also contain it, so avoid taking two at once; avoid with heavy alcohol use.
Other medicines and interactions
Many cold, flu and combination painkillers already contain paracetamol, so check every label to avoid a double dose. Regular high use can strengthen the effect of warfarin. Heavy alcohol use raises the risk of liver damage.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Paracetamol is the usual first choice for pain and fever in pregnancy and while breastfeeding, at the lowest dose that works for the shortest time.
Phenylephrine
What it is used for
Shrinks swollen blood vessels in the nose to relieve a blocked or runny nose.
How it works
It narrows swollen blood vessels in the nose lining, which reduces congestion. Taken by mouth it is less effective than as a spray.
How to take it
Take the combination tablet or syrup as directed on the pack, usually every 4 to 6 hours. Do not use for more than about 7 days.
Common side effects
- Restlessness
- Headache
- Trouble sleeping
- Raised blood pressure
Get medical help straight away if
- Severe headache, fast or irregular heartbeat
- Difficulty passing urine
Be careful
Can raise blood pressure and heart rate; caution with high BP, heart disease or thyroid problems.
Other medicines and interactions
Avoid with MAOI antidepressants and other decongestants. Can raise blood pressure and counteract blood pressure medicines; take care with beta blockers.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Best avoided in pregnancy, especially the first three months, and while breastfeeding; ask a pharmacist for alternatives such as saline drops.
Caffeine
What it is used for
Added to pain and cold tablets to boost their pain relief and reduce drowsiness.
How it works
A stimulant that blocks adenosine in the brain. In combination tablets it makes painkillers work a little better and counters drowsiness from antihistamines.
How to take it
Take the combination product as directed. Count it along with coffee, tea, cola and energy drinks; most adults should stay under about 400 mg caffeine a day.
Common side effects
- Restlessness
- Poor sleep
- Fast heartbeat
- Jitteriness
- Stomach upset
Get medical help straight away if
- Palpitations or chest pain
- Severe anxiety or tremor
Be careful
Can cause restlessness or poor sleep; count it along with tea and coffee.
Other medicines and interactions
Ciprofloxacin and some other medicines slow caffeine breakdown, making it stronger. Too much can worsen anxiety and reflux.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Keep total caffeine under about 200 mg a day in pregnancy. Moderate amounts are usually fine while breastfeeding, though some babies become fussy.
Common questions
What is D Cold Total?
D Cold Total is a tablet by Reckitt containing Paracetamol 500 mg + Phenylephrine 10 mg + Caffeine 32 mg.
What is D Cold Total used for?
Brings down fever and eases mild to moderate pain such as headache, body ache and toothache. Shrinks swollen blood vessels in the nose to relieve a blocked or runny nose. Added to pain and cold tablets to boost their pain relief and reduce drowsiness.
How should I take D Cold Total?
Usual adult dose is 500 mg to 1 g every 4 to 6 hours, no more than 4 g (for example eight 500 mg tablets) in 24 hours; lower if you weigh under 50 kg, drink alcohol regularly or have liver disease. Children's doses go by weight. It can be taken with or without food. Take the combination tablet or syrup as directed on the pack, usually every 4 to 6 hours. Do not use for more than about 7 days. Take the combination product as directed. Count it along with coffee, tea, cola and energy drinks; most adults should stay under about 400 mg caffeine a day. Always follow the dose your doctor or the pack gives.
What are the side effects of D Cold Total?
Common side effects include: Side effects are rare at normal doses, occasionally rash or nausea, Restlessness, headache, trouble sleeping, raised blood pressure, Restlessness, poor sleep, fast heartbeat, jitteriness, stomach upset. Get medical help straight away for: You took more than the maximum dose, even if you feel well (liver damage shows up only after 1 to 3 days), yellow skin or eyes, a rash with blistering, Severe headache, fast or irregular heartbeat, difficulty passing urine, Palpitations or chest pain, severe anxiety or tremor.
Does D Cold Total need a prescription?
It is usually sold without a prescription in India, but ask a pharmacist if you take other medicines or have a long-term illness.
Can I take D Cold Total in pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
Paracetamol is the usual first choice for pain and fever in pregnancy and while breastfeeding, at the lowest dose that works for the shortest time. Best avoided in pregnancy, especially the first three months, and while breastfeeding; ask a pharmacist for alternatives such as saline drops. Keep total caffeine under about 200 mg a day in pregnancy. Moderate amounts are usually fine while breastfeeding, though some babies become fussy.
What are the substitutes for D Cold Total?
We have no other brand with exactly the same composition and strength in our list yet. Ask your pharmacist for an equivalent.
Sources and further reading
- Paracetamol: NHS · MedlinePlus
- Phenylephrine: NHS · MedlinePlus
- Caffeine: NHS · MedlinePlus
NHS (UK National Health Service) and MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine) are free, reviewed medicine guides. Brand names and doses there may differ from India.
Composition checked against pack details from large Indian online pharmacies. Last reviewed 31 October 2026. Written by Satya Babu.
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