Sinarest
Sinarest is a tablet made by Centaur that contains Paracetamol 500 mg + Phenylephrine 10 mg + Chlorpheniramine 2 mg. It combines Paracetamol: pain reliever and fever reducer, Phenylephrine: nasal decongestant and Chlorpheniramine: antihistamine (older type).
| Ingredient (salt) | Amount |
|---|---|
| Paracetamol | 500 mg |
| Phenylephrine | 10 mg |
| Chlorpheniramine | 2 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.
Chlorpheniramine
What it is used for
Reduces sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes and itching from colds and allergies.
How it works
An older antihistamine that blocks histamine and reduces sneezing, runny nose and itching; it also causes drowsiness.
How to take it
Adults usually take 4 mg every 4 to 6 hours, no more than 24 mg a day. Avoid driving if it makes you drowsy.
Common side effects
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Blurred vision
- Constipation
- Difficulty passing urine
Get medical help straight away if
- Confusion, fast heartbeat or inability to pass urine
- Allergic reaction
Be careful
Causes drowsiness; avoid driving and alcohol.
Other medicines and interactions
Drowsiness is much stronger with alcohol, sleeping pills, opioids and other sedating medicines. Take care with other anticholinergic medicines.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Has been used in pregnancy when needed, but ask a doctor first. Can make breastfed babies drowsy and may reduce milk supply; non-drowsy options are usually preferred.
Same composition, other brands (1)
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before switching brands.
Same ingredients, different strength or form
Common questions
What is Sinarest?
Sinarest is a tablet by Centaur containing Paracetamol 500 mg + Phenylephrine 10 mg + Chlorpheniramine 2 mg.
What is Sinarest 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. Reduces sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes and itching from colds and allergies.
How should I take Sinarest?
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. Adults usually take 4 mg every 4 to 6 hours, no more than 24 mg a day. Avoid driving if it makes you drowsy. Always follow the dose your doctor or the pack gives.
What are the side effects of Sinarest?
Common side effects include: Side effects are rare at normal doses, occasionally rash or nausea, Restlessness, headache, trouble sleeping, raised blood pressure, Drowsiness, dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, difficulty passing urine. 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, Confusion, fast heartbeat or inability to pass urine, allergic reaction.
Does Sinarest 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 Sinarest 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. Has been used in pregnancy when needed, but ask a doctor first. Can make breastfed babies drowsy and may reduce milk supply; non-drowsy options are usually preferred.
What are the substitutes for Sinarest?
Brands with the same composition: Febrex Plus. Ask your doctor or pharmacist before switching.
Sources and further reading
- Paracetamol: NHS · MedlinePlus
- Phenylephrine: NHS · MedlinePlus
- Chlorpheniramine: 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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