Patient leaflet - Contac non Drowsy 12 hour Relief
1. What Contac Non Drowsy does
Contac Non Drowsy is used to relieve congestion associated with cold, flu and allergy symptoms. The active ingredient is pseudoephedrine hydrochloride, a decongestant which unblocks your nose helping you breathe more easily. When one capsule is swallowed the active ingredient is gradually released to give continuous relief for up to 12 hours.
2. Check before you take Contac Non Drowsy
Do not take Contac Non Drowsy:
if you have ever had an allergic reaction to pseudoephedrine hydrochloride or to any of the other
ingredients {listed in Section 6)
- if you have very high blood pressure (severe hypertension) or hypertension not controlled by your medication
- if you have severe acute (sudden) or chronic (long-term) kidney disease or kidney failure
- if you have severe heart disease
- if you have taken monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOls) prescribed for depression in the last two weeks
- if you are taking appetite suppressants or amphetamine-like stimulants (for ADHD or narcolepsy)
- if you are under 12 years.
Do not take with any other flu, cold, decongestant or hayfever products.
Ask your doctor before you take this medicine:
- if you have any kidney disease especially if you have a heart condition.
- if you have overactive thyroid, enlarged prostate, phaeochromocytoma, diabetes, glaucoma, mild to moderate high blood pressure, heart disease or heart rhythm disturbances.
- if you have been told by your doctor that you have an intolerance to some sugars.
Warnings and precautions
Cases of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) and reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) have been reported following use of medicines containing pseudoephedrine. PRES and RCVS are rare conditions that can involve reduced blood supply to the brain. Stop using Contac Non Drowsy immediately and seek immediate medical assistance if you develop symptoms that may be signs of PRES or RCVS (see section 4 "Possible side effects"
for symptoms).
Reduction of blood flow to your optic nerve may occur with Contac Non Drowsy. If you develop sudden loss of vision, stop taking Contac Non Drowsy and contact your doctor or seek medical attention immediately. See section 4.
If you are taking other medicines
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Contac Non Drowsy if you are taking any prescribed medicines including tricyclic antidepressants or furazolidone (for infections).
One of the active ingredients in Contac Non Drowsy, pseudoephedrine, has the potential to be abused and large doses of pseudoephedrine can be toxic. Continuous use may lead to taking more Contac Non Drowsy than the recommended dose to get the desired effect, resulting in an increased risk of overdosing. The recommended maximum dose and treatment duration should not be exceeded (see section 3).
Pregnancy and breast feeding
Do not take Contac Non Drowsy if you are pregnant or breast feeding unless your doctor tells you to.
Take special care with Contac Non Drowsy
This medicine may cause dizziness; do not drive or operate machinery if affected.
This medicine contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per capsule, that is to say essentially ‘sodium-free’.
3. How to take Contac Non Drowsy
Adults and children aged 12 years and over:
Swallow 1 capsule in the morning and another at bedtime.
- Do not chew or crush the capsules.
- Do not take more than 2 capsules in 24 hours.
- Do not take more than the recommended dose.
If you take too many capsules
Contact your doctor or casualty department.
If symptoms persist for more than 7 days, see your doctor
4. Possible side effects
Like all medicines, Contac Non Drowsy 12 Hour Relief can have side effects, but not everybody gets them:
- serious conditions affecting blood vessels in the brain known as posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) and reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) (frequency not known)
Stop using Contac Non Drowsy immediately and seek urgent medical attention if you develop symptoms, that may be signs of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) and reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS). These include:
- severe headache with a sudden onset
- feeling sick
- vomiting
- confusion
- seizures changes in vision
Stop taking the medicine and tell your doctor if you experience:
- Allergic reactions such as skin rash or you become extra sensitive to sunlight
- Reduced blood flow to the optic nerve (Ischaemic optic neuropathy) (frequency Not known).
The following side effects may occur.
Tell your doctor if you get them.
- Dizziness, agitation, nervousness, rest lessness, difficulty in sleeping, nausea, vomiting or dry mouth.
- Hallucinations, tachycardia, palpitations or high blood pressure but these effects are rare.
- There have been occasional reports of difficulty or pain urinating.
If you do get any side effects, even those not mentioned in this leaflet, tell your doctor or pharmacist.
5. How to store Contac Non Drowsy 12 Hour Relief
Keep out of the reach and sight of children.
Do not use this medicine after the 'EXP' date shown on the pack. Do not store above 25°C.
6. Further information
Active ingredient Each capsule contains Pseudoephedrine Hydrochloride 120 mg.
Other ingredients Gelatin, sucrose, starch, ethylcellulose, oleic acid, medium chain triglycerides, ammonium hydroxide (E 527), hypromellose, titanium dioxide (E 171), macrogol, carminic acid (E 120), shellac {E 904), black iron oxide (E 172), simeticone, soya lecithin (E 322).
Packs of Contac Non Drowsy contain 6 capsules.
The marketing authorisation holder is Omega Pharma Ltd, Wrafton, Braunton, Devon, EX33 2DL, United Kingdom and all enquiries should be sent to this address.
The manufacturer is SmithKline Beecham Pie, Manor Royal, Crawley, West Sussex, RH10 2QJ, UK. This leaflet was last revised in June 2024