Rinasek syrup (30 mg + 1.25 mg/5 mL) – pseudoephedrine and triprolidine for blocked nose, colds and allergy

Rinasek syrup is a combination medicine containing two active substances: pseudoephedrine (30 mg per 5 mL), a decongestant that reduces swelling of the mucosa and clears a blocked nose and sinuses, and triprolidine (1.25 mg per 5 mL), an antihistamine that relieves sneezing, runny nose and watery eyes.

The medicine belongs to the group of systemic nasal decongestants (sympathomimetics in combination). It is intended for adults and children aged 6 years and over to relieve symptoms of colds and allergies, including allergic and vasomotor rhinitis, hay fever and aerotitis. It must not be used for longer than 5 days.

What is Rinasek syrup used for and how is it taken correctly?

Key facts about the medicine

What is Rinasek syrup used for?

To relieve symptoms of colds and allergies (sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, blocked nose and sinuses), i.e. for the treatment of:

• allergic rhinitis (inflammation of the nasal lining caused by allergy)
• vasomotor rhinitis (non-allergic inflammation of the nasal lining)
• common cold
• hay fever
• aerotitis (ear inflammation caused by changes in external pressure)

The medicine is intended for adults and children aged 6 years and over. If there is no improvement or symptoms get worse after 5 days, consult a doctor.

How is Rinasek syrup taken and dosed?

• The syrup is for oral use; measure the dose with the supplied spoon and do not overfill it.
• At least 4 hours must pass between doses.
• Do not use for more than 5 consecutive days without consulting a doctor.
• In children aged 6 to 12, use only when symptomatic treatment has not given adequate improvement.
• The medicine must not be used to sedate a child.
• In the elderly the usual adult dose is appropriate; caution is needed in more severe kidney and/or liver impairment.

Special patient groups

• Children under 6: must not be used.
• Children aged 6 to 12: no more than 3 doses of 5 mL per day.
• Elderly: usual adult dose.
• Kidney impairment: severe acute or chronic kidney disease and kidney failure are contraindications; caution in milder impairment.
• Severe liver disease: caution and medical advice are required.
• People with diabetes: the medicine is contraindicated; 5 mL syrup also contains 3.45 g sucrose.

Contraindications – when the medicine must not be used

• allergy to triprolidine, pseudoephedrine or any of the excipients
• diabetes mellitus
• overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)
• angle-closure glaucoma
• phaeochromocytoma
• severe hypertension or hypertension not well controlled by medicines, heart and blood vessel disease
• severe acute or chronic kidney disease or kidney failure
• lung disease or breathing problems with a risk of respiratory failure
• concomitant use of beta-blockers
• use of MAO inhibitors or reversible MAO inhibitors (RIMA) now or within the past 2 weeks
• concomitant use of other cough or cold medicines (other sympathomimetics)
• children under 6 years

Precautions and warnings

• Talk to a doctor or pharmacist before use in case of: kidney disease and/or severe liver disease, susceptibility to angle-closure glaucoma, occlusive vascular disease, treatment for thyroid disease, prostate problems (difficult or frequent urination), alcohol dependence, epilepsy, asthma, chronic bronchitis or emphysema.
• Stop the medicine immediately and contact a doctor in case of: generalised rash with redness and fever (possible AGEP), sudden abdominal pain or rectal bleeding (ischaemic colitis), sudden loss of vision, hallucinations, restlessness and sleep disturbances.
• Rare cases of PRES and RCVS (reduced blood supply to the brain) have been reported with pseudoephedrine-containing medicines – sudden severe headache, nausea, vomiting, confusion, seizures and visual disturbances require emergency help.
• The medicine may stimulate the central nervous system (insomnia, restlessness, raised temperature, tremor, convulsions) and may cause drowsiness.
• Do not use several sympathomimetic medicines at the same time by different routes (oral and local – nasal, eye or ear drops and sprays).
• May lead to a positive anti-doping test.
• Contains sucrose, the azo dye E110 and methyl parahydroxybenzoate, which may cause allergic reactions.

Interactions with other medicines, alcohol and food

• Tell your doctor if you take: sedatives, antihypertensives (guanethidine, reserpine, methyldopa, adrenergic blockers, debrisoquine, bretylium, bethanidine), stimulants or appetite suppressants and sympathomimetics for congestion and asthma, tricyclic antidepressants, moclobemide, cardiac glycosides (digoxin), ergot alkaloids (ergotamine, methysergide), oxytocin, anticholinergics (atropine), hypnotics (including barbiturates), opioid analgesics (codeine, tramadol, morphine), antipsychotics, MAO inhibitors and halogenated anaesthetics.
• Beta-blockers, MAO inhibitors/RIMA and other sympathomimetic cough and cold medicines must not be combined with this medicine (contraindication).
• Alcohol: alcoholic drinks must not be consumed during treatment because they increase the reduction in attention and mental abilities.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Do not take Rinasek during pregnancy without medical advice; according to the summary of product characteristics it is used only if the doctor considers that the benefit outweighs the possible risk to the foetus. Pseudoephedrine and triprolidine pass into breast milk, so the medicine should not be used during breastfeeding unless the benefit to the mother outweighs the risk to the infant.

Driving and using machines

The medicine may cause dizziness, drowsiness, reduced alertness and hearing disturbances. If these occur, do not drive or use machines. Avoid alcohol and other medicines that cause drowsiness, as they increase the likelihood of these effects.

Possible side effects

• Very common (more than 1 in 10): headache.
• Common (up to 1 in 10): insomnia, nervousness, dizziness, drowsiness, blurred vision, thick secretions, dry mouth, nausea and stomach pain.
• Rare (up to 1 in 1,000): confusion, depression, stiffness, tremor or speech disturbance, low blood pressure, blood and liver disorders.
• Frequency not known: PRES and RCVS, stroke, heart attack and angina, fast heart rate, agitation, anxiety, irritability, euphoria, tingling in hands and feet, high blood pressure, nosebleed, dry nose and throat, vomiting, painful urination, tiredness, very high temperature.
• Stop taking and talk to a doctor in case of: restlessness or sleep disturbances, fast or irregular heartbeat, difficulty passing urine (especially in men with prostate problems) and reduced blood flow to the optic nerve.

Overdose, missed dose and stopping treatment

• Overdose: contact a doctor, pharmacist or the nearest healthcare facility immediately. Symptoms include drowsiness, impaired coordination, palpitations, high blood pressure, convulsions, difficulty passing urine, restlessness, confusion, hallucinations, heart rhythm disturbances, nausea and vomiting.
• Missed dose: take it as soon as possible and continue as scheduled, keeping at least 4 hours between doses and not exceeding the daily number of doses; if it is almost time for the next dose, continue the usual schedule. Never take a double dose.
• Stopping: the medicine is for short-term use, no more than 5 days without medical advice.

Composition, packaging and manufacturer

• Active substances per 5 mL syrup: pseudoephedrine hydrochloride 30.0 mg and triprolidine hydrochloride 1.25 mg.
• Excipients: sucrose; glycerol 85%; methyl parahydroxybenzoate; sodium benzoate; Quinoline Yellow (E104); FD&C Yellow No.6 (E110); sodium hydroxide and hydrochloric acid (for pH adjustment); purified water.
• Appearance: clear, slightly viscous yellow solution.
• Pack: dark glass bottle with 100 mL syrup, child-resistant closure, plastic spoon and package leaflet.
• Marketing authorisation holder and manufacturer: HEMOFARM AD VRŠAC, Beogradski put bb, Vršac, Republic of Serbia.
• Marketing authorisation number: 003465396 2024 of 5 November 2025.

Storage

• Store the unopened medicine below 25 °C in the original package to protect from light.
• Shelf life after first opening: 20 days, stored below 25 °C in the original package.
• Keep out of the sight and reach of children; do not use after the expiry date.
• Return unused medicines to a pharmacy that collects unused medicines from the public.

Frequently asked questions

From what age can Rinasek syrup be used?

From 6 years. Children aged 6 to 12 take 5 mL every 4–6 hours, up to 3 times a day; adults and children over 12 take 10 mL every 4–6 hours, up to 4 times a day. It is contraindicated in children under 6.

Does Rinasek cause drowsiness?

It can. Triprolidine is an antihistamine, and common side effects include drowsiness, dizziness and blurred vision. Alcohol increases these effects, so it should not be consumed during treatment.

Can I take Rinasek if I have high blood pressure?

Severe or uncontrolled hypertension and heart and blood vessel disease are contraindications, and the medicine must not be combined with beta-blockers. People with high blood pressure should consult a doctor before use.

How long can I take Rinasek?

No longer than 5 consecutive days without consulting a doctor. An opened bottle can be used for 20 days.

Sources

• ALIMS – Package leaflet Rinasek® (30 mg/5 mL + 1.25 mg/5 mL), syrup (November 2025)
• ALIMS – Summary of product characteristics Rinasek®, syrup
• ALIMS – List of medicines supplied without a prescription (2026)

Sources checked on: 23 October 2026.