Beechams Cold & Flu is used for the short term relief of the symptoms of flu, colds and chills. These symptoms include headache, shivers, aches and pains, blocked nose and painful sinuses, catarrh and sore throat. The medicine contains two active ingredients. Paracetamol is a painkiller and reduces your temperature when you have a fever. Phenylephrine hydrochloride is a decongestant which unblocks your nose and sinuses helping you breathe more easily. This product also contains 40 mg ascorbic acid (vitamin C).