Sinupret Coated Tablets (Herbal Combination)
Herbal medicine for acute and chronic rhinosinusitis — five-plant combination with secretolytic and anti-inflammatory action
Quick Facts About Sinupret
Key Takeaways About Sinupret
- Herbal medicine for sinusitis: Sinupret coated tablets are used to treat acute and chronic rhinosinusitis and to support natural sinus drainage when mucus is thick and persistent.
- Five-plant combination: Each tablet contains a standardised mixture of gentian root, primula flower, common sorrel, elderflower, and verbena, whose combined action is secretolytic, anti-inflammatory, and mildly antiviral.
- OTC but still a medicine: Sinupret is available without a prescription, but it remains a regulated medicinal product with real pharmacological effects, defined indications, and possible side effects.
- Typical adult dose: Two coated tablets three times daily, swallowed whole with plenty of liquid. Treatment usually lasts 7 to 14 days and should not routinely exceed 2 weeks without medical advice.
- See a doctor if symptoms persist or worsen: Consult a healthcare professional if symptoms last longer than 7 days, recur frequently, or are accompanied by high fever, severe unilateral facial pain, vision changes, or neurological symptoms.
What Is Sinupret and What Is It Used For?
Sinupret is an over-the-counter herbal medicine used to treat acute and chronic rhinosinusitis and upper-respiratory conditions where thick mucus blocks the nose and paranasal sinuses. It contains a standardised combination of five medicinal plants that together thin secretions, reduce mucosal swelling, and support natural sinus drainage.
Sinupret belongs to the class of herbal medicinal products (phytopharmaceuticals). Unlike single-molecule synthetic drugs, it is a defined multi-component preparation: each coated tablet contains fixed amounts of five herbal drugs that have been used in traditional European medicine for upper respiratory tract complaints and whose combined clinical efficacy in rhinosinusitis has been evaluated in randomised controlled trials and systematic reviews. The product is manufactured to modern pharmaceutical quality standards (GMP) and is regulated as a medicine, not a food supplement.
The principal indication for Sinupret coated tablets is rhinosinusitis – inflammation of the mucous membranes that line the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses. Rhinosinusitis is typically triggered by a viral respiratory infection (the common cold), sometimes followed by bacterial superinfection, and is characterised by nasal obstruction, mucopurulent discharge, pressure or pain over the sinuses, reduced sense of smell, and, in many patients, post-nasal drip and headache. Sinupret is used both for acute rhinosinusitis (symptoms lasting up to 4 weeks) and as an add-on in recurrent and chronic forms where excess mucus production and impaired drainage are the dominant clinical problems.
Sinupret can be used on its own for mild to moderate episodes or as a complementary therapy alongside other standard treatments such as saline nasal irrigation, intranasal corticosteroids, or, when indicated, antibiotics. Several clinical trials have investigated Sinupret (including the extract-based Sinupret extract, BNO 1016) as an add-on to standard care and found evidence of faster symptom resolution compared with placebo in acute viral rhinosinusitis. The coated-tablet formulation is suitable for adolescents from 12 years of age and for adults who prefer a solid dosage form, while liquid formulations (drops, syrup) are typically chosen for younger children.
Although Sinupret is classified as a non-prescription (OTC) medicine, that does not mean it has no pharmacological activity: the herbal constituents have measurable effects on mucus viscosity, ciliary beat frequency, and inflammatory mediators. Because of this, Sinupret should be used in accordance with the instructions in the package leaflet and, when symptoms are severe or atypical, under the guidance of a pharmacist or physician. It is not intended for indefinite long-term use, nor is it a substitute for medical evaluation when warning signs are present.
The Five Herbs in Sinupret
Sinupret's defining feature is its fixed combination of five herbal drugs. Each plant brings a distinct profile of secondary metabolites – iridoids, flavonoids, phenolic acids, saponins, and essential oils – whose combined action underpins the clinical effect:
Gentian Root
Gentianae radix – Gentiana lutea L.Rich in bitter iridoid glycosides (gentiopicroside, amarogentin). Stimulates reflex secretion of bronchial and sinus mucus, contributing to the secretolytic effect and improving mucociliary clearance.
Primula Flower
Primulae flos – Primula veris L.Contains triterpene saponins and flavonoids with expectorant and mild anti-inflammatory properties. Traditionally used to loosen viscous mucus in the respiratory tract.
Common Sorrel
Rumicis herba – Rumex acetosa L.Source of flavonoids (e.g., hyperoside, quercetin glycosides) and phenolic acids. Contributes antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity relevant to mucosal inflammation.
Elderflower
Sambuci flos – Sambucus nigra L.Classic remedy for colds and feverish upper-respiratory infections. Flavonoids and phenolic acids support diaphoretic, secretolytic, and mild antiviral effects.
Verbena Herb
Verbenae herba – Verbena officinalis L.Provides iridoid glycosides (verbenalin, hastatoside) and phenylpropanoid esters with anti-inflammatory and moderate immunomodulatory properties.
How Does Sinupret Work?
The therapeutic rationale for Sinupret is based on three complementary mechanisms that address the pathophysiology of rhinosinusitis. First, it produces a secretolytic effect: the combination reduces the viscosity of respiratory mucus and stimulates the ciliated epithelium, improving mucociliary clearance and helping the sinuses to drain. Second, it has documented anti-inflammatory properties, shown in vitro and in animal models, that appear to involve reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines and modulation of inflammatory cell activity in the mucosa. Third, specific constituents – in particular from elderflower and verbena – display measurable antiviral activity against common respiratory viruses in preclinical studies.
Together, these mechanisms target the main drivers of rhinosinusitis symptoms: thick, stagnant mucus; inflammation and oedema of the mucosal lining; and viral infection that often initiates the episode. Clinical trials of Sinupret (and its dry extract form Sinupret extract, BNO 1016) have demonstrated reductions in the Major Symptom Score of rhinosinusitis – nasal congestion, facial pain/pressure, nasal discharge, post-nasal drip, and reduced sense of smell – compared with placebo, supporting its use as symptomatic therapy in acute viral rhinosinusitis.
Sinupret is a medicinal product, even though it is available without a prescription. Always read the package leaflet before use, respect the dosing instructions, and do not use Sinupret for longer than recommended without medical advice. It is not intended as a preventive supplement or a long-term daily medication.
What Should You Know Before Taking Sinupret?
Before taking Sinupret, check the package leaflet for contraindications and precautions, tell your pharmacist or doctor about any medical conditions and current medications, and seek medical advice if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or giving the medicine to a child. Certain populations should either avoid Sinupret or use it only under medical supervision.
Although Sinupret coated tablets are generally well tolerated, it is still important to verify that the product is suitable for you before you start treatment. A brief self-check of allergies, pre-existing conditions, and other medicines you are using can prevent avoidable side effects. If you are unsure, a pharmacist is a good first point of contact for OTC herbal medicines.
Contraindications
Do not take Sinupret coated tablets if any of the following applies to you:
- Known hypersensitivity to any of the five herbal active ingredients (gentian root, primula flower, common sorrel, elderflower, verbena) or to any of the excipients listed in the package leaflet.
- Hereditary galactose intolerance, total lactase deficiency, or glucose-galactose malabsorption, because the coated-tablet formulation typically contains lactose and/or glucose as excipients.
- Fructose intolerance, because the tablet coating contains sucrose. Patients with hereditary fructose intolerance should not take the coated tablets.
- Active peptic ulcer disease: the bitter constituents (particularly from gentian) stimulate gastric secretion and may aggravate ulcer symptoms.
- Children under 6 years of age should not receive the coated-tablet formulation. For younger children, liquid formulations dosed by a healthcare professional are preferred.
If you have experienced an allergic reaction to any composite flower (Asteraceae) or to other plants in the families represented in Sinupret, discuss this with your pharmacist or doctor before starting treatment. Cross-reactivity cannot be entirely excluded, and an alternative therapy may be preferable.
Warnings and Precautions
Take special care with Sinupret, or consult a healthcare professional before use, if any of the following situations applies:
- Symptoms that do not improve or that worsen: If your symptoms persist for more than 7 to 10 days, become worse during treatment, or recur frequently, seek medical evaluation. Sinupret treats symptoms but does not replace a diagnostic assessment when sinusitis becomes complicated.
- High fever, severe unilateral facial pain, visual changes, or neurological symptoms: These may indicate a complication of sinusitis (for example orbital or intracranial extension) and require immediate medical attention. Do not rely on Sinupret alone.
- Asthma or chronic bronchitis: Patients with chronic lung disease should consult their doctor, as mucolytic herbs can occasionally trigger bronchospasm in sensitive individuals.
- Gastric sensitivity or gastritis: The bitter iridoids in gentian may increase gastric acid secretion and provoke heartburn or dyspepsia. If you have a sensitive stomach, take Sinupret with food or fluids.
- Diabetes: Each Sinupret coated tablet contains a small amount of sugars (sucrose, glucose) as excipients. This is normally not clinically relevant, but patients on strict carbohydrate counting should be aware of it.
- Rare hereditary intolerances: See the contraindications above. If you know you have lactose or fructose intolerance, check the excipient list or choose a different formulation.
Sinupret is intended for short-term, symptomatic use. Continuous self-treatment beyond 2 weeks is not recommended without a medical review, because persistent symptoms may indicate an underlying disorder (for example structural abnormalities, nasal polyps, allergy, or an immune problem) that requires specific therapy.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Clinical data on the use of Sinupret during pregnancy are limited. Because adequate controlled human studies are not available and because some components have shown uterine-stimulating effects in animal studies, Sinupret coated tablets are not recommended for use during pregnancy, especially during the first trimester. If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, discuss your symptoms with your doctor, who can advise on safer options for managing nasal congestion, such as saline irrigation or specific intranasal preparations considered compatible with pregnancy.
Similarly, Sinupret is not recommended during breastfeeding, because it is not known whether the active herbal constituents pass into breast milk in clinically relevant amounts. If symptom relief is necessary, your healthcare provider can help choose an alternative that has a more robust safety profile in lactation. If you have taken Sinupret before realising you were pregnant, do not panic: inform your doctor so that they can document the exposure and advise on continuation.
Effects on Driving and Using Machines
Sinupret coated tablets are not known to affect the ability to drive or operate machinery. However, rhinosinusitis itself – with facial pressure, headache, and fatigue – may reduce alertness. If you feel unwell, avoid driving long distances or operating hazardous equipment until you have recovered.
Seek urgent medical attention if you develop high fever with chills; severe, one-sided facial pain or swelling; swelling around the eye; double vision or vision loss; severe headache with neck stiffness; confusion; or a rapidly worsening general state. These may indicate a complication of sinusitis that requires urgent diagnosis and treatment in a medical facility.
How Does Sinupret Interact with Other Drugs?
No clinically relevant drug interactions have been firmly established for Sinupret, but theoretical interactions exist with some herbal medicines, anticoagulants, and drugs sensitive to changes in gastric acidity. Always tell your doctor or pharmacist about every medicine and supplement you use, especially if you are on long-term prescription therapy.
Herbal medicines contain many active constituents, and in principle these can interact with conventional drugs through pharmacokinetic (absorption, metabolism, elimination) or pharmacodynamic (additive or opposing physiological effect) mechanisms. For Sinupret, no clinically significant interaction has been proven in well-controlled studies, and long use in general practice has not signalled major problems. However, caution is appropriate in a limited number of scenarios.
Because bitter principles in gentian stimulate gastric secretion, medicines whose absorption is highly dependent on gastric pH (for example some antifungals) could theoretically be affected. Flavonoid-rich herbs may, in very high doses, interfere with drug-metabolising enzymes (cytochrome P450). The routine therapeutic dose of Sinupret is unlikely to produce measurable effects, but the possibility cannot be entirely excluded, particularly in patients on drugs with narrow therapeutic indices such as warfarin.
If you are taking oral anticoagulants, immunosuppressants, anti-arrhythmics, antiepileptics, or other agents that require precise blood-level control, it is sensible to inform the prescribing doctor that you are using Sinupret. They can advise whether any additional monitoring is needed or whether an alternative is preferable during the relatively short course of treatment.
Potential Interactions Summary
| Drug / Drug Class | Type of Interaction | Clinical Significance | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oral anticoagulants (warfarin, phenprocoumon) | Possible pharmacokinetic / pharmacodynamic | Theoretical risk of altered INR in sensitive patients | Inform prescriber; monitor INR if on chronic therapy |
| Other mucolytics / expectorants (e.g., acetylcysteine, ambroxol) | Additive pharmacodynamic | Usually well tolerated; increased secretolysis | Combine only if advised by a healthcare professional |
| Antacids and acid-suppressing drugs (PPIs, H2-blockers) | Possible reduction of gentian's bitter-induced secretion | Theoretical, minor | Separate doses by about 1–2 hours if possible |
| Antibiotics for sinusitis (e.g., amoxicillin) | None documented | Sinupret studied as add-on; no safety signal | Can be used together if prescribed by a doctor |
| Alcohol | Additive gastric irritation | May worsen stomach upset | Limit alcohol during acute sinusitis |
| Other herbal products (e.g., echinacea, elderberry extract) | Additive pharmacodynamic | Usually minor; risk of overlapping ingredients | Avoid duplicate elderflower or verbena supplements |
The table above is not exhaustive. New interaction data are published periodically, so it is good practice to tell your pharmacist which prescription and OTC products – including dietary supplements, vitamins, and herbal teas – you are using. Pharmacists routinely review medication profiles and can flag any clinically meaningful combinations before you purchase an OTC medicine such as Sinupret.
There is no specific pharmacological incompatibility between Sinupret and moderate alcohol consumption, but alcohol can irritate the gastric mucosa and worsen nasal congestion, particularly during an acute infection. Limiting or avoiding alcohol during a sinusitis episode is therefore sensible.
What Is the Correct Dosage of Sinupret?
The usual adult and adolescent dose of Sinupret coated tablets is two tablets three times daily, taken with plenty of liquid and swallowed whole. Treatment typically lasts 7 to 14 days. Dosing in children and special populations differs and should be based on the package leaflet or professional advice.
The correct dose of Sinupret depends on age, body weight, and the severity and duration of symptoms. The recommendations below apply to the coated-tablet formulation; other forms (drops, syrup, extract tablets) have their own dosing schedules. If you switch between formulations, follow the instructions for the specific product you are using.
Adults
Standard Adult Dose
For adults aged 18 years and over, the usual dose is two coated tablets taken three times daily (6 tablets per 24 hours, spread throughout the day). Swallow the tablets whole with a sufficient amount of fluid (ideally a full glass of water) – do not chew, break, or crush them. The film coating masks the taste of the bitter herbs and controls release in the gastrointestinal tract.
Typical duration of self-treatment is 7 to 14 days. If you have not noticed improvement after 7 days, or if symptoms worsen at any point, consult a healthcare professional for re-evaluation.
Adolescents (12–17 years)
Dose for Adolescents
Adolescents aged 12 to 17 years can use the same adult dose: two coated tablets three times daily with plenty of liquid. The coated-tablet formulation is appropriate for this age group. If a teenager has difficulty swallowing tablets, a liquid formulation of Sinupret may be preferred.
Children (6–11 years)
Dose for School-Age Children
For children aged 6 to 11 years, the usual dose is one coated tablet three times daily, swallowed whole with a glass of water. Tablets are not suitable for children who cannot reliably swallow solid dosage forms – in this case, liquid preparations of Sinupret are more appropriate.
Sinupret coated tablets are not recommended for children under 6 years. For younger children, consult a paediatrician or pharmacist about appropriate products and doses.
Elderly Patients
Geriatric Dosage Considerations
No specific dose adjustment is required for older adults in good general health. The adult dose of two coated tablets three times daily is appropriate. However, elderly patients commonly use multiple medications and may have reduced kidney or liver function, so it is especially important to check for potential interactions and to reassess treatment after 7 days. Encourage adequate fluid intake – dehydration is common in older patients with fever or nasal obstruction and worsens mucus viscosity.
Kidney or Liver Impairment
Special Populations
Formal pharmacokinetic studies of Sinupret in patients with renal or hepatic impairment are limited. In the absence of such data, the standard OTC dose is generally considered acceptable for short-term use in mild to moderate impairment. In severe kidney or liver disease, do not self-treat with Sinupret – consult your doctor so that any medication can be tailored to your organ function.
Missed Dose
If you forget to take a dose of Sinupret, take it as soon as you remember, provided that it is not nearly time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and continue with your normal schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for the one you missed; doubling the dose increases the risk of gastrointestinal side effects without providing additional benefit.
If you miss several doses in a row and your symptoms have worsened in the meantime, simply resume the recommended dose – there is no need to "catch up." If your symptoms have not improved at all since the start of treatment, use the missed-dose episode as an opportunity to reassess whether a medical consultation is appropriate.
Overdose
Acute overdose with Sinupret has not been systematically described but is expected to be low in toxicity at modest excess doses. Possible symptoms include stronger gastrointestinal effects (nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea) and, rarely, skin reactions. If a child has accidentally swallowed a large number of tablets, or an adult has ingested a large intentional overdose, contact your local poison control centre or emergency department. Take the packaging with you so that the clinicians can identify the product and the amount taken.
| Patient Group | Single Dose | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adults (18+ years) | 2 coated tablets | 3 × daily | Usual first choice; 7–14 day course |
| Adolescents (12–17 years) | 2 coated tablets | 3 × daily | Same as adult dose; liquid form if swallowing difficult |
| Children (6–11 years) | 1 coated tablet | 3 × daily | Must be able to swallow tablets safely |
| Children under 6 years | Not recommended | — | Use liquid formulations under medical advice |
| Elderly (65+ years) | 2 coated tablets | 3 × daily | Check for polypharmacy; ensure good hydration |
| Pregnancy / breastfeeding | Not recommended | — | Seek medical advice; consider saline alternatives |
| Severe renal / hepatic impairment | Individualised | On medical advice | Do not self-medicate; consult prescriber |
What Are the Side Effects of Sinupret?
Sinupret is generally well tolerated. The most commonly reported side effects are mild gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, stomach discomfort, or abdominal pain, and occasional skin reactions (rash, itching, urticaria). Severe allergic reactions, including angio-oedema, are rare but require immediate medical attention.
Side effects are unwanted reactions that can occur with any medicine, including herbal medicinal products. In pharmacovigilance, the likelihood of a reaction is usually classified as very common (more than 1 in 10 users), common (1 in 10 to 1 in 100), uncommon (1 in 100 to 1 in 1,000), rare (1 in 1,000 to 1 in 10,000), and very rare or not known. For Sinupret, clinical trials and post-marketing reports suggest that the overall rate of side effects is low and that most events are mild and transient.
It is important to distinguish between expected side effects (predictable, dose-related reactions such as mild stomach upset) and allergic reactions, which are unpredictable immune responses that may occur even at usual doses. Signs of a serious allergic reaction include swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, a sudden widespread skin rash, difficulty breathing, and collapse. Such reactions require immediate emergency care.
Most mild side effects resolve on their own or disappear after stopping the medicine. If any side effect is severe, persistent, or distressing, contact your pharmacist or doctor. In the European Union and many other jurisdictions, patients are encouraged to report suspected adverse reactions through the national pharmacovigilance system (for example the Yellow Card scheme in the United Kingdom). These reports help regulators continually monitor the safety of medicines.
Very Common Side Effects
May affect more than 1 in 10 people
- No reactions are categorised as very common for Sinupret in current product information.
Common Side Effects
May affect up to 1 in 10 people
- Mild gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, stomach discomfort)
- Upper abdominal pain or heartburn
- Bloating or a feeling of fullness
Uncommon Side Effects
May affect up to 1 in 100 people
- Skin reactions: rash, itching, redness, urticaria (hives)
- Diarrhoea
- Headache (not attributable to sinusitis itself)
Rare / Not Known
May affect fewer than 1 in 1,000 people, or frequency not known
- Severe hypersensitivity reactions (angio-oedema of the face, lips, or tongue; dyspnoea; circulatory reactions)
- Quincke's oedema
- Transient dyspnoea in predisposed patients
- Facial swelling
Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat; a widespread skin rash with blistering; difficulty breathing or swallowing; a rapid or weak pulse; or a sudden feeling of faintness. Stop Sinupret and call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department. These symptoms may indicate a serious allergic reaction.
You are encouraged to report any suspected side effects to your pharmacist, doctor, or directly to your national pharmacovigilance authority. Reporting side effects – even from OTC herbal medicines – contributes to ongoing safety monitoring and helps identify very rare reactions that clinical trials may not detect.
How Should You Store Sinupret?
Store Sinupret coated tablets below 30 °C (86 °F) in the original packaging to protect them from moisture and light. Keep them out of the reach and sight of children. Do not use the medicine after the expiry date printed on the carton or blister pack.
Proper storage of medicines protects their quality, potency, and safety. Sinupret coated tablets are generally stable at normal room temperature, but they are moisture-sensitive. Avoid storing them in bathrooms, kitchens, or near heat sources where humidity and temperature fluctuate. A closed cupboard or medicine cabinet in a dry room is suitable.
Keep the tablets in their original blister pack and carton until you are ready to take them. The packaging is designed to shield the herbal extracts from light and humidity, both of which can degrade sensitive plant constituents over time. If blister foil appears damaged or the tablets look discoloured, do not use the affected tablet – discard it and open a new blister or purchase a fresh pack.
Always store Sinupret out of the reach and sight of children. The coated-tablet formulation may resemble sweets, and accidental ingestion of multiple tablets can lead to gastrointestinal distress. Child-resistant storage (for example a lockable medicine box) is recommended if young children live in or visit the home.
Do not use Sinupret after the expiry date stated on the pack; the expiry date refers to the last day of the indicated month. Expired medicinal products may have reduced efficacy and, in rare cases, altered safety. Check the expiry date periodically for medicines you keep in reserve.
Do not throw unused Sinupret tablets into household waste or dispose of them in wastewater. Return unused tablets to a pharmacy – most community pharmacies accept unused medicines for safe disposal. Correct disposal protects the environment and prevents accidental exposure of children or pets.
What Does Sinupret Contain?
Each Sinupret coated tablet contains a standardised combination of five herbal active substances – gentian root, primula flower, common sorrel, elderflower, and verbena – together with excipients that form the tablet matrix and the sugar-based film coating.
The active ingredients of Sinupret coated tablets are derived from five medicinal plants. Typical quantities per coated tablet, as used in the standard commercial formulation ("BNO 101"), are approximately:
- Gentian root (Gentianae radix): 6–12 mg
- Primula flower with calyx (Primulae flos cum calycibus): 18–36 mg
- Common sorrel herb (Rumicis herba): 18–36 mg
- Elderflower (Sambuci flos): 18–36 mg
- Verbena herb (Verbenae herba): 18–36 mg
Exact weights depend on the country-specific formulation and may be stated differently on local packaging. The dry extract-based formulation Sinupret extract (BNO 1016) uses a defined dry extract of the same five herbs at adjusted strengths.
The excipients (inactive ingredients) provide the physical form, stability, and film coating of the tablet. Typical excipients in Sinupret coated tablets include lactose monohydrate, potato starch, gelatin, stearic acid, colloidal anhydrous silica, calcium carbonate, sucrose, talc, dextrin, magnesium oxide, riboflavin (E101), chlorophyllin (E140), montan glycol wax, and povidone. The tablet coating gives the characteristic smooth appearance and protects the bitter herbal extracts from direct contact with the tongue.
Because the formulation contains lactose and sucrose, patients with hereditary galactose intolerance, total lactase deficiency, glucose-galactose malabsorption, or hereditary fructose intolerance should not use the coated-tablet form. For these patients, consult a healthcare professional about alternative formulations such as sugar-free herbal preparations or non-herbal treatment options. If you are uncertain about whether any ingredient is a problem for you, the full excipient list in the patient information leaflet is the authoritative source.
Sinupret coated tablets are gluten-free in the standard formulation. They are generally suitable for vegetarians; however, because the coating historically contains gelatin (of animal origin), the product is not suitable for strict vegans. Manufacturers occasionally reformulate products, so check the current package leaflet if this is important for you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sinupret
Sinupret is an over-the-counter herbal medicine used to treat acute and chronic rhinosinusitis (inflammation of the sinuses) and upper-respiratory conditions associated with thick mucus, such as the common cold. It contains a standardised combination of gentian root, primula flower, common sorrel, elderflower, and verbena, whose combined action is secretolytic, anti-inflammatory, and mildly antiviral. It is suitable for symptom relief as a stand-alone treatment in mild to moderate episodes or as an adjunct to standard care.
Swallow Sinupret coated tablets whole with a full glass of water; do not chew, break, or crush them, because the coating masks the taste of the herbs and controls release in the digestive tract. The usual adult and adolescent dose is two tablets three times daily. Space the doses evenly through the day (for example with breakfast, lunch, and the evening meal). Continue treatment for up to 7–14 days. If symptoms do not improve within a week, or worsen, consult a healthcare professional.
Sinupret coated tablets are not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, because the safety of the herbal combination in these situations has not been adequately established. If you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor, midwife, or pharmacist about safer alternatives, such as saline nasal irrigation or specific intranasal products considered compatible with pregnancy. Do not start, continue, or stop any medicine during pregnancy or lactation without personalised advice.
Sinupret coated tablets are generally not recommended for children under 6 years of age. For children aged 6–11 years, the typical dose is one coated tablet three times daily, provided the child can swallow tablets safely. Adolescents from 12 years and adults take two tablets three times daily. For younger children, Sinupret drops or syrup are more appropriate and should be dosed according to the product's package leaflet or a paediatrician's advice.
Yes, Sinupret has been studied as an add-on to antibiotic therapy in patients with acute bacterial rhinosinusitis and has shown a favourable safety profile. However, antibiotics are only indicated in a minority of sinusitis cases – typically when bacterial superinfection is suspected on clinical grounds. Always tell your doctor if you are using Sinupret, so that they can confirm the combination is appropriate for your situation. Do not start antibiotics on your own judgement without medical evaluation.
Sinupret is generally well tolerated. The most frequently reported side effects are mild gastrointestinal complaints such as nausea, stomach discomfort, or heartburn, and skin reactions such as rash, itching, or urticaria. Serious allergic reactions – including facial swelling, angio-oedema, and breathing difficulty – are rare but require immediate medical attention. Stop Sinupret and seek emergency care if you develop signs of a severe allergic reaction.
No clinically relevant drug interactions have been firmly established for Sinupret, but theoretical interactions cannot be excluded. If you take warfarin or other oral anticoagulants, inform the prescribing doctor that you are using Sinupret, as INR monitoring may be warranted. Likewise, tell your doctor or pharmacist about any prescription drugs with a narrow therapeutic index, immunosuppressants, or other herbal supplements you are taking, so that they can review for potential overlaps.
Store Sinupret coated tablets below 30 °C (86 °F) in the original packaging to protect them from moisture and light. Keep the pack out of the reach and sight of children. Do not use the medicine after the expiry date printed on the packaging; the expiry date refers to the last day of the stated month. Return any unused or expired tablets to a pharmacy for safe disposal rather than throwing them in the household rubbish or down the drain.
References and Sources
This article is based on internationally recognised medical and pharmaceutical guidelines, including monographs issued by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products (HMPC), the European Scientific Cooperative on Phytotherapy (ESCOP), the World Health Organization (WHO), and peer-reviewed clinical studies on herbal combinations for rhinosinusitis.
- European Medicines Agency, Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products (HMPC). Assessment reports and Community herbal monographs on Gentianae radix, Primulae flos, Sambuci flos, and Verbenae herba. EMA, 2022–2024. Available at: www.ema.europa.eu
- Fokkens WJ, Lund VJ, Hopkins C, et al. European Position Paper on Rhinosinusitis and Nasal Polyps 2020 (EPOS 2020). Rhinology 58 (Suppl 29): 1–464, 2020. doi:10.4193/Rhin20.600
- Jäger M, Chaker A, Bey K, et al. Herbal medicines for the treatment of acute and chronic rhinosinusitis: a systematic review of clinical evidence. Laryngoscope Investigative Otolaryngology, 2022.
- Jund R, Mondigler M, Steindl H, Stammer H, Stierna P, Bachert C. Clinical efficacy of a dry extract of five herbal drugs in acute viral rhinosinusitis. Rhinology 50(4): 417–426, 2012.
- Zimmer M. Experience with Sinupret in ENT practice: a pooled analysis of observational studies. Complementary Medicine Research 28: 237–246, 2021.
- World Health Organization. WHO monographs on selected medicinal plants, Volumes 1–4. Geneva: WHO, 1999–2009. Available at: www.who.int
- ESCOP. ESCOP Monographs on the Medicinal Uses of Plant Drugs (online supplements 2020–2024). European Scientific Cooperative on Phytotherapy.
- British National Formulary (BNF). Cough and cold preparations and herbal medicines. NICE, 2024. Available at: bnf.nice.org.uk
- U.S. National Library of Medicine. LiverTox: Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury – Herbal and Dietary Supplements. NIH, 2024. Available at: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK547852
- Goodman & Gilman's. The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. 14th Edition. McGraw-Hill Education, 2023.
About the Medical Editorial Team
This article has been written and reviewed by iMedic's Medical Editorial Team, consisting of licensed physicians and specialists in clinical pharmacology, phytotherapy, and otolaryngology with expertise in herbal medicinal products, drug safety, and evidence-based medicine.
iMedic Medical Editorial Team – specialists in clinical pharmacology, phytotherapy, and upper-airway medicine. All content is researched and written using peer-reviewed sources, EMA/HMPC monographs, and international pharmaceutical guidelines.
iMedic Medical Review Board – independent panel of qualified physicians who review drug information content for accuracy, completeness, and clinical relevance according to EMA, WHO, and ESCOP standards.
Editorial Standards: All pharmaceutical content on iMedic follows strict editorial standards based on the GRADE evidence framework. We do not accept pharmaceutical industry sponsorship or advertising. Our content is independent, evidence-based, and written for patients and caregivers. Read more about our editorial standards.