Severe Cold and Flu

Description

No description information is available for the specified drug.

Uses and Indications

This drug is indicated for the temporary relief of symptoms associated with the common cold and influenza. Specifically, it alleviates nasal congestion, sinus congestion and pressure, cough due to minor throat and bronchial irritation, and cough that may interfere with sleep. Additionally, it provides relief from minor aches and pains, headache, fever, sore throat, runny nose, and sneezing. The formulation also reduces swelling of the nasal passages, temporarily restores freer breathing through the nose, and promotes nasal and/or sinus drainage.

There are no teratogenic or nonteratogenic effects associated with this drug.

Dosage and Administration

Patients should adhere strictly to the prescribed dosage and administration guidelines. It is imperative to utilize only the dose cup provided with the medication to ensure accurate dosing. The maximum allowable dosage is four doses within a 24-hour period.

For adults and children aged 12 years and older, the recommended dosage is 30 mL every 4 hours. For children aged 6 to under 12 years, the dosage is 15 mL every 4 hours. For children aged 4 to under 6 years, it is advised to consult a physician for appropriate dosing. The medication is not recommended for children under 4 years of age.

Healthcare professionals should monitor patients for adherence to these guidelines and provide education on the importance of not exceeding the maximum dosage to avoid potential overdose.

Contraindications

Use of this product is contraindicated in the following situations:

• Co-administration with any other drug containing acetaminophen, whether prescription or nonprescription, due to the risk of acetaminophen overdose.

• Concurrent use with prescription monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or within 2 weeks of discontinuing an MAOI, as this may lead to serious drug interactions.

• Administration for the purpose of inducing sleepiness in children, as this is not an approved use and may pose safety risks.

• History of allergic reaction to this product or any of its ingredients, which may result in severe hypersensitivity reactions.

Warnings and Precautions

Severe liver damage may occur with the use of this product, which contains acetaminophen, under the following circumstances: if an adult consumes more than 4,000 mg of acetaminophen within a 24-hour period; if a child takes more than 5 doses in 24 hours; if it is taken concurrently with other medications containing acetaminophen; or if an adult consumes 3 or more alcoholic drinks daily while using this product.

Acetaminophen may also cause severe skin reactions, which can manifest as skin reddening, blisters, or rash. In the event of a skin reaction, it is imperative to discontinue use immediately and seek medical assistance.

Healthcare professionals should advise patients to consult a doctor if they experience a severe sore throat that persists for more than 2 days, or if it is accompanied or followed by fever, headache, rash, nausea, or vomiting.

General precautions should be taken prior to use. Patients should be advised to seek medical advice if they have any of the following conditions: liver disease, heart disease, glaucoma, thyroid disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, difficulty urinating due to an enlarged prostate gland, a cough that produces excessive phlegm, or any breathing problems such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis. Additionally, those with a persistent or chronic cough, such as that associated with smoking, asthma, or emphysema, should also consult a healthcare provider.

Patients should also be cautioned to consult a doctor or pharmacist before using this product if they are currently taking the blood-thinning medication warfarin or any sedatives or tranquilizers.

In the event of an overdose, immediate medical attention is crucial. Patients should be instructed to contact a Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) or seek emergency medical help right away, regardless of whether signs or symptoms are present.

Patients should discontinue use and contact a healthcare provider if they experience nervousness, dizziness, or sleeplessness; if pain, nasal congestion, or cough worsens or persists beyond 5 days in children or 7 days in adults; if fever worsens or lasts more than 3 days; if redness or swelling occurs; if new symptoms develop; or if a cough recurs or is accompanied by a rash or headache that lasts. These symptoms may indicate a serious condition requiring further evaluation.

Side Effects

Severe adverse reactions associated with the use of this product include the potential for severe liver damage, particularly if an adult exceeds 4,000 mg of acetaminophen within a 24-hour period, a child takes more than five doses in 24 hours, or if the product is used concurrently with other medications containing acetaminophen. Additionally, adults who consume three or more alcoholic drinks daily while using this product are at increased risk for liver damage.

Patients should be aware of the risk of severe skin reactions, which may manifest as skin reddening, blisters, or rash. In the event of a skin reaction, it is imperative to discontinue use and seek medical assistance immediately.

Participants should also be advised to consult a healthcare provider if they experience a sore throat that is severe, persists for more than two days, or is accompanied by fever, headache, rash, nausea, or vomiting, as these symptoms may indicate a serious condition.

Common adverse reactions may include excitability, particularly in children, and marked drowsiness. Patients are cautioned to avoid alcoholic beverages, as well as sedatives and tranquilizers, which may exacerbate drowsiness. Care should be taken when driving or operating machinery due to the potential for impaired alertness.

Patients are advised to discontinue use and consult a doctor if they experience nervousness, dizziness, or sleeplessness, if pain, nasal congestion, or cough worsens or lasts beyond five days in children or seven days in adults, if fever worsens or persists for more than three days, if redness or swelling occurs, or if new symptoms arise. A cough that recurs or occurs with a rash or headache that lasts should also prompt medical consultation.

Before using this product, patients with pre-existing conditions such as liver disease, heart disease, glaucoma, thyroid disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, or urinary difficulties due to an enlarged prostate gland should seek medical advice. Additionally, those with a cough that produces excessive phlegm or with breathing problems such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis, as well as individuals with persistent or chronic coughs related to smoking, asthma, or emphysema, should consult a healthcare professional prior to use.

Patients taking the blood-thinning medication warfarin or those on sedatives or tranquilizers should also seek guidance from a doctor or pharmacist before using this product.

Drug Interactions

There are currently no documented drug interactions associated with the use of this medication. Additionally, there is no information available regarding interactions with laboratory tests. As such, no specific recommendations for dosage adjustments or monitoring are warranted at this time.

Packaging & NDC

Below are the non-prescription pack sizes of Severe Cold and Flu (acetaminophen, dextromethorphan hydrobromide, doxylamine succinate, phenylephrine hydrochloride). Columns show Packaging, Formulation Type, and Active Ingredient Strength.

Pediatric Use

Pediatric patients aged 6 to under 12 years may be administered 15 mL every 4 hours. For children aged 4 to under 6 years, it is advised to consult a doctor before use. The product is not recommended for children under 4 years of age.

Healthcare professionals should be aware of a liver warning indicating that if a child takes more than 5 doses within a 24-hour period, medical advice should be sought. Additionally, when using this product, excitability may occur, particularly in children, and marked drowsiness is also a potential side effect.

Parents and caregivers should be instructed to stop use and consult a doctor if a child's pain, nasal congestion, or cough worsens or persists for more than 5 days.

Geriatric Use

Elderly patients may not have specific information regarding the use of this medication, including dosage adjustments, safety concerns, or special precautions. Therefore, healthcare providers should exercise caution when prescribing this medication to geriatric patients. It is advisable to monitor these patients closely for any adverse effects or changes in therapeutic response, given the lack of targeted data for this population.

Pregnancy

Pregnant patients and those who are breastfeeding should consult a healthcare professional prior to using this medication. The potential risks and benefits must be carefully considered in these populations to ensure the safety of both the mother and the fetus or infant.

Lactation

Lactating mothers are advised to consult a health professional prior to using this medication. There is currently no available data regarding the excretion of this medication in human breast milk or its effects on breastfed infants. Therefore, caution is recommended when administering this medication to lactating individuals.

Renal Impairment

Patients with renal impairment have not been specifically addressed in the drug insert regarding dosage adjustments, special monitoring, or safety considerations. Therefore, healthcare professionals should exercise caution when prescribing this medication to individuals with reduced kidney function, as the absence of detailed guidance necessitates careful clinical judgment. Regular monitoring of renal function may be advisable in these patients to ensure safety and efficacy.

Hepatic Impairment

Patients with hepatic impairment should exercise caution when using this product, as it contains acetaminophen, which is associated with the risk of severe liver damage. It is critical that patients do not exceed a maximum dosage of 4,000 mg of acetaminophen within a 24-hour period, as exceeding this limit may lead to significant hepatic injury.

Additionally, patients who consume three or more alcoholic drinks daily are at an increased risk of severe liver damage while using this product. Therefore, it is advisable for these patients to consult a healthcare professional prior to use.

Patients with known liver disease should also seek medical advice before using this product to ensure safety and appropriate management of their condition. Monitoring of liver function may be warranted in these individuals to prevent potential adverse effects.

Overdosage

In the event of an overdose, it is imperative to seek immediate medical assistance or contact a Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222. Prompt medical intervention is crucial for both adults and children, even in the absence of noticeable signs or symptoms.

Healthcare professionals should be aware that the lack of immediate symptoms does not preclude the potential for serious adverse effects. Therefore, vigilance and timely action are essential in managing overdose situations effectively.

Nonclinical Toxicology

No teratogenic or non-teratogenic effects have been reported in the available nonclinical studies. Additionally, there is no information regarding animal pharmacology and toxicology. The absence of data limits the assessment of potential risks associated with the use of the compound in these contexts.

Postmarketing Experience

Postmarketing experience has identified the following adverse reactions: severe skin reactions, which may present as skin reddening, blisters, and rash. In the event of a skin reaction, it is advised to discontinue use and seek medical assistance promptly.

Patient Counseling

Healthcare providers should advise patients to seek immediate medical assistance or contact a Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 in the event of an overdose, emphasizing that prompt attention is crucial for both adults and children, even if no signs or symptoms are apparent.

Patients should be instructed not to exceed the recommended dosage. It is important to inform them that excitability may occur, particularly in children, and that marked drowsiness is a possible side effect. Providers should caution patients to avoid alcoholic beverages, as alcohol, sedatives, and tranquilizers can enhance drowsiness.

When discussing safety, healthcare providers should remind patients to exercise caution when driving or operating machinery due to the potential for drowsiness.

Patients should be encouraged to consult with their healthcare provider before use if they have any of the following conditions: liver disease, heart disease, glaucoma, thyroid disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, or difficulty urinating due to an enlarged prostate gland. Additionally, they should be advised to seek medical advice if they have a cough that produces excessive phlegm, a breathing problem such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis, or a persistent or chronic cough associated with smoking, asthma, or emphysema.

Finally, patients should be instructed to consult their doctor or pharmacist before using this medication if they are currently taking the blood-thinning medication warfarin or any sedatives or tranquilizers.

Storage and Handling

The product is supplied in various package configurations, with specific NDC numbers available for identification. It is essential to store the product at a controlled temperature range of 20-25°C (68-77°F) to maintain its integrity and efficacy. Proper storage conditions should be ensured to prevent any degradation of the product.

Additional Clinical Information

No further data are available.

Drug Information (PDF)

This file contains official product information for Severe Cold and Flu, including active ingredients, dosage, warnings, and labeling as submitted by the manufacturer for OTC distribution.

View product document (PDF)