Cold and Flu Severe

Description

Premier Value® Cold & Flu Severe is formulated for adults and contains a combination of active ingredients including acetaminophen, dextromethorphan HBr, phenylephrine HCl, and guaifenesin. This product serves multiple therapeutic purposes: it acts as a pain reliever and fever reducer, cough suppressant, nasal decongestant, and expectorant. It is designed to relieve symptoms associated with cold and flu, including head and body aches, fever, sore throat, cough, nasal congestion, and mucus and chest congestion. The dosage form consists of 24 cool taste caplets.

Uses and Indications

This drug is indicated for the temporary relief of symptoms associated with the common cold and influenza, including minor aches and pains, headache, sore throat, nasal congestion, and cough. Additionally, it aids in loosening phlegm (mucus) and thinning bronchial secretions, thereby enhancing the productivity of coughs. The drug also temporarily reduces fever.

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

Dosage and Administration

Adults and children aged 12 years and over are instructed to take 2 caplets every 4 hours as needed. The caplets should be swallowed whole; they must not be crushed, chewed, or dissolved to ensure proper release and absorption of the medication. It is important to note that the total dosage should not exceed 10 caplets within a 24-hour period.

For children under 12 years of age, it is recommended to consult a physician for appropriate dosing guidance.

Contraindications

Use of this product is contraindicated in the following situations:

• Concurrent use with any other drug containing acetaminophen, whether prescription or nonprescription, due to the risk of acetaminophen overdose.

• In patients currently taking a prescription monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) or within 2 weeks of discontinuing an MAOI, as this may lead to serious drug interactions.

• In individuals with a history of allergic reactions to this product or any of its ingredients, to prevent potential anaphylactic reactions.

Warnings and Precautions

This product contains acetaminophen, and it is crucial to adhere to the maximum daily dose of 10 caplets (3,250 mg acetaminophen) within a 24-hour period. Severe liver damage may occur if the following conditions are met: exceeding 4,000 mg of acetaminophen in 24 hours, using other medications that contain acetaminophen concurrently, or consuming three or more alcoholic drinks daily while using this product.

Acetaminophen may also lead to severe skin reactions. Symptoms indicative of such reactions include skin reddening, blisters, and rash. Should any of these symptoms manifest, it is imperative to discontinue use immediately and seek medical assistance. Additionally, if a sore throat is severe, persists for more than two days, or is accompanied or followed by fever, headache, rash, nausea, or vomiting, prompt consultation with a healthcare provider is advised.

Healthcare professionals should exercise caution and advise patients to consult a doctor prior to use if they have any of the following conditions: liver disease, heart disease, high blood pressure, thyroid disease, diabetes, difficulty urinating due to an enlarged prostate gland, or a persistent or chronic cough associated with smoking, asthma, chronic bronchitis, or emphysema. Furthermore, patients should be advised to seek guidance from a doctor or pharmacist if they are concurrently taking the blood-thinning medication warfarin.

In the event of an overdose, immediate medical attention is essential. Patients should be instructed to contact a Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) without delay, as rapid intervention is critical for both adults and children, even in the absence of noticeable signs or symptoms.

Patients should discontinue use and consult a healthcare provider if they experience nervousness, dizziness, or sleeplessness; if pain, nasal congestion, or cough worsens or persists beyond seven days; if fever intensifies or lasts more than three days; if redness or swelling occurs; if new symptoms arise; 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 liver damage may occur in patients who exceed 4,000 mg of acetaminophen within a 24-hour period, use other medications containing acetaminophen concurrently, or consume three or more alcoholic drinks daily while using this product.

Patients should be aware that acetaminophen may 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 and seek medical assistance immediately.

If a sore throat is severe, persists for more than two days, or is accompanied by fever, headache, rash, nausea, or vomiting, patients are advised to consult a healthcare professional promptly.

This product should not be used in conjunction with any other drug containing acetaminophen, whether prescription or nonprescription. Patients taking a prescription monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) for depression, psychiatric, or emotional conditions, or Parkinson's disease, should avoid this product during treatment and for two weeks after discontinuation of the MAOI. Individuals with a known allergy to this product or any of its ingredients should also refrain from use.

Patients with liver disease, heart disease, high blood pressure, thyroid disease, diabetes, or those experiencing trouble urinating due to an enlarged prostate gland should consult a doctor before using this product. Additionally, individuals with a persistent or chronic cough, such as that associated with smoking, asthma, chronic bronchitis, or emphysema, or those with a cough that produces excessive phlegm should seek medical advice prior to use.

Patients taking the blood-thinning medication warfarin should consult a doctor or pharmacist before using this product. It is crucial that patients do not exceed the recommended dosage while using this product.

Patients should discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional if they experience nervousness, dizziness, or sleeplessness; if pain, nasal congestion, or cough worsens or persists for more than seven days; if fever worsens or lasts more than three days; if redness or swelling occurs; if new symptoms arise; or if a cough recurs or is accompanied by a rash or headache lasting longer than expected, as these may indicate a serious condition.

In the event of an overdose, patients should seek medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately at 1-800-222-1222. Prompt medical attention is critical for both adults and children, even if no signs or symptoms are immediately apparent.

Drug Interactions

Concurrent use of this medication with other products containing acetaminophen, whether prescription or nonprescription, is contraindicated due to the risk of acetaminophen overdose, which can lead to severe liver damage.

The use of this medication is also contraindicated in patients currently taking a prescription monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), which includes certain medications prescribed for depression, psychiatric disorders, or Parkinson's disease. Additionally, it should not be administered for at least two weeks following the discontinuation of an MAOI to avoid potential hypertensive crises or other serious adverse effects.

Patients taking the anticoagulant warfarin should consult with a healthcare professional, such as a doctor or pharmacist, prior to using this medication. Monitoring of coagulation parameters may be necessary to ensure safe and effective use, as interactions could potentially alter the anticoagulant effect of warfarin.

Packaging & NDC

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

Pediatric Use

Pediatric patients under 12 years of age should consult a healthcare professional before use. For adolescents aged 12 years and older, the recommended dosage is 2 caplets every 4 hours, with a maximum of 10 caplets in a 24-hour period.

Geriatric Use

There is no specific information available regarding the use of this medication in geriatric patients, including dosage adjustments, safety concerns, or special precautions. Healthcare providers should exercise caution when prescribing this medication to elderly patients, as individual responses may vary. Monitoring for potential adverse effects and therapeutic efficacy is recommended in this population.

Pregnancy

Pregnant patients and those who are breastfeeding should consult a healthcare professional prior to using this medication. It is important to assess the potential risks and benefits, as well as any available data regarding fetal outcomes and lactation. Healthcare providers can offer guidance tailored to individual circumstances, ensuring the safety of both the patient and the developing fetus or nursing 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 drug 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 should consult a healthcare professional prior to use, particularly if they experience difficulty urinating due to an enlarged prostate gland. It is essential to assess renal function and consider potential dosing adjustments or monitoring requirements based on the degree of impairment.

Hepatic Impairment

Patients with hepatic impairment should exercise caution when using this product, which contains acetaminophen. The maximum daily dose is limited to 10 caplets, equating to 3,250 mg of acetaminophen within a 24-hour period. It is critical to note that severe liver damage may occur if patients exceed 4,000 mg of acetaminophen in 24 hours, use other medications containing acetaminophen concurrently, or consume three or more alcoholic drinks daily while using this product.

Patients with liver disease are advised to consult a healthcare professional prior to use to assess the appropriateness of this product and to discuss potential risks associated with acetaminophen. Monitoring of liver function may be warranted in these patients to prevent 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 health consequences. 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 compound in these areas.

Postmarketing Experience

Postmarketing experience has identified reports of severe skin reactions associated with acetaminophen. These reactions include symptoms such as skin reddening, blisters, and rash. These events have been reported voluntarily or through surveillance programs.

Patient Counseling

Patients should be advised to keep this product out of reach of children to prevent accidental ingestion. It is important to inform patients not to use this product in conjunction with any other medication containing acetaminophen, whether prescription or nonprescription. If patients are uncertain whether a drug contains acetaminophen, they should be encouraged to consult a doctor or pharmacist.

Patients should be cautioned against using this product if they are currently taking a prescription monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) for conditions such as depression, psychiatric or emotional disorders, or Parkinson's disease, or if they have stopped taking an MAOI within the past two weeks. If patients are unsure whether their prescription medication contains an MAOI, they should seek guidance from a healthcare professional.

Patients with a history of allergic reactions to this product or any of its ingredients should be advised not to use it. They should also be instructed to discontinue use and consult a doctor if they experience nervousness, dizziness, or sleeplessness. Additionally, patients should be informed to stop using the product and seek medical advice if pain, nasal congestion, or cough worsens or persists for more than seven days, if fever worsens or lasts more than three days, or if any redness or swelling occurs. New symptoms or a recurrence of cough, especially if accompanied by a rash or persistent headache, should prompt patients to contact their healthcare provider, as these may indicate a serious condition.

Patients must be reminded not to exceed the recommended dosage while using this product. It is essential for patients to consult a doctor before using this product if they have liver disease, heart disease, high blood pressure, thyroid disease, diabetes, or if they have difficulty urinating due to an enlarged prostate gland. Patients with a persistent or chronic cough, such as that associated with smoking, asthma, chronic bronchitis, or emphysema, should also seek medical advice before use. Furthermore, patients should be advised to consult a doctor or pharmacist if they are taking the blood-thinning medication warfarin.

Storage and Handling

The product is supplied in a carton that should be retained for complete product information. It is essential to store the product in a dry place at a temperature range of 20-25°C (68-77°F) to ensure its stability and efficacy. Proper storage conditions are crucial for maintaining the integrity of the product.

Additional Clinical Information

The medication is administered orally. Clinicians should advise patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding to consult a health professional prior to use. No further information is available regarding laboratory tests, abuse potential, or postmarketing experiences.

Drug Information (PDF)

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

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