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 common cold and flu symptoms, including nasal congestion, sore throat, cough, headache, minor aches and pains, and sinus congestion and pressure. Additionally, it temporarily reduces fever and assists in loosening phlegm (mucus) and thinning bronchial secretions, thereby facilitating the expulsion of bothersome mucus and enhancing the productivity of coughs.

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

Dosage and Administration

Patients should adhere strictly to the recommended dosage. For adults and children aged 12 years and older, the prescribed dosage is 2 caplets every 4 hours as needed. It is imperative that patients do not exceed 12 caplets within a 24-hour period.

For children under 12 years of age, the use of this medication is not recommended. Healthcare professionals should ensure that patients are informed about the importance of following these guidelines to avoid potential overdose or adverse effects.

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. If there is uncertainty regarding the presence of acetaminophen in other medications, consultation with a healthcare professional is advised.

• In patients currently taking a prescription monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) or within 2 weeks of discontinuing such treatment. MAOIs are commonly prescribed for depression, psychiatric or emotional conditions, or Parkinson’s disease, and their interaction with this product may lead to serious adverse effects. Verification of MAOI status with a healthcare provider is recommended if there is any doubt.

• In individuals with a known history of allergic reactions to this product or any of its components, as this may result in severe allergic responses.

Warnings and Precautions

This product contains acetaminophen, which carries significant risks for liver damage. Healthcare professionals should advise patients that severe liver damage may occur if they 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 alerted to the potential for severe skin reactions associated with acetaminophen. Symptoms may include blisters, rash, and skin reddening. In the event of a skin reaction, patients must discontinue use immediately and seek medical assistance.

In cases of severe sore throat that persists for more than two days or is accompanied by fever, headache, rash, nausea, or vomiting, patients should be instructed to consult a physician promptly.

General precautions should be taken when considering the use of this product. Patients should be advised to consult a healthcare provider prior to use if they have any of the following conditions: liver disease, diabetes, thyroid disease, heart disease, high blood pressure, difficulty urinating due to prostate enlargement, or persistent or chronic cough associated with smoking, asthma, chronic bronchitis, or emphysema. Additionally, patients taking the anticoagulant warfarin should seek guidance from a doctor or pharmacist before using this product.

In the event of an overdose, immediate medical attention is crucial. Patients should be instructed to contact a Poison Control Center or seek emergency medical help without delay, regardless of the presence of symptoms.

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 seven days; if new symptoms arise; if fever worsens or lasts more than three days; if redness or swelling occurs; or if a cough recurs or is accompanied by a rash or headache that lasts. These symptoms may indicate a serious underlying condition that requires medical evaluation.

Side Effects

Patients using this product should be aware of several important warnings and potential adverse reactions.

Severe liver damage may occur with the use of acetaminophen, particularly if patients exceed 4,000 mg in a 24-hour period, use other medications containing acetaminophen concurrently, or consume three or more alcoholic drinks daily while using this product.

Additionally, there is an allergy alert associated with acetaminophen, as it may lead to severe skin reactions. Symptoms of such reactions can include blisters, rash, and skin reddening. In the event of a skin reaction, patients are advised to discontinue use immediately and seek medical assistance.

Patients should also be vigilant for symptoms related to sore throat. If a sore throat is severe, persists for more than two days, or is accompanied by fever, headache, rash, nausea, or vomiting, it is recommended that they consult a healthcare professional promptly.

Participants should stop using the product and seek medical advice if they experience nervousness, dizziness, or sleeplessness. Other concerning symptoms include worsening pain, nasal congestion, or cough lasting more than seven days, the emergence of new symptoms, fever that worsens or lasts more than three days, or the presence of redness or swelling. A cough that recurs or occurs alongside a rash or headache that persists may indicate a serious condition and warrants immediate medical evaluation.

Drug Interactions

There are currently no documented drug interactions associated with 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 Cold and Flu (acetaminophen, dextromethorphan hbr, guaifenesin, phenylephrine hcl). Columns show Packaging, Formulation Type, and Active Ingredient Strength.

Pediatric Use

Pediatric patients under 12 years of age should not use this medication. For adolescents aged 12 years and older, the recommended dosage is 2 caplets every 4 hours, with a maximum of 12 caplets in a 24-hour period.

In the event of an overdose, it is essential to seek prompt medical attention for both adults and pediatric patients, even if no signs or symptoms are immediately apparent.

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 weighed, as the effects on fetal outcomes and lactation are not fully established. It is essential for women of childbearing potential to seek medical advice to ensure safe use during pregnancy and lactation.

Lactation

Lactating mothers are advised to consult a health professional prior to using this medication. There is no specific data available regarding the excretion of this medication in 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 patients with reduced kidney function, as the absence of detailed guidance necessitates careful clinical judgment and monitoring of these patients.

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 for patients to adhere to the following guidelines to minimize the risk of hepatotoxicity:

• Patients should not exceed a maximum dosage of 4,000 mg of acetaminophen within a 24-hour period.

• Concurrent use with other medications containing acetaminophen is contraindicated, as this may lead to unintentional overdose and increased risk of liver injury.

• Consumption of three or more alcoholic drinks per day while using this product is not recommended, as it may exacerbate the risk of liver damage.

Additionally, patients with a known history of liver disease should consult a healthcare professional prior to using this product to ensure safe and appropriate use. Regular monitoring of liver function may be warranted in patients with compromised liver function to detect any potential adverse effects promptly.

Overdosage

In the event of an overdose, it is imperative to seek immediate medical assistance or contact a Poison Control Center without delay. 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, it is essential to monitor the patient closely and provide appropriate care as needed.

Nonclinical Toxicology

No information is available regarding teratogenic effects. Additionally, there is no information provided concerning non-teratogenic effects. The insert does not contain any details related to nonclinical toxicology. Furthermore, there is no information available regarding animal pharmacology and toxicology.

Postmarketing Experience

Postmarketing experience has identified the following adverse reactions associated with acetaminophen use: severe skin reactions, which include blisters, rash, and skin reddening. These events have been reported voluntarily or through surveillance programs.

Patient Counseling

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

Patients should be instructed not to exceed the recommended dosage of the medication. It is important for healthcare providers to encourage patients to consult with a doctor prior to use if they have any of the following conditions: liver disease, diabetes, thyroid disease, heart disease, high blood pressure, difficulty urinating due to prostate gland enlargement, or a persistent or chronic cough associated with smoking, asthma, chronic bronchitis, or emphysema. Additionally, patients should be advised to seek medical advice if they have a cough that produces excessive phlegm (mucus).

Furthermore, healthcare providers should recommend that patients consult with a doctor or pharmacist before using this medication if they are currently taking the blood-thinning medication warfarin, to ensure safety and avoid potential interactions.

Storage and Handling

The product is supplied in a tamper-evident package. It should not be used if the outer package is opened or if the blister is torn or broken. The recommended storage temperature is 25°C (77°F), with permissible excursions between 15°-30°C (59°-86°F). For further details, the expiration date and lot number can be found on the end flap of the packaging.

Additional Clinical Information

Patients should be informed that the medication is administered orally. For adults and children aged 12 years and older, the recommended dosage is 2 caplets every 4 hours, with a maximum of 12 caplets in a 24-hour period. Clinicians should advise patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding to consult a health professional prior to use.

Additionally, information regarding the potential for medicine abuse, particularly among teens, can be found at www.StopMedicineAbuse.org. There are no further details available regarding laboratory tests or postmarketing experiences.

Drug Information (PDF)

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

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