Cold Flu and Sore Throat

Description

CAREONE® is a maximum strength formulation indicated for individuals aged 12 and older, designed to provide relief from symptoms associated with cold, flu, and sore throat. Each package contains 20 caplets, which include the following active ingredients: acetaminophen, serving as a pain reliever and fever reducer; dextromethorphan HBr, functioning as a cough suppressant; and phenylephrine HCl, acting as an expectorant. This combination effectively alleviates headache, fever, and sore throat, controls cough, relieves nasal and chest congestion, and thins and loosens mucus. The product is comparable to the active ingredients found in Mucinex® Fast-Max® Cold, Flu & Sore Throat. The National Drug Code (NDC) for this product is 72476-197-04.

Uses and Indications

This drug is indicated for the temporary relief of common cold and flu symptoms, including nasal congestion, headache, cough, minor aches and pains, and sore throat. Additionally, it temporarily reduces fever and aids in loosening phlegm (mucus) and thinning bronchial secretions, 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 guidelines. For adults and children aged 12 years and older, the recommended 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 counsel patients on the importance of not exceeding the directed 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, is prohibited 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.

• The product should not be used 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, and Parkinson's disease. If there is uncertainty about the presence of an MAOI in a prescription medication, a healthcare professional should be consulted prior to use.

Warnings and Precautions

This product contains acetaminophen, which poses a risk of severe liver damage if the following conditions are met: exceeding 12 caplets within a 24-hour period, using concurrently with other medications that contain acetaminophen, or consuming three or more alcoholic beverages daily while using this product.

Acetaminophen may also lead to 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. Additionally, if a sore throat is severe, persists for more than two days, or is accompanied 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, diabetes, high blood pressure, thyroid disease, 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 currently taking the anticoagulant warfarin. It is essential that patients adhere strictly to the recommended dosage and not exceed the directed amount.

In the event of an overdose, immediate medical attention is crucial. Patients should be instructed to contact a Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222, as timely intervention is vital for both adults and children, even in the absence of noticeable 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 develop; or if a cough recurs alongside a rash or headache that persists. These symptoms may indicate a serious underlying condition that requires further evaluation.

Side Effects

Severe liver damage may occur in patients who exceed the maximum daily dosage of 12 caplets within a 24-hour period, take the product in conjunction with other medications containing acetaminophen, or consume three or more alcoholic drinks daily while using this product.

Patients should be aware that acetaminophen may lead to 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 patient experiences a severe sore throat that persists for more than two days, or is accompanied by fever, headache, rash, nausea, or vomiting, they should consult a healthcare professional promptly.

This product should not be used in conjunction with any other drug containing acetaminophen, whether prescription or nonprescription. Patients are advised to consult a doctor or pharmacist if they are uncertain whether a drug contains acetaminophen. Additionally, this product should not be taken by individuals currently on a prescription monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) or within two weeks of stopping such medication.

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

Patients taking the blood-thinning medication warfarin should ask a doctor or pharmacist before using this product.

While using this product, it is crucial not to exceed the directed dosage. 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 beyond 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 that lasts. These symptoms may indicate a serious condition.

In cases of overdose, which may result in liver damage, 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 initially apparent.

Drug Interactions

Concurrent use of this medication with any other drug containing acetaminophen, whether prescription or nonprescription, is contraindicated due to the risk of acetaminophen overdose and potential hepatotoxicity.

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 2 weeks following the discontinuation of an MAOI to avoid serious interactions.

Patients taking the anticoagulant warfarin should consult a healthcare professional, such as a doctor or pharmacist, prior to using this medication. Monitoring of coagulation parameters may be warranted to ensure safety and efficacy.

Packaging & NDC

Below are the non-prescription pack sizes of Cold Flu and Sore Throat (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 not use this medication. For adolescents aged 12 years and older, the recommended dosage is 2 caplets every 4 hours.

In cases of overdose, it is critical to seek quick medical attention for both adults and pediatric patients, even if no signs or symptoms are immediately apparent.

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. It is advisable to monitor these patients closely for any adverse effects or changes in efficacy, 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. 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, which contains acetaminophen. Severe liver damage may occur if patients exceed the maximum daily dosage of 12 caplets within a 24-hour period. Additionally, the risk of liver damage increases if acetaminophen is taken concurrently with other medications containing acetaminophen or if patients consume three or more alcoholic drinks daily while using this product.

It is advised that patients with a history of liver disease consult a healthcare professional prior to use. Overdosing on acetaminophen can lead to significant liver damage; therefore, in the event of an overdose, immediate medical assistance should be sought, or the Poison Control Center should be contacted at 1-800-222-1222. Prompt medical attention is crucial for both adults and children, even in the absence of noticeable signs or symptoms of overdose.

Overdosage

Taking more than the recommended dose of the medication may lead to liver damage. It is essential for healthcare professionals to recognize the seriousness of an overdose and the potential for significant health consequences.

In the event of an overdose, immediate medical assistance should be sought. Healthcare providers are advised to contact a Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 for guidance. Quick medical attention is critical for both adults and children, even in the absence of noticeable signs or symptoms. Prompt intervention can be vital in mitigating the effects of an overdose and ensuring patient safety.

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 question.

Postmarketing Experience

Postmarketing experience has identified several adverse reactions associated with the use of acetaminophen. Notably, severe skin reactions have been reported, which may include symptoms such as skin reddening, blisters, and rash. In the event of a skin reaction, it is recommended that the use of acetaminophen be discontinued immediately, and medical assistance should be sought without delay.

Patient Counseling

Healthcare providers should advise patients to keep this medication out of reach of children to prevent accidental ingestion. Patients should be instructed not to use this product in conjunction with any other medications 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.

It is important to inform patients that they should not use this product if they are currently taking a prescription monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) or have taken one within the past two weeks. Patients should be advised to check with their healthcare provider if they are unsure whether their prescription medication contains an MAOI.

Patients should be instructed to discontinue use and seek medical advice if they experience nervousness, dizziness, or sleeplessness. Additionally, they should be advised to stop using the product and consult a doctor 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. Patients should also be informed to seek medical attention if new symptoms arise or if a cough returns or occurs alongside a rash or headache that lasts, as these may indicate a serious condition.

When using this product, patients must be reminded not to exceed the recommended dosage. Healthcare providers should encourage patients to consult a doctor before use if they have any of the following conditions: liver disease, heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, thyroid disease, or 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 using this product. Furthermore, patients should be advised to consult a doctor if they have a cough that produces excessive phlegm (mucus) or if they are taking the blood-thinning medication warfarin.

Storage and Handling

The product is supplied in a configuration that includes specific NDC numbers. It should be stored in a dry place at a temperature range of 20-25°C (68-77°F). Proper storage conditions are essential to maintain the integrity and efficacy 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 experience.

Drug Information (PDF)

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

View product document (PDF)