Cold Flu Severe

Description

This product is a combination medication indicated for the relief of symptoms associated with cold and flu. It contains the following active ingredients: acetaminophen, a pain reliever and fever reducer; dextromethorphan HBr, a cough suppressant; guaifenesin, an expectorant; and phenylephrine HCl, a nasal decongestant. The formulation is designed for adult use and is presented in a caplet dosage form. Each package contains 24 caplets, which are characterized by a cool taste. The product is comparable to Tylenol Cold + Flu Severe Caplets and is identified by the National Drug Code (NDC) 37808-663-05. The medication provides relief from head and body aches, fever, sore throat, cough, nasal congestion, and mucus and chest congestion.

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 maximum dosage should not exceed 10 caplets within a 24-hour period.

For children under 12 years of age, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional 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 such treatment, 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, concomitant use with other medications containing acetaminophen, or consumption of three or more alcoholic drinks daily while using this product.

Acetaminophen has been associated with severe skin reactions. Symptoms indicative of such reactions may 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 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 anticoagulant warfarin. It is essential that patients do not exceed the recommended dosage while using this product.

In the event of an overdose, immediate medical attention is necessary. Patients should be instructed to contact a Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) without delay, as prompt 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 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.

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 may experience severe skin reactions associated with acetaminophen, 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.

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 consult a healthcare professional promptly.

Patients are advised against using this product in conjunction with any other drug containing acetaminophen, whether prescription or nonprescription. Additionally, it should not be used by individuals currently taking a prescription monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) or within two weeks of stopping such medication. Those with a known allergy to acetaminophen or any of its ingredients should also refrain from use.

Before using this product, patients should consult a doctor if they have liver disease, heart disease, high blood pressure, thyroid disease, diabetes, or difficulty urinating due to an enlarged prostate gland. Furthermore, individuals with a persistent or chronic cough, such as that associated with smoking, asthma, chronic bronchitis, or emphysema, should seek medical advice prior to use. Patients taking the blood-thinning medication warfarin should also consult a healthcare professional before use.

Patients should discontinue use and seek medical advice 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.

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

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 warranted to ensure safe and effective use.

Packaging & NDC

Below are the non-prescription pack sizes of Cold 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 and adults 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. 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. 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 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 should consult a healthcare professional prior to use, particularly if they experience difficulties with urination 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 consult a healthcare professional prior to using this product. The formulation contains acetaminophen, which necessitates careful consideration in this population due to the risk of severe liver damage.

The maximum recommended daily dose for this product is 10 caplets, equating to 3,250 mg of acetaminophen within a 24-hour period. It is critical to note that exceeding 4,000 mg of acetaminophen in a 24-hour period, using other medications that contain acetaminophen concurrently, or consuming three or more alcoholic beverages daily while using this product may significantly increase the risk of liver injury.

Patients with compromised liver function should be closely monitored for any signs of hepatic toxicity and should adhere strictly to the recommended dosage guidelines to mitigate potential risks.

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

There is currently no available information regarding teratogenic effects. Additionally, no data has been provided concerning non-teratogenic effects. The nonclinical toxicology section does not contain any relevant information at this time. Furthermore, there is no information available related to animal pharmacology and toxicology.

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

Healthcare providers should advise patients to keep this product 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 medication contains acetaminophen, they should be encouraged to consult a doctor or pharmacist.

It is important to inform patients that this product should not be used 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 cautioned against using this product if they have a history of allergic reactions to it or any of its ingredients. They should be instructed to stop using the product and seek medical advice if they experience nervousness, dizziness, or sleeplessness. Additionally, patients should be advised to discontinue use 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. New symptoms that arise should also prompt a consultation with a 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 trouble urinating due to an enlarged prostate gland. Furthermore, patients with a persistent or chronic cough, such as that associated with smoking, asthma, chronic bronchitis, or emphysema, should seek medical advice before use. Those experiencing a cough accompanied by excessive phlegm should also consult a healthcare provider. Lastly, patients taking the blood-thinning medication warfarin should be advised to speak with their doctor or pharmacist before using this product.

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. For adults and children 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. Patients should swallow the caplets whole and are advised not to crush, chew, or dissolve them. For children under 12 years of age, it is recommended to consult a doctor for appropriate dosing guidance.

There is no additional information available regarding laboratory tests, abuse potential, patient counseling, or postmarketing experience.

Drug Information (PDF)

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

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