Cold Multi-Symptom

Description

Best Choice Cold Multi-Symptom SEVERE ACETAMINOPHEN is a combination medication formulated to relieve pain and reduce fever. It contains the following active ingredients: Dextromethorphan HBr, which serves as a cough suppressant; Guaifenesin, an expectorant; and Phenylephrine HCl, a nasal decongestant. The product is presented in the form of 24 caplets. The packaging is tamper evident, and it is advised not to use the product if the package is opened or if the blister unit is torn, broken, or shows any signs of tampering.

Uses and Indications

This drug is indicated for the temporary relief of common cold and flu symptoms, including sore throat, cough, nasal congestion, headache, and minor aches and pains. It also aids in loosening phlegm (mucus) and thinning bronchial secretions, thereby making coughs more productive. Additionally, this drug temporarily reduces fever.

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

Dosage and Administration

Adults and children aged 12 years and older are instructed to take 2 caplets orally every 4 hours as needed. It is essential that the caplets are swallowed whole; they should not be crushed, chewed, or dissolved. The maximum allowable dosage is 10 caplets within a 24-hour period. For children under 12 years of age, it is recommended to consult a physician before administration.

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. If uncertain about the presence of acetaminophen in other medications, consult a healthcare professional.

• Concurrent use with prescription monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or within 2 weeks of discontinuing an MAOI, as this may lead to serious drug interactions. If there is uncertainty regarding the presence of an MAOI in a prescription medication, seek guidance from a healthcare professional.

• History of allergic reactions to this product or any of its ingredients, as this may result in severe allergic responses.

Additionally, it is important not to exceed the recommended dosage to avoid potential adverse effects.

Warnings and Precautions

Severe liver damage may occur with the use of this product, which contains acetaminophen. Healthcare professionals should advise patients to avoid exceeding 4,000 mg of acetaminophen within a 24-hour period, to refrain from using other medications that also contain acetaminophen, and to limit alcohol consumption to fewer than three drinks per day while using this product.

Acetaminophen has been associated with severe skin reactions. Symptoms may include skin reddening, blisters, and rash. If any of these symptoms occur, patients should be instructed to 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 advised to consult a physician promptly.

General precautions should be taken when considering the use of this product. Patients should be encouraged to consult a healthcare provider prior to use if they have any of the following conditions: heart disease, liver disease, diabetes, persistent or chronic cough (such as that associated with smoking, asthma, chronic bronchitis, or emphysema), thyroid disease, cough with excessive phlegm, difficulty urinating due to prostate enlargement, or high blood pressure. Additionally, patients taking the anticoagulant warfarin should seek advice 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 condition requiring further 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, acetaminophen may cause severe skin reactions, which can manifest as skin reddening, blisters, or rash. If any of these symptoms occur, patients are advised to 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 consult a healthcare professional promptly.

Patients should also be instructed to stop use and contact a doctor 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, redness or swelling, or a cough that returns or occurs with a rash or headache lasting for an extended period. These symptoms may indicate a serious condition requiring medical evaluation.

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 or emotional conditions, 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 Multi-Symptom (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 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.

It is important for both adults and pediatric patients to seek prompt medical attention, even in the absence of noticeable signs or symptoms.

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 currently no available data on 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 in urination due to enlargement of the 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. It is critical to note that severe liver damage may occur if the total daily dose of acetaminophen exceeds 4,000 mg. Additionally, patients should be aware that combining this product with other medications containing acetaminophen can also lead to severe liver damage.

Patients with compromised liver function are advised to consult a healthcare professional prior to use, particularly if they have a history of liver disease. Furthermore, the risk of severe liver damage increases with the consumption of three or more alcoholic drinks per day while using this product. Monitoring of liver function may be warranted in patients with hepatic impairment to ensure safety and 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 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 comprehensive care as needed.

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 in these areas limits the understanding of the compound's potential effects in nonclinical settings.

Postmarketing Experience

Postmarketing experience has identified that acetaminophen may be associated with severe skin reactions, which can manifest as skin reddening, blisters, or rash. In the event of a skin reaction, it is advised to discontinue use and seek medical assistance immediately.

Additionally, users are encouraged to stop use and consult a healthcare professional 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 persists beyond three days, or the presence of redness or swelling. A recurrence of cough, particularly when accompanied by a rash or headache that lasts, may indicate a serious condition.

In cases of overdose, it is imperative to seek medical help or contact a Poison Control Center without delay, as prompt medical attention is crucial for both adults and children, even in the absence of noticeable signs or symptoms.

Patient Counseling

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

Patients should be informed 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 instruct patients not to use this product if they are currently taking a prescription monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) or have stopped taking an MAOI within the past two weeks. Patients should be advised to check with a healthcare professional if they are unsure whether their prescription medication contains an MAOI.

Patients with a history of allergic reactions to this product or any of its ingredients should be cautioned against its use. Healthcare providers should also inform patients to discontinue use and consult a doctor if they experience nervousness, dizziness, or sleeplessness.

Patients should be advised to stop using the product and seek medical advice if their pain, nasal congestion, or cough worsens or persists for more than seven days. Additionally, they should be instructed to consult a doctor if new symptoms arise, if fever worsens or lasts more than three days, or if there is any redness or swelling present. Patients should also be made aware that a returning cough or one that occurs with a rash or persistent headache may indicate a serious condition, warranting immediate medical attention.

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: heart disease, liver disease, diabetes, persistent or chronic cough (such as that associated with smoking, asthma, chronic bronchitis, or emphysema), thyroid disease, cough accompanied by excessive phlegm, difficulty urinating due to prostate enlargement, or high blood pressure. Furthermore, patients taking the blood-thinning medication warfarin should be advised to seek guidance from a doctor or pharmacist before using this product.

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°C and 30°C (59°F to 86°F). For reference, 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 10 caplets in a 24-hour period. It is important to swallow the caplets whole and not to crush, chew, or dissolve them. For children under 12 years, a healthcare professional should be consulted for appropriate dosing.

Clinicians should counsel patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding to seek advice from a health professional before use. Additionally, it is crucial to keep the medication out of reach of children. In the event of an overdose, patients must seek medical assistance or contact a Poison Control Center immediately, as prompt medical attention is essential for both adults and children, regardless of the presence of symptoms.

Drug Information (PDF)

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

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