Cold Plus Flu Severe

Description

QUALITY CHOICE® is a multi-symptom formulation indicated for adults, designed to provide relief from cold and flu symptoms. Each dosage unit contains a combination of active ingredients: acetaminophen, dextromethorphan HBr, phenylephrine HCl, and guaifenesin. This product serves multiple therapeutic purposes, acting as a pain reliever and fever reducer, cough suppressant, nasal decongestant, and expectorant.

The formulation is effective in alleviating head and body aches, fever, sore throat, cough, nasal congestion, and mucus and chest congestion. The product is presented in the form of 24 cool taste caplets, with an NDC of 83324-111-24. This product is comparable to the active ingredients found in TYLENOL® Cold + Flu Severe.

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. It aids in loosening phlegm (mucus) and thinning bronchial secretions, thereby enhancing the productivity of coughs. 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 over are advised 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 absorption and efficacy. 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 physician for appropriate dosing guidance.

Contraindications

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

• Concurrent use with prescription monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or within 2 weeks of discontinuing an MAOI, as this may lead to serious interactions. Patients should verify with a healthcare provider if their current medications include an MAOI.

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

Additionally, it is essential to adhere to the recommended dosage to avoid potential adverse effects.

Warnings and Precautions

This product contains acetaminophen, and it is crucial to adhere to the maximum daily dosage 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 the potential to cause severe skin reactions. Symptoms indicative of such reactions may include skin reddening, blisters, and rash. Should any skin reaction occur, it is imperative to discontinue use immediately and seek medical assistance.

Healthcare professionals should 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. Additionally, patients should be cautioned to seek guidance from a doctor or pharmacist if they are currently taking the anticoagulant warfarin.

In the event of an overdose, immediate medical attention is essential. Patients should 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 be instructed to discontinue use and consult a doctor if they experience nervousness, dizziness, or sleeplessness; if pain, nasal congestion, or cough worsens or persists beyond 7 days; if fever intensifies or lasts more than 3 days; if redness or swelling is observed; if new symptoms arise; or if a cough recurs or is accompanied by a rash or headache lasting longer than expected. These symptoms may indicate a serious underlying condition that requires 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 patient experiences a sore throat that is severe, 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 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 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 difficulty 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, or those experiencing a cough with excessive phlegm should also consult a healthcare professional prior to use.

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

Patients are advised to stop use and consult a doctor 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 that lasts. These symptoms could indicate a serious condition.

In the event of an overdose, it is crucial for patients to seek medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately at 1-800-222-1222. Quick 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 any other drug 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 used for at least two weeks following the discontinuation of an MAOI, as this may lead to serious adverse effects.

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 safe use and to mitigate the risk of potential interactions that could affect bleeding risk.

Packaging & NDC

Below are the non-prescription pack sizes of Cold Plus 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

Elderly patients may not have specific geriatric use information, dosage adjustments, or safety concerns outlined in the prescribing information. Therefore, healthcare providers should exercise caution when prescribing this medication to geriatric patients. It is advisable to monitor these patients closely for any potential adverse effects or changes in therapeutic response, given the general considerations associated with pharmacotherapy in the elderly 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 have no specific information regarding dosage adjustments, special monitoring, or safety considerations provided in the drug insert. Therefore, healthcare professionals should exercise caution when prescribing this medication to individuals with reduced kidney function, as the lack of data necessitates careful clinical judgment.

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 (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 adverse effects. Therefore, vigilance and timely action are essential in managing overdose situations effectively.

Nonclinical Toxicology

There is currently no available information regarding teratogenic or non-teratogenic effects associated with the substance. Additionally, no data has been provided concerning nonclinical toxicology, including animal pharmacology and toxicology.

Postmarketing Experience

Postmarketing experience has identified the following adverse reactions associated with acetaminophen use: severe skin reactions, which include 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 with a history of allergic reactions to this product or any of its ingredients should be cautioned against its use. 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 during treatment should also prompt a consultation with a healthcare provider.

Patients should be reminded not to exceed the recommended dosage while using this product. It is essential for patients to seek medical advice before using this product if they have any of the following conditions: liver disease, heart disease, high blood pressure, thyroid disease, diabetes, 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 consult a healthcare provider before use. Furthermore, patients experiencing a cough accompanied by excessive phlegm should be advised to seek medical guidance.

Lastly, patients taking the blood-thinning medication warfarin should be encouraged to consult a doctor or pharmacist before using this product.

Storage and Handling

The product is supplied in a carton that contains essential information and warnings. It should be stored in a dry place at a temperature range of 20-25°C (68-77°F) to ensure optimal stability and efficacy. It is recommended to retain the carton for reference to complete product details.

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 not crush, chew, or dissolve them. For children under 12 years, it is advised to consult a doctor before use.

Clinicians should counsel patients to seek advice from a health professional if they are pregnant or breastfeeding. It is important to keep the medication out of reach of children. In the event of an overdose, immediate medical assistance should be sought, or the Poison Control Center contacted at 1-800-222-1222, as prompt attention is crucial for both adults and children, regardless of the presence of symptoms.

Drug Information (PDF)

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

View product document (PDF)