Cold Plus Flu Severe

Description

No description information is available for the drug.

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 absorption and efficacy. It is important to note that the total 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

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, as well as for Parkinson's disease. Verification of the presence of an MAOI in prescription medications should be conducted with a healthcare professional.

• In individuals with a known history of allergic reactions to this product or any of its components.

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 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, using other medications that contain acetaminophen concurrently, or consuming three or more alcoholic drinks 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 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 cautioned 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 contact a Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) without delay, as rapid 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 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. These symptoms may indicate a serious underlying condition that requires medical 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.

In cases of severe sore throat that persists for more than two days, or is accompanied by fever, headache, rash, nausea, or vomiting, patients are advised to consult a healthcare professional promptly.

Patients should also stop use and consult a doctor if they experience nervousness, dizziness, or sleeplessness; if pain, nasal congestion, or cough worsens or lasts longer than seven days; if fever worsens or lasts more than three days; if redness or swelling is present; if new symptoms arise; or if a cough recurs or occurs with a rash or headache that persists. These symptoms may indicate a serious condition requiring medical evaluation.

Drug Interactions

Acetaminophen has notable interactions that warrant careful consideration.

When acetaminophen is co-administered with other medications containing acetaminophen, there is an increased risk of liver damage. This risk is further heightened in individuals who consume three or more alcoholic beverages daily. It is advisable to avoid the concurrent use of multiple acetaminophen-containing products and to limit alcohol intake to mitigate this risk.

Additionally, the use of acetaminophen in conjunction with warfarin may elevate the risk of bleeding. It is recommended that the International Normalized Ratio (INR) be monitored closely in patients receiving this combination to ensure safe therapeutic levels and to adjust warfarin dosage as necessary.

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

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. Monitoring for potential adverse effects and therapeutic efficacy is recommended in 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 considered in these populations to ensure the safety of both the mother and the fetus or infant.

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 should consult a healthcare professional prior to use, particularly if they experience difficulty urinating due to an enlarged prostate gland. It is essential to assess renal function and consider potential dosing adjustments or monitoring requirements based on the patient's specific renal status.

Hepatic Impairment

Patients with hepatic impairment should consult a healthcare professional prior to using this product. The formulation contains acetaminophen, which has specific dosing considerations for individuals with compromised liver function.

The maximum recommended daily dose of this product is 10 caplets, equating to 3,250 mg of acetaminophen within a 24-hour period. It is critical to note that severe liver damage may occur if the total acetaminophen intake exceeds 4,000 mg in a 24-hour period. Additionally, patients should be aware that taking this product in conjunction with other medications containing acetaminophen can also lead to severe liver damage.

Furthermore, patients who consume three or more alcoholic drinks daily are at an increased risk of severe liver damage when using this product. Therefore, careful monitoring and adherence to the recommended dosage are essential for patients with hepatic impairment to mitigate the risk of 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

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 regarding animal pharmacology and toxicology.

Postmarketing Experience

No postmarketing experience details are available in the insert text.

Patient Counseling

Patients should be advised to keep this product out of reach of children to prevent accidental ingestion. It is important to inform patients not to use this product in conjunction with any other medication 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.

Patients should be cautioned against using this product if they are currently taking a prescription monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) or have taken one within the last two weeks. MAOIs are often prescribed for depression, psychiatric or emotional conditions, or Parkinson's disease. If patients are unsure whether their prescription includes an MAOI, they should seek guidance from a healthcare professional.

Patients with a history of allergic reactions to this product or any of its ingredients should be advised not to use it. They should also be instructed to stop using the product and consult a doctor if they experience nervousness, dizziness, or sleeplessness.

Instruct patients to discontinue use and seek medical advice if their pain, nasal congestion, or cough worsens or persists for more than seven days. Additionally, they should be informed to stop use and consult a doctor if fever worsens or lasts more than three days, or if they notice any redness or swelling. New symptoms that arise should also prompt a consultation with a healthcare provider, as these could indicate a serious condition. Patients should be made aware that if a cough returns or occurs with a rash or headache that lasts, they should seek medical attention.

Patients must be reminded not to exceed the recommended dosage while using this product. It is essential to advise patients to consult a doctor before use if they have any of the following conditions: liver disease, heart disease, high blood pressure, thyroid disease, diabetes, or 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 using this product. If a cough is accompanied by excessive phlegm (mucus), patients should also consult a healthcare professional. Lastly, patients taking the blood-thinning medication warfarin should be advised to speak with 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 is important 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. The carton should be retained for reference to complete product information and any relevant warnings.

Additional Clinical Information

The medication is administered orally, with a recommended dosage of 2 caplets every 4 hours for adults, not exceeding 10 caplets within a 24-hour period. Clinicians should advise patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding to consult a health professional prior to use. Additionally, it is important to keep the medication out of reach of children to ensure safety. No further information is available regarding laboratory tests, abuse potential, or postmarketing experiences.

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)