Dg Health Cold and Flu Severe

Description

This formulation is a maximum strength cold and flu remedy, designed for daytime relief. It contains a combination of active ingredients including acetaminophen, phenylephrine HCl, dextromethorphan HBr, and guaifenesin. The product serves multiple therapeutic purposes: it acts as a pain reliever and fever reducer, nasal decongestant, cough suppressant, and expectorant.

The formulation is indicated for the relief of symptoms associated with headaches, fever, sore throat, minor aches and pains, chest congestion, nasal/sinus congestion, sinus pressure, and cough. It is designed to thin and loosen mucus, facilitating easier breathing. The product is presented in a honey flavor and is non-drowsy, making it suitable for daytime use. The total volume of the product is 12 FL OZ (355 mL).

Uses and Indications

This drug is indicated for the temporary relief of symptoms associated with the common cold and influenza. Specifically, it addresses the following symptoms: nasal congestion, sinus congestion and pressure, cough due to minor throat and bronchial irritation, minor aches and pains, headache, fever, and sore throat.

Additionally, this drug reduces swelling of the nasal passages, temporarily restores freer breathing through the nose, promotes nasal and/or sinus drainage, and helps to loosen phlegm (mucus) and thin bronchial secretions. This action aids in clearing the bronchial passageways of bothersome mucus, thereby making coughs more productive.

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

Dosage and Administration

Patients should adhere strictly to the prescribed dosage and administration guidelines. The provided dose cup must be utilized for accurate measurement. It is imperative not to exceed four doses within a 24-hour period.

For adults and children aged 12 years and older, the recommended dosage is 30 mL every 4 hours. For children aged 6 to under 12 years, the dosage is 15 mL every 4 hours. For children aged 4 to under 6 years, consultation with a healthcare professional is advised before administration. The product is not recommended for use in children under 4 years of age.

Healthcare professionals should monitor patients for adherence to these guidelines to prevent 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, 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. This includes certain medications prescribed for depression, psychiatric or emotional conditions, or Parkinson’s disease, as the combination may lead to serious adverse effects. If there is uncertainty about the presence of an MAOI in a prescription, a healthcare professional should be consulted.

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

Warnings and Precautions

Severe liver damage may occur with the use of this product, which contains acetaminophen, under the following circumstances: if an adult consumes more than 4,000 mg of acetaminophen within a 24-hour period, if a child takes more than 5 doses in 24 hours, if it is taken concurrently with other medications containing acetaminophen, or if an adult consumes 3 or more alcoholic drinks daily while using this product.

Acetaminophen may also 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 immediately and seek medical assistance.

Healthcare professionals should advise patients to consult a doctor if they experience a severe sore throat that persists for more than 2 days or is accompanied by fever, headache, rash, nausea, or vomiting.

General precautions should be taken prior to use. Patients should be advised to seek medical advice if they have any of the following conditions: liver disease, heart disease, thyroid disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, difficulty urinating due to an enlarged prostate gland, a cough that produces excessive phlegm, or a persistent or chronic cough associated with smoking, asthma, chronic bronchitis, or emphysema. Additionally, patients taking the anticoagulant warfarin should consult a doctor or pharmacist before use.

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 prompt intervention is essential for both adults and children, even if no symptoms are initially apparent.

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 5 days in children or 7 days in adults; if fever worsens or lasts more than 3 days; if redness or swelling occurs; if new symptoms develop; or if a cough recurs or is accompanied by 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 taking this product containing acetaminophen if they exceed the recommended dosage of 4,000 mg in 24 hours for adults or 5 doses in 24 hours for children. The risk of liver damage is heightened when acetaminophen is taken in conjunction with other medications containing acetaminophen or when consumed by adults who have three or more alcoholic drinks daily while using this product.

Patients should be aware of the potential for severe skin reactions associated with acetaminophen, which may 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 discontinue use and consult a doctor if they experience symptoms such as nervousness, dizziness, or sleeplessness; if pain, nasal congestion, or cough worsens or lasts longer than 5 days in children or 7 days in adults; if fever worsens or lasts more than 3 days; if redness or swelling occurs; if new symptoms arise; or if a cough recurs or is accompanied by a rash or headache lasting longer than expected, as these may indicate a serious condition.

Prior to using this product, patients with liver disease, heart disease, thyroid disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, or difficulty urinating due to an enlarged prostate gland should consult a healthcare provider. Additionally, those experiencing a cough with excessive phlegm or a persistent or chronic cough, such as that associated with smoking, asthma, chronic bronchitis, or emphysema, should seek medical advice before use. Patients taking the blood-thinning medication warfarin should also consult a doctor or pharmacist prior to use.

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, as prompt medical attention is essential for both adults and children, even if no signs or symptoms are initially apparent.

Drug Interactions

Patients should consult a healthcare professional prior to using this product if they are currently taking warfarin, a blood-thinning medication. The combination may increase the risk of bleeding, necessitating careful monitoring of coagulation parameters.

Additionally, the use of this product is contraindicated in patients who are currently taking a prescription monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) or have discontinued an MAOI within the past two weeks. MAOIs are commonly prescribed for depression, psychiatric disorders, or Parkinson’s disease. Patients uncertain about whether their prescription includes an MAOI should seek guidance from a healthcare provider or pharmacist before initiating treatment with this product.

Packaging & NDC

Below are the non-prescription pack sizes of Dg Health Cold and Flu Severe (acetaminophen, dextromethorphan hydrobromide, guaifenesin, phenylephrine hydrochloride). Columns show Packaging, Formulation Type, and Active Ingredient Strength.

Pediatric Use

Pediatric patients aged 6 to under 12 years may receive a dosage of 15 mL every 4 hours. For children aged 4 to under 6 years, it is advised to consult a doctor before administration. The use of this medication is not recommended for children under 4 years of age.

Healthcare professionals should be aware of the critical nature of overdose situations in pediatric patients. Quick medical attention is essential for children, even in the absence of noticeable signs or symptoms of overdose.

Geriatric Use

Elderly patients may not have specific recommendations regarding age considerations, dosage adjustments, safety concerns, or special precautions. Therefore, healthcare providers should exercise caution when prescribing this medication to geriatric patients. It is advisable to monitor these patients closely for any adverse effects or changes in therapeutic response, given the potential for altered pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics 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 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. Regular monitoring of renal function may be advisable in these patients to ensure safety and efficacy.

Hepatic Impairment

Patients with hepatic impairment should consult a healthcare professional prior to using this medication. It is essential for individuals with liver disease to receive appropriate guidance regarding the use of this product, as compromised liver function may affect the drug's metabolism and overall safety profile. Monitoring of liver function may be necessary to ensure the safe administration of the medication in this population.

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 severity of symptoms may vary depending on the specific substance involved in the overdose. Therefore, a thorough assessment and monitoring of the patient are essential.

Management of an overdose may include supportive care and symptomatic treatment, tailored to the individual’s clinical presentation. Continuous evaluation and appropriate interventions should be initiated as necessary to mitigate potential complications associated with the overdose.

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 these contexts.

Postmarketing Experience

Severe skin reactions have been reported in association with acetaminophen use, including symptoms such as skin reddening, blisters, and rash. In the event of a skin reaction, it is advised to discontinue use and seek medical assistance immediately.

Additionally, it is recommended to stop use and consult a healthcare professional if any of the following occur: worsening or persistent pain, nasal congestion, or cough lasting more than 5 days in children or 7 days in adults; fever that worsens or lasts more than 3 days; presence of redness or swelling; emergence of new symptoms; or recurrence of cough accompanied by rash or a headache that persists. These symptoms may indicate a serious condition requiring further evaluation.

Patient Counseling

Healthcare providers should advise patients on the importance of seeking immediate medical assistance in the event of an overdose. Patients should be informed to contact a Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 without delay. It is crucial to emphasize that prompt medical attention is necessary for both adults and children, even if they do not exhibit any signs or symptoms of overdose. This information is vital for ensuring patient safety and effective management of potential overdose situations.

Storage and Handling

The product is supplied in configurations that include specific NDC numbers. It should be stored at a temperature range of 20-25°C (68-77°F). It is important to note that refrigeration is not permitted for this product. Proper storage conditions must be maintained to ensure the integrity and efficacy of the product.

Additional Clinical Information

The medication is administered orally, with specific dosing guidelines based on age. Adults and children aged 12 years and older should take 30 mL every 4 hours, while children aged 6 to under 12 years should take 15 mL every 4 hours. For children aged 4 to under 6 years, it is advised to consult a doctor, and the medication is not recommended for children under 4 years of age.

Clinicians should counsel patients regarding the importance of consulting a health professional if pregnant or breastfeeding. It is crucial 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 essential for both adults and children, regardless of the presence of symptoms.

Drug Information (PDF)

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

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