Maximum Strength Cold, Flu and Sore Throat

Description

The product identified by SPL code 34089-3 is designated as 628T-CVS-ColdFluSorethroat-16s-ifc. It is represented in a media format of image/jpeg, with the reference image file named 628T-CVS-ColdFluSorethroat-16s-ifc.jpg.

Uses and Indications

This drug is indicated for the temporary relief of common cold and flu symptoms, including nasal congestion, headache, cough, minor aches and pains, sore throat, and sinus congestion and pressure. Additionally, it is indicated for the temporary reduction of fever. The drug also aids in loosening phlegm (mucus) and thinning bronchial secretions, facilitating the clearance of mucus from the bronchial passageways and making coughs more productive.

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

Dosage and Administration

The recommended dosage for adults and children aged 12 years and older is 2 softgels taken orally every 4 hours, not to exceed 12 softgels in a 24-hour period. It is imperative that patients do not exceed the directed dosage to avoid the risk of overdose. For children under 12 years of age, the use of this medication is not recommended.

Softgels should be taken orally, and healthcare professionals should advise patients to adhere strictly to the dosing guidelines provided.

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), which are utilized for the treatment of depression, psychiatric or emotional conditions, or Parkinson's disease, is contraindicated. This includes a prohibition on use for 2 weeks following the discontinuation of an MAOI. If there is uncertainty about whether a prescription medication contains an MAOI, a healthcare professional should be consulted prior to use.

• It is also advised to adhere strictly to the recommended dosage and not exceed the directed amount when using this product.

Warnings and Precautions

This product contains acetaminophen, which carries specific warnings and precautions that healthcare professionals should be aware of to ensure safe use.

Liver Warning Severe liver damage may occur if the maximum daily dosage of 12 softgels is exceeded within a 24-hour period. Additionally, the risk of liver damage increases if this product is taken concurrently with other medications containing acetaminophen or if the patient consumes three or more alcoholic drinks daily while using this product.

Allergy Alert Acetaminophen may lead to severe skin reactions. Symptoms indicative of such reactions include skin reddening, blisters, and rash. In the event of a skin reaction, it is imperative to discontinue use immediately and seek medical assistance.

Sore Throat Warning Patients experiencing a severe sore throat that persists for more than two days, or is accompanied by fever, headache, rash, nausea, or vomiting, should be advised to consult a physician promptly.

Emergency Medical Help In cases of overdose, immediate medical attention is crucial. Healthcare professionals should instruct patients to contact a Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 without delay, as rapid intervention is essential for both adults and children, even in the absence of noticeable signs or symptoms.

Discontinuation and Consultation Patients should be advised to stop taking the product and contact their healthcare provider if they experience any of the following: nervousness, dizziness, or sleeplessness; worsening pain, nasal congestion, or cough lasting more than seven days; fever that worsens or persists for more than three days; presence of redness or swelling; emergence of new symptoms; or a cough that recurs or occurs alongside fever, rash, or headache lasting for an extended period. These symptoms may indicate a serious underlying condition that requires further evaluation.

Side Effects

Patients using this product should be aware of potential adverse reactions, which can range from serious to common.

Severe liver damage is a significant concern associated with the use of this product, particularly due to its acetaminophen content. Patients are at increased risk if they exceed the maximum daily dosage of 12 softgels within a 24-hour period, use other medications containing acetaminophen concurrently, or consume three or more alcoholic drinks daily while using this product.

Allergic reactions may also occur, with acetaminophen potentially causing severe skin reactions. Symptoms of such reactions can include skin reddening, blisters, and rash. In the event of a skin reaction, patients are advised to discontinue use immediately and seek medical assistance.

Patients should consult a doctor if they experience a severe sore throat that persists for more than two days, especially if accompanied by fever, headache, rash, nausea, or vomiting, as these may indicate a more serious condition.

Common adverse reactions that warrant discontinuation of use and consultation with a healthcare provider include nervousness, dizziness, or sleeplessness. Additionally, if pain, nasal congestion, or cough worsens or lasts longer than seven days, or if fever worsens or persists beyond three days, medical advice should be sought. Redness or swelling, the emergence of new symptoms, or a cough that recurs or is accompanied by fever, rash, or headache lasting for an extended period may also signal a serious condition requiring prompt 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 disorders, or Parkinson's disease. Additionally, it should not be administered for at least 2 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, as interactions could potentially alter the anticoagulant effect of warfarin.

Packaging & NDC

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

Pediatric Use

Pediatric patients under 12 years of age should not use this medication. For adolescents aged 12 years and older, the recommended dosage is 2 softgels every 4 hours.

In the event of an overdose, prompt medical attention is essential for both adults and pediatric patients, even if no signs or symptoms are immediately apparent.

Geriatric Use

Elderly patients may not require specific dosage adjustments when using this medication, as there are no safety concerns or dosage modifications indicated in the available data. However, healthcare providers should remain vigilant in monitoring this population for any potential adverse effects, given the general considerations associated with pharmacotherapy in geriatric patients. It is advisable to assess the overall health status and comorbidities of elderly patients to ensure optimal therapeutic outcomes.

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 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

There is no information available regarding renal impairment, dosage adjustments, special monitoring, or safety considerations for patients with reduced kidney function. Healthcare professionals should exercise caution and consider individual patient factors when treating patients with renal impairment, as specific guidelines or recommendations are not provided.

Hepatic Impairment

Patients with hepatic impairment should be closely monitored when using this product, which contains acetaminophen. It is important to note that severe liver damage may occur if patients exceed the maximum daily dosage of 12 softgels within a 24-hour period. Additionally, patients should avoid concomitant use of other medications containing acetaminophen, as this can further increase the risk of liver injury.

Patients with compromised liver function are also advised to limit alcohol consumption to fewer than three alcoholic drinks per day while using this product. Due to the potential for increased susceptibility to acetaminophen-related hepatotoxicity, careful consideration of liver function is essential in this patient population. Regular assessment of liver function may be warranted to ensure patient safety and to mitigate the risk of adverse effects.

Overdosage

In cases of overdosage, significant health risks are associated with the consumption of this product.

Risk of Severe Liver Damage Taking more than 12 softgels within a 24-hour period, which is the maximum recommended daily dosage, can lead to severe liver damage. Healthcare professionals should be vigilant in assessing patients who may have exceeded this limit.

Additionally, the concomitant use of this product with other medications containing acetaminophen poses a further risk of severe liver damage. It is crucial for healthcare providers to inquire about all medications a patient is taking to prevent potential interactions that could exacerbate liver toxicity.

Alcohol Consumption Patients who consume three or more alcoholic drinks daily while using this product are also at an increased risk for severe liver damage. Healthcare professionals should advise patients on the dangers of alcohol consumption during treatment and consider this factor when evaluating a patient's overall risk profile.

In the event of suspected overdosage, immediate medical attention is warranted. Monitoring liver function and providing supportive care are essential components of management.

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

Postmarketing experience has identified several adverse reactions associated with the use of acetaminophen. Notably, severe skin reactions have been reported, which include symptoms such as skin reddening, blisters, and rash. In the event of a skin reaction, it is advised that the use of acetaminophen be discontinued immediately, and medical assistance should be sought without delay.

Patient Counseling

Healthcare providers should advise patients to keep this medication out of reach of children to prevent accidental ingestion.

Patients should be informed about the risks associated with overdose. It is crucial to communicate that taking more than the recommended dose may lead to liver damage. In the event of an overdose, patients must seek medical help immediately or contact a Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222. Emphasize the importance of quick medical attention for both adults and children, even if no signs or symptoms are apparent.

Storage and Handling

The product is supplied in various package configurations, with specific NDC numbers available for identification. It is essential to store the product at a controlled temperature range of 20-25°C (68-77°F). Care should be taken to avoid exposure to excessive heat, as this may compromise the integrity of the product. Proper storage conditions are crucial to maintain the product's efficacy and safety.

Additional Clinical Information

The medication is administered orally. Clinicians should advise patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding to consult a health professional prior to use. No further information is available regarding laboratory tests, abuse potential, or postmarketing experiences.

Drug Information (PDF)

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

View product document (PDF)