Mucus Relief Cold Flu and Sore Throat

Description

NDC 63868-588-20, QUALITY CHOICE® Maximum Strength Mucus Relief Cold, Flu & Sore Throat is formulated for individuals aged 12 and older. Each dosage form contains a combination of active ingredients: Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan HBr, Guaifenesin, and Phenylephrine HCl, which function as a pain reliever, fever reducer, cough suppressant, expectorant, and nasal decongestant. The product is available in a package containing 20 caplets.

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, and sore throat. Additionally, it temporarily reduces fever and aids in loosening phlegm (mucus) and thinning bronchial secretions, facilitating the expulsion of bothersome mucus and enhancing the productivity of coughs.

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

Dosage and Administration

Patients should adhere strictly to the recommended dosage guidelines. For adults and children aged 12 years and older, the recommended dosage is 2 caplets every 4 hours as needed. It is imperative that patients do not exceed 12 caplets within a 24-hour period to avoid the risk of overdose.

For children under 12 years of age, the use of this medication is not recommended. Healthcare professionals should ensure that patients are aware of these guidelines to promote safe and effective use of the medication.

Contraindications

Use of this product is contraindicated in the following situations:

The product should not be used in conjunction with any other medication containing acetaminophen, whether prescription or nonprescription. If there is uncertainty regarding the presence of acetaminophen in a medication, consultation with a healthcare professional is advised.

Additionally, this product is contraindicated in patients currently taking a prescription monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) or within 2 weeks of discontinuing such treatment. MAOIs are typically prescribed for depression, psychiatric or emotional conditions, or Parkinson's disease. If there is any doubt about the presence of an MAOI in a prescription, a healthcare professional should be consulted prior to use.

Furthermore, it is essential to adhere to the recommended dosage and not exceed the directed amount while using this product.

Warnings and Precautions

This product contains acetaminophen, which poses a risk of severe liver damage if the following conditions are met: exceeding 12 caplets within a 24-hour period, concurrent use with other medications containing acetaminophen, or consumption of 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.

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

Overdosing on acetaminophen can result in liver damage. In cases of overdose, immediate medical attention is crucial; patients should contact a Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222, even if no signs or symptoms are apparent.

General precautions should be taken prior to use. Patients should be advised to consult a healthcare provider if they have any of the following conditions: liver disease, heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, thyroid disease, 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 seek guidance from a doctor or pharmacist if they are currently taking the anticoagulant warfarin.

While using this product, it is essential that patients adhere strictly to the recommended dosage and not exceed the directed amount.

Patients should be instructed to stop taking the product and contact a healthcare professional 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 develop; or if a cough recurs or is accompanied by a rash or headache that lasts. These symptoms may indicate a serious condition requiring medical evaluation.

Side Effects

Severe liver damage may occur in patients who exceed the maximum daily dosage of 12 caplets within a 24-hour period, take the product in conjunction with other medications containing acetaminophen, or consume three or more alcoholic drinks daily while using this product.

Patients should be aware that acetaminophen may 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 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.

This product should not be used in conjunction with any other drug containing acetaminophen, whether prescription or nonprescription. Patients taking a prescription monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) for depression, psychiatric, or emotional conditions, or Parkinson's disease should avoid this product and refrain from use for two weeks after discontinuing the MAOI. If there is uncertainty regarding the presence of an MAOI in a prescription drug, patients should consult a doctor or pharmacist.

Patients with liver disease, heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, thyroid disease, or those experiencing trouble urinating due to an enlarged prostate gland should seek medical advice before using this product. Additionally, individuals with a persistent or chronic cough, such as that associated with smoking, asthma, chronic bronchitis, or emphysema, as well as those with a cough that produces 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 discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional 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 may indicate a serious condition.

An overdose of this product, defined as taking more than the recommended dose, may result in liver damage. In the event of an overdose, it is crucial to seek medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately at 1-800-222-1222. Prompt medical attention is essential for both adults and children, even if no signs or symptoms are immediately apparent.

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 within 2 weeks of discontinuing an MAOI, as this may lead to 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 use and to avoid potential interactions that could affect bleeding risk.

Packaging & NDC

Below are the non-prescription pack sizes of Mucus Relief Cold Flu and Sore Throat (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 not use this medication. For adolescents aged 12 years and older, the recommended dosage is 2 caplets every 4 hours, with a maximum daily limit of 12 caplets within a 24-hour period. Caution should be exercised to adhere to the specified dosage guidelines to ensure safety and efficacy in this age group.

Geriatric Use

Elderly patients should exercise caution when using this product, particularly those aged 65 and older, as they may have an increased susceptibility to adverse effects. It is advisable for geriatric patients to consult a healthcare provider prior to use if they have a history of liver disease, heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, thyroid disease, or urinary difficulties due to an enlarged prostate gland.

Additionally, patients taking the anticoagulant warfarin should seek guidance from a doctor or pharmacist before using this product, as potential interactions may necessitate dosage adjustments or increased monitoring.

Elderly patients are advised to adhere strictly to the recommended dosage and to discontinue use if they experience symptoms such as nervousness, dizziness, or sleeplessness. They should also seek medical advice if pain, nasal congestion, or cough worsens or persists beyond 7 days, if fever intensifies or lasts more than 3 days, or if there is any redness or swelling. The emergence of new symptoms or a recurrence of cough accompanied by a rash or persistent headache should prompt immediate consultation with a healthcare professional, as these may indicate a serious underlying condition.

For those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, it is essential to consult a health professional before use to ensure safety for both the patient and the child.

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 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 exercise caution when using this product, which contains acetaminophen. Severe liver damage may occur if patients exceed the maximum daily dosage of 12 caplets within a 24-hour period. Additionally, the risk of liver damage increases if acetaminophen is taken concurrently with other medications containing acetaminophen or if patients consume three or more alcoholic drinks daily while using this product.

It is advised that patients with a history of liver disease consult a healthcare professional prior to use. In the event of an overdose, which may lead to liver damage, immediate medical assistance should be sought, or the Poison Control Center should be contacted at 1-800-222-1222. Prompt medical attention is crucial for both adults and children, even in the absence of noticeable signs or symptoms of overdose.

Overdosage

Taking more than the recommended dose of the medication may lead to liver damage. It is essential for healthcare professionals to recognize the seriousness of an overdose and the potential for significant health consequences.

In the event of an overdose, immediate medical assistance should be sought. Healthcare providers are advised to contact a Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 for guidance. Prompt intervention is crucial, as quick medical attention is necessary for both adults and children, even in the absence of noticeable signs or symptoms.

Monitoring and management of the patient should be initiated as soon as possible to mitigate the risk of severe complications associated with 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 question.

Postmarketing Experience

Postmarketing experience has identified the following adverse reactions: severe skin reactions, which may present as skin reddening, blisters, and rash. In the event of a skin reaction, it is advised to discontinue use and seek medical assistance promptly.

Patient Counseling

Healthcare providers should advise patients to keep this medication 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 with a doctor or pharmacist.

It is important to inform patients that they should not use this product if they are currently taking a prescription monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) or have stopped taking an MAOI within the last two weeks. Patients who are unsure if their prescription includes an MAOI should seek clarification from their healthcare provider.

Patients should be counseled to discontinue use and consult a doctor if they experience nervousness, dizziness, or sleeplessness. Additionally, they should be advised to stop using the product and seek medical advice 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, as well as a recurrence of cough accompanied by a rash or persistent headache.

Patients must be reminded to adhere strictly to the recommended dosage and not exceed the directed amount. It is essential to advise patients to consult a doctor before using this product if they have any of the following conditions: liver disease, heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, thyroid disease, or difficulty 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 prior to use. Those experiencing a cough with excessive phlegm should also consult a healthcare provider. Lastly, patients taking the blood-thinning medication warfarin should be advised to discuss their use of this product with a doctor or pharmacist.

Storage and Handling

The product is supplied in a configuration that includes specific NDC numbers. It should be stored in a dry place at a temperature range of 20-25°C (68-77°F). Proper storage conditions are essential to maintain the integrity and efficacy of the product.

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 Mucus Relief Cold Flu and Sore Throat, including active ingredients, dosage, warnings, and labeling as submitted by the manufacturer for OTC distribution.

View product document (PDF)