Mucus Relief Cold, Flu and Sore Throat

Description

This product is a maximum strength formulation indicated for individuals aged 12 and older, designed to provide relief from symptoms associated with cold, flu, and sore throat. The active ingredients include acetaminophen, which serves as a pain reliever and fever reducer; dextromethorphan HBr, a cough suppressant; guaifenesin, an expectorant that thins and loosens mucus; and phenylephrine HCl, a nasal decongestant. The product is available in the form of 20 caplets and is manufactured by HEB®. The National Drug Code (NDC) for this product is 37808-497-04. It is formulated to relieve headache, fever, sore throat, control cough, and alleviate nasal and chest congestion.

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 assists in loosening phlegm (mucus) and thinning bronchial secretions, thereby 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

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:

• Co-administration with any other drug containing acetaminophen, whether prescription or nonprescription, is prohibited 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.

• The product should not be used 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, and Parkinson's disease. If there is uncertainty about the presence of an MAOI in a prescription medication, a healthcare professional should be consulted prior to use.

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. 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.

General precautions should be observed when using this product. It is contraindicated to use this medication in conjunction with any other drug containing acetaminophen, whether prescription or nonprescription. If there is uncertainty regarding the presence of acetaminophen in another medication, consultation with a healthcare professional is recommended.

This product should not be used by individuals currently taking a prescription monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) or within two weeks of discontinuing such medication. Healthcare professionals should be consulted to confirm whether any current prescription includes an MAOI.

Before using this product, individuals should seek medical advice 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, those taking the anticoagulant warfarin should consult a healthcare provider prior to use. It is essential to adhere strictly to the recommended dosage and not exceed the directed amount.

In the event of an overdose, immediate medical attention is crucial. Contact a Poison Control Center or seek emergency medical help right away (1-800-222-1222). This is vital for both adults and children, even if no signs or symptoms are apparent.

Users should 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 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.

If a patient experiences a severe sore throat that 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 taken by individuals currently on a prescription monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) or within two weeks of stopping such medication.

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. Furthermore, 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 provider 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. Quick 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 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) or within 2 weeks of discontinuing such treatment. MAOIs are commonly prescribed for depression, psychiatric disorders, or Parkinson's disease, and their interaction with this medication may lead to serious adverse effects.

Additionally, 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 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.

In the event of an overdose, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention for both adults and pediatric patients, even if no signs or symptoms are apparent.

Geriatric Use

Elderly patients may not have specific dosage adjustments, safety concerns, or special precautions outlined for the use of this medication. Therefore, healthcare providers should exercise caution when prescribing this medication to geriatric patients, considering the potential for altered pharmacokinetics and increased sensitivity to adverse effects in this population.

It is advisable for healthcare providers to closely monitor elderly patients for any unexpected reactions or complications during treatment, given the lack of specific data regarding the geriatric population. Regular assessment of the patient's overall health status and medication tolerance is recommended to ensure safe and effective use.

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

It is advised that patients with 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 if no signs or symptoms of overdose are apparent.

Overdosage

In the event of an overdose, the potential for liver damage increases significantly when the recommended dose is exceeded. It is imperative that healthcare professionals remain vigilant regarding the signs and symptoms of overdose, as these may not always be immediately apparent.

Recommended Actions In the case of suspected overdose, it is crucial to seek medical assistance promptly. Healthcare providers should advise patients or caregivers to contact a Poison Control Center immediately at 1-800-222-1222. Quick medical intervention is essential for both adults and children, even in the absence of noticeable symptoms.

Management Procedures Upon recognition of an overdose, healthcare professionals should initiate appropriate management protocols. This may include monitoring liver function and providing supportive care as necessary. Early intervention can significantly 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 these contexts.

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 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 drug contains acetaminophen, they should be encouraged to consult 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 taken one within the last two weeks. Patients should be advised to check with their healthcare provider if they are unsure whether their prescription medication contains an MAOI.

Patients should be instructed to discontinue use and seek medical advice if they experience nervousness, dizziness, or sleeplessness. Additionally, they should be informed to stop using the product 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. Patients should also be advised to seek medical attention if new symptoms arise or if a cough returns or occurs alongside a rash or headache that lasts, as these may indicate a serious condition.

When using this product, patients must be reminded not to exceed the recommended dosage. It is essential for patients to consult a doctor before use 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. Patients with a persistent or chronic cough, such as that associated with smoking, asthma, chronic bronchitis, or emphysema, should also seek medical advice before using this product. Furthermore, patients should be advised to consult a doctor if they have a cough that produces excessive phlegm (mucus) or if they are taking the blood-thinning medication warfarin.

Storage and Handling

The product is supplied in a configuration that includes specific NDC numbers, which are essential for identification and inventory management. It is crucial to store the product in a controlled environment, maintaining a temperature range of 20-25°C (68-77°F). The storage area should be dry to ensure the integrity of the product. Proper handling practices should be observed to maintain the quality and efficacy of the product throughout its shelf life.

Additional Clinical Information

The medication is administered orally, with the recommended dosage for adults and children aged 12 years and older being 2 caplets every 4 hours. It is advised that this medication not be used in children under 12 years of age.

Clinicians should counsel patients to consult a health professional if they are pregnant or breastfeeding. Additionally, it is important to keep the medication out of reach of children. 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)