Severe Cold and Flu

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. Specifically, it addresses 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 take the medication only as directed, adhering to the overdose warning. The maximum allowable dosage is 4 doses within a 24-hour period.

For adults and children aged 12 years and older, the recommended dosage is 2 caplets every 4 hours as needed.

For children aged 4 to under 12 years, it is advised to consult a physician for appropriate dosing recommendations.

The medication is not indicated for use in children under 4 years of age.

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) for depression, psychiatric, or emotional conditions, or Parkinson's disease, and for a period of 2 weeks following the discontinuation of the MAOI. This is due to the potential for serious interactions. 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 8 caplets within a 24-hour period, using concurrently with other medications that contain acetaminophen, or consuming 3 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 2 days, or is accompanied by fever, headache, rash, nausea, or vomiting, prompt consultation with a healthcare provider is advised.

Healthcare professionals should exercise caution and 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 cough associated with excessive phlegm. Patients with persistent or chronic coughs, such as those resulting from smoking, asthma, chronic bronchitis, or emphysema, should also seek medical advice before using this product. Furthermore, it is essential to consult a doctor or pharmacist if the patient is taking the anticoagulant warfarin. Patients should adhere strictly to the recommended dosage and not exceed the directed amount.

In the event of an overdose, immediate medical attention is crucial. Patients should contact a Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 without delay, as rapid intervention is vital for both adults and children, even in the absence of noticeable symptoms.

Patients 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 7 days; 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 lasts. These symptoms may indicate a serious underlying condition that requires further evaluation.

Side Effects

Severe liver damage may occur in patients who exceed the maximum daily dosage of 8 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 should inquire with a doctor or pharmacist if they are uncertain whether a drug contains acetaminophen. Additionally, this product is contraindicated for individuals currently taking a prescription monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) or within two weeks of stopping such medication.

Patients with liver disease, heart disease, high blood pressure, thyroid disease, diabetes, or those experiencing difficulty urinating due to an enlarged prostate gland should consult a doctor before use. Furthermore, individuals with a cough that produces excessive phlegm or those with a persistent or chronic cough, such as that associated with smoking, asthma, chronic bronchitis, or emphysema, should also seek medical advice prior to use.

Patients taking the anticoagulant warfarin should consult 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 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.

An overdose of this product can lead to serious health complications. 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 initially apparent.

Drug Interactions

There are currently no documented drug interactions associated with this medication. Additionally, there are no known interactions with laboratory tests. As such, no specific recommendations for dosage adjustments or monitoring are warranted at this time.

Packaging & NDC

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

Pediatric Use

Pediatric patients aged 4 to under 12 years should consult a healthcare professional before use. The product is contraindicated in children under 4 years of age. For patients aged 12 years and older, the recommended dosage is 2 caplets every 4 hours, with a maximum of 4 doses within a 24-hour period.

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

There is no specific information 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 weighed, as the effects on fetal outcomes and lactation are not fully established. It is essential for women of childbearing potential to seek medical advice to ensure safe use during pregnancy and lactation.

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 should consult a healthcare professional prior to use, particularly if they experience difficulties with urination due to an enlarged prostate gland. It is essential to assess renal function and consider potential dosing adjustments or monitoring requirements based on the degree of impairment.

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 8 caplets within a 24-hour period. Additionally, patients should avoid concomitant use with other medications containing acetaminophen, as this may further increase the risk of liver injury.

It is also advised that patients with compromised liver function refrain from consuming three or more alcoholic drinks daily while using this product, as alcohol can exacerbate the potential for liver damage.

Before initiating treatment, patients with a history of liver disease should consult a healthcare professional to assess the appropriateness of this product for their condition. Monitoring of liver function may be warranted in these patients to ensure safety and efficacy during treatment.

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 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 health consequences. Therefore, it is essential to monitor the patient closely and provide appropriate medical care as needed.

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

No postmarketing experience details are available in the insert text.

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 stopped taking an MAOI within the last two weeks. Patients who are unsure if their prescription medication contains an MAOI should seek guidance from a healthcare professional.

Patients should be made aware that they need to stop using the product and consult a doctor if they experience symptoms such as nervousness, dizziness, or sleeplessness. Additionally, they should be advised to seek medical advice if pain, nasal congestion, or cough worsens or persists for more than seven days, or if fever worsens or lasts more than three days. Patients should also be instructed to stop use and consult a doctor if they notice any redness or swelling, if new symptoms arise, or if a cough returns or occurs alongside a rash or persistent headache, 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 using this medication if they have any of the following conditions: liver disease, heart disease, high blood pressure, thyroid disease, diabetes, or difficulty urinating due to an enlarged prostate gland. Patients should also be advised to seek medical advice if they have a cough that produces excessive phlegm or if they have a persistent or chronic cough associated with smoking, asthma, chronic bronchitis, or emphysema. Furthermore, patients taking the blood-thinning medication warfarin should consult a doctor or pharmacist before using this product.

Storage and Handling

The product is supplied in a carton that contains essential information and warnings, which should be retained for reference. It is recommended to store the product in a dry place at a temperature range of 20-25°C (68-77°F) to ensure optimal stability and efficacy.

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 Severe Cold and Flu, including active ingredients, dosage, warnings, and labeling as submitted by the manufacturer for OTC distribution.

View product document (PDF)