Cold and Flu

Description

No description information is available for the specified drug.

Uses and Indications

This drug is indicated for the temporary relief of common cold and flu symptoms, including minor aches and pains, headache, sore throat, fever, nasal congestion, sinus pressure, and cough due to minor throat and bronchial irritation.

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

Dosage and Administration

Patients should adhere strictly to the recommended dosage guidelines to avoid potential overdose. The maximum allowable dosage is four doses within a 24-hour period.

For adults and children aged 12 years and older, the recommended dosage is two softgels taken with water every four hours. It is imperative that the softgels are swallowed whole; they should not be crushed, chewed, or dissolved to ensure proper release and absorption of the medication.

The use of this product is not recommended for children under 12 years of age. When utilizing both Daytime and Nighttime formulations, healthcare professionals should advise patients to carefully read each label to confirm the correct dosing instructions for each product.

Contraindications

Use of this product is contraindicated in the following situations:

Patients currently taking a prescription monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) or those who have discontinued MAOI therapy within the past two weeks. This is due to the potential for serious interactions. If there is uncertainty regarding the presence of an MAOI in a prescription medication, consultation with a healthcare professional is advised.

Concurrent use with any other drug containing acetaminophen, whether prescription or non-prescription, is also contraindicated to avoid the risk of acetaminophen overdose. If there is doubt about the acetaminophen content of a medication, a healthcare professional should be consulted.

Additionally, exceeding the recommended dosage is contraindicated to prevent adverse effects.

Warnings and Precautions

Severe liver damage may occur with the use of this product, which contains acetaminophen. Healthcare professionals should advise patients to avoid exceeding 4,000 mg of acetaminophen within a 24-hour period, to refrain from using other medications that contain acetaminophen concurrently, and to limit alcohol consumption to fewer than three alcoholic drinks per day 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, patients should be instructed to discontinue use immediately and seek medical assistance.

Healthcare providers should be vigilant regarding patients presenting with a severe sore throat that persists for more than two days, especially if accompanied by fever, headache, rash, nausea, or vomiting. Such symptoms warrant prompt medical consultation.

General precautions should be taken when considering this product for patients with specific health conditions. Patients should be advised to consult a healthcare professional prior to use if they have liver disease, diabetes, heart disease, thyroid disease, high blood pressure, a persistent or chronic cough (such as that associated with smoking, asthma, or emphysema), a cough that produces excessive phlegm, or difficulty urinating due to an enlarged prostate gland. Additionally, patients taking the anticoagulant warfarin should seek guidance from a healthcare provider or pharmacist before using this product.

In cases of overdose, immediate medical attention is crucial. Patients should be instructed to contact a Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) or seek emergency medical help without delay, regardless of whether symptoms are present.

Patients should be advised to discontinue use and contact their healthcare provider if any of the following occur: worsening pain, cough, or nasal congestion lasting more than seven days; symptoms of nervousness, dizziness, or sleeplessness; fever that worsens or persists beyond three days; the presence of redness or swelling; the emergence of new symptoms; or a cough that recurs or is accompanied by a rash or headache lasting longer than expected. These symptoms may indicate a serious underlying condition that requires further evaluation.

Side Effects

Severe liver damage may occur in patients who exceed 4,000 mg of acetaminophen within a 24-hour period, use other medications containing acetaminophen concurrently, or consume 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.

Patients experiencing a severe sore throat that persists for more than two days, or is accompanied by fever, headache, rash, nausea, or vomiting, should consult a healthcare provider promptly. Additionally, individuals should stop use and contact a doctor if pain, cough, or nasal congestion worsens or lasts longer than seven days; if nervousness, dizziness, or sleeplessness occurs; if fever worsens or lasts more than three days; if redness or swelling is observed; if new symptoms develop; or if a cough recurs with a rash or headache that persists, as these may indicate a serious condition.

Patients with pre-existing conditions such as liver disease, diabetes, heart disease, thyroid disease, high blood pressure, or persistent or chronic cough (including those associated with smoking, asthma, or emphysema) should consult a doctor before use. Those experiencing cough with excessive phlegm or trouble urinating due to an enlarged prostate gland should also seek medical advice prior to use. Furthermore, patients taking the blood-thinning medication warfarin should consult a healthcare professional or pharmacist before using this product.

An overdose warning is in place, as taking more than the recommended dose can lead to liver damage. In the event of an overdose, it is crucial to seek medical help or contact a Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) immediately, as prompt medical attention is essential for both adults and children, even if no signs or symptoms are apparent.

Drug Interactions

Acetaminophen has been observed to enhance the anticoagulant effects of warfarin, which may result in an elevated risk of bleeding. It is recommended that the International Normalized Ratio (INR) be monitored closely in patients who are receiving both acetaminophen and warfarin concurrently to ensure safe therapeutic levels and to mitigate the risk of adverse effects.

No additional drug interactions or interactions with laboratory tests have been reported.

Packaging & NDC

Below are the non-prescription pack sizes of Cold and Flu (acetaminophen, dextromethorphan hbr, phenylephrine hcl). 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 taken with water every 4 hours, with a maximum of 4 doses within a 24-hour period.

Geriatric Use

Elderly patients may not have specific information regarding the use of this medication, including 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 lack of targeted data for 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 the safety of both the mother and the developing fetus.

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 not been specifically addressed in the drug insert regarding dosage adjustments, special monitoring, or safety considerations. Therefore, healthcare professionals should exercise caution when prescribing this medication to individuals with reduced kidney function, as the absence of detailed guidance 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 4,000 mg of acetaminophen in 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 a history of liver disease consult a healthcare professional prior to use. Due to the potential for overdose and subsequent liver damage, patients must adhere strictly to the recommended dosage. In the event of an overdose, immediate medical assistance should be sought, or the Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) should be contacted without delay. Prompt medical attention is crucial for both adults and children, even if no signs or symptoms of overdose are present.

Overdosage

Exceeding the recommended dosage of this medication may lead to significant liver damage. It is imperative that healthcare professionals remain vigilant regarding the potential consequences of overdosage.

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 without delay. Prompt intervention is crucial, as the risk of serious complications exists for both adults and children, even in the absence of noticeable signs or symptoms.

Timely medical attention can be critical in managing the effects of an overdose and mitigating potential harm.

Nonclinical Toxicology

There is currently no available information regarding teratogenic effects. Additionally, no data has been provided concerning non-teratogenic effects. The nonclinical toxicology section does not contain any relevant information at this time. Furthermore, there is no information available related to animal pharmacology and toxicology.

Postmarketing Experience

No postmarketing experience details are available in the provided text.

Patient Counseling

Healthcare providers should advise patients on the importance of adhering to the recommended dosage of the medication. Patients must be informed that exceeding the recommended dosage can lead to serious health risks.

In the event of an overdose, it is crucial for patients to seek immediate medical assistance or contact a Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222. Healthcare providers should emphasize that prompt medical attention is essential for both adults and children, even if no signs or symptoms of overdose are apparent. This proactive approach can significantly impact the outcome in cases of overdose.

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 temperature range of 15-30ºC (59-86ºF) to maintain its efficacy. Care should be taken to avoid exposure to excessive heat, which may compromise the integrity of the product. Proper storage conditions are crucial for ensuring the quality and safety of the product throughout its shelf life.

Additional Clinical Information

No further data are available.

Drug Information (PDF)

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

View product document (PDF)