Cold Max

Description

Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan HBr, and Phenylephrine HCl are the active ingredients in this formulation, which serves multiple therapeutic purposes, including pain relief, fever reduction, cough suppression, and nasal decongestion. The product is presented in the form of 24 caplets, designed to provide a cool taste.

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, nasal congestion, cough, and sinus congestion and pressure. It aids in clearing nasal passages and promotes nasal and sinus drainage. Additionally, this drug temporarily reduces fever.

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

Dosage and Administration

Adults and children aged 12 years and over are instructed to take 2 caplets every 4 hours as needed. The caplets should be swallowed whole and must not be crushed, chewed, or dissolved to ensure proper release and absorption of the medication. It is important to note that the maximum dosage should not exceed 10 caplets within a 24-hour period.

For children under 12 years of age, it is recommended to consult a physician for appropriate dosing guidance.

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) or within 2 weeks of discontinuing an MAOI. This includes certain medications prescribed for depression, psychiatric or emotional conditions, or Parkinson's disease, as the combination may lead to serious adverse effects. Verification of MAOI status with a healthcare provider is recommended if there is any doubt.

• History of allergic reaction to this product or any of its components, as this may result in severe allergic responses.

Warnings and Precautions

This product contains acetaminophen, and it is crucial to adhere to the maximum daily dosage of 10 caplets (3,250 mg acetaminophen) within a 24-hour period. Severe liver damage may occur if the following conditions are met: exceeding 4,000 mg of acetaminophen in 24 hours, concomitant use with other medications containing acetaminophen, or consumption of three or more alcoholic drinks daily while using this product.

Acetaminophen has been associated with severe skin reactions. Symptoms indicative of such reactions may include skin reddening, blisters, and 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 is accompanied by fever, headache, rash, nausea, or vomiting.

General precautions should be taken prior to use. Patients should be advised to seek medical advice 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 persistent or chronic cough associated with smoking, asthma, or emphysema. Additionally, patients should consult a doctor or pharmacist before use if they are taking the anticoagulant warfarin.

In the event of an overdose, immediate medical attention is necessary. Patients should be instructed to contact a Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 without delay, as prompt medical intervention is critical for both adults and children, even in the absence of noticeable signs or symptoms.

Patients should discontinue use and contact 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 is observed; 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 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 that acetaminophen may cause 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 currently taking a prescription monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) or who have taken one within the past two weeks should also avoid this product. Additionally, individuals with a known allergy to acetaminophen or any of its ingredients should refrain from use.

Patients with liver disease, heart disease, high blood pressure, thyroid disease, diabetes, or those experiencing trouble urinating due to an enlarged prostate gland should consult a doctor before using this product. Furthermore, individuals with a persistent or chronic cough, such as that associated with smoking, asthma, or emphysema, or a cough that produces excessive phlegm should also seek medical advice prior to use. It is important for patients taking the blood-thinning medication warfarin to consult a doctor or pharmacist before using this product.

While using this product, patients must not exceed the recommended dosage. They should discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional if they experience nervousness, dizziness, or sleeplessness; if pain, nasal congestion, or cough worsens or lasts 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 persists. These symptoms may indicate a serious condition.

In the event of an overdose, it is crucial for patients 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

Co-administration 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), which includes certain medications for depression, psychiatric disorders, or Parkinson's disease. Additionally, it should not be used for at least 2 weeks following the discontinuation of an MAOI to avoid potential hypertensive crises or other 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 alterations in anticoagulant effects.

Packaging & NDC

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

Pediatric Use

Pediatric patients under 12 years of age should consult a healthcare professional before use. For adolescents aged 12 years and older, the recommended dosage is 2 caplets every 4 hours, with a maximum of 10 caplets in a 24-hour period.

Geriatric Use

There is no specific information available 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 have not been specifically studied in relation to dosage adjustments, special monitoring, or safety considerations for this medication. As such, there is no available information regarding the use of this drug in individuals with reduced kidney function. Healthcare professionals should exercise caution and consider the lack of data when prescribing this medication to patients with renal impairment.

Hepatic Impairment

Patients with hepatic impairment should consult a healthcare professional prior to using this product. The formulation contains acetaminophen, which has specific dosing considerations for individuals with compromised liver function.

The maximum recommended daily dose of this product is 10 caplets, equating to 3,250 mg of acetaminophen within a 24-hour period. It is critical to note that severe liver damage may occur if the total acetaminophen intake exceeds 4,000 mg in a 24-hour period. Additionally, patients should be aware that taking this product in conjunction with other medications containing acetaminophen can also lead to severe liver damage.

Furthermore, patients who consume three or more alcoholic drinks daily while using this product are at an increased risk of severe liver damage. Therefore, careful monitoring and adherence to the recommended dosage are essential for patients with hepatic impairment to mitigate potential risks.

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 essential 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, vigilance and timely action are crucial in managing overdose situations effectively.

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

Acetaminophen has been associated with severe skin reactions reported in postmarketing experience. Symptoms of these reactions may include skin reddening, blisters, and rash. In the event of a skin reaction, it is advised to discontinue use and seek medical assistance immediately.

Patient Counseling

Healthcare providers should advise patients to keep this product 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 this product should not be used if they are currently taking a prescription monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) or have taken one within the past two weeks. Patients should be advised to check with their healthcare provider if they are unsure whether their prescription includes an MAOI.

Patients with a history of allergic reactions to this product or any of its ingredients should be cautioned against its use. They should be instructed to stop using the product and seek medical advice if they experience nervousness, dizziness, or sleeplessness.

Healthcare providers should emphasize that patients must discontinue use and consult a doctor if symptoms such as pain, nasal congestion, or cough worsen or persist for more than seven days. Additionally, patients should be advised to seek medical attention if fever worsens or lasts more than three days, or if they notice any redness or swelling. New symptoms or a recurrence of cough, especially if accompanied by a rash or persistent headache, should also prompt a consultation with a healthcare provider, as these may indicate a serious condition.

Patients should be reminded not to exceed the recommended dosage while using this product. It is essential for patients to consult a doctor before use 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. Furthermore, patients with a persistent or chronic cough, such as that associated with smoking, asthma, 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 speak with a doctor or pharmacist before using this product.

Storage and Handling

The product is supplied in a carton that should be retained for complete product information. It is essential to store the product in a dry place at a temperature range of 20-25°C (68-77°F) to ensure its stability and efficacy. Proper storage conditions are critical for maintaining the integrity of the product.

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. For children under 12 years, it is advised to consult a doctor regarding appropriate dosing.

Clinicians should counsel patients to seek advice from a health professional if they are pregnant or breastfeeding. It is crucial to keep the medication out of reach of children. In the event of an overdose, immediate medical assistance should be sought, or the Poison Control Center contacted at 1-800-222-1222, as prompt attention is essential for both adults and children, regardless of the presence of symptoms.

Drug Information (PDF)

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

View product document (PDF)