Cold Max

Description

Marc's® is a combination medication formulated for adults, containing acetaminophen, dextromethorphan HBr, and phenylephrine HCl. This product is indicated for the relief of pain, fever, cough, and nasal congestion. It is designed to alleviate head and body aches, reduce fever, soothe sore throats, suppress coughs, and relieve nasal congestion. Each package contains 24 cool taste caplets, providing a convenient dosage form for effective symptom management. The product is comparable to the active ingredients found in Tylenol® Cold Max. The National Drug Code (NDC) for Marc's® is 68998-238-05.

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; they must not be crushed, chewed, or dissolved. It is important to note that no more than 10 caplets should be taken 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:

• 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) or within 2 weeks of discontinuing such treatment. MAOIs are commonly prescribed for depression, psychiatric, or emotional conditions, as well as for Parkinson's disease. If there is uncertainty about the presence of an MAOI in a prescription, a healthcare professional should be consulted prior to use.

• In individuals with a history of allergic reactions to this product or any of its ingredients, to prevent potential severe allergic responses.

Warnings and Precautions

This product contains acetaminophen, and it is crucial to adhere to the maximum daily dose 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, using other medications that contain acetaminophen concurrently, or consuming three or more alcoholic drinks daily while using this product.

Acetaminophen may also lead to severe skin reactions. Symptoms indicative of such reactions include skin reddening, blisters, and rash. Should any skin reaction occur, it is imperative to discontinue use immediately and seek medical assistance.

Healthcare professionals should advise patients to consult a doctor promptly if a sore throat is severe, persists for more than two days, or is accompanied or followed 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 using this product if they are taking the anticoagulant warfarin.

In the event of an overdose, immediate medical help should be sought, or contact with a Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) is recommended. Quick medical attention is critical for both adults and children, even if no signs or symptoms are initially apparent.

Patients should be instructed to stop taking the product and consult a doctor 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 present; if new symptoms arise; or if a cough recurs or occurs with 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 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.

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 used by individuals currently taking a prescription monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) or within two weeks of stopping such medication. Patients with a known allergy to this product or any of its ingredients should also refrain from use.

Before using this product, patients should consult a healthcare provider if they have liver disease, heart disease, high blood pressure, thyroid disease, diabetes, trouble urinating due to an enlarged prostate gland, or a persistent or chronic cough associated with smoking, asthma, or emphysema. Furthermore, patients experiencing a cough with excessive phlegm should seek medical advice prior to use. Those taking the blood-thinning medication warfarin should also consult a doctor or pharmacist before using this product.

Patients must adhere to the recommended dosage and should discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional if they experience nervousness, dizziness, or sleeplessness. Additionally, if pain, nasal congestion, or cough worsens or persists for more than seven days, or if fever worsens or lasts more than three days, medical advice should be sought. Signs such as redness or swelling, the emergence of new symptoms, or a cough that recurs or is accompanied by a rash or headache lasting longer than usual may indicate a serious condition, warranting immediate medical attention.

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. Quick medical attention is essential for both adults and children, even if no signs or symptoms are initially 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 for at least two 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 warranted to ensure safe and effective use, as interactions could potentially alter the anticoagulant effect of warfarin.

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

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. 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 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 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 significantly increase the risk of severe liver damage.

Furthermore, patients who consume three or more alcoholic drinks daily while using this product are at an elevated risk for 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 medical 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, vigilance and timely action are essential 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 understanding of potential risks associated with the compound in nonclinical settings.

Postmarketing Experience

Postmarketing experience has identified several adverse reactions associated with the use of the product. Notably, severe skin reactions have been reported, which include symptoms such as skin reddening, blisters, and rash. In the event of a skin reaction, it is advised that the use of the product be discontinued immediately, and medical assistance should be sought without delay.

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 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 medication contains an MAOI.

Patients should be cautioned against using this product if they have a history of allergic reactions to it or any of its ingredients. They should be instructed to stop using the product and seek medical advice if they experience nervousness, dizziness, or sleeplessness. Additionally, patients should be advised to discontinue use 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. New symptoms that arise should also prompt a consultation with a healthcare provider.

Patients should be made aware that the return of a cough or the occurrence of a cough accompanied by a rash or persistent headache warrants immediate medical attention, as these may indicate a serious condition. It is essential to emphasize that patients must not exceed the recommended dosage while using this product.

Before using this product, patients should be encouraged to consult a doctor 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 with a persistent or chronic cough, such as that associated with smoking, asthma, or emphysema, should also seek medical advice prior to use. Furthermore, patients should be advised to consult a doctor or pharmacist if they are taking the blood-thinning medication warfarin.

Storage and Handling

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

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)