Cold Max

Description

TopCare® Health Cold Max is a combination medication indicated for the relief of symptoms associated with colds and flu. Each dosage form contains acetaminophen, a pain reliever and fever reducer; dextromethorphan HBr, a cough suppressant; and phenylephrine HCl, a nasal decongestant. This product is formulated for adult use and is available in a package containing 24 cool taste caplets. The National Drug Code (NDC) for this product is 36800-521-05.

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 to ensure proper release and absorption of the medication. It is important to note that the total dosage should not exceed 10 caplets within a 24-hour period.

For children under 12 years of age, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional 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, as this may lead to severe allergic responses.

Warnings and Precautions

This product contains acetaminophen, and it is crucial to adhere to the recommended dosage to prevent severe liver damage. The maximum daily dose is 10 caplets, equating to 3,250 mg of acetaminophen within a 24-hour period. 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 has been associated with severe skin reactions. Symptoms indicative of such reactions may include skin reddening, blisters, and rash. Should any of these symptoms manifest, it is imperative to discontinue use immediately and seek medical assistance.

Healthcare professionals should advise patients to consult a doctor 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 are warranted for individuals with specific health conditions. Patients should be advised to seek medical guidance prior to use if they have a history of liver disease, heart disease, high blood pressure, thyroid disease, diabetes, or difficulty urinating due to an enlarged prostate gland. Additionally, those with a persistent or chronic cough, such as that associated with smoking, asthma, or emphysema, or a cough that produces excessive phlegm should also consult a healthcare provider. It is essential to inquire with a doctor or pharmacist before use if the patient is currently taking the anticoagulant warfarin.

In the event of an overdose, immediate medical attention is critical. Patients should be instructed to contact a Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 or seek emergency medical help without delay, regardless of the presence of symptoms.

Patients should discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional if they experience nervousness, dizziness, or sleeplessness. Additionally, worsening pain, nasal congestion, or cough lasting more than seven days, fever persisting beyond three days, the presence of redness or swelling, the emergence of new symptoms, or a cough that recurs with a rash or headache warrant immediate medical evaluation, as these may indicate a serious underlying condition.

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, 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. If any of these symptoms occur, patients are advised to discontinue use immediately and seek medical assistance.

In cases of severe sore throat that persists for more than two days or is accompanied by fever, headache, rash, nausea, or vomiting, patients 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 taking a prescription monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) for depression, psychiatric, or emotional conditions, or Parkinson's disease should avoid this product during treatment and for two weeks after discontinuation of the MAOI. Additionally, individuals with a known allergy to this product or any of its ingredients should not use it.

Patients are encouraged to consult a doctor before using this product 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. Those experiencing a cough with excessive phlegm should also seek medical advice prior to use. Furthermore, individuals taking the blood-thinning medication warfarin should consult a healthcare professional before using this product.

While using this product, patients must not exceed the recommended dosage. They should discontinue use and consult a doctor 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 is present; if new symptoms arise; or if a cough recurs with a rash or headache that persists. These symptoms may indicate a serious condition.

In the event of an overdose, patients should seek medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately at 1-800-222-1222. Quick medical attention is critical for both adults and children, even if no signs or symptoms are immediately 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) for the treatment of depression, psychiatric, or emotional conditions, or Parkinson's disease. Additionally, it should not be used for at least 2 weeks following the discontinuation of an MAOI, as this may lead to 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 interactions that could increase the risk of bleeding.

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 efficacy, 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 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. 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. The maximum daily dose is limited to 10 caplets (3,250 mg of acetaminophen) within a 24-hour period. It is critical to note that severe liver damage may occur if patients exceed 4,000 mg of acetaminophen in 24 hours, use other medications containing acetaminophen concurrently, or consume three or more alcoholic drinks daily while using this product.

Patients with liver disease are advised to consult a healthcare professional prior to use to assess the appropriateness of this product based on their specific liver function status. Monitoring of liver function may be warranted in these patients to prevent potential adverse effects associated with acetaminophen use.

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 compound in these areas.

Postmarketing Experience

Postmarketing experience has identified that acetaminophen may be associated with severe skin reactions. Reported symptoms of these reactions include skin reddening, blisters, and rash. In the event of a skin reaction, it is advised to discontinue use immediately and seek medical assistance.

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 medication 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 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 with a history of allergic reactions to this product or any of its ingredients should be cautioned against its use. Healthcare providers should instruct patients to discontinue use and seek medical advice if they experience nervousness, dizziness, or sleeplessness. Additionally, patients should be advised 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. New symptoms or a recurrence of cough, especially if accompanied by a rash or persistent headache, should also prompt patients to seek medical attention, as these may indicate a serious condition.

Patients must 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. Patients with a persistent or chronic cough, such as that associated with smoking, asthma, or emphysema, should also seek medical advice before using this product. 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 details.

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, not to exceed 10 caplets within a 24-hour period. Clinicians should advise patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding to consult a health professional prior to use. It is also important to keep the medication out of reach of children. In the event of an overdose, patients should seek medical assistance or contact a Poison Control Center immediately at 1-800-222-1222.

No additional information is available regarding laboratory tests, abuse potential, or postmarketing experience.

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)