Cold Relief

Description

No description information is available for the drug.

Uses and Indications

This drug is indicated for the temporary relief of common cold and flu symptoms, including minor aches and pains, headache, nasal congestion, cough, sore throat, and sinus congestion and pressure. Additionally, it temporarily reduces fever and helps clear nasal passages while promoting nasal and sinus drainage.

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 imperative that no more than 10 caplets are 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:

Co-administration with any other drug containing acetaminophen, whether prescription or nonprescription, is prohibited 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.

The product should not be used 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, or Parkinson's disease. If there is any doubt about the presence of an MAOI in a prescription, a healthcare professional should be consulted prior to use.

Additionally, this product is contraindicated in individuals with a history of allergic reactions to it or any of its ingredients.

Warnings and Precautions

Severe liver damage may occur with the use of this product, which contains acetaminophen. Healthcare professionals should advise patients that the risk of liver injury increases significantly if they 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.

Acetaminophen may also lead to severe skin reactions. Symptoms such as blisters, rash, and skin reddening may indicate an allergic response. In the event of a skin reaction, patients should be instructed 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 be advised to consult a healthcare provider promptly.

General precautions should be taken for patients with specific health conditions. Prior to use, individuals should consult a healthcare professional if they have liver disease, diabetes, heart disease, thyroid disease, high blood pressure, difficulty urinating due to prostate enlargement, or a persistent or chronic cough associated with smoking, asthma, or emphysema. Additionally, patients taking the anticoagulant warfarin should seek advice from a doctor or pharmacist before using this product.

In the event of an overdose, immediate medical attention is crucial. Patients should be instructed to contact a Poison Control Center or seek emergency medical help without delay, as prompt intervention is essential for both adults and children, even in the absence of noticeable 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 occurs; if new symptoms develop; or if a cough 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

Patients using this product should be aware of several important warnings and potential adverse reactions.

Severe liver damage may occur if patients exceed 4,000 mg of acetaminophen in a 24-hour period, use other medications containing acetaminophen concurrently, or consume three or more alcoholic drinks daily while using this product.

Additionally, acetaminophen may cause severe skin reactions, which can manifest as blisters, rash, or skin reddening. 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.

Patients should also be instructed to stop use and contact a doctor if they experience nervousness, dizziness, or sleeplessness. Other concerning symptoms include worsening pain, nasal congestion, or cough lasting more than seven days; fever that worsens or lasts more than three days; presence of redness or swelling; the emergence of new symptoms; or a cough that recurs or occurs alongside a rash or headache lasting for an extended period. These symptoms may indicate a serious condition requiring medical evaluation.

Drug Interactions

There are currently no documented drug interactions associated with this medication. Additionally, there is no information available regarding 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 Cold Relief (acetaminophen, dextromethorphan hbr, phenylephrine hcl). 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. It is advisable to monitor these patients closely for any adverse effects or changes in efficacy.

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 difficulty in urination due to enlargement of the 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, as it contains acetaminophen, which is associated with the risk of severe liver damage. It is critical that patients do not exceed 4,000 mg of acetaminophen within a 24-hour period. Additionally, patients should avoid concurrent use with other medications that contain acetaminophen, as this may further increase the risk of liver injury.

Patients with compromised liver function are advised to consult a healthcare professional prior to using this product, particularly if they have a history of liver disease. Furthermore, it is recommended that patients limit alcohol consumption to fewer than three alcoholic drinks per day while using this product to mitigate the risk of liver damage. Regular monitoring of liver function may be warranted in patients with existing liver conditions 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 without delay. 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, it is essential to monitor the patient closely and provide appropriate care as directed by medical guidelines.

Nonclinical Toxicology

No information is available regarding teratogenic effects. Additionally, there is no information provided concerning non-teratogenic effects. The insert does not contain any details related to nonclinical toxicology. Furthermore, there is no information available regarding animal pharmacology and toxicology.

Postmarketing Experience

Postmarketing experience has indicated that acetaminophen may be associated with severe skin reactions. These reactions can manifest as symptoms including blisters, rash, and skin reddening. In the event of a skin reaction, it is recommended that the use of acetaminophen be discontinued immediately and medical assistance be sought.

Patient Counseling

Healthcare providers should advise patients to seek immediate medical assistance or contact a Poison Control Center in the event of an overdose, emphasizing that prompt medical attention is crucial for both adults and children, even if no signs or symptoms are apparent.

Patients should be instructed not to exceed the recommended dosage to avoid potential adverse effects. It is important for healthcare providers to encourage patients to consult with a doctor prior to use if they have any of the following conditions: liver disease, diabetes, heart disease, thyroid disease, high blood pressure, difficulty urinating due to prostate gland enlargement, a persistent or chronic cough associated with smoking, asthma, or emphysema, or a cough that produces excessive phlegm (mucus).

Additionally, patients should be advised to speak with a doctor or pharmacist before using this medication if they are currently taking the blood-thinning medication warfarin, as interactions may occur.

Storage and Handling

The product is supplied in tamper-evident packaging. It should not be used if the outer package is opened or if the blister is torn or broken.

Storage conditions require the product to be maintained at a temperature of 25ºC (77ºF), with permissible excursions between 15ºC and 30ºC (59ºF to 86ºF). For reference, the expiration date and lot number can be found on the end flap of the packaging.

Additional Clinical Information

Patients should be informed that the medication is administered orally, with a recommended dosage of 2 caplets every 4 hours, not exceeding 10 caplets within a 24-hour period. Clinicians should advise patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding to consult a health professional prior to use.

Additionally, resources are available for understanding the risks of medicine abuse, particularly among teens, at www.StopMedicineAbuse.org. No further information is available regarding laboratory tests or postmarketing experiences.

Drug Information (PDF)

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

View product document (PDF)