Cold and Flu Relief

Description

No description information is available for the specified drug.

Uses and Indications

This drug is indicated for the temporary relief of symptoms associated with the common cold and influenza. Specifically, it alleviates minor aches and pains, headache, sore throat, nasal congestion, fever, 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 to avoid the risk of 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 active ingredients.

This product is not intended for use in children under 12 years of age. When utilizing other Daytime or Nighttime products, it is essential to read each label carefully to confirm appropriate dosing and avoid exceeding the maximum dosage.

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 typically prescribed for depression, psychiatric or emotional conditions, or Parkinson's disease. If there is uncertainty about the presence of an MAOI in a prescription medication, a healthcare professional should be consulted prior to use.

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 drinks per day while using this product.

Acetaminophen may also lead to severe skin reactions. Symptoms such as skin reddening, blisters, or rash may indicate an allergic reaction. 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 physician promptly.

General precautions should be taken for patients with specific health conditions. Prior to use, patients should be encouraged to consult a healthcare provider if they have liver disease, diabetes, heart disease, thyroid disease, high blood pressure, difficulty urinating due to an enlarged prostate gland, 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 (1-800-222-1222) or seek emergency medical help without delay, regardless of the presence of symptoms.

Patients should discontinue use and contact a healthcare professional if any of the following occur: worsening pain, cough, or nasal congestion lasting more than seven days; nervousness, dizziness, or sleeplessness; fever worsening or lasting more than three days; presence of redness or swelling; emergence of new symptoms; or recurrence of cough accompanied by 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 taking this product containing acetaminophen if they exceed 4,000 mg in 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.

Participants should also be advised to consult a healthcare professional if they experience a sore throat that is severe, persists for more than two days, or is accompanied by fever, headache, rash, nausea, or vomiting.

Patients are encouraged to stop use and seek medical advice if pain, cough, or nasal congestion worsens or lasts longer than seven days; if they experience nervousness, dizziness, or sleeplessness; if fever worsens or lasts more than three days; if redness or swelling occurs; if new symptoms arise; or if a cough recurs with a rash or headache that persists. These symptoms may indicate a serious condition.

Additionally, an overdose warning is pertinent, as taking more than the recommended dose can lead to liver damage. In cases of suspected overdose, patients should seek medical help or contact a Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) immediately. Prompt medical attention is crucial for both adults and children, even in the absence of noticeable signs or symptoms.

Drug Interactions

Patients taking the anticoagulant warfarin should consult a healthcare professional prior to using acetaminophen. The interaction between these two medications may alter the anticoagulant effect of warfarin, potentially increasing the risk of bleeding. Monitoring of INR (International Normalized Ratio) levels is advisable to ensure safe and effective anticoagulation therapy while using acetaminophen.

Packaging & NDC

Below are the non-prescription pack sizes of Cold and Flu Relief (acetaminohpen, 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. Caution is advised to ensure that the dosage does not exceed the recommended limits.

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 potential 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. The potential risks and benefits must be carefully considered in these populations to ensure the safety of both the mother and the fetus or infant.

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 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 be aware that this product contains acetaminophen, which carries a risk of severe liver damage. It is crucial for these patients to adhere to the following guidelines to minimize the risk of hepatotoxicity.

Patients should not exceed 4,000 mg of acetaminophen in a 24-hour period. Additionally, they must avoid the concurrent use of other medications containing acetaminophen, as this can further increase the risk of liver damage. Consumption of three or more alcoholic drinks daily while using this product is also contraindicated due to the potential for exacerbating liver injury.

Before using this product, patients with liver disease should consult a healthcare professional. It is essential to assess liver function and determine the appropriateness of this medication in the context of their overall health status.

In the event of an overdose, which can lead to significant liver damage, immediate medical assistance should be sought. Patients are advised to contact a Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) without delay, as prompt medical attention is critical for both adults and children, even in the absence of noticeable signs or symptoms.

Overdosage

Taking more than the recommended dose of this medication can lead to significant liver damage. It is imperative that healthcare professionals advise patients to seek immediate medical assistance in the event of an overdose. This includes contacting a Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 without delay.

Recommended Actions

In cases of suspected overdose, prompt medical attention is crucial. This applies to both adults and children, even if no immediate signs or symptoms are apparent. Early intervention can be vital in mitigating potential harm and ensuring appropriate management of the situation.

Potential Symptoms

While specific symptoms of overdose may vary, healthcare providers should remain vigilant for any signs of liver dysfunction, which may manifest as jaundice, abdominal pain, or altered mental status. Continuous monitoring and assessment are essential in managing the patient's condition effectively.

In summary, the importance of rapid response to an overdose cannot be overstated, and healthcare professionals should ensure that patients are aware of the risks associated with exceeding the recommended dosage.

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 ability to draw conclusions regarding the potential toxicological profile of the substance in nonclinical settings.

Postmarketing Experience

Postmarketing experience has identified the potential for severe skin reactions associated with acetaminophen use. 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.

Additionally, there is a warning regarding the risk of liver damage associated with acetaminophen overdose. It is crucial for individuals to adhere to the recommended dosage. In cases of overdose, prompt medical attention is necessary, and individuals are encouraged to contact a Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) without delay, regardless of the presence of signs or symptoms.

Patient Counseling

Healthcare providers should advise patients not to exceed the recommended dosage, as taking more than the prescribed amount can lead to liver damage. In the event of an overdose, patients should seek medical assistance immediately or contact a Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222, as prompt medical attention is crucial for both adults and children, even if no symptoms are apparent.

Patients should be instructed to discontinue use and consult a doctor if pain, cough, or nasal congestion worsens or persists for more than 7 days. Additionally, they should stop use and seek medical advice if they experience nervousness, dizziness, or sleeplessness. If fever intensifies or lasts longer than 3 days, or if any redness or swelling occurs, patients should also consult a healthcare professional. New symptoms that arise should prompt a discussion with a doctor, as these may indicate a serious condition. Patients should be particularly vigilant if a cough returns or occurs alongside a rash or headache that persists.

Before initiating use, patients should be encouraged to consult a doctor if they have any of the following conditions: liver disease, diabetes, heart disease, thyroid disease, high blood pressure, 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 accompanied by excessive phlegm (mucus) should also consult a healthcare provider. Lastly, patients taking the blood-thinning medication warfarin should discuss their use of this product with a doctor or pharmacist.

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 15º-30ºC (59º-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 Relief, including active ingredients, dosage, warnings, and labeling as submitted by the manufacturer for OTC distribution.

View product document (PDF)