Basic Care Nighttime Cold and Flu

Description

Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan HBr, and Doxylamine Succinate are the active ingredients in this formulation, which serves multiple therapeutic purposes, including pain relief, fever reduction, cough suppression, and antihistamine activity. The product contains 10% alcohol and is flavored with cherry. It is presented in a liquid dosage form, with a total volume of 12 fluid ounces (355 mL).

Uses and Indications

This drug is indicated for the temporary relief of symptoms associated with the common cold and influenza. Specifically, it alleviates cough due to minor throat and bronchial irritation, sore throat, headache, minor aches and pains, fever, as well as runny nose and sneezing.

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

Dosage and Administration

Patients should adhere strictly to the prescribed dosage and administration guidelines. It is imperative to utilize only the dose cup provided with the medication to ensure accurate dosing.

For adults and children aged 12 years and older, the recommended dosage is 30 mL every 6 hours, with a maximum of 4 doses within a 24-hour period. For children aged 4 to under 12 years, it is advised to consult a healthcare professional for appropriate dosing recommendations. The medication is not indicated for use in children under 4 years of age.

Healthcare professionals should emphasize the importance of not exceeding the maximum dosage to avoid potential overdose, as detailed in the Overdose warning.

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. If there is uncertainty about the presence of an MAOI in a prescription, a healthcare professional should be consulted.

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

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 also contain acetaminophen, 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 when considering the use of this product. Patients should be encouraged to consult a healthcare provider prior to use if they have any of the following conditions: liver disease, glaucoma, a cough associated with excessive phlegm, breathing problems such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis, difficulty urinating due to an enlarged prostate gland, a persistent or chronic cough related to smoking, asthma, or emphysema, or if they are on a sodium-restricted diet. Additionally, patients should seek advice from a doctor or pharmacist if they are currently taking sedatives, tranquilizers, or the blood-thinning medication warfarin.

In the event of an overdose, immediate medical attention is crucial. 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 contact a healthcare provider if any of the following occur: pain or cough worsens or lasts longer than seven days; fever worsens or persists for more than three days; redness or swelling is observed; new symptoms develop; 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 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.

In cases where a sore throat is severe, 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.

Additional adverse reactions that may occur during the use of this product include excitability, particularly in children, and marked drowsiness. Patients are cautioned to avoid alcoholic beverages, as well as sedatives and tranquilizers, which may exacerbate drowsiness. Care should be taken when driving a motor vehicle or operating machinery due to the potential for impaired alertness.

Patients should discontinue use and consult a doctor if pain or cough worsens or lasts longer than seven days, if fever worsens or persists for more than three days, if redness or swelling is observed, if new symptoms arise, or if a cough recurs or occurs alongside a rash or headache that lasts. These symptoms may indicate a serious condition requiring medical evaluation.

Drug Interactions

Co-administration of this medication with any other product containing acetaminophen, whether prescription or nonprescription, is contraindicated. Patients should be advised to consult a healthcare professional if there is uncertainty regarding the presence of acetaminophen in other medications.

Caution is advised when using this medication in conjunction with prescription monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), which are utilized for the treatment of depression, psychiatric disorders, or Parkinson’s disease. Patients should seek guidance from a healthcare provider before initiating this medication if they are currently taking an MAOI or have discontinued an MAOI within the past two weeks.

The concomitant use of this medication with warfarin, an anticoagulant, may elevate the risk of bleeding. Monitoring of coagulation parameters is recommended to ensure patient safety.

Additionally, the use of alcohol, sedatives, and tranquilizers alongside this medication may potentiate drowsiness. Patients should be advised to exercise caution and consider dosage adjustments as necessary to mitigate the risk of excessive sedation.

Packaging & NDC

Below are the non-prescription pack sizes of Basic Care Nighttime Cold and Flu (acetaminophen, dextromethorphan hbr, doxylamine succinate). Columns show Packaging, Formulation Type, and Active Ingredient Strength.

Pediatric Use

Pediatric patients aged 4 to under 12 years should consult a healthcare professional prior to use. The product is contraindicated in children under 4 years of age.

Caution is advised as excitability may occur, particularly in pediatric patients. In the event of an overdose, prompt medical attention is essential for both adults and children, even if no signs or symptoms are immediately apparent.

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. 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 should consult a healthcare professional prior to use, particularly if they experience difficulty urinating due to an enlarged 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 be advised of the potential risks associated with the use of this product, particularly due to its acetaminophen content. Severe liver damage may occur if the total daily dosage exceeds 4,000 mg of acetaminophen, especially when combined with other medications containing acetaminophen or when consuming three or more alcoholic drinks daily while using this product.

It is recommended that patients with liver disease consult a healthcare professional prior to using this product to assess the appropriateness of treatment and to discuss any necessary dosage adjustments or monitoring requirements.

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

There is currently no available information regarding teratogenic or non-teratogenic effects associated with the compound. Additionally, no data has been provided concerning nonclinical toxicology, including animal pharmacology and toxicology.

Postmarketing Experience

Postmarketing experience has identified several adverse reactions associated with the use of the product. Reports of skin reddening, blisters, and rash have been documented. Additionally, excitability has been noted, particularly in pediatric populations. Marked drowsiness is another reaction that may occur. It is also observed that the concomitant use of alcohol, sedatives, and tranquilizers may enhance the sedative effects, leading to increased drowsiness.

Patient Counseling

Healthcare providers should advise patients to seek immediate medical assistance or contact a Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 in the event of an overdose, as prompt medical attention is crucial for both adults and children, even if no signs or symptoms are apparent.

Patients should be informed not to use this product in conjunction with any other medications containing acetaminophen, whether prescription or nonprescription. If patients are uncertain about the presence of acetaminophen in their medications, they should consult a doctor or pharmacist for clarification.

It is important to instruct patients not to use this product if they are currently taking a prescription monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) or have stopped taking an MAOI within the past two weeks. Patients should be encouraged to verify with their healthcare provider or pharmacist 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 advised against its use. Additionally, they should be instructed to discontinue use and consult a doctor if their pain or cough worsens or persists for more than 7 days, if fever worsens or lasts more than 3 days, if redness or swelling occurs, or if new symptoms develop. Patients should also be cautioned to seek medical advice if a cough recurs or is accompanied by a rash or headache that lasts, as these may indicate a serious condition.

When using this product, patients should be made aware that excitability may occur, particularly in children, and that marked drowsiness is a possible side effect. They should be advised to avoid alcoholic beverages while using this product, as well as to exercise caution when driving or operating machinery. Patients should also be informed that the use of alcohol, sedatives, and tranquilizers may enhance drowsiness.

Healthcare providers should recommend that patients consult a doctor before using this product if they have liver disease, glaucoma, a cough associated with excessive phlegm, breathing problems such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis, difficulty urinating due to an enlarged prostate gland, a persistent or chronic cough related to smoking, asthma, or emphysema, or if they are on a sodium-restricted diet. Furthermore, patients should be advised to speak with a doctor or pharmacist before use if they are taking sedatives, tranquilizers, or the blood-thinning medication warfarin.

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 controlled temperature range of 20-25°C (68-77°F) to maintain its integrity and efficacy. Proper storage conditions must be adhered to, ensuring that the product is kept in a suitable container that protects it from environmental factors. Special handling requirements should be followed to prevent any compromise to the product's quality.

Additional Clinical Information

Patients should be informed that the medication is administered orally, with a recommended dosage of 30 mL every 6 hours for adults and children aged 12 years and older. For children aged 4 to under 12 years, it is advised to consult a doctor regarding appropriate dosing, while the medication is not recommended for children under 4 years of age.

Clinicians should counsel patients to seek advice from a health professional if they are pregnant or breastfeeding. Additionally, patients are advised to avoid alcoholic beverages and to exercise caution when driving or operating machinery due to potential effects of the medication.

Drug Information (PDF)

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

View product document (PDF)