Cold and Flu Relief

Description

This formulation is designed for nighttime relief of cold and flu symptoms. It contains three active ingredients: acetaminophen, which serves as a pain reliever and fever reducer; dextromethorphan HBr, functioning as a cough suppressant; and doxylamine succinate, an antihistamine. The product is alcohol-free and is presented in the form of softgels, specifically liquid-filled capsules.

Uses and Indications

This drug is indicated for the temporary relief of common cold and flu symptoms, including sore throat, headache, minor aches and pains, fever, runny nose, sneezing, 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 guidelines to avoid potential 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 six hours. It is imperative that the softgels are swallowed whole; they must not be crushed, chewed, or dissolved to ensure proper release and absorption of the medication.

This product is not intended for use in children under 12 years of age.

When utilizing other Daytime or Nighttime products, healthcare professionals should advise patients to carefully read each product label to confirm appropriate dosing and avoid exceeding the maximum dosage.

Contraindications

Use of this product is contraindicated in the following situations:

The product should not be used concurrently with any other medication containing acetaminophen, whether prescription or nonprescription. If there is uncertainty regarding the presence of acetaminophen in a medication, consultation with a healthcare professional is advised.

Additionally, the product is contraindicated 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 whether a prescription medication contains an MAOI, a healthcare professional should be consulted prior to use.

Exceeding the recommended dosage is contraindicated, and the consumption of alcoholic beverages should be avoided while using this product.

Warnings and Precautions

This product contains acetaminophen, which poses a risk of severe liver damage if the following conditions are met: exceeding 4,000 mg of acetaminophen within a 24-hour period, concurrent use with other medications containing acetaminophen, or consumption of three or more alcoholic drinks daily while using this product.

Acetaminophen may also trigger 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 immediately and seek medical assistance.

Healthcare professionals should advise patients to consult a doctor 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.

General precautions should be taken prior to use. Patients should be instructed to seek medical advice if they have a history of liver disease, glaucoma, difficulty urinating due to an enlarged prostate gland, or respiratory issues such as chronic cough, asthma, chronic bronchitis, or emphysema. Additionally, patients should consult a doctor or pharmacist if they are currently taking blood thinners such as warfarin or sedatives and tranquilizers.

In the event of an overdose, immediate medical attention is crucial. Patients should be advised 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 be instructed to discontinue use and contact their healthcare provider if pain 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 alongside a rash or headache that lasts. 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. In cases of overdose, immediate medical attention is critical for both adults and children, even if no signs or symptoms are initially present, as taking more than the recommended dose can lead to significant liver damage.

Patients should also be alert to the possibility of severe skin reactions associated with acetaminophen. Symptoms may include skin reddening, blisters, and rash. If any of these symptoms occur, patients are advised to discontinue use and seek medical assistance promptly.

Additionally, if a sore throat is severe, persists for more than two days, or is accompanied by fever, headache, rash, nausea, or vomiting, patients should consult a healthcare professional without delay.

While using this product, excitability may occur, particularly in children, and marked drowsiness is also a potential reaction. The use of alcohol, sedatives, or tranquilizers may exacerbate drowsiness, and patients are cautioned to exercise care when driving or operating machinery.

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 present, if new symptoms arise, or if a cough returns or occurs with a rash or headache that lasts. These symptoms could indicate a serious condition requiring medical evaluation.

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.

The use of this medication is also contraindicated 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, and Parkinson's disease.

Patients taking the anticoagulant warfarin should consult a healthcare professional prior to using this medication, as there may be an increased risk of bleeding.

Additionally, caution is advised for individuals using sedatives or tranquilizers. The concomitant use of alcohol, sedatives, and tranquilizers may enhance drowsiness, necessitating careful monitoring of sedation levels and potential impairment in activities requiring alertness.

Packaging & NDC

Below are the non-prescription pack sizes of Cold and Flu Relief (acetaminophen, dextromethorphan hbr, doxylamine succinate). 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 6 hours, with a maximum of 4 doses in a 24-hour period.

Healthcare professionals should be aware that excitability may occur, particularly in children. In the event of an overdose, prompt medical attention is essential for both adults and pediatric patients, 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. 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. It is important to evaluate the potential risks and benefits associated with the use of this drug during pregnancy and lactation. Healthcare providers should consider the available data and individual patient circumstances when advising on the use of this medication in these populations.

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 not been specifically addressed in the drug insert regarding dosage adjustments, special monitoring, or safety considerations. Therefore, healthcare professionals should exercise caution when prescribing this medication to patients with reduced kidney function, as the absence of detailed guidance 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. Severe liver damage may occur if patients exceed 4,000 mg of acetaminophen in a 24-hour period, take other medications containing acetaminophen concurrently, or consume three or more alcoholic drinks daily while using this product.

It is advised that patients with liver disease consult a healthcare professional prior to use. During the course of treatment, patients are strongly encouraged to avoid alcoholic beverages to minimize the risk of liver damage.

In the event of an overdose, which can lead to significant liver injury, immediate medical assistance should be sought, or a Poison Control Center should be contacted without delay. Prompt medical attention is crucial for both adults and children, even if no signs or symptoms of overdose are apparent.

Overdosage

In the event of an overdose, it is crucial to recognize the potential for serious health consequences, particularly liver damage, which may occur when the recommended dosage is exceeded. Healthcare professionals should advise patients and caregivers to seek immediate medical assistance or contact a Poison Control Center without delay if an overdose is suspected.

Recommended Actions

Prompt medical attention is essential for both adults and children, even in the absence of noticeable signs or symptoms. The lack of immediate symptoms does not preclude the possibility of significant harm, and therefore, vigilance is necessary.

Potential Symptoms

While specific symptoms of overdose may vary, the risk of liver damage is a primary concern. Healthcare providers should monitor for any signs of hepatic impairment and be prepared to initiate appropriate interventions.

Management Procedures

Upon identification of an overdose, healthcare professionals should follow established protocols for managing such cases, which may include supportive care and monitoring of liver function. It is imperative to act swiftly to mitigate potential complications associated with overdose.

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 in these areas limits the understanding of the compound's potential effects in nonclinical settings.

Postmarketing Experience

Postmarketing experience has identified the following adverse reactions associated with acetaminophen use: severe skin reactions, which include skin reddening, blisters, and rash. These events have been reported voluntarily or through surveillance programs.

Patient Counseling

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

Patients should be informed that excitability may occur, particularly in children, and they should be cautious about engaging in activities that require full attention. It is important to discuss the potential for marked drowsiness, which may affect their ability to drive a motor vehicle or operate machinery safely.

Additionally, patients should be advised to avoid consuming alcoholic beverages, as alcohol, along with sedatives and tranquilizers, can enhance drowsiness and increase the risk of adverse effects.

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 15-30ºC (59-86ºF) 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)