Equaline Nighttime Cold and Flu Relief

Description

Acetaminophen is a pain reliever and fever reducer, while dextromethorphan HBr serves as a cough suppressant. Doxylamine succinate functions as an antihistamine. The formulation includes a cherry flavor and contains 10% alcohol. The product is presented in a dosage form 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. The provided dose cup must be utilized for accurate measurement. It is imperative not to exceed four doses within a 24-hour period to avoid the risk of overdose.

For adults and children aged 12 years and older, the recommended dosage is 30 mL every 6 hours. For children aged 4 to under 12 years, consultation with a healthcare professional is advised to determine the appropriate dosage. The use of this medication is contraindicated in children under 4 years of age.

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, to prevent potential 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, using other medications that contain acetaminophen concurrently, or consuming three or more alcoholic drinks daily while taking 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 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

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, 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 be cautious of the possibility of excitability, particularly in children, as well as marked drowsiness. The consumption of alcoholic beverages is discouraged, as it may exacerbate drowsiness, especially when combined with sedatives or tranquilizers. Patients are advised to exercise caution when driving or operating machinery due to these effects.

Patients should discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional if pain or cough worsens or persists beyond 7 days, if fever worsens or lasts more than 3 days, if redness or swelling is observed, if new symptoms arise, or if a cough recurs with a rash or headache lasting longer than expected, as these may indicate a serious condition.

It is recommended that patients consult a doctor prior to use 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, a persistent cough related to smoking, asthma, or emphysema, or if they are on a sodium-restricted diet. Additionally, patients should seek advice from a healthcare provider or pharmacist if they are taking sedatives, tranquilizers, or the blood-thinning medication warfarin.

In the event of an overdose, immediate medical attention is crucial. Patients should contact a Poison Control Center or seek medical help right away, even if no signs or symptoms are apparent, as prompt intervention is critical for both adults and children.

Drug Interactions

Concurrent use of this medication with any other drug containing acetaminophen, whether prescription or nonprescription, is contraindicated due to the risk of acetaminophen overdose and associated hepatotoxicity.

Patients currently taking a prescription monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) for conditions such as depression, psychiatric disorders, or Parkinson’s disease should consult a healthcare professional before using this medication. This consultation is also advised for patients who have discontinued MAOI therapy within the past two weeks, as interactions may occur.

The concomitant use of sedatives or tranquilizers may potentiate drowsiness, necessitating caution in activities requiring alertness, such as driving or operating machinery.

Additionally, interactions may occur with the anticoagulant warfarin, which could affect coagulation parameters. Monitoring of INR (International Normalized Ratio) is recommended to ensure therapeutic efficacy and safety when these medications are used together.

Packaging & NDC

Below are the non-prescription pack sizes of Equaline Nighttime Cold and Flu Relief (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 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 they may have altered pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. Close monitoring is recommended to ensure safety and efficacy in 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 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 drug 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 urinating due to an enlarged prostate gland. This precaution is essential to ensure appropriate management and monitoring of their condition, as reduced kidney function may influence the pharmacokinetics and safety profile of the medication.

Hepatic Impairment

Patients with hepatic impairment should consult a healthcare professional prior to using this product. The presence of liver disease may necessitate careful consideration of the risks associated with acetaminophen use.

Acetaminophen is known to pose a risk of severe liver damage, particularly when the total daily dosage exceeds 4,000 mg. Patients with compromised liver function should be particularly cautious, as the threshold for potential liver injury may be lower in this population.

Additionally, patients must be aware that taking acetaminophen in conjunction with other medications containing acetaminophen can significantly increase the risk of severe liver damage.

Furthermore, the consumption of three or more alcoholic drinks per day while using this product may also lead to severe liver damage. Therefore, it is imperative for patients with hepatic impairment to adhere to recommended dosages and to avoid concurrent use of alcohol and other acetaminophen-containing products. Regular monitoring of liver function may be warranted in these patients to ensure safety and prevent adverse effects.

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 timely administration of appropriate medical care can significantly influence the outcome of an overdose situation. Therefore, vigilance and swift action are crucial components in the management of potential overdose cases.

Nonclinical Toxicology

There is currently no available information regarding teratogenic effects, non-teratogenic effects, or any relevant nonclinical toxicology data. Additionally, no details are provided concerning animal pharmacology and toxicology.

Postmarketing Experience

Postmarketing experience has identified several adverse events reported voluntarily or through surveillance programs.

Severe skin reactions, including symptoms such as skin reddening, blisters, and rash, have been associated with acetaminophen use. Additionally, excitability has been noted, particularly in pediatric populations. Marked drowsiness is another reported effect, which may be exacerbated by the concurrent use of alcohol, sedatives, or tranquilizers.

Patients experiencing pain or cough that worsens or persists beyond 7 days, or fever that intensifies or lasts more than 3 days, should seek medical attention. The presence of redness or swelling, the emergence of new symptoms, or a recurrence of cough accompanied by rash or headache that persists may indicate a serious underlying condition.

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 attention is crucial for both adults and children, even if no 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.

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 one within the last 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.

Healthcare providers should counsel patients to discontinue use and consult a doctor if 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. Additionally, patients should be instructed to seek medical advice if a cough recurs or is accompanied by a rash or headache that persists, 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. Patients should be cautioned to avoid alcoholic beverages while using this product, as well as to exercise caution when driving or operating machinery. The use of alcohol, sedatives, and tranquilizers may enhance drowsiness.

Patients should be advised to 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 encouraged to speak with a doctor or pharmacist 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 should be stored at a controlled room temperature of 20-25°C (68-77°F) to maintain its integrity and efficacy. Proper storage conditions are essential to ensure the product remains effective throughout its shelf life.

Additional Clinical Information

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 use in children under 4 years is not recommended.

Clinicians should counsel patients to seek advice from a health professional if they are pregnant or breastfeeding. Patients are also advised to avoid alcoholic beverages and to exercise caution when driving or operating machinery. No additional information is available regarding laboratory tests, abuse potential, or postmarketing experiences.

Drug Information (PDF)

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

View product document (PDF)