Equaline Nighttime Cold and Flu Relief

Description

EQUALINE® is a nighttime cold and flu relief formulation that contains acetaminophen, a pain reliever and fever reducer; dextromethorphan HBr, a cough suppressant; and doxylamine succinate, an antihistamine. This product is designed to provide powerful relief from symptoms associated with colds and flu, including aches and fever, runny nose, sneezing, and cough. The formulation is presented in an original flavor and contains 10% alcohol. Each bottle contains 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 remind patients of the importance of not exceeding the recommended dosage to avoid potential overdose.

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, as this may lead to 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, 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 lasts longer than seven days, if fever worsens or persists beyond 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 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.

If 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.

Patients should discontinue use and consult a doctor if pain or cough worsens or lasts longer than seven days, if fever worsens or persists beyond three days, if redness or swelling is observed, if new symptoms arise, or if a cough recurs with a rash or headache that lasts, as these may indicate a serious condition.

While using this product, patients may experience excitability, particularly in children, as well as marked drowsiness. Caution is advised when driving or operating machinery, as alcohol, sedatives, and tranquilizers may exacerbate drowsiness. It is recommended to avoid alcoholic beverages during use.

Patients should 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. Additionally, patients should seek advice from a doctor or pharmacist if they are taking sedatives, tranquilizers, or the blood-thinning medication warfarin.

In the event of an overdose, it is crucial for patients to seek medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately at 1-800-222-1222. Prompt medical attention is essential for both adults and children, even if no signs or symptoms are apparent.

Drug Interactions

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

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 prior to use. This includes individuals who have discontinued MAOI therapy within the past two weeks.

Caution is advised when this medication is used in conjunction with warfarin, as it may elevate the risk of bleeding. Monitoring of coagulation parameters is recommended to ensure patient safety.

The concomitant use of alcohol, sedatives, and tranquilizers may enhance drowsiness. Patients should be advised to exercise caution when engaging in activities that require alertness.

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 before 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. It is advisable to monitor these patients closely for any 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.

Hepatic Impairment

Patients with hepatic impairment should consult a healthcare professional prior to using this medication. It is essential for individuals with liver disease to receive appropriate guidance, as their liver function may affect the pharmacokinetics and safety profile of the drug. Monitoring of liver function may be necessary to ensure safe and effective use in this population.

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

If pregnant or breastfeeding, it is advised to consult a health professional prior to use.

Excitability has been observed, particularly in pediatric populations. Additionally, marked drowsiness may occur, which can be exacerbated by the concurrent use of alcohol, sedatives, and tranquilizers.

No specific information is available regarding carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, or impairment of fertility. Furthermore, there is no detailed data provided on 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 also a reported effect, which may be exacerbated by the concurrent use of alcohol, sedatives, and tranquilizers.

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 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.

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 informed 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. Caution should be exercised when driving or operating machinery, as alcohol, sedatives, and tranquilizers may enhance drowsiness. Therefore, patients should be advised to avoid alcoholic beverages.

Patients with 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, or a persistent or chronic cough related to smoking, asthma, or emphysema should consult a doctor before using this product. Furthermore, patients on a sodium-restricted diet or those taking sedatives, tranquilizers, or the blood-thinning medication warfarin should also seek guidance from their healthcare provider or pharmacist prior to use.

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 aged 12 years and older are advised to administer 30 mL every 6 hours. For children aged 4 to under 12 years, consultation with a healthcare professional is recommended before use, while the product is not indicated 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 should be cautioned about the potential for increased drowsiness when using alcohol, sedatives, or tranquilizers, and they should exercise caution when driving or operating machinery.

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.

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