Equate Nighttime Cold and Flu

Description

equate™ NIGHTTIME Cold & Flu is a liquid formulation designed to provide relief from cold and flu symptoms. It contains active ingredients that include acetaminophen, which serves as a pain reliever and fever reducer; dextromethorphan HBr, which acts as a cough suppressant; and doxylamine succinate, which alleviates sneezing and runny nose. The product is packaged in a 12 FL OZ (355 mL) bottle and contains 10% alcohol. This formulation is comparable to the active ingredients found in Vicks® NyQuil® Cold & Flu, offering nighttime relief from various symptoms associated with cold and flu conditions.

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 mentioned in the available data.

Dosage and Administration

Patients should take the medication only as directed, and it is important to refer to the Overdose warning for guidance. The provided dose cup must be used for accurate measurement.

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.

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

This product contains acetaminophen, which carries significant risks that healthcare professionals must communicate to patients.

Liver Warning Severe liver damage may occur if the patient exceeds 4,000 mg of acetaminophen within a 24-hour period, uses other medications containing acetaminophen concurrently, or consumes three or more alcoholic drinks daily while using this product. It is imperative to monitor patients for signs of liver dysfunction, particularly in those with pre-existing liver conditions.

Allergy Alert Acetaminophen may induce severe skin reactions, which can manifest as skin reddening, blisters, or rash. Should any of these symptoms occur, patients must be advised to discontinue use immediately and seek medical assistance.

Sore Throat Warning 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 instructed to consult a physician without delay.

General Precautions Healthcare professionals should advise patients to consult a doctor 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 be cautioned to seek advice from a doctor or pharmacist if they are taking sedatives, tranquilizers, or the anticoagulant warfarin.

Emergency Medical Help 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, regardless of whether they exhibit signs or symptoms of overdose.

Stop Taking and Call Your Doctor Patients should be advised to discontinue use and consult a physician if their 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 taking this product containing acetaminophen if they exceed 4,000 mg in 24 hours, 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 excitability, particularly in children, and marked drowsiness may occur. It is advised to avoid alcoholic beverages, as well as to exercise caution when driving or operating machinery, given that alcohol, sedatives, and tranquilizers may exacerbate drowsiness.

Patients are advised to stop 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.

Before using this product, patients should consult a doctor 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 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 to seek medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately at 1-800-222-1222, as prompt medical attention is essential for both adults and children, even if no signs or symptoms are apparent.

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 considering the use of 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 if they are currently taking an MAOI or have discontinued such treatment 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 in conjunction with this medication may potentiate drowsiness. Patients should be advised to exercise caution and consider avoiding these substances to mitigate the risk of excessive sedation.

Packaging & NDC

Below are the non-prescription pack sizes of Equate Nighttime Cold and Flu (acetaminophen, dextromethorphan hydrobromide, 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 not recommended for children under 4 years of age.

Caution is advised as 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

Elderly patients may not have specific recommendations regarding age considerations, 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 therapeutic response, given the lack of detailed information on the use of this medication in the elderly population. Individualized assessment and clinical judgment are essential when determining the appropriateness of treatment in this demographic.

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 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 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 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. Monitoring of liver function may be necessary in these patients to ensure safety and to mitigate the risk of hepatotoxicity.

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 medical intervention is crucial for both adults and children, even in the absence of noticeable signs or symptoms.

Healthcare professionals should be aware that the severity of symptoms may vary based on the specific substance involved in the overdose. Therefore, a thorough assessment and monitoring of the patient are essential.

Management of an overdose may include supportive care and symptomatic treatment, tailored to the individual’s clinical presentation. Continuous evaluation and appropriate interventions should be initiated as necessary to mitigate potential complications associated with the overdose.

Nonclinical Toxicology

There is currently no available information regarding teratogenic effects. Additionally, no data has been provided concerning non-teratogenic effects. The nonclinical toxicology section does not contain any relevant information at this time. Furthermore, there is no information available related to 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.

Further observations indicate that if pain or cough worsens or persists beyond 7 days, or if fever intensifies or lasts more than 3 days, medical attention should be sought. 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) for conditions such as depression, psychiatric disorders, or Parkinson’s disease, or within two weeks of discontinuing an MAOI. 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 components should be advised against its use. They should also be instructed to discontinue use and consult a doctor if their pain or cough worsens or persists beyond seven days, if fever intensifies or lasts more than three days, if redness or swelling occurs, or if new symptoms develop. Additionally, patients should be cautioned to seek medical advice if a cough recurs or is accompanied by a rash or persistent headache, 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. The combination of this product with alcohol, sedatives, or tranquilizers may enhance drowsiness.

Patients should be encouraged to consult a doctor before using this product if they have liver disease, glaucoma, a cough associated with excessive phlegm, or any breathing issues such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis. Those experiencing difficulty urinating due to an enlarged prostate gland, a persistent or chronic cough related to smoking, asthma, or emphysema, or who are on a sodium-restricted diet should also seek medical advice prior to use. Furthermore, patients taking sedatives, tranquilizers, or the blood-thinning medication warfarin should consult a doctor or pharmacist before using this product.

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 should be ensured to prevent any degradation of the product.

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 use 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. Patients are also advised to avoid alcoholic beverages and to exercise caution when driving or operating machinery.

Drug Information (PDF)

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

View product document (PDF)