Nighttime Cold and Flu

Description

The product is identified by the SPL code 34089-3. No specific description details are provided in the text.

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 take the medication only as directed. 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.

For children aged 4 to under 12 years, it is advised to consult a physician 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:

• 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, or Parkinson's disease. If there is uncertainty about the presence of an MAOI in a prescription medication, a healthcare professional should be consulted prior to use.

Warnings and Precautions

Severe liver damage may occur with the use of this product, which contains acetaminophen. Healthcare professionals should advise patients to adhere strictly to the recommended dosage, which is a maximum of 4 doses within a 24-hour period. Caution is particularly warranted if patients are concurrently using other medications that contain acetaminophen or if they consume three or more alcoholic beverages daily while using this product.

Acetaminophen has been associated with severe skin reactions. Symptoms indicative of such reactions may include skin reddening, blisters, and rash. Should any of these symptoms manifest, patients must be instructed to discontinue use immediately and seek medical assistance.

In cases of severe sore throat, particularly if it persists for more than two days or is accompanied by fever, headache, rash, nausea, or vomiting, patients should be advised to consult a healthcare provider without delay.

Patients should be instructed to stop taking the product and contact their healthcare provider if any of the following occur: worsening pain or cough lasting more than seven days; fever that worsens or persists beyond three days; presence of redness or swelling; emergence of new symptoms; or recurrence of cough accompanied by rash or headache lasting. These symptoms may indicate a serious underlying condition that requires medical evaluation.

In the event of an overdose, immediate medical attention is essential. Patients should be directed to contact a Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) or seek emergency medical help right away, even if no signs or symptoms are apparent. Prompt intervention is critical for both adults and children.

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 the maximum daily dosage of four doses within a 24-hour period, take this product in conjunction with other medications containing acetaminophen, or consume three or more alcoholic drinks daily while using this product.

Additionally, acetaminophen may cause severe skin reactions, which can manifest as skin reddening, blisters, or rash. If any of these symptoms occur, patients are advised to discontinue use immediately and seek medical assistance.

Patients should also be cautious regarding sore throat symptoms. If a sore throat is severe, persists for more than two days, or is accompanied by fever, headache, rash, nausea, or vomiting, it is recommended that they consult a healthcare professional promptly.

Furthermore, patients should stop using the product and consult a doctor if pain or cough worsens or lasts longer than seven days, if fever worsens or lasts more than three days, if redness or swelling is present, if new symptoms arise, or if a cough recurs or occurs with a rash or headache that persists. These symptoms may indicate a serious condition requiring medical evaluation.

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 potential hepatotoxicity.

The use of this medication is also contraindicated in patients currently taking a prescription monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) for depression, psychiatric or emotional conditions, or Parkinson's disease, and for a period of 2 weeks following the discontinuation of an MAOI. This interaction may lead to serious and potentially life-threatening side effects.

Patients should consult a healthcare professional prior to using this medication if they are concurrently taking sedatives or tranquilizers, as these substances may enhance the sedative effects of the medication, leading to increased drowsiness.

Additionally, individuals taking the anticoagulant warfarin should seek advice from a healthcare provider before using this medication, as there may be an increased risk of bleeding due to potential interactions.

It is important to note that the consumption of alcohol, along with sedatives and tranquilizers, may further increase drowsiness and should be approached with caution.

Packaging & NDC

Below are the non-prescription pack sizes of 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 before use. The medication is not recommended for children under 4 years of age.

Caution is advised as excitability may occur, particularly in pediatric patients. Additionally, marked drowsiness has been reported, which may impact the safety and efficacy of the treatment in this population.

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 adverse effects or changes in therapeutic response, given the potential for altered pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics 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 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 available data 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 lack of information necessitates careful clinical judgment and monitoring.

Hepatic Impairment

Patients with hepatic impairment should be closely monitored when using this product, which contains acetaminophen. Severe liver damage may occur if patients exceed the maximum daily dosage of 4 doses within a 24-hour period. Additionally, patients must avoid concomitant use with other medications containing acetaminophen, as this can further increase the risk of liver injury.

It is also critical for patients with compromised liver function to limit alcohol consumption. Specifically, the intake of 3 or more alcoholic drinks per day while using this product is contraindicated, as it may exacerbate the potential for severe liver damage. Regular assessment of liver function is recommended for patients with hepatic impairment to ensure safe use of this medication.

Overdosage

In cases of overdosage, significant health risks are associated with the consumption of this product beyond the recommended limits.

Risk of Severe Liver Damage Healthcare professionals should be aware that severe liver damage may occur if a patient exceeds four doses within a 24-hour period, which is the maximum daily amount for this product. Additionally, the concomitant use of this product with other medications containing acetaminophen can also lead to severe liver damage.

Furthermore, patients who consume three or more alcoholic drinks daily while using this product are at an increased risk of experiencing severe liver damage.

Recommended Actions In the event of suspected overdosage, it is imperative to assess the patient's liver function and consider immediate medical intervention. Monitoring of liver enzymes and supportive care may be necessary, depending on the severity of the symptoms and the extent of the overdosage. Prompt recognition and management are crucial to mitigate potential complications associated with liver injury.

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 limits the assessment of potential risks associated with the use of the compound in these contexts.

Postmarketing Experience

Postmarketing experience has identified several adverse reactions associated with the use of acetaminophen. Notably, severe skin reactions have been reported, which include symptoms such as skin reddening, blisters, and rash. In the event of a skin reaction, it is advised that the use of acetaminophen be discontinued immediately, and medical assistance should be sought without delay.

Patient Counseling

Healthcare providers should advise patients to keep this medication out of reach of children to prevent accidental ingestion. In the event of an overdose, patients must seek medical assistance immediately or contact a Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222, 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 whether a medication contains acetaminophen, they should consult a doctor or pharmacist for clarification. Additionally, this product should not be used by individuals currently taking a prescription monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) or within two weeks of stopping such medication. Patients should be encouraged to ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist if they are unsure whether their prescription includes an MAOI.

Patients should be instructed to discontinue use and consult a doctor if their pain or cough worsens or persists for more than seven days, if their fever worsens or lasts more than three days, if they notice any redness or swelling, or if new symptoms arise. They should also 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 cautioned against consuming alcoholic beverages while using this product, as well as being careful when driving or operating machinery due to the potential for increased drowsiness, especially when combined with alcohol, sedatives, or tranquilizers.

Patients should be advised to consult a doctor before using this product if they have liver disease, glaucoma, a cough associated with excessive phlegm, or any breathing problems such as chronic cough, smoking-related issues, asthma, chronic bronchitis, or emphysema. Additionally, those experiencing difficulty urinating due to an enlarged prostate gland should seek medical advice prior to use. Finally, patients taking sedatives, tranquilizers, or the blood-thinning medication warfarin should also consult a healthcare provider or pharmacist before using this product.

Storage and Handling

The product is supplied in various package configurations, with specific NDC numbers assigned for identification. It is essential to store the product at room temperature to maintain its integrity and efficacy. Proper handling should be observed to ensure that the product remains within the recommended storage conditions.

Additional Clinical Information

No further data are available.

Drug Information (PDF)

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

View product document (PDF)