Vicks Nyquil

Description

No description information is available for the drug.

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, utilizing the dose cup provided to ensure accurate measurement. 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 30 mL every 6 hours. For children aged 4 to under 12 years, it is advised to consult a healthcare professional for appropriate dosing. The medication is not recommended 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 following guidelines to mitigate the risk of liver injury: do not exceed 4 doses within a 24-hour period, avoid concurrent use with other medications containing acetaminophen, and limit alcohol consumption to fewer than 3 drinks per day 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 discontinue use immediately and seek medical assistance.

In cases of severe sore throat that persists for more than 2 days or is accompanied by fever, headache, rash, nausea, or vomiting, patients should be advised to consult a physician promptly.

General precautions are warranted for patients with specific health conditions. Prior to use, individuals should consult a healthcare provider if they have liver disease, glaucoma, a cough associated with excessive phlegm, or any breathing issues, particularly chronic coughs related to smoking, asthma, chronic bronchitis, or emphysema. Additionally, patients experiencing difficulty urinating due to an enlarged prostate gland should seek medical advice before use. It is also prudent for patients taking sedatives, tranquilizers, or the anticoagulant warfarin to consult with a healthcare professional or pharmacist prior to using this product.

In the event of an overdose, immediate medical attention is essential. Patients should be instructed to contact a Poison Control Center or seek emergency medical help without delay, as prompt intervention is critical for both adults and children, even in the absence of noticeable symptoms.

Patients should discontinue use and contact a healthcare provider if any of the following occur: worsening pain or cough lasting more than 7 days, fever that worsens or persists beyond 3 days, presence of redness or swelling, emergence of new symptoms, or recurrence of cough accompanied by rash or headache. 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 doses in 24 hours, use it in conjunction with other drugs containing acetaminophen, or consume 3 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.

In cases where a sore throat is severe, persists for more than 2 days, or is accompanied by fever, headache, rash, nausea, or vomiting, patients are advised to consult a physician promptly.

When using this product, excitability may occur, particularly in children, and marked drowsiness may be experienced. Patients are cautioned to avoid alcoholic beverages, as well as sedatives and tranquilizers, which may exacerbate drowsiness. Care should be taken when driving a motor vehicle or operating machinery due to the potential for impaired alertness.

Patients should discontinue use and consult a doctor if pain or cough worsens or lasts longer than 7 days, if fever worsens or persists beyond 3 days, if redness or swelling is observed, if new symptoms arise, or if a cough recurs with a rash or headache that lasts. These symptoms could indicate a serious condition requiring medical evaluation.

Drug Interactions

Acetaminophen has the potential to enhance the anticoagulant effects of warfarin, which may result in an increased risk of bleeding. It is recommended that the International Normalized Ratio (INR) be monitored closely in patients who are using both medications concurrently.

Doxylamine may potentiate the sedative effects of alcohol, leading to increased drowsiness and impaired motor skills. Therefore, it is advised that patients avoid the consumption of alcohol while using this product to mitigate these risks.

Packaging & NDC

Below are the non-prescription pack sizes of Vicks Nyquil (acetaminophen, dextromethorphan hydrobromide, and 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. For adults and children aged 12 years and older, the recommended dosage is 30 mL every 6 hours.

Caution is advised as excitability may occur, particularly in children. It is essential to keep the product out of reach of children. In the event of an overdose, immediate medical assistance should be sought, or contact a Poison Control Center without delay. Quick medical attention is critical for both adults and children, even if no signs or symptoms are 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. Monitoring for potential adverse effects and therapeutic efficacy is recommended 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 drug insert regarding dosage adjustments, special monitoring, or safety considerations. Therefore, healthcare professionals should exercise caution when prescribing this medication to individuals 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 the maximum daily amount of 4 doses within a 24-hour period. Additionally, patients should avoid concomitant use with other medications containing acetaminophen, as this can further increase the risk of liver injury.

It is also advised that patients limit alcohol consumption to fewer than 3 drinks per day while using this product, as excessive alcohol intake can exacerbate the potential for liver damage.

Patients with a known history of liver disease should consult a healthcare professional prior to using this product to assess the appropriateness of treatment and to discuss any necessary monitoring or dosage adjustments.

Overdosage

In the event of an overdose, it is imperative to seek immediate medical assistance or contact a Poison Control Center without delay. Prompt medical intervention is crucial for both adults and children, even in the absence of observable 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 essential 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 information is available regarding carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, or impairment of fertility. Furthermore, there is no data provided on animal pharmacology and toxicology.

Postmarketing Experience

Postmarketing experience has identified the following adverse reactions reported voluntarily or through surveillance programs: severe skin reactions, which include skin reddening, blisters, and rash.

Patient Counseling

Healthcare providers should advise patients to keep this medication out of reach of children to prevent accidental ingestion. Patients should be instructed not to use this product in conjunction with any other medications containing acetaminophen, whether prescription or nonprescription. If patients are uncertain whether a drug contains acetaminophen, they should be encouraged to consult a doctor or pharmacist.

It is important to inform patients that this product should not be used if they are currently taking a prescription monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) or within two weeks of stopping such a medication. Patients should be advised to check with their healthcare provider if they are unsure whether their prescription includes an MAOI.

Patients should be instructed to discontinue use and seek medical advice if their pain or cough worsens or persists for more than seven days, if their fever worsens or lasts more than three days, or if they notice any redness or swelling. They should also be advised to stop use and consult a doctor if new symptoms arise or if a cough returns, particularly if 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, especially 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.

Patients should be advised to consult a doctor before using this product if they have liver disease, glaucoma, a cough that produces excessive phlegm, or any breathing problems, including chronic coughs associated with smoking, asthma, chronic bronchitis, or emphysema. Additionally, patients with difficulty urinating due to an enlarged prostate gland should seek medical advice prior to use. It is also recommended that patients consult 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 is essential to store the product at a temperature not exceeding 25°C. Refrigeration is not recommended, as it may compromise the integrity of the product. Proper handling should be observed to maintain the quality and efficacy of the product throughout its shelf life.

Additional Clinical Information

The medication is administered orally. Clinicians should advise patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding to consult a health professional prior to use. It is essential to keep the medication out of reach of children. In the event of an overdose, patients should seek immediate medical assistance or contact a Poison Control Center, as prompt attention is crucial for both adults and children, even in the absence of noticeable symptoms.

Drug Information (PDF)

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

View product document (PDF)