Cold Plus Head Congestion

Description

TopCare® health Cold + Head Congestion is formulated for adults and contains a combination of active ingredients designed to alleviate symptoms associated with colds. The product includes acetaminophen, a pain reliever and fever reducer; dextromethorphan HBr, a cough suppressant; and phenylephrine HCl, a nasal decongestant. Each package contains 24 caplets with a cool taste, and the product is identified by NDC 36800-514-02.

Uses and Indications

This drug is indicated for the temporary relief of cold symptoms, including minor aches and pains, headache, sore throat, nasal congestion, cough, and sinus congestion and pressure. It aids in clearing nasal passages and temporarily reduces fever.

There are no teratogenic or nonteratogenic effects mentioned associated with this drug.

Dosage and Administration

Adults and children aged 12 years and over are instructed to take 2 caplets every 4 hours as needed. The caplets should be swallowed whole and must not be crushed, chewed, or dissolved to ensure proper release and absorption of the medication. It is important to note that the maximum dosage should not exceed 10 caplets within a 24-hour period.

For children under 12 years of age, it is recommended to consult a physician for appropriate dosing guidance.

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. Verification of MAOI content in current medications should be sought from a healthcare professional if uncertain.

• History of allergic reactions to this product or any of its components, as this may result in severe allergic responses.

Warnings and Precautions

This product contains acetaminophen, and it is crucial to adhere to the maximum daily dosage of 10 caplets (3,250 mg acetaminophen) within a 24-hour period. Severe liver damage may occur if the following conditions are met: exceeding 4,000 mg of acetaminophen in 24 hours, using other medications that contain acetaminophen concurrently, or consuming three or more alcoholic drinks 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. In the event of a skin reaction, it is imperative to discontinue use immediately and seek medical assistance.

Healthcare professionals should advise patients to consult a doctor if they experience a sore throat that is severe, persists for more than two days, or is accompanied or followed by fever, headache, rash, nausea, or vomiting.

General precautions should be taken prior to use. Patients should be advised to seek medical advice if they have any of the following conditions: liver disease, heart disease, high blood pressure, thyroid disease, diabetes, trouble urinating due to an enlarged prostate gland, or a persistent or chronic cough, such as that associated with smoking, asthma, or emphysema. Additionally, patients should consult a doctor or pharmacist before using this product if they are taking the anticoagulant warfarin.

In the event of an overdose, immediate medical attention is necessary. Patients should be instructed to contact a Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222. Prompt medical intervention is critical for both adults and children, even if no signs or symptoms are initially apparent.

Patients should discontinue use and contact a healthcare provider if they experience nervousness, dizziness, or sleeplessness; if pain, nasal congestion, 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 arise; or if a cough recurs or is accompanied by a rash or headache that lasts. These symptoms may indicate a serious condition requiring further evaluation.

Side Effects

Severe liver damage may occur in patients who exceed 4,000 mg of acetaminophen in a 24-hour period, use other medications containing acetaminophen concurrently, or consume three or more alcoholic drinks daily while using this product.

Patients may experience severe skin reactions, which can 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 patient experiences a sore throat that is severe, persists for more than two days, or is accompanied by fever, headache, rash, nausea, or vomiting, they should consult a doctor promptly.

This product should not be used in conjunction with any other drug containing acetaminophen, whether prescription or nonprescription. Patients are advised to consult a doctor or pharmacist if they are uncertain whether a drug contains acetaminophen. 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 with a known allergy to this product or any of its ingredients should also refrain from use.

Patients should seek medical advice before using this product if they have liver disease, heart disease, high blood pressure, thyroid disease, diabetes, difficulty urinating due to an enlarged prostate gland, or a persistent or chronic cough associated with smoking, asthma, or emphysema. Furthermore, those experiencing a cough with excessive phlegm should consult a healthcare professional prior to use.

Patients taking the blood-thinning medication warfarin should also seek guidance from a doctor or pharmacist before using this product.

While using this product, patients must not exceed the recommended dosage. They should discontinue use and consult a doctor if they experience nervousness, dizziness, or sleeplessness; if pain, nasal congestion, or cough worsens or lasts more than seven days; if fever worsens or lasts more than three days; if redness or swelling occurs; if new symptoms arise; or if a cough recurs or is accompanied by a rash or headache that persists. These symptoms may indicate a serious condition.

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

Drug Interactions

Concurrent use of this medication with other products containing acetaminophen, whether prescription or nonprescription, is contraindicated due to the risk of acetaminophen overdose, which can lead to severe liver damage.

The use of this medication is also contraindicated in patients currently taking a prescription monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), which includes certain medications for depression, psychiatric disorders, or Parkinson's disease. Additionally, it should not be administered within 2 weeks of discontinuing an MAOI, as this may lead to serious adverse effects.

Patients taking the anticoagulant warfarin should consult a healthcare professional, such as a doctor or pharmacist, prior to using this medication. Monitoring of coagulation parameters may be warranted to ensure safe use and to mitigate the risk of potential interactions that could affect bleeding risk.

Packaging & NDC

Below are the non-prescription pack sizes of Cold Plus Head Congestion (acetaminophen, dextromethorphan hydrobromide, and phenylephrine hydrochloride). Columns show Packaging, Formulation Type, and Active Ingredient Strength.

Pediatric Use

Pediatric patients under 12 years of age should consult a healthcare professional before use. For adolescents aged 12 years and older, the recommended dosage is 2 caplets every 4 hours, with a maximum of 10 caplets in a 24-hour period.

In cases of 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 information regarding the use of this medication, including 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 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 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 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 have not been specifically addressed in the prescribing information 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 absence of detailed guidance necessitates careful clinical judgment and monitoring of these patients.

Hepatic Impairment

Patients with hepatic impairment should exercise caution when using this product, which contains acetaminophen. The maximum daily dose is limited to 10 caplets, equating to 3,250 mg of acetaminophen within a 24-hour period. It is critical to note that severe liver damage may occur if patients exceed 4,000 mg of acetaminophen in 24 hours, use other medications containing acetaminophen concurrently, or consume three or more alcoholic drinks daily while using this product.

Patients with known liver disease are advised to consult a healthcare professional prior to use. Monitoring of liver function may be warranted in these individuals to prevent potential adverse effects associated with acetaminophen use.

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 crucial 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 adverse effects. Therefore, vigilance and timely medical evaluation are essential components of managing overdose situations.

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 in these areas limits the understanding of the compound's potential effects in nonclinical settings.

Postmarketing Experience

Postmarketing experience has identified several adverse reactions associated with the use of the product. 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 to discontinue use immediately and seek medical assistance.

Patient Counseling

Healthcare providers should advise patients to keep this product out of reach of children to prevent accidental ingestion. Patients should be instructed not to use this product in conjunction with any other medication 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 have taken one within the past two weeks. Patients should be advised to check with their healthcare provider if they are unsure whether their prescription medication contains an MAOI.

Patients with a history of allergic reactions to this product or any of its ingredients should be cautioned against its use. They should be instructed to stop using the product and seek medical advice if they experience nervousness, dizziness, or sleeplessness. Additionally, patients should be advised to discontinue use and consult a doctor if pain, nasal congestion, or cough worsens or persists for more than seven days, if fever worsens or lasts more than three days, or if any redness or swelling occurs. New symptoms or a recurrence of cough, especially if accompanied by a rash or persistent headache, should also prompt patients to seek medical attention, as these may indicate a serious condition.

Patients must be reminded not to exceed the recommended dosage while using this product. It is essential for patients to consult a doctor before using this product if they have liver disease, heart disease, high blood pressure, thyroid disease, diabetes, or if they have trouble urinating due to an enlarged prostate gland. Furthermore, patients with a persistent or chronic cough, such as that associated with smoking, asthma, or emphysema, should seek medical advice before use. Those experiencing a cough with excessive phlegm (mucus) should also consult a healthcare provider. Lastly, patients taking the blood-thinning medication warfarin should be advised to speak with their doctor or pharmacist before using this product.

Storage and Handling

The product is supplied in a carton that contains essential information and warnings. It is important to store the product in a dry place at a temperature range of 20-25°C (68-77°F) to ensure its stability and efficacy. The carton should be retained for reference to complete product information and any necessary warnings.

Additional Clinical Information

The medication is administered orally. For adults and children aged 12 years and older, the recommended dosage is 2 caplets every 4 hours, with a maximum of 10 caplets in a 24-hour period. Patients should swallow the caplets whole and are advised not to crush, chew, or dissolve them. For children under 12 years of age, it is recommended to consult a doctor for appropriate dosing guidance.

There is no additional information available regarding laboratory tests, abuse potential, patient counseling, or postmarketing experience.

Drug Information (PDF)

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

View product document (PDF)