Equate Daytime Cold and Flu

Description

equate™ is a non-drowsy, daytime formulation designed for the relief of cold and flu symptoms. This alcohol-free product provides multi-symptom relief, acting as a pain reliever, fever reducer, cough suppressant, and nasal decongestant. The active ingredients include acetaminophen for alleviating aches and fever, dextromethorphan HBr for cough suppression, and phenylephrine HCl for nasal congestion. The product is antihistamine-free and is available in a 12 FL OZ (355 mL) dosage form. It is comparable to the active ingredients found in Vicks® DayQuil® Cold & Flu.

Uses and Indications

This drug is indicated for the temporary relief of symptoms associated with the common cold and influenza. Specifically, it alleviates nasal congestion, cough due to minor throat and bronchial irritation, sore throat, headache, minor aches and pains, and fever.

There are no teratogenic or nonteratogenic effects mentioned in the available data.

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. 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 6 to under 12 years, the dosage is 15 mL every 4 hours. For children aged 4 to under 6 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.

Healthcare professionals should monitor patients for adherence to these guidelines to prevent the risk of overdose.

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

Severe liver damage may occur with the use of this product, which contains acetaminophen, under the following circumstances: if an adult consumes more than 4,000 mg of acetaminophen within a 24-hour period; if a child takes more than 5 doses in 24 hours; if it is taken concurrently with other medications containing acetaminophen; or if an adult consumes 3 or more alcoholic drinks daily while using this product.

Acetaminophen may also cause 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 immediately and seek medical assistance.

Healthcare professionals should advise patients to consult a doctor if they experience a severe sore throat that persists for more than 2 days, or if it is accompanied or followed by fever, headache, rash, nausea, or vomiting.

General precautions should be taken prior to use. Patients should be instructed to seek medical advice if they have any of the following conditions: liver disease, heart disease, high blood pressure, thyroid disease, diabetes, difficulty urinating due to an enlarged prostate gland, a cough that produces excessive phlegm, or a persistent or chronic cough associated with smoking, asthma, or emphysema. Additionally, patients taking the anticoagulant warfarin should consult a healthcare professional or pharmacist before use.

In cases of overdose, immediate medical attention is crucial. Patients should be advised to contact a Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) or seek emergency medical help without delay, even if no signs or symptoms are apparent.

Patients should be instructed to discontinue use and contact their doctor if they experience nervousness, dizziness, or sleeplessness; if pain, nasal congestion, or cough worsens or persists beyond 5 days in children or 7 days in adults; if fever worsens or lasts more than 3 days; if redness or swelling occurs; if new symptoms develop; 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 the recommended dosage of acetaminophen, specifically if an adult takes more than 4,000 mg within a 24-hour period, or if a child takes more than five doses in the same timeframe. The risk of liver damage is further increased when acetaminophen is taken in conjunction with other medications containing acetaminophen or if an adult consumes 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.

In cases of severe sore throat that 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 they experience symptoms such as nervousness, dizziness, or sleeplessness; if pain, nasal congestion, or cough worsens or lasts longer than five days in children or seven days in adults; if fever worsens or lasts more than three days; if redness or swelling is observed; if new symptoms arise; or if a cough recurs or occurs with a rash or headache that persists, as these may indicate a serious condition.

Prior to using this product, patients should seek medical advice if they have a history of liver disease, heart disease, high blood pressure, thyroid disease, diabetes, or difficulty urinating due to an enlarged prostate gland. Additionally, those with a cough that produces excessive phlegm or a persistent or chronic cough, such as that associated with smoking, asthma, or emphysema, should consult a healthcare provider.

Patients taking the blood-thinning medication warfarin should also consult a doctor or pharmacist before using acetaminophen.

In the event of an overdose, it is critical 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 immediately apparent.

Drug Interactions

Patients should consult a healthcare professional prior to using this product if they are concurrently taking warfarin, a blood-thinning medication, due to the potential for increased bleeding risk.

Co-administration with any other product containing acetaminophen, whether prescription or nonprescription, is contraindicated. Patients are advised to verify the presence of acetaminophen in other medications with a healthcare provider or pharmacist if uncertain.

The use of this product is contraindicated in patients currently taking a prescription monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) or within two weeks of discontinuing such treatment. MAOIs are commonly prescribed for depression, psychiatric disorders, or Parkinson’s disease. Patients should seek clarification from a healthcare professional regarding the presence of an MAOI in their current medications before using this product.

Packaging & NDC

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

Pediatric Use

Pediatric patients aged 6 to under 12 years may be administered 15 mL every 4 hours. For children aged 4 to under 6 years, it is advised to consult a healthcare professional before use. The product is not recommended for children under 4 years of age.

In the event of an overdose, prompt medical attention is essential for pediatric patients, even if no signs or symptoms are immediately apparent.

Geriatric Use

There is no specific information 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 should consult a healthcare professional prior to use, particularly if they experience difficulty urinating due to an enlarged prostate gland. It is essential to assess renal function and consider potential dosing adjustments or monitoring requirements based on the degree of impairment.

Hepatic Impairment

Patients with hepatic impairment should exercise caution when using this product, as it contains acetaminophen, which is associated with the risk of severe liver damage. It is critical that patients do not exceed a maximum dosage of 4,000 mg of acetaminophen within a 24-hour period, as exceeding this limit may lead to significant hepatic injury.

Additionally, patients who consume three or more alcoholic drinks daily are at an increased risk of severe liver damage while using this product. Therefore, it is advisable for these patients to consult a healthcare professional prior to use.

Patients with known liver disease should also seek medical advice before using this product to ensure safe and appropriate use, as their liver function may affect the metabolism and clearance of acetaminophen. Regular monitoring of liver function may be warranted in these individuals to prevent potential adverse effects.

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 depending 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

If pregnant or breastfeeding, it is advised to consult a health professional prior to use. No specific non-teratogenic effects have been identified. Additionally, there are no detailed findings related to nonclinical toxicology or animal pharmacology and toxicology available.

Postmarketing Experience

Postmarketing experience has identified the following adverse reactions reported voluntarily or through surveillance programs: skin reddening, blisters, and rash. These events have been documented in the context of ongoing safety monitoring.

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 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 about the presence of acetaminophen in their medications, they should be encouraged to 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 an MAOI within the past two weeks. Patients should be advised to verify with a healthcare professional 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. Healthcare providers should instruct patients to discontinue use and consult a doctor if they experience symptoms such as nervousness, dizziness, or sleeplessness.

Patients should also be advised to stop using the product and seek medical advice if their pain, nasal congestion, or cough worsens or persists beyond 5 days in children or 7 days in adults. Additionally, they should be informed to consult a doctor if fever worsens or lasts more than 3 days, if redness or swelling occurs, or if new symptoms develop. Patients should be particularly vigilant and seek medical attention 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 must be reminded not to exceed the recommended dosage. Healthcare providers should encourage patients to consult a doctor before use if they have any of the following conditions: liver disease, heart disease, high blood pressure, thyroid disease, diabetes, or difficulty urinating due to an enlarged prostate gland. Patients should also be advised to seek medical advice if they have a cough associated with excessive phlegm or a persistent or chronic cough related to smoking, asthma, or emphysema. Lastly, patients taking the blood-thinning medication warfarin should be instructed to 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 exposure to extreme temperatures or humidity.

Additional Clinical Information

Patients aged 12 years and older are advised to administer 30 mL every 6 hours, while those between 6 to under 12 years should take 15 mL every 4 hours. For children aged 4 to under 6 years, consultation with a healthcare provider is recommended, and the product should not be used in children under 4 years of age.

Clinicians should counsel patients to consult a health professional if they are pregnant or breastfeeding. Additionally, it is important to keep the product out of reach of children to ensure safety. No further information is available regarding laboratory tests, abuse potential, or postmarketing experiences.

Drug Information (PDF)

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

View product document (PDF)