This combination product is used for the temporary
treatment of cough, stuffy nose, and sinus pain/pressure caused by
infection (such as the common cold, flu) or other breathing illnesses (such
as hay fever, bronchitis). This product contains a decongestant (such as
pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine) that works by narrowing the blood vessels
to help relieve stuffy nose symptoms and sinus pressure. This product also
contains a non-opioid cough suppressant (such as dextromethorphan,
chlophedianol). It affects a certain part of the brain (cough center) to
help you stop coughing. Talk with your doctor before using this product for
a chronic cough from smoking or a cough with too much/thick
mucus.
Cough-and-cold products have not been shown to be safe
or effective in children younger than 6 years. Do not use this product to
treat cold symptoms in children younger than 6 years unless specifically
directed by the doctor. Some products (such as long-acting
tablets/capsules) are not recommended for use in children younger than 12
years. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details about using your
product safely.
These products do not cure or shorten the length of the
common cold and may cause serious side effects. To decrease the risk for
serious side effects, carefully follow all dosage directions. Do not use
this product to make a child sleepy. Do not give other cough-and-cold
medication that might contain the same or similar ingredients (see also
Drug Interactions section). Ask the doctor or pharmacist about other ways
to relieve cough and cold symptoms (such as drinking enough fluids, using a
humidifier or saline nose drops/spray).
If you are taking the over-the-counter product to
self-treat, follow all directions on the product package before taking this
medication. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. If
your doctor has prescribed this medication, take it as
directed.
Take the tablet, capsule, or liquid form by mouth with
or without food. This medication may be taken with food or milk if stomach
upset occurs.
The dosage is based on your age, medical condition, and
response to treatment. Do not increase your dose or take this drug more
often than directed. Do not take more of this medication than recommended
for your age. There are many brands and forms of this product available.
Read the dosing instructions carefully for each product because the amount
of cough suppressant and decongestant may be different between
products.
If you are using the chewable tablets, chew each tablet
well and swallow. If you are using the liquid form of this medication,
measure the dose carefully using a special measuring device/cup. Do not use
a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose.
If you are using a product made to dissolve in the mouth
(such as strips), dry your hands before handling the medication. Place each
dose on the tongue and allow to dissolve completely, then swallow it with
saliva or with water.
Caffeine can increase the side effects of this
medication. Avoid drinking large amounts of beverages containing caffeine
(coffee, tea, colas), eating large amounts of chocolate, or taking
nonprescription products that contain caffeine.
Improper use of dextromethorphan (abuse) may result in
serious harm (such as brain damage, seizure, death). Do not increase your
dose, take it more often, or use it for a longer time than
directed.
Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not get better
after 7 days or if they get worse or return, or if you have a headache that
doesn't go away, fever, or rash. If you think you may have a serious
medical problem, get medical help right away.
Nausea, vomiting, trouble sleeping, dizziness, headache,
or nervousness may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell
your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Stop taking this medication and tell
your doctor promptly if you have dizziness, nervousness, or trouble
sleeping.
If your doctor has directed you to use this medication,
remember that your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater
than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not
have serious side effects.
Stop taking this medication and tell your doctor right
away if you have any serious side effects, including:
- fast/irregular/pounding heartbeat
- mental/mood changes (such as confusion, hallucinations,
nervousness)
- seizures
- shaking (tremors)
- trouble urinating
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.
Also tell your doctor if you have had negative reactions to any
sympathomimetics (such as pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine). This product may
contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other
problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
If you have any of the following health problems,
consult your doctor or pharmacist before using this
product:
- couch with a lot of mucus
- chronic cough (such as with asthma, emphysema, smoking)
- diabetes
- a certain eye condition (glaucoma)
- heart problems (such as heart attack, chest pain, heart
failure)
- fast/irregular heart beat
- high blood pressure
- liver disease
- kidney problems
- overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)
- difficulty urinating (such as due to enlarged prostate)
This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana
(cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do
anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic
beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana
(cannabis).
Liquid forms, chewable tablets, or forms of this product
made to dissolve in the mouth may contain sugar, alcohol, or aspartame.
Caution is advised if you have diabetes, alcohol dependence, liver disease,
phenylketonuria (PKU), or any other condition that requires you to
limit/avoid these substances in your diet. Ask your doctor or pharmacist
about using this product safely.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects
of this drug, especially fast/irregular heartbeat, dizziness, problems
urinating, trouble sleeping, or confusion.
Children may be more sensitive to the effects of this
medication, especially agitation.
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only
when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your
doctor.
Pseudoephedrine passes into breast milk. Consult your
doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Taking certain MAO inhibitors with this medication may
cause a serious (possibly fatal) drug interaction. Avoid taking
isocarboxazid, metaxalone, methylene blue, moclobemide, phenelzine,
procarbazine, rasagiline, safinamide, selegiline, or tranylcypromine during
treatment with this medication. Most MAO inhibitors should also not be
taken for two weeks before treatment with this medication. Ask your doctor
when to start or stop taking this medication.
Check the labels on all your medicines (such as allergy
or cough-and-cold products) because they may contain similar ingredients
(decongestants such as phenylephrine or cough suppressants). Ask your
pharmacist about using those products safely.
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669. Symptoms of overdose may include:
agitation, confusion, hallucinations, seizures.
This medication is for temporary use only. Do not use
for more than 7 days without first consulting your doctor.
If you are taking this product on a regular schedule and
miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the
next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time.
Do not double the dose to catch up.
Different brands of this medication have different
storage needs. Check the product package for instructions on how to store
your brand, or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medications away from children
and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.