This combination product is used to temporarily treat
cough, fever, and other symptoms (such as headache, sore throat, body
aches) that are caused by the common cold, flu, or other breathing
illnesses (such as bronchitis). Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant
that affects a certain part of the brain (cough center), reducing the urge
to cough. Acetaminophen is a non-aspirin pain reliever and fever
reducer.
This product is not usually used for ongoing coughs from
smoking, asthma, or other long-term breathing problems (such as emphysema),
or for coughs with a lot of mucus, unless directed by your
doctor.
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).
See also Warning section.
Read and follow all directions on the product package
before taking this medication. If any of the information is unclear,
consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth, usually every 4 to 6
hours as needed, or as directed by your doctor. This medication can be
taken with food or milk if stomach upset occurs.
If you are using the liquid form, carefully measure the
dose using a medication-measuring device or spoon. Do not use a household
spoon because you may not get the correct dose. If your liquid is a
suspension, shake the container well before measuring each
dose.
If you are using the powder form, dissolve the contents
of each packet in 8 ounces (240 milliliters) of water as directed on the
product package. Drink within 10 to 15 minutes of mixing.
If you are using chewable tablets, chew each tablet
thoroughly before swallowing.
The dosage is based on age and weight. Check the package
label to find the correct dose.
Improper use of this medication (abuse) may result in
serious harm (such as brain damage, seizure, death). Do not increase your
dose or take it more often than directed.
Tell your doctor if your condition lasts for more than 7
days, if it gets worse, or if it occurs with a headache that doesn't go
away, rash, or fever lasting more than 3 days.
See also Warning section.
Dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, or vomiting may occur. If
any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist
promptly.
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.
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.
See also Warning section.
Before using this product, tell your doctor or
pharmacist if you are allergic to dextromethorphan or acetaminophen; or if
you have any other allergies. 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:
- breathing problems (such as asthma, emphysema)
- liver disease
- use/abuse of alcohol
This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Alcohol or
marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use
machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely.
Avoid alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana
(cannabis).
Liquid products, chewable tablets, and powder packets
may contain sugar or aspartame. Liquid products may also contain alcohol.
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 drug safely.
Some brands of this medication contain sodium. Ask your
doctor or pharmacist for more information if you are on a salt-restricted
diet or if you have a condition that could be worsened by an increase in
salt intake.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only
when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your
doctor.
It is unknown if dextromethorphan passes into breast
milk. Acetaminophen passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before
breastfeeding.
See also Warning section.
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.
Some products that may interact with this drug
are:
- ketoconazole
- levoketoconazole
- rolapitant
The ingredients in this product are available in many
prescription and nonprescription products. Check the labels on all your
medications carefully to make sure you are not taking more than one product
with the same ingredient(s). Consult your pharmacist if you are unsure of
the ingredients in any of your medications.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking other
products that cause drowsiness such as opioid pain or cough relievers (such
as codeine, hydrocodone), alcohol, marijuana (cannabis), drugs for sleep or
anxiety (such as alprazolam, lorazepam, zolpidem), muscle relaxants (such
as carisoprodol, cyclobenzaprine), or antihistamines (such as cetirizine,
diphenhydramine).
Check the labels on all your medicines (such as allergy
or cough-and-cold products) because they may contain ingredients that cause
drowsiness. Ask your pharmacist about using those products
safely.
This medication may interfere with certain urine lab
tests (such as 5-HIAA levels), possibly causing false test results. Make
sure lab personnel and all your doctors know you use this
drug.
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:
nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, sweating, stomach/abdominal pain,
extreme tiredness, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine, fast heartbeat,
nervousness, abnormal/extreme feelings of well-being (euphoria),
hallucinations, problems walking (staggering), agitation, severe
drowsiness.
Keep all medical and lab appointments.
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.
Refer to storage information printed on the package.
Protect from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all
medication 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.