This combination medication is used to temporarily treat
symptoms caused by the common cold, flu, allergies, or other breathing
illnesses (such as sinusitis, bronchitis). Decongestants help relieve
stuffy nose, sinus, and ear congestion symptoms. Acetaminophen (APAP) is a
non-aspirin pain reliever and fever reducer.
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 package label. Do
not give children medicines labeled only for adults. If you have any
questions, consult your pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth with or without food,
usually every 4 to 6 hours as needed or as directed by your
doctor.
If you are using the liquid form of this medication,
carefully measure the dose using a special measuring device/spoon. Do not
use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose. If your
liquid form is a suspension, shake the bottle well before each
dose.
The dosage is based on your age, medical condition, and
response to treatment. Do not increase your dose, take it more often, or
use it for a longer time than directed.
Tell your doctor if your condition lasts for more than 1
week, if it gets worse, or if it occurs with a headache that doesn't go
away, rash, or fever lasting more than 3 days. These may be symptoms of a
serious medical problem and should be checked by a doctor.
See also Warning section.
Upset stomach, nausea, dizziness, trouble sleeping, or
nervousness may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your
doctor or pharmacist promptly.
If your doctor has prescribed 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.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
- mental/mood changes (such as confusion, hallucinations)
- fast/irregular heartbeat
- problems 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.
See also Warning section.
Before taking this product, tell your doctor or
pharmacist if you are allergic to any of its ingredients; 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
medication:
- breathing problems (such as asthma, emphysema)
- diabetes
- glaucoma
- heart problems
- high blood pressure
- liver disease
- kidney problems
- overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)
- urination problems (such as trouble urinating due to enlarged
prostate, urinary retention)
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. Avoid alcoholic
beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana
(cannabis).
Some brands of this product 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).
Children may be more sensitive to the side effects of
this drug, especially excitation and agitation.
Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects
of this drug, especially fast/irregular heartbeat, dizziness, problems
urinating, trouble sleeping, or confusion.
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only
when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your
doctor.
This medication may pass 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.
Some products that may interact with this drug
are:
- ketoconazole
- levoketoconazole
Taking MAO inhibitors with this medication may cause a
serious (possibly fatal) drug interaction. Avoid taking MAO inhibitors
(isocarboxazid, linezolid, metaxalone, methylene blue, moclobemide,
phenelzine, procarbazine, rasagiline, safinamide, selegiline,
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.
The ingredients in this product are available in many
prescription and nonprescription products. Check the labels on all your
medicines (such as pain/fever drugs, diet aids, or cold/allergy products)
because they may contain the same or similar ingredients. Using these drugs
along with this product could increase side effects (such as fast heartbeat
or increased blood pressure). Ask your pharmacist about using those
products safely.
This medication may interfere with certain lab tests
(such as urine 5-HIAA), 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:
fast/irregular heartbeat, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, sweating,
stomach/abdominal pain, extreme tiredness, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine,
hallucinations, seizures.
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.
Store room temperature away from light and moisture. Do
not store in the bathroom. Do not freeze liquid forms of this medication.
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.