This combination medication is used to temporarily
relieve symptoms caused by the common cold, flu, allergies, or other
breathing illnesses (such as sinusitis, bronchitis). Antihistamines help
relieve watery eyes, itchy eyes/nose/throat, runny nose, and sneezing.
Decongestants help to relieve stuffy nose and ear congestion
symptoms.
If you are self-treating with this medication, carefully
read the package instructions to be sure it is right for you before you
start using this product. Some products have similar brand names but
different active ingredients with different uses. Taking the wrong product
could harm you. Ask your pharmacist if you have any questions about your
product or its use.
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 (including some 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. Do not use this product to make a child
sleepy.
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 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).
Take this medication by mouth as directed by your
doctor. If you are self-treating, follow all directions on the product
package. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or
pharmacist.
This medication may be taken with food if stomach upset
occurs. Drink plenty of fluids unless otherwise 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.
Do not crush or chew extended-release tablets or
capsules. Doing so can release all of the drug at once, increasing the risk
of side effects. Also, do not split extended-release tablets unless they
have a score line and your doctor or pharmacist tells you to do so. Swallow
the whole or split tablet without crushing or chewing.
If you are using chewable tablets, chew each tablet
thoroughly before swallowing.
If you are using a product made to dissolve in the mouth
(tablets/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.
The dosage is based on the product you are taking and
your age, medical condition, and response to treatment. Do not increase
your dose or take this medication more often than directed without your
doctor's approval. Improper use (abuse) of this medication may result in
serious harm (such as hallucinations, seizure, death).
If your doctor directs you to take this medication
daily, take it regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you
remember, take it at the same time(s) each day.
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, fever, or rash. These may be symptoms of a serious medical problem
and should be checked by a doctor.
Drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth/nose/throat, headache,
upset stomach, constipation, or trouble sleeping 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 product,
remember that your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater
than the risk of side effects. Many people using this product 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)
- ringing in the ears
- difficulty urinating
- vision changes (such as blurred/double vision)
Get medical help right away if you have any very serious
side effects, including:
- fast/irregular heartbeat
- seizure
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 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.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- breathing problems (such as asthma, emphysema)
- diabetes
- glaucoma
- heart problems
- high blood pressure
- kidney problems
- liver disease
- seizures
- stomach/intestinal problems (such as ulcers, blockage)
- overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)
- difficulty urinating (such as due to enlarged prostate)
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.
Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana
(cannabis).
Liquid products, chewable tablets, or dissolving
tablets/strips 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 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 product, especially excitation and agitation.
Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects
of this product, especially dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, constipation,
fast/irregular heartbeat, trouble sleeping, or urination problems.
Dizziness, drowsiness, trouble sleeping, and confusion can increase the
risk of falling.
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 and the effect
on a nursing infant is unknown. 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.
Some products that may interact with this drug
are:
- antihistamines applied to the skin (such as diphenhydramine
cream, ointment, spray)
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.
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 other 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 medical/lab
tests (such as brain scan for Parkinson's disease, urine drug screening
tests, allergy skin test), 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:
irregular heartbeat, hallucinations, fainting, seizures.
If your doctor has prescribed this medication, do not
share it with others.
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 at 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.