Uses
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. Antihistamines help
relieve watery eyes, itchy eyes/nose/throat, runny nose,
and sneezing.
Cough-and-cold
products have not been shown to be safe or effective in children younger than 6
years. Therefore, 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).
Side Effects
Drowsiness, dizziness, blurred
vision, upset stomach, nausea, nervousness, or dry mouth/nose/throat
may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
If
your doctor has prescribed this medication, remember that he or she 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 any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur:
mental/mood changes (such as confusion, hallucinations), shaking, trouble
urinating.
Tell
your doctor right away if any of these rare but serious side effects occur:
fast/slow/irregular heartbeat, seizure.
A
very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek
immediate medical attention 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.
Precautions
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, kidney problems, liver disease, seizures, stomach/intestinal
problems (such as blockage, constipation, ulcers), overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), urination
problems (such as trouble urinating due to enlarged prostate, urinary
retention).
This
drug may make you dizzy or drowsy or blur your vision. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis)
can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything
that needs alertness or clear vision 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 that you are taking this
medication.
Children
may be more sensitive to the effects of this drug. In young children, antihistamines may
cause agitation/excitement instead of drowsiness.
Older
adults may be more sensitive to the effects of this drug, especially dizziness,
drowsiness, confusion, constipation, trouble urinating, fast/irregular
heartbeat, or trouble sleeping. 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 may have undesirable effects
on a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.