DEXTROMETHORPHAN/DECONGESTANT/ACETAMINOPHEN - ORAL

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DEXTROMETHORPHAN/DECONGESTANT/ACETAMINOPHEN - ORAL

PHONETIC PRONUNCIATION:

GENERIC NAME(S): dextromethorphan HBr/phenylephrine HCl/acetaminophen

Uses

USES: This combination medication is used to temporarily treat cough, stuffy nose, body aches, and other symptoms (e.g., fever, headache, sore throat) caused by the common cold, flu, or other breathing illnesses (e.g., sinusitis, bronchitis). Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant that affects a certain part of the brain (cough center), reducing the urge to cough. Decongestants help to relieve stuffy nose symptoms. This product also contains acetaminophen, a non-aspirin pain reliever and fever reducer. This medication is usually not used for ongoing coughs from smoking, asthma, or other long-term breathing problems (e.g., 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. 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).


How to use DEXTROMETHORPHAN/DECONGESTANT/ACETAMINOPHEN - ORAL

HOW TO USE: See also Warning section. If you are taking the over-the-counter product, read all directions on the product package before taking this medication. If you have any questions, consult your pharmacist. Take this medication by mouth with or without food or as directed by your doctor. This medication can be taken with food or milk if stomach upset occurs. If you are using a liquid form, carefully measure your prescribed 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 form is a suspension, shake the bottle well before each dose. Chewable forms of this medication should be chewed thoroughly before swallowing. The dosage is based on your age. Do not increase your dose or take this medication more often than directed without your doctor's approval. Improper use of this medication (abuse) may result in serious harm (e.g., brain damage, seizure, death). Tell your doctor if your condition persists for more than 1 week, if it worsens, or if it occurs with rash, persistent headache, or fever lasting more than 3 days. These may be symptoms of a serious medical problem and should be checked by a doctor.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS: See also Warning section. Dizziness, drowsiness, headache, nausea, nervousness, or trouble sleeping may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, contact your doctor or pharmacist promptly. If your doctor has directed you to use 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 if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: mental/mood changes (e.g., confusion, hallucinations), shaking (tremors), weakness, problems urinating. Seek immediate medical attention if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: chest pain, fast/irregular heartbeat. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: 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.

Precautions

PRECAUTIONS: See also Warning section. Before taking this medication, 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 (e.g., asthma, emphysema), diabetes, glaucoma, heart problems, high blood pressure, kidney problems, liver disease, overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), trouble urinating (e.g., due to enlarged prostate), use/abuse of alcohol. This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Alcohol or marijuana 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. Liquid or chewable forms of this product may contain sugar or aspartame. Liquid forms 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 that you are taking this medication. 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 if clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This medication may pass into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

DRUG INTERACTIONS: See also Warning section. If you are taking this product under your doctor's direction, your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or pharmacist first. Taking certain MAO inhibitors with this medication may cause a serious (possibly fatal) drug interaction. Avoid taking isocarboxazid, 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. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially: anti-seizure medications (e.g., phenytoin, phenobarbital), beta blockers (e.g., metoprolol, atenolol), guanethidine, ketoconazole, methyldopa, phenothiazines (e.g., chlorpromazine), tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline, desipramine). 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, 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. Some products have ingredients that could raise your heart rate or blood pressure. Tell your pharmacist what products you are using, and ask how to use them safely (especially cough-and-cold products or diet aids). This medication may interfere with certain urine laboratory tests (e.g., 5-HIAA levels), possibly causing false test results. Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug. This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.

Overdose

OVERDOSE: 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 their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, sweating, stomach/abdominal pain, extreme tiredness, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine, agitation, confusion, hallucinations, seizures.

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Faq for DEXTROMETHORPHAN/DECONGESTANT/ACETAMINOPHEN - ORAL

Dextromethorphan/decongestant/acetaminophen is a combination medication used to relieve symptoms of cough, nasal congestion, and pain or fever associated with the common cold, flu, or allergies.

Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant that works by suppressing the cough reflex in the brain.

The decongestant component helps to relieve nasal congestion by constricting blood vessels in the nasal passages, reducing swelling and congestion.

Acetaminophen is a pain reliever and fever reducer. It works by reducing the production of certain substances in the body that cause pain and fever.

Yes, dextromethorphan/decongestant/acetaminophen is available over-the-counter without a prescription.

Common side effects may include drowsiness, dizziness, upset stomach, nausea, and headache.

If you have high blood pressure, it is essential to consult with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medication, including dextromethorphan/decongestant/acetaminophen, as it may affect your blood pressure.

It is important to check the labels of other medications you are taking to avoid taking duplicate or excessive doses of similar active ingredients, as this can increase the risk of side effects. It is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before combining multiple cold or flu medications.

You should only take dextromethorphan/decongestant/acetaminophen for the duration recommended by the product's instructions or as advised by your healthcare provider. If symptoms persist or worsen, it is best to consult a healthcare professional.

DEXTROMETHORPHAN/DECONGESTANT/ACETAMINOPHEN - ORAL Pricing Page Get Discount Coupon

Warning

WARNING: One ingredient in this product is acetaminophen. Taking too much acetaminophen may cause serious (possibly fatal) liver disease. Adults should not take more than 4000 milligrams (4 grams) of acetaminophen a day. People with liver problems and children should take less acetaminophen. Ask your doctor or pharmacist how much acetaminophen is safe to take. Do not use with any other drug containing acetaminophen without asking your doctor or pharmacist first. Acetaminophen is in many nonprescription and prescription medications (such as pain/fever drugs or cough-and-cold products). Check the labels on all your medicines to see if they contain acetaminophen, and ask your pharmacist if you are unsure. Get medical help right away if you take too much acetaminophen (overdose), even if you feel well. Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, sweating, stomach/abdominal pain, extreme tiredness, yellowing eyes/skin, and dark urine. Daily alcohol use, especially when combined with acetaminophen, may damage your liver. Avoid alcohol.


Disclaimer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.