Classes
DEA Class; OTC
Common Brand Names; Alka-Seltzer Plus Day Cold, Theraflu Daytime Severe Cold & Cough, Tylenol Cold Multi-Symptom Daytime, Tylenol Cold Head Congestion Daytime, Vicks DayQuil Cold/Flu, Alka-Seltzer Plus Day Severe Cold, Cough & Flu, Alka-Seltzer Plus Day Sinus Congestion, Allergy & Cough, Alka-Seltzer Plus Severe Sinus Congestion & Cough
- Cough/Cold, Non-narcotic Combos;
- Analgesic/Decongestant Combos
Description
Combination of an analgesic (acetaminophen), non-opiate antitussive (dextromethorphan) and sympathomimetic decongestion (phenylephrine)
Used for symptomatic relief of mild pain, fever, cough, nasal congestion, headache, sore throat due to a common cold or influenza
Do not exceed recommended daily dosages, particularly for acetaminophen due to hepatotoxicity
Indications
For temporary relief from common cold or flu symptoms such as mild pain, cough, nasal congestion, headache, sore throat (pharyngitis), and fever.
Contraindications
Documented hypersensitivity to the drugs
Within 14 days of MAO inhibitor therapy; known G-6-PD deficiency
Adverse Effects
Hypertension
Reflex tachycardia
Severe peripheral and visceral vasoconstriction
Dizziness
Drowsiness
Excitability
Headache
Restlessness
Tremor
GI disturbances
Anemia blood dyscrasias (neutropenia, pancytopenia, leukopenia)
Bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase may increase
Warnings
Do not use if currently taking a prescription for monoamine oxidase inhibitor for depression or emotional conditions, or Parkinson disease, or within two weeks of taking a MAO inhibitor
Ask a healthcare professional if the chronic cough is associated with smoking, asthma, or emphysema or if occurs with heavy phlegm or mucus
Discontinue use if cough lasts more than seven days, reoccurs, or occurs with fever, rash, or long-lasting headaches as it could be signs of a serious condition
Some products may contain sulfites, which may cause allergic reactions in susceptible individuals
Closely monitor in hyperthyroidism, DM, heart disease, bowel obstruction/narrowing, increased intraocular pressure, BPH
Discontinue and inform healthcare provider if dizziness, nervousness, or sleeplessness occur
Avoid or use with extreme caution in patients with heart failure or cardiogenic shock; cardiac output may decrease with increased systemic vascular resistance
May cause excessive peripheral and visceral vasoconstriction and ischemia to vital organs, especially in patients with peripheral vascular disease
Pregnancy and Lactation
Pregnant or breastfeeding patients should seek advice of health professional before using OTC drugs
Maximum Dosage
Acetaminophen 3,900 mg/day PO; dextromethorphan 100 mg/day PO; phenylephrine 50 mg/day PO.
Acetaminophen 3,900 mg/day PO; dextromethorphan 100 mg/day PO; phenylephrine 50 mg/day PO.
Acetaminophen 3,900 mg/day PO; dextromethorphan 100 mg/day PO; phenylephrine 50 mg/day PO.
12 years: Acetaminophen 3,900 mg/day PO; dextromethorphan 100 mg/day PO; phenylephrine 50 mg/day PO.
6 to 11 years: Acetaminophen 1,600 mg/day PO; dextromethorphan 50 mg/day PO; phenylephrine 25 mg/day PO.
Less than 6 years: Safety and efficacy have not been established.
How supplied
acetaminophen/dextromethorphan/phenylephrine
caplet
325mg/10mg/5mg
rapid release gelcap
325mg/10mg/5mg
capsule
325mg/10mg/5mg
liquid
(325mg/10mg/5mg)/15mL
powder for solution
(650mg/20mg/10mg)/packet
(500mg/20mg/10mg)/packet
syrup
(325mg/10mg/5mg)/15mL