Classes
DEA Class; OTC
Common Brand Names; Children’s Dimetapp Multi-Symptom Cold & Flu
- Cough/Cold, Non-narcotic Combos;
- Analgesic/Antihistamine/Antitussive/Decongestant Combos
Description
Oral analgesic/antipyretic, antihistamine, non-opioid antitussive, and decongestant combination
Used for the relief of common cold or flu symptoms including cough, fever, headache, minor aches and pain, nasal and sinus congestion, rhinorrhea, sneezing, and sore throat
Indications
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity
Hepatitis or hepatic/renal dysfunction, alcoholism
Repeated administration in patients with anemia or cardiac, pulmonary, or renal disease
Do not use with MAOIs or for 2 weeks after discontinuing MAOIs
Adverse Effects
Hypertension
Severe peripheral and visceral vasoconstriction
Reflex tachycardia
Dizziness
Drowsiness
Excitability
Headache
Restlessness
Tremor
GI disturbances
Warnings
Acetaminophen
Acetaminophen in many other dosage forms and products, check label carefully to avoid overdose
Risk of hepatotoxicity is higher in alcoholics or with use of more than one acetaminophen-containing product
G6PD deficiency
Risk for rare, but serious skin reactions that can be fatal; these reactions include Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), and acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP); symptoms may include skin redness, blisters and rash
Chlorpheniramine
Marked drowsiness may occur; avoid other sedating drugs and alcohol
Paradoxical excitability reaction may occur, especially in children
Caution in narrow angle glaucoma, prostatic hypertrophy, stenosing peptic ulcer, pyloroduodenal obstruction, or bladder neck obstruction
Dextromethorphan may decrease respirations
Phenylephrine may increase blood pressure
Pregnancy and Lactation
Pregnancy Category: C
Lactation: excretion in milk unknown; use with caution
Pregnant or breastfeeding patients should seek advice of health professional before using OTC drugs
Maximum Dosage
NOTE: Do not exceed recommended dosage limits for the specific product prescribed; the following are general guidelines:
Acetaminophen 2000 mg/day PO; chlorpheniramine 16 mg/day PO; dextromethorphan 80 mg/day PO; phenylephrine 40 mg/day PO.
Acetaminophen 2000 mg/day PO; chlorpheniramine 16 mg/day PO; dextromethorphan 80 mg/day PO; phenylephrine 40 mg/day PO.
Acetaminophen 2000 mg/day PO; chlorpheniramine 16 mg/day PO; dextromethorphan 80 mg/day PO; phenylephrine 40 mg/day PO.
>= 12 years: Acetaminophen 2000 mg/day PO; chlorpheniramine 16 mg/day PO; dextromethorphan 80 mg/day PO; phenylephrine 40 mg/day PO.
6—11 years: Acetaminophen 1600 mg/day PO; chlorpheniramine 10 mg/day PO; dextromethorphan 50 mg/day PO; phenylephrine 25 mg/day PO.
< 6 years: Safety and efficacy have not been established.