Health Library

Analgesic/antihistamine/decongestant (By mouth)

Treats runny nose, sneezing, stuffy nose, fever, sinus headaches, and mild aches caused by hay fever, colds, or flu.

Brand Name(s):

Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold, Allergy Relief + Cold, Allergy Relief + Sinus Headache, Children's Delsym Cough+ Day/Night, Children's Delsym Cough+Cold Night Time, Children's Dimetapp Multi-Symptom Cold & Flu, Children's Mucinex Multi-Symptom Cold, Children's Mucinex Multi-Symptom Cold Night Time, Cold Medicine Plus, Comtrex Cold & Cough, Comtrex Severe Cold & Sinus, Contac Cold+Flu Day & Night, Daytime/Nighttime Sinus Relief, Flu Relief, Foster&Thrive Allergy Multi-Symptom

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Long Acting Capsule, Capsule, Liquid Filled Capsule, Tablet, Chewable Tablet, Long Acting Tablet, Fizzy Tablet, Liquid, Packet

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
• Follow the instructions on the medicine label if you are using this medicine without a prescription.
• It is not safe to take more than 4 grams (4,000 milligrams) of acetaminophen in one day (24 hours).
• Completely chew any chewable tablet before swallowing it. Swallow any other tablet or capsule whole. Do not crush, break, or chew. Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.
• If you use powder or effervescent tablet, stir the medicine into water and drink it right away. You must use at least 4 ounces (1/2 cup) of water to dissolve the effervescent tablet. Do not keep any mixture to take later.
• If you are using medicine that makes a hot drink: Mix the powder in at least 6 ounces (3/4 cup) of hot water. Or, you may mix the powder in 6 ounces (3/4 cup) of cool water and heat it in a microwave oven. Read the directions on the package to find out how long to heat the mixture. Carefully drink the hot mixture right away.

If a dose is missed:

• Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Do not use this medicine if you are also using a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin®), unless your doctor has told you to. Avoid drinking alcohol or using any other medicines that make you sleepy. These include sleeping pills, other cold and allergy medicine, narcotic pain relievers, and sedatives.
• If this medicine contains acetaminophen: If you regularly drink 3 or more alcoholic drinks every day, do not take acetaminophen without asking your doctor. Do not also use other medicines that contain acetaminophen, or you may be getting more than a safe amount of this medicine. Many combination medicines contain acetaminophen, including products with brand names such as Alka-Seltzer Plus®, Comtrex®, Drixoral®, Excedrin Migraine®, Midol®, Sinutab®, Sudafed®, Theraflu®, and Vanquish®. Carefully check the labels of all other medicines you are using to be sure they do not contain acetaminophen.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have heart disease, high blood pressure, seizure disorders, asthma, emphysema, diabetes, glaucoma, or an overactive thyroid.
• If your symptoms do not improve within 7 days or if they get worse, call your doctor. If you have a severe sore throat, fever, or thick yellow or green mucus, call your doctor.
• This medicine might contain phenylalanine (aspartame). This is only a concern if you have a disorder called phenylketonuria (a problem with amino acids). Talk to your doctor before using this medicine.
• This medicine can make you drowsy or restless. Avoid taking at bedtime if it makes you restless. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.
• If you are allergic to aspirin, you may also be allergic to ibuprofen. Ask your pharmacist or read the medicine label to see what kind of pain medicine this product contains.
• If your medicine contains aspirin and has a vinegar smell, do not use it.
• Some brands of this medicine may contain alcohol. Read the label carefully or ask your pharmacist so you know what is in your product.
• Children may be more sensitive to this medicine than adults, especially if they take too much. Always read the medicine label closely so you give your child the right amount. Ask your pharmacist or doctor if you are not sure how much medicine to give your child.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat
• Severe headache, ringing or buzzing in your ears
• Bloody or black, tarry stools, severe stomach pain, vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Dry mouth, nose, or throat
• Nausea
• Trouble urinating

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 9/6/2024