Health Library

Antitussive/decongestant (By mouth)

Treats stuffy nose and cough caused by the common cold or flu.

Brand Name(s):

Children's Sudafed PE Cold & Cough, Children's Triaminic Day Time Cold & Cough, Children's Triaminic Day/Night, Leader Children's Triacting DayTime Cold & Cough, Rondec-D, TopCare Children's Triacting Daytime Cold & Cough, Triaminic Cough

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Chewable Tablet, Tablet, Thin Sheet, Capsule, Long Acting Capsule, Liquid

• 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.
• You may take your medicine with food or milk to avoid stomach upset.
• If you use the tablet or capsule, swallow the pill whole. Do not crush, break, or chew (unless the medicine label says "chewable").
• Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, medicine dropper, or medicine cup.

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• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.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.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using medicine for high blood pressure or depression, or an MAO inhibitor (Nardil®, Marplan®, Parnate®, Eldepryl®).
• Avoid drinking alcohol or taking diet pills (Accutrim®, Dexatrim®) while taking this medicine.
• Avoid using sleeping pills, other cold or allergy medicine, sedatives, muscle relaxants, tranquilizers, or narcotic pain killers unless approved by your doctor.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before using this medicine.
• Before using this medicine, let your doctor know if you have heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, an enlarged prostate, or an overactive thyroid.
• 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.
• Some liquid cough medicines contain alcohol.
• Call your doctor if your symptoms get worse after 2 or 3 days of treatment, or if they do not improve after 7 days. Also call if you develop a severe sore throat or fever; or cough up thick yellow mucus.
• This medicine may make you restless. If you have trouble sleeping, take your medicine well before bedtime.
• Children may be more sensitive to this medicine than adults, especially if they use too much at one time. Always read medicine labels carefully to give your child the right amount. If you are not sure how much medicine to use, ask your pharmacist.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

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

• Cold, clammy skin
• Fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat
• Trouble breathing
• Severe headache
• Skin rash, hives, or itching

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

• Restlessness or drowsiness
• Depression
• Sunburn (use sunscreen)
• Trouble sleeping
• Stomach upset

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