Health Library

Analgesic/antihistamine/antitussive/decongestant (By mouth)

Treats fever, headache, sore throat, body aches, sneezing, runny and stuffy nose, cough, and itchy eyes caused by hay fever, colds, or flu.

Brand Name(s):

666 Cough & Cold Formula, Alka-Seltzer Plus Allergy & Cough, Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold & Cough, Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold & Flu, Alka-Seltzer Plus Day/Night Cold, Alka-Seltzer Plus Flu & Body Aches, Alka-Seltzer Plus Night Cold & Flu, Alka-Seltzer Plus Night Cold Formula, Alka-Seltzer Plus Night-Time Cold, Alka-Seltzer Plus Severe Cold & Flu, Alka-Seltzer Plus Severe Cold Night, Alka-Seltzer Plus Severe Cough, Mucus & Congestion, Alka-Seltzer Plus Severe Sinus Congestion & Cough, Alka-Seltzer Plus Sinus Congestion & Pain, Children's Giltuss Multi-Symptom

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Capsule, Long Acting Tablet, Long Acting Capsule, Liquid Filled Capsule, Tablet, Fizzy Tablet, Chewable Tablet, 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.
• Completely chew the chewable tablet before swallowing it.
• Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup. You may need to shake the medicine container before you open it.
• If you use an 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.
• Swallow the extended-release tablet whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.

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. Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

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 also use other medicines that contain acetaminophen, a cough suppressant, a decongestant, or an antihistamine (including medicine used on the skin). You may be getting more than a safe amount of these medicines.
• Tell your doctor if you use anything else that makes you sleepy. Some examples are allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, and alcohol.
• Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine. Acetaminophen can damage your liver, and alcohol can increase this risk. If you regularly drink three or more alcoholic drinks every day, do not take any medicines that contain acetaminophen without asking your doctor.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding, or if you have heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, glaucoma, asthma, emphysema or other serious lung problems, an enlarged prostate that causes urinary blockage, or thyroid problems. Tell your doctor if you have had an allergic reaction to any cough, allergy, or cold medicine, or to any pain reliever. Make sure your doctor knows if you drink alcohol on a regular basis.
• Do not use this medicine for a chronic (long-term) cough, unless your doctor says it is OK. Do not use this medicine if your cough brings up a lot of phlegm (mucus), unless your doctor tells you to.
• This medicine might contain phenylalanine (aspartame). This is only a concern if you have a disorder called phenylketonuria (PKU), which is a problem with amino acids. Talk to your doctor before using this medicine if you have PKU.
• If your symptoms get worse or do not improve within 7 days, or if your cough comes back, call your doctor. Also tell your doctor if you have a fever that lasts for more than 3 days, or if you have a fever with rash, cough, or a lasting headache. Make sure your doctor knows if you have redness or swelling.
• Call your doctor if you have a sore throat that is severe, lasts for more than 2 days, or happens with or before a fever, headache, rash, nausea, or vomiting.
• This medicine can make you drowsy or restless. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert. Avoid taking at bedtime if it makes you restless.
• 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
• Nervousness, dizziness, or trouble sleeping.
• Your symptoms do not get better or they get worse after a week of using this medicine.

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