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November 8, 2009
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GENERIC NAME: DECONGESTANT/NARCOTIC ANTITUSSIVE/APAP/ANTIHISTAMINE - ORAL

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

USES: The decongestant relieves nasal stuffiness. The low-dose narcotic antitussive controls coughing. The antihistamine relieves a runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes. Acetaminophen (APAP) is a non-aspirin pain reliever. This combination medication is used to treat symptoms associated with a common cold, allergies, hay fever, sinusitis and other respiratory illnesses.

HOW TO USE: Take this medication as prescribed. Be sure to follow instructions closely. Do not increase your dose or take this more often than directed. This medication is best taken with a full glass of water after a meal or snack. This medication contains acetaminophen. Do not take more acetaminophen than recommended (see Side Effects section).

SIDE EFFECTS: Dizziness, drowsiness, headache, loss of appetite, nausea, stomach upset, dry mouth or constipation may occur the first several days as your body adjusts to the medication. Inform your doctor if any of these effects persist or worsen. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop: chest pain, rapid pulse, persistent headache, difficulty urinating, tremors, nervousness, hallucinations. If you do not have liver problems, the adult maximum dose of acetaminophen is 4 grams (4000 milligrams). If you take more than the maximum daily amount, it may cause serious (possibly fatal) liver disease. Tell your doctor immediately if you have any of the following symptoms of liver damage: severe nausea, yellowing eyes or skin, dark urine, stomach pain, extreme fatigue. An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.




Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration

 

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.


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decongestant-narcotic antitussive-apap-antihistamine-oral

What is the common cold, and what causes it?

The common cold, also known as a viral upper respiratory tract infection, is a self-limited contagious illness that can be caused by a number of different types of viruses. More than 200 different types of viruses are known to cause the common cold. Because so many different viruses can cause a cold and because new cold viruses constantly develop, the body never builds up resistance against all of them. For this reason, colds are a frequent and recurring problem. In fact, children in preschool and elementary school can have three to 12 colds per year while adolescents and adults typically have two to four colds per year. The common cold is the most frequently occurring illness in the world, and it is a leading cause of doctor visits and missed days from school and work.

What are the symptoms of the common cold?

Symptoms of the common cold include nasal stuffiness or drainage, sor...

Read the Common Cold article »



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