Antihistamine and antitussive combinations— |
|
1.
Chlorpheniramine and Codeine (klor-fen-EER-a-meen and KOE-deen)* |
2.
Chlorpheniramine and Dextromethorphan (klor-fen-EER-a-meen and dex-troe-meth-OR-fan)† |
3.
Chlorpheniramine and Hydrocodone (klor-fen-EER-a-meen and hye-droe-KOE-done)† |
4.
Phenyltoloxamine and Hydrocodone (fen-ill-tole-OX-a-meen and hye-droe-KOE-done)* |
5.
Promethazine and Codeine (proe-METH-a-zeen and KOE-deen)‡† |
6.
Promethazine and Dextromethorphan (proe-METH-a-zeen and dex-troe-meth-OR-fan)† |
7.
Pyrilamine and Codeine (peer-ILL-a-meen and KOE-deen)† |
|
‡
Generic name product may be available in the U.S. |
§
Generic name product may be available in Canada |
*
Not commercially available in the U.S. |
†
Not commercially available in Canada | Antihistamine, antitussive, and analgesic combinations— |
|
8.
Doxylamine, Codeine, and Acetaminophen (dox-ILL-a-meen, KOE-deen, and a-seat-a-MIN-oh-fen)* |
|
‡
Generic name product may be available in the U.S. |
§
Generic name product may be available in Canada |
*
Not commercially available in the U.S. |
†
Not commercially available in Canada | Antihistamine, antitussive, and expectorant combinations— |
|
9.
Diphenhydramine, Codeine, and Ammonium Chloride (dye-fen-HYE-dra-meen, KOE-deen, and a-MOE-nee-um KLOR-ide)* |
10.
Diphenhydramine, Dextromethorphan, and Ammonium Chloride (dye-fen-HYE-dra-meen, dex-troe-meth-OR-fan, and a-MOE-nee-um KLOR-ide)* |
11.
Pheniramine, Codeine, and Guaifenesin (fen-EER-a-meen, KOE-deen, and gwye-FEN-e-sin)* |
12.
Pheniramine, Pyrilamine, Hydrocodone, Potassium Citrate, and Ascorbic Acid (fen-EER-a-meen, peer-ILL-a-meen, hye-droe-KOE-done, poe-TAS-ee-um SI-trate, and a-SKOR-bik AS-id)† |
13.
Promethazine, Codeine, and Potassium Guaiacolsulfonate (proe-METH-a-zeen, KOE-deen, and poe-TAS-ee-um gwye-a-kol-SUL-fon-ate)* |
|
‡
Generic name product may be available in the U.S. |
§
Generic name product may be available in Canada |
*
Not commercially available in the U.S. |
†
Not commercially available in Canada | Antihistamine, and decongestant combinations— |
|
14.
Promethazine, and Phenylephrine (proe-METH-a-zeen, and fen-ill-EF-rin)† |
15.
Pheniramine, Pyrilamine and Phenyltoloxamine (fen-EER-a-meen, peer-ILL-a-meen, and fen-ill-tole-OX-a-meen)† |
|
‡
Generic name product may be available in the U.S. |
§
Generic name product may be available in Canada |
*
Not commercially available in the U.S. |
†
Not commercially available in Canada | Antihistamine, decongestant, and antitussive combinations— |
|
16.
Brompheniramine, Phenylephrine, and Codeine (brome-fen-EER-a-meen, fen-ill-EF-rin, and KOE-deen) |
17.
Brompheniramine, Pseudoephedrine, and Dextromethorphan (brome-fen-EER-a-meen, soo-doe-e-FED-rin, and dex-troe-meth-OR-fan)† |
18.
Carbinoxamine, Pseudoephedrine, and Dextromethorphan (kar-bi-NOX-a-meen, soo-doe-e-FED-rin, and dex-troe-meth-OR-fan)† |
19.
Chlorpheniramine, Pyrilamine, Phenylephrine, Pseudoephedrine and Hydrocodone (klor-fen-EER-a-meen, peer-ILL-a-meen, fen-ill-EF-rin, soo-doe-e-FED-rin and hye-droe-KOE-done)† |
20.
Chlorpheniramine, Ephedrine, Phenylephrine, and Carbetapentane (klor-fen-EER-a-meen, e-FED-rin, fen-ill-EF-rin, and kar-bay-ta-PEN-tane)† |
21.
Chlorpheniramine, Phenylephrine, and Dextromethorphan (klor-fen-EER-a-meen, fen-ill-EF-rin, and dex-troe-meth-OR-fan)† |
22.
Chlorpheniramine, Phenylephrine, and Hydrocodone (klor-fen-EER-a-meen, fen-ill-EF-rin, and hye-droe-KOE-done)† |
23.
Chlorpheniramine, Pseudoephedrine, and Codeine (klor-fen-EER-a-meen, soo-doe-e-FED-rin, and KOE-deen)† |
24.
Chlorpheniramine, Pseudoephedrine, and Dextromethorphan (klor-fen-EER-a-meen, soo-doe-e-FED-rin, and dex-troe-meth-OR-fan) |
25.
Chlorpheniramine, Pseudoephedrine, and Hydrocodone (klor-fen-EER-a-meen, soo-doe-e-FED-rin, and hye-droe-KOE-done)† |
26.
Chlorpheniramine, Pseudoephedrine, and Hydrocodone or Pseudoephedrine and Hydrocodone (klor-fen-EER-a-meen, soo-doe-e-FED-rin, and hye-droe-KOE-done or soo-doe-e-FED-rin and hye-droe-KOE-done)† |
27.
Doxylamine, Etafedrine, and Hydrocodone (dox-ILL-a-meen, et-a-FED-rin, and hye-droe-KOE-done)* |
28.
Pheniramine, Phenylephrine, and Dextromethorphan (fen-EER-a-meen, fen-ill-EF-rin, and dex-troe-meth-OR-fan)* |
29.
Promethazine, Phenylephrine, and Codeine (proe-METH-a-zeen, fen-ill-EF-rin, and KOE-deen)† |
30.
Triprolidine, Pseudoephedrine, and Codeine (trye-PROE-li-deen, soo-doe-e-FED-rin, and KOE-deen) |
|
‡
Generic name product may be available in the U.S. |
§
Generic name product may be available in Canada |
*
Not commercially available in the U.S. |
†
Not commercially available in Canada | Antihistamine, decongestant, antitussive, and analgesic combinations— |
|
31.
Chlorpheniramine, Pheniramine, Pyrilamine, Phenylephrine, Hydrocodone, Salicylamide, Caffeine, and Ascorbic Acid (klor-fen-EER-a-meen, fen-EER-a-meen, peer-ILL-a-meen, fen-ill-EF-rin, hye-droe-KOE-done, sal-i-SILL-a-mide, kaf-EEN, and a-SKOR-bik AS-id)† |
32.
Chlorpheniramine, Phenylephrine, Hydrocodone, Acetaminophen, and Caffeine (klor-fen-EER-a-meen, fen-ill-EF-rin, hye-droe-KOE-done, a-seat-a-MIN-oh-fen, and kaf-EEN)† |
33.
Chlorpheniramine, Pseudoephedrine, Codeine, and Acetaminophen (klor-fen-EER-a-meen, soo-doe-e-FED-rin, KOE-deen, and a-seat-a-MIN-oh-fen)* |
34.
Chlorpheniramine, Pseudoephedrine, Dextromethorphan, and Acetaminophen (klor-fen-EER-a-meen, soo-doe-e-FED-rin, dex-troe-meth-OR-fan, and a-seat-a-MIN-oh-fen) |
35.
Doxylamine, Pseudoephedrine, Dextromethorphan, and Acetaminophen (dox-ILL-a-meen, soo-doe-e-FED-rin, dex-troe-meth-OR-fan, and a-seat-a-MIN-oh-fen) |
36.
Pyrilamine, Pseudoephedrine, Dextromethorphan, and Acetaminophen (peer-ILL-a-meen, soo-doe-e-FED-rin, dex-troe-meth-OR-fan, and a-seat-a-MIN-oh-fen)† |
|
‡
Generic name product may be available in the U.S. |
§
Generic name product may be available in Canada |
*
Not commercially available in the U.S. |
†
Not commercially available in Canada | Antihistamine, decongestant, antitussive, and expectorant combinations— |
|
37.
Brompheniramine, Phenylephrine, Codeine, and Guaifenesin (brome-fen-EER-a-meen, fen-ill-EF-rin, KOE-deen, and gwye-FEN-e-sin)* |
38.
Brompheniramine, Phenylephrine, Hydrocodone, and Guaifenesin (brome-fen-EER-a-meen, fen-ill-EF-rin, hye-droe-KOE-done, and gwye-FEN-e-sin)* |
39.
Chlorpheniramine, Ephedrine, Phenylephrine, Dextromethorphan, Ammonium Chloride, and Ipecac (klor-fen-EER-a-meen, e-FED-rin, fen-ill-EF-rin, dex-troe-meth-OR-fan, a-MOE-nee-um KLOR-ide, and IP-e-kak)† |
40.
Chlorpheniramine, Phenylephrine, Codeine and Ammonium Chloride (klor-fen-EER-a-meen, fen-ill-EF-rin, KOE-deen, and a-MOE-nee-um KLOR-ide)† |
41.
Chlorpheniramine, Phenylephrine, Codeine, and Potassium Iodide (klor-fen-EER-a-meen, fen-ill-EF-rin, KOE-deen, and por-TAS-ee-um EYE-oh-dyed)† |
42.
Chlorpheniramine, Phenylephrine, Dextromethorphan, and Guaifenesin (klor-fen-EER-a-meen, fen-ill-EF-rin, dex-troe-meth-OR-fan, and gwye-FEN-e-sin)† |
43.
Chlorpheniramine, Phenylephrine, Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin, and Ammonium Chloride (klor-fen-EER-a-meen, fen-ill-EF-rin, dex-troe-meth-OR-fan, gwye-FEN-e-sin, and a-MOE-nee-um KLOR-ide)† |
44.
Chlorpheniramine, Pseudoephedrine, Dextromethorphan, and Guaifenesin (klor-fen-EER-a-meen, soo-doe-e-FED-rin, dex-troe-meth-OR-fan, and gwye-FEN-e-sin)* |
45.
Pyrilamine, Phenylephrine, Hydrocodone, and Ammonium Chloride (peer-ILL-a-meen, fen-ill-EF-rin, hye-droe-KOE-done, and a-MOE-nee-um KLOR-ide)* |
46.
Triprolidine, Pseudoephedrine, Codeine, and Guaifenesin (trye-PROE-li-deen, soo-doe-e-FED-rin, KOE-deen, and gwye-FEN-e-sin)* |
|
‡
Generic name product may be available in the U.S. |
§
Generic name product may be available in Canada |
*
Not commercially available in the U.S. |
†
Not commercially available in Canada | Antihistamine, decongestant, antitussive, expectorant, and analgesic combinations— |
|
47.
Pheniramine, Phenylephrine, Codeine, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Salicylate, and Caffeine (fen-EER-a-meen, fen-ill-EF-rin, KOE-deen, SOE-dee-um SI-trate, SOE-dee-um sa-LI-sill-ate, and kaf-EEN)† |
|
‡
Generic name product may be available in the U.S. |
§
Generic name product may be available in Canada |
*
Not commercially available in the U.S. |
†
Not commercially available in Canada | Antihistamine, decongestant, and expectorant combinations— |
|
48.
Chlorpheniramine, Ephedrine, and Guaifenesin (klor-fen-EER-a-meen, e-FED-rin, and gwye-FEN-e-sin)† |
49.
Promethazine, Phenylephrine, and Potassium Guaiacolsulfonate (pro-METH-a-zeen, fen-ill-EF-rin, and poe-TAS-see-um gwye-a-kol-SUL-fon-ate)* |
|
‡
Generic name product may be available in the U.S. |
§
Generic name product may be available in Canada |
*
Not commercially available in the U.S. |
†
Not commercially available in Canada | Antitussive and analgesic combination— |
|
50.
Dextromethorphan and Acetaminophen (dex-troe-meth-OR-fan and a-seat-a-MIN-oh-fen) |
|
‡
Generic name product may be available in the U.S. |
§
Generic name product may be available in Canada |
*
Not commercially available in the U.S. |
†
Not commercially available in Canada | Antitussive and anticholinergic combination— |
|
51.
Hydrocodone and Homatropine (hye-droe-KOE-done and hoe-MA-troe-peen)‡ |
|
‡
Generic name product may be available in the U.S. |
§
Generic name product may be available in Canada |
*
Not commercially available in the U.S. |
†
Not commercially available in Canada | Antitussive and expectorant combinations— |
|
52.
Codeine, Ammonium Chloride, and Guaifenesin (KOE-deen, a-MOE-nee-um KLOR-ide, and gwye-FEN-e-sin)* |
53.
Codeine and Guaifenesin (KOE-deen and gwye-FEN-e-sin)‡† |
54.
Dextromethorphan and Guaifenesin (dex-troe-meth-OR-fan and gwye-FEN-e-sin) |
55.
Dextromethorphan and Iodinated Glycerol (dex-troe-meth-OR-fan and EYE-oh-di-nay-ted GLI-ser-ole)† |
56.
Hydrocodone and Guaifenesin (hye-droe-KOE-done and gwye-FEN-e-sin)‡† |
57.
Hydrocodone and Potassium Guaiacolsulfonate (hye-droe-KOE-done and poe-TAS-see-um gwye-a-kol-SUL-fon-ate)† |
|
‡
Generic name product may be available in the U.S. |
§
Generic name product may be available in Canada |
*
Not commercially available in the U.S. |
†
Not commercially available in Canada | Decongestant and antitussive combinations— |
|
58.
Phenylephrine and Hydrocodone (fen-ill-EF-rin and hye-droe-KOE-done) |
59.
Pseudoephedrine and Dextromethorphan (soo-doe-e-FED-rin and dex-troe-meth-OR-fan) |
|
‡
Generic name product may be available in the U.S. |
§
Generic name product may be available in Canada |
*
Not commercially available in the U.S. |
†
Not commercially available in Canada | Decongestant, antitussive, and analgesic combinations— |
|
60.
Pseudoephedrine, Dextromethorphan, and Acetaminophen (soo-doe-e-FED-rin, dex-troe-meth-OR-fan, and a-seat-a-MIN-oh-fen) |
|
‡
Generic name product may be available in the U.S. |
§
Generic name product may be available in Canada |
*
Not commercially available in the U.S. |
†
Not commercially available in Canada | Decongestant, antitussive, and expectorant combinations— |
|
61.
Phenylephrine, Codeine, and Guaifenesin (fen-ill-EF-rin, KOE-deen, and gwye-FEN-e-sin)† |
62.
Phenylephrine, Hydrocodone, and Guaifenesin (fen-ill-EF-rin, hye-droe-KOE-done, and gwye-FEN-e-sin) |
63.
Pseudoephedrine, Codeine, and Guaifenesin (soo-doe-e-FED-rin, KOE-deen, and gwye-FEN-e-sin)‡ |
64.
Pseudoephedrine, Dextromethorphan, and Guaifenesin (soo-doe-e-FED-rin, dex-troe-meth-OR-fan, and gwye-FEN-e-sin) |
65.
Pseudoephedrine, Hydrocodone, and Guaifenesin (soo-doe-e-FED-rin, hye-droe-KOE-done, and gwye-FEN-e-sin)† |
66.
Pseudoephedrine, Hydrocodone, and Potassium Guaiacolsulfonate (soo-doe-e-FED-rin, hye-droe-KOE-done, and poe-TAS-ee-um gwye-a-kol-SUL-fon-ate)† |
|
‡
Generic name product may be available in the U.S. |
§
Generic name product may be available in Canada |
*
Not commercially available in the U.S. |
†
Not commercially available in Canada | Decongestant, antitussive, expectorant, and analgesic combinations— |
|
67.
Pseudoephedrine, Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin, and Acetaminophen (soo-doe-e-FED-rin, dex-troe-meth-OR-fan, gwye-FEN-e-sin, and a-seat-a-MIN-oh-fen) |
|
‡
Generic name product may be available in the U.S. |
§
Generic name product may be available in Canada |
*
Not commercially available in the U.S. |
†
Not commercially available in Canada | Decongestant and expectorant combinations— |
|
68.
Ephedrine and Guaifenesin (e-FED-rin and gwye-FEN-e-sin)† |
69.
Phenylephrine and Guaifenesin (fen-ill-EF-rin and gwye-FEN-e-sin)† |
70.
Pseudoephedrine and Guaifenesin (soo-doe-e-FED-rin and gwye-FEN-e-sin)‡ |
|
‡
Generic name product may be available in the U.S. |
§
Generic name product may be available in Canada |
*
Not commercially available in the U.S. |
†
Not commercially available in Canada |
Cough/cold combinations are used mainly to relieve the cough due to colds, influenza, or hay fever. They are not to be used for the chronic cough that occurs with smoking, asthma, or emphysema or when there is an unusually large amount of mucus or phlegm (pronounced flem) with the cough.
Cough/cold combination products contain more than one ingredient. For example, some products may contain an antihistamine, a decongestant, and an analgesic, in addition to a medicine for coughing. If you are treating yourself, it is important to select a product that is best for your symptoms. Also, in general, it is best to buy a product that includes only those medicines you really need. If you have questions about which product to buy, check with your pharmacist.
Since different products contain ingredients that will have different precautions and side effects, it is important that you know the ingredients of the medicine you are taking. The different kinds of ingredients that may be found in cough/cold combinations include:
Antihistamines
Antihistamines are used to relieve or prevent the symptoms of hay fever and other types of allergy. They also help relieve some symptoms of the common cold, such as sneezing and runny nose. They work by preventing the effects of a substance called histamine, which is produced by the body. Some examples of antihistamines contained in these combinations are: bromodiphenhydramine
(broe-moe-dye-fen-HYE-dra-meen)
, brompheniramine
(brome-fen-EER-a-meen )
, carbinoxamine
( kar-bi-NOX-a-meen)
, chlorpheniramine
(klor-fen-EER-a-meen)
, dexchlorpheniramine
(dex-klor-fen-EER-a-meen)
, diphenhydramine
(dye-fen-HYE-dra-meen )
, doxylamine
(dox-ILL-a-meen )
, phenindamine
( fen-IN-da-meen)
, pheniramine
( fen-EER-a-meen)
, phenyltoloxamine
( fen-ill-tole-OX-a-meen)
, pyrilamine
( peer-ILL-a-meen)
, promethazine
( proe-METH-a-zeen)
, and triprolidine
( trye-PROE-li-deen)
.
Decongestants
Decongestants, such as ephedrine
( e-FED-rin)
, phenylephrine
( fen-ill-EF-rin)
, and pseudoephedrine
(soo-doe-e-FED-rin)
, produce a narrowing of blood vessels. This leads to clearing of nasal congestion. However, this effect may also increase blood pressure in patients who have high blood pressure.
Antitussives
To help relieve coughing these combinations contain either a narcotic [codeine
(KOE-deen)
, dihydrocodeine
( dye-hye-droe-KOE-deen)
, hydrocodone
( hye-droe-KOE-done)
or hydromorphone
( hye-droe-MOR-fone)
] or a nonnarcotic [carbetapentane
( kar-bay-ta-PEN-tane)
, caramiphen
(kar-AM-i-fen )
, or dextromethorphan
(dex-troe-meth-OR-fan )
] antitussive. These antitussives act directly on the cough center in the brain. Narcotics may become habit-forming, causing mental or physical dependence, if used for a long time. Physical dependence may lead to withdrawal side effects when you stop taking the medicine.
Expectorants
Guaifenesin
(gwye-FEN-e-sin)
works by loosening the mucus or phlegm in the lungs. Other ingredients added as expectorants (for example, ammonium chloride, calcium iodide, iodinated glycerol, ipecac, potassium guaiacolsulfonate, potassium iodide, and sodium citrate) have not been proven to be effective. In general, the best thing you can do to loosen mucus or phlegm is to drink plenty of water.
Analgesics
Analgesics, such as acetaminophen
( a-seat-a-MIN-oh-fen)
, aspirin, and other salicylates [such as salicylamide
(sal-i-SILL-a-mide)
and sodium salicylate
(SOE-dee-um sa-LI-sill-ate )
] are used in these combination medicines to help relieve the aches and pain that may occur with the common cold.
The use of too much acetaminophen and salicylates at the same time may cause kidney damage or cancer of the kidney or urinary bladder. This may occur if large amounts of both medicines are taken together for a long time. However, taking the recommended amounts of combination medicines that contain both acetaminophen and a salicylate for short periods of time has not been shown to cause these unwanted effects.
Anticholinergics
Anticholinergics such as homatropine
( hoe-MA-troe-peen)
may help produce a drying effect in the nose and chest.
Some of these combinations are available only with your doctor's prescription. Others are available without a prescription; however, your health care professional may have special instructions on the proper dose of the medicine for your medical condition.
Cough/cold combinations are available in the following dosage forms:
-
Oral
- Chlorpheniramine and Codeine
- Chlorpheniramine and Dextromethorphan
- Chlorpheniramine and Hydrocodone
- Oral solution (U.S.)
- Oral suspension (U.S.)
- Phenyltoloxamine and Hydrocodone
- Oral suspension (Canada)
- Tablets (Canada)
- Promethazine and Codeine
- Oral solution (U.S.)
- Syrup (U.S.)
- Promethazine and Dextromethorphan
- Oral solution (U.S.)
- Syrup (U.S.)
- Pyrilamine and Codeine
-
Oral
- Doxylamine, Codeine, and Acetaminophen
-
Oral
- Diphenhydramine, Codeine, and Ammonium Chloride
- Diphenhydramine, Dextromethorphan, and Ammonium Chloride
- Pheniramine, Codeine, and Guaifenesin
- Pheniramine, Pyrilamine, Hydrocodone, Potassium Citrate, and Ascorbic Acid
- Promethazine, Codeine, and Potassium Guaiacolsulfonate
-
Oral
- Promethazine, and phenylephrine
- Pheniramine, Pyrilamine and Phenyltoloxamine
-
Oral
- Bromopheniramine, Phenylephrine, and Codeine
- Brompheniramine, Pseudoephedrine, and Dextromethorphan
- Carbinoxamine, Pseudoephedrine, and Dextromethorphan
- Oral solution (U.S.)
- Syrup (U.S.)
- Chlorpheniramine, Pyrilamine, Phenylephrine, Pseudoephedrine, and Hydrocodone
- Chlorpheniramine, Ephedrine, Phenylephrine, and Carbetapentane
- Oral suspension (U.S.)
- Tablets (U.S.)
- Chlorpheniramine, Phenylephrine, and Dextromethorphan
- Oral solution (U.S.)
- Syrup (U.S.)
- Tablets (U.S.)
- Chlorpheniramine, Phenylephrine, and Hydrocodone
- Oral solution (U.S.)
- Syrup (U.S.)
- Chlorpheniramine, Pseudoephedrine, and Codeine
- Elixir (U.S.)
- Oral solution (U.S.)
- Chlorpheniramine, Pseudoephedrine, and Dextromethorphan
- Chewable tablets (U.S.)
- Oral solution (U.S. and Canada)
- Syrup (U.S. and Canada)
- Chlorpheniramine, Pseudoephedrine, and Hydrocodone
- Oral solution (U.S.)
- Syrup (U.S.)
- Chlorpheniramine, Pseudoephedrine, and Hydrocodone
- Doxylamine, Etadefrine, and Hydrocodone
- Pheniramine, Phenylephrine, and Dextromethorphan
- Promethazine, Phenylephrine, and Codeine
- Oral solution (U.S.)
- Syrup (U.S.)
- Triprolidine, Pseudoephedrine, and Codeine
- Oral solution (Canada)
- Syrup (U.S.)
- Tablets (Canada)
-
Oral
- Chlorpheniramine, Pheniramine, Pyrilamine, Phenylephrine, Hydrocodone, Salicylamide, Caffeine, and Ascorbic Acid
- Chlorpheniramine, Phenylephrine, Hydrocodone, Acetaminophen, and Caffeine
- Chlorpheniramine, Pseudoephedrine, Codeine, and Acetaminophen
- Chlorpheniramine, Pseudoephedrine, Dextromethorphan, and Acetaminophen
- Capsules (U.S.)
- Chewable tablets (U.S. and Canada)
- Oral solution (U.S. and Canada)
- Syrup (Canada)
- Tablets (U.S. and Canada)
- Doxylamine, Pseudoephedrine, Dextromethorphan, and Acetaminophen
- Capsules (U.S.)
- Oral solution (U.S.)
- Pyrilamine, Pseudoephedrine, Dextromethorphan, and Acetaminophen
-
Oral
- Brompheniramine, Phenylephrine, Codeine, and Guaifenesin
- Brompheniramine, Phenylephrine, Hydrocodone, and Guaifenesin
- Chlorpheniramine, Ephedrine, Phenylephrine, Dextromethorphan, Ammonium Chloride, and Ipecac
- Chlorpheniramine, Phenylephrine, Codeine, and Ammonium Chloride
- Chlorpheniramine, Phenylephrine, Codeine, and Potassium Iodide
- Chlorpheniramine, Phenylephrine, Dextromethorphan, and Guaifenesin
- Chlorpheniramine, Phenylephrine, Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin, and Ammonium Chloride
- Chlorpheniramine, Pseudoephedrine, Dextromethorphan and Guaifenesin
- Pyrilamine, Phenylephrine, Hydrocodone, and Ammonium Chloride
- Triprolidine, Pseudoephedrine, Codeine, and Guaifenesin
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Oral
- Pheniramine, Phenylephrine, Codeine, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Salicylate, and Caffeine
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Oral
- Chlorpheniramine, Ephedrine, and Guaifenesin
- Promethazine, Phenylephrine, and Potassium Guaiacolsulfonate
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Oral
- Dextromethorphan and Acetaminophen
- Capsules (U.S.)
- Oral solution (U.S.)
- Oral suspension (Canada)
- Tablets (U.S.)
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Oral
- Hydrocodone and Homatropine (Canadian product does not contain homatropine)
- Syrup (U.S. and Canada)
- Tablets (U.S. and Canada)
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Oral
- Codeine, Ammonium Chloride, and Guaifenesin
- Codeine and Guaifenesin
- Oral solution (U.S.)
- Syrup (U.S.)
- Tablets (U.S.)
- Dextromethorphan and Guaifenesin
- Capsules (U.S.)
- Extended-release capsules (U.S.)
- Oral solution (U.S.)
- Syrup (U.S. and Canada)
- Tablets (U.S.)
- Extended-release tablets (U.S.)
- Dextromethorphan and Iodinated Glycerol
- Hydrocodone and Guaifenesin
- Oral solution (U.S.)
- Syrup (U.S.)
- Tablets (U.S.)
- Hydrocodone and Potassium Guaiacolsulfonate
- Oral solution (U.S.)
- Syrup (U.S.)
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Oral
- Phenylephrine and Hydrocodone
- Oral solution (Canada)
- Syrup (Canada)
- Pseudoephedrine and Dextromethorphan
- Capsules (U.S.)
- Oral solution (U.S. and Canada)
- Syrup (Canada)
-
Oral
- Pseudoephedrine, Dextromethorphan, and Acetaminophen
- Capsules (U.S.)
- Oral solution (U.S.)
- Oral suspension (Canada)
- Tablets (U.S. and Canada)
-
Oral
- Phenylephrine, Hydrocodone, and Guaifenesin
- Phenylephrine, Hydrocodone, and Guaifenesin
- Oral solution (Canada)
- Syrup (U.S.)
- Pseudoephedrine, Codeine, and Guaifenesin
- Oral solution (U.S. and Canada)
- Syrup (U.S. and Canada)
- Pseudoephedrine, Dextromethorphan, and Guaifenesin
- Capsules (U.S. and Canada)
- Oral solution (U.S. and Canada)
- Syrup (U.S. and Canada)
- Tablets (U.S.)
- Pseudoephedrine, Hydrocodone, and Guaifenesin
- Elixir (U.S.)
- Oral solution (U.S.)
- Syrup (U.S.)
- Tablets (U.S.)
- Pseudoephedrine, Hydrocodone, and Potassium Guaiacolsulfonate
-
Oral
- Pseudoephedrine, Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin, and Acetaminophen
- Capsules (U.S.)
- Oral solution (U.S. and Canada)
- Syrup (Canada)
- Tablets (U.S.)
-
Oral
- Ephedrine and Guaifenesin
- Phenylephrine and Guaifenesin
- Oral solution (U.S.)
- Extended-release capsules (U.S.)
- Extended-release tablets (U.S.)
- Pseudoephedrine and Guaifenesin
- Capsules (U.S.)
- Extended-release capsules (U.S.)
- Oral solution (U.S. and Canada)
- Syrup (U.S. and Canada)
- Tablets (U.S.)
- Extended-release tablets (U.S.)
If you are taking this medicine without a prescription, carefully read and follow any precautions on the label. For cough/cold combinations, the following should be considered:
Allergies—Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to any of the ingredients contained in this medicine. Also tell your health care professional if you are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives, or dyes. In addition, if this medicine contains aspirin or other salicylates, before taking it, check with your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to any of the following medicines:
- Aspirin or other salicylates
- Diclofenac (e.g., Voltaren)
- Diflunisal (e.g., Dolobid)
- Fenoprofen (e.g., Nalfon)
- Floctafenine
- Flurbiprofen, by mouth (e.g., Ansaid)
- Ibuprofen (e.g., Motrin)
- Indomethacin (e.g., Indocin)
- Ketoprofen (e.g., Orudis)
- Ketorolac (e.g., Toradol)
- Meclofenamate (e.g., Meclomen)
- Mefenamic acid (e.g., Ponstel)
- Methyl salicylate (oil of wintergreen)
- Naproxen (e.g., Naprosyn)
- Oxyphenbutazone (e.g., Tandearil)
- Phenylbutazone (e.g., Butazolidin)
- Piroxicam (e.g., Feldene)
- Sulindac (e.g., Clinoril)
- Suprofen (e.g., Suprol)
- Tiaprofenic acid (e.g., Surgam)
- Tolmetin (e.g., Tolectin)
- Zomepirac (e.g., Zomax)
Diet—Make certain your health care professional knows if you are on any special diet, such as a low-sodium or low-sugar diet.
Pregnancy—The occasional use of a cough/cold combination is not likely to cause problems in the fetus or in the newborn baby. However, when these medicines are used at higher doses and/or for a long time, the chance that problems might occur may increase. For the individual ingredients of these combinations, the following information should be considered before you decide to use a particular cough/cold combination:
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Acetaminophen—Studies on birth defects have not been done in humans. However, acetaminophen has not been shown to cause birth defects or other problems in humans.
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Alcohol—Some of these combination medicines contain a large amount of alcohol. Too much use of alcohol during pregnancy may cause birth defects.
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Antihistamines—Antihistamines have not been shown to cause problems in humans.
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Caffeine—Studies in humans have not shown that caffeine causes birth defects. However, studies in animals have shown that caffeine causes birth defects when given in very large doses (amounts equal to the amount of caffeine contained in 12 to 24 cups of coffee a day).
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Codeine—Although studies on birth defects with codeine have not been done in humans, it has not been reported to cause birth defects in humans. Codeine has not been shown to cause birth defects in animal studies, but it caused other unwanted effects. Also, regular use of narcotics during pregnancy may cause the baby to become dependent on the medicine. This may lead to withdrawal side effects after birth. In addition, narcotics may cause breathing problems in the newborn baby if taken by the mother just before delivery.
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Hydrocodone—Although studies on birth defects with hydrocodone have not been done in humans, it has not been reported to cause birth defects in humans. However, hydrocodone has been shown to cause birth defects in animals when given in very large doses. Also, regular use of narcotics during pregnancy may cause the baby to become dependent on the medicine. This may lead to withdrawal side effects after birth. In addition, narcotics may cause breathing problems in the newborn baby if taken by the mother just before delivery.
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Iodides (e.g., calcium iodide and iodinated glycerol) —Not recommended during pregnancy. Iodides have caused enlargement of the thyroid gland in the fetus and resulted in breathing problems in newborn babies whose mothers took iodides in large doses for a long period of time.
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Phenylephrine—Studies on birth defects with phenylephrine have not been done in either humans or animals.
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Pseudoephedrine—Studies on birth defects with pseudoephedrine have not been done in humans. In animal studies pseudoephedrine did not cause birth defects but did cause a decrease in average weight, length, and rate of bone formation in the animal fetus when given in high doses.
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Salicylates (e.g., aspirin)—Studies on birth defects in humans have been done with aspirin, but not with salicylamide or sodium salicylate. Salicylates have not been shown to cause birth defects in humans. However, salicylates have been shown to cause birth defects in animals.Some reports have suggested that too much use of aspirin late in pregnancy may cause a decrease in the newborn's weight and possible death of the fetus or newborn infant. However, the mothers in these reports had been taking much larger amounts of aspirin than are usually recommended. Studies of mothers taking aspirin in the doses that are usually recommended did not show these unwanted effects. However, there is a chance that regular use of salicylates late in pregnancy may cause unwanted effects on the heart or blood flow in the fetus or newborn baby.Use of salicylates, especially aspirin, during the last 2 weeks of pregnancy may cause bleeding problems in the fetus before or during delivery, or in the newborn baby. Also, too much use of salicylates during the last 3 months of pregnancy may increase the length of pregnancy, prolong labor, cause other problems during delivery, or cause severe bleeding in the mother before, during, or after delivery. Do not take aspirin during the last 3 months of pregnancy unless it has been ordered by your doctor.
Breast-feeding—If you are breast-feeding, the chance that problems might occur depends on the ingredients of the combination. For the individual ingredients of these combinations, the following apply:
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Acetaminophen—Acetaminophen passes into the breast milk. However, it has not been reported to cause problems in nursing babies.
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Alcohol—Alcohol passes into the breast milk. However, the amount of alcohol in recommended doses of this medicine does not usually cause problems in nursing babies.
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Antihistamines—Small amounts of antihistamines pass into the breast milk. Antihistamine-containing medicine is not recommended for use while breast-feeding since most antihistamines are especially likely to cause side effects, such as unusual excitement or irritability, in the baby. Also, since antihistamines tend to decrease the secretions of the body, the flow of breast milk may be reduced in some patients.
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Caffeine—Small amounts of caffeine pass into the breast milk and may build up in the nursing baby. However, the amount of caffeine in recommended doses of this medicine does not usually cause problems in nursing babies.
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Decongestants (e.g., ephedrine, phenylephrine, , pseudoephedrine)—Phenylephrine has not been reported to cause problems in nursing babies. Ephedrine and pseudoephedrine pass into the breast milk and may cause unwanted effects in nursing babies (especially newborn and premature babies).
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Iodides (e.g., calcium iodide and iodinated glycerol) —These medicines pass into the breast milk and may cause unwanted effects, such as underactive thyroid, in the baby.
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Narcotic antitussives (e.g., codeine, dihydrocodeine, hydrocodone, and hydromorphone)—Small amounts of codeine have been shown to pass into the breast milk. However, the amount of codeine or other narcotic antitussives in recommended doses of this medicine has not been reported to cause problems in nursing babies.
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Salicylates (e.g., aspirin)—Salicylates pass into the breast milk. Although salicylates have not been reported to cause problems in nursing babies, it is possible that problems may occur if large amounts are taken regularly.
Children—Very young children are usually more sensitive to the effects of this medicine. Before giving any of these combination medicines to a child, check the package label very carefully. Some of these medicines are too strong for use in children. If you are not certain whether a specific product can be given to a child, or if you have any questions about the amount to give, check with your health care professional, especially if it contains:
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Antihistamines—Nightmares, unusual excitement, nervousness, restlessness, or irritability may be more likely to occur in children taking antihistamines.
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Decongestants (e.g., ephedrine, phenylephrine, pseudoephedrine)—Increases in blood pressure may be more likely to occur in children taking decongestants.
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Narcotic antitussives (e.g., codeine, hydrocodeine, hydrocodone, and hydromorphone)—Breathing problems may be especially likely to occur in children younger than 2 years of age taking narcotic antitussives. Also, unusual excitement or restlessness may be more likely to occur in children receiving these medicines.
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Salicylates (e.g., aspirin)— Do not give medicines containing aspirin or other salicylates to a child with a fever or other symptoms of a virus infection, especially flu or chickenpox, without first discussing its use with your child's doctor . This is very important because salicylates may cause a serious illness called Reye's syndrome in children with fever caused by a virus infection, especially flu or chickenpox. Also, children may be more sensitive to the aspirin or other salicylates contained in some of these medicines, especially if they have a fever or have lost large amounts of body fluid because of vomiting, diarrhea, or sweating.
Teenagers—Do not give medicines containing aspirin or other salicylates to a teenager with a fever or other symptoms of a virus infection, especially flu or chickenpox, without first discussing its use with your child's doctor. This is very important because salicylates may cause a serious illness called Reye's syndrome in teenagers with fever caused by a virus infection, especially flu or chickenpox.
Older adults—The elderly are usually more sensitive to the effects of this medicine, especially if it contains:
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Antihistamines—Confusion, difficult or painful urination, dizziness, drowsiness, feeling faint, or dryness of mouth, nose, or throat may be more likely to occur in elderly patients. Also, nightmares or unusual excitement, nervousness, restlessness, or irritability may be more likely to occur in the elderly taking antihistamines.
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Decongestants (e.g., ephedrine, phenylephrine, pseudoephedrine)—Confusion, hallucinations, drowsiness, or convulsions (seizures) may be more likely to occur in the elderly, who are usually more sensitive to the effects of this medicine. Also, increases in blood pressure may be more likely to occur in elderly persons taking decongestants.
Other medicines—Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your health care professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine, for example, aspirin or other medicine for allergies. Some medicines may change the way this medicine affects your body. Also, the effect of other medicines may be increased or reduced by some of the ingredients in this medicine. Check with your health care professional about which medicines you should not take with this medicine.