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Cough/Cold Combinations  (Systemic)

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Contents of this page:

Brand Names

Some commonly used brand names are:

In the U.S.—

  • Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold and Cough21
  • Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold and Cough Medicine Liqui-Gels 34
  • Alka-Seltzer Plus Night-Time Cold Liqui-Gels35
  • Ami-Tex LA69
  • Anatuss LA70
  • Benylin Expectorant54
  • Bromfed-DM17
  • Broncholate68
  • Carbinoxamine Compound-Drops18
  • Cardec DM18
  • Children's Tylenol Cold Plus Cough Multi Symptom34
  • Co-Apap34
  • Comtrex Daytime Maximum Strength Cold, Cough, and Flu Relief60
  • Comtrex Daytime Maximum Strength Cold and Flu Relief 60
  • Comtrex Multi-Symptom Maximum Strength Non-Drowsy Caplets60
  • Comtrex Nighttime Maximum Strength Cold and Flu Relief 34
  • Congestac Caplets70
  • Contac Cold/Flu Day Caplets60
  • Contac Severe Cold and Flu Caplets34
  • Co-Tuss V56
  • Deconsal II70
  • Despec69
  • Despec-SR Caplets70
  • Donatussin42
  • Donatussin DC62
  • Duratuss70
  • Duratuss HD65
  • ED-TLC22
  • ED Tuss HC22
  • Endagen-HD22
  • Endal Expectorant61
  • Entex LA69
  • Father John's Medicine Plus43
  • Genatuss DM54
  • GP-50070
  • Guaifed70
  • Guaifenex PSE 6070
  • Guaifenex PSE 12070
  • GuaiMAX-D70
  • Guai-Vent/PSE70
  • Guiatuss A.C.53
  • Guiatuss CF64
  • Guiatuss DAC63
  • Guiatuss PE70
  • Histinex HC22
  • Histinex PV25
  • Hycodan51
  • Hycomine Compound32
  • Hydropane51
  • Iobid DM54
  • Iodal HD22
  • Iosal II70
  • Iotussin HC22
  • Kolephrin/DM Cough and Cold Medication34
  • Kolephrin GG/DM54
  • Kwelcof Liquid56
  • Mapap Cold Formula34
  • Marcof Expectorant57
  • Nalex DH58
  • Novahistine DH Liquid23
  • Nucofed Expectorant63
  • Nucofed Pediatric Expectorant63
  • Nucotuss Expectorant63
  • Nucotuss Pediatric Expectorant63
  • Nytcold Medicine35
  • Nytime Cold Medicine Liquid35
  • Ornex Severe Cold No Drowsiness Caplets60
  • PanMist-JR70
  • PediaCare Cough-Cold24
  • PediaCare Night Rest Cough-Cold Liquid24
  • Pediacof Cough41
  • Phanatuss54
  • Phenameth VC14
  • Phenergan with Codeine5
  • Phenergan with Dextromethorphan6
  • Phenergan VC with Codeine29
  • Pneumotussin HC56
  • Poly-Histine15
  • Primatuss Cough Mixture 42
  • Primatuss Cough Mixture 4D64
  • Profen II70
  • Promethazine DM6
  • Promethazine VC w/Codeine29
  • Prometh VC with Codeine29
  • Protuss-D66
  • Pseudo-Car DM18
  • P-V-Tussin26
  • Quelidrine Cough39
  • Rentamine Pediatric20
  • Rescon-DM24
  • Rescon-GG69
  • Respa-1st70
  • Respa-DM54
  • Respaire-60 SR70
  • Respaire-120 SR70
  • Rhinosyn-DM24
  • Rhinosyn-DMX Expectorant54
  • Rhinosyn-X64
  • Robafen AC Cough53
  • Robafen DAC63
  • Robafen DM54
  • Robitussin A-C53
  • Robitussin Cold and Cough Liqui-Gels64
  • Robitussin Cold, Cough and Flu Liqui-Gels67
  • Robitussin-DAC63
  • Robitussin-DM54
  • Robitussin Night Relief36
  • Robitussin Night-Time Cold Formula35
  • Robitussin-PE70
  • Robitussin Pediatric Cough and Cold59
  • Robitussin Severe Congestion Liqui-Gels70
  • Rondamine-DM Drops18
  • Rondec-DM18
  • Rondec-DM Drops18
  • Ru-Tuss DE70
  • Ru-Tuss Expectorant64
  • Ryna-C Liquid23
  • Ryna-CX Liquid63
  • Rynatuss20
  • Rynatuss Pediatric20
  • Safe Tussin 3054
  • Scot-Tussin DM2
  • Scot-Tussin Senior Clear54
  • Sildec-DM17
  • Silexin Cough54
  • Siltussin DM54
  • Sinufed Timecelles70
  • Sinutab Non-Drying No Drowsiness Liquid Caps70
  • Stamoist E70
  • Statuss Green19
  • S-T Forte 23
  • Sudafed Children's Non-Drowsy Cold and Cough64
  • Sudafed Cold and Cough Liquid Caps67
  • Sudafed Children's Cold and Cough64
  • Sudal 60/50070
  • Syracol CF54
  • TheraFlu Flu, Cold and Cough Medicine34
  • TheraFlu Maximum Strength Non-Drowsy Formula Flu, Cold and Cough Medicine60
  • TheraFlu Maximum Strength Non-Drowsy Formula Flu, Cold and Cough Medicine Caplets60
  • TheraFlu Nighttime Maximum Strength Flu, Cold and Cough34
  • Tolu-Sed DM54
  • Touro DM54
  • Touro LA Caplets70
  • Triacin C Cough30
  • Triafed w/Codeine30
  • Triaminic AM Non-Drowsy Cough and Decongestant59
  • Triaminic Night Time24
  • Triaminic Sore Throat Formula60
  • Tri-Tannate Plus Pediatric20
  • Tussafed18
  • Tussafed Drops18
  • Tussar DM21
  • Tussigon51
  • Tussionex Pennkinetic3
  • Tussi-Organidin DM NR Liquid54
  • Tussi-Organidin DM-S NR Liquid54
  • Tussi-Organidin NR Liquid53
  • Tussi-Organidin-S NR Liquid53
  • Tussirex47
  • Tuss-LA70
  • Tusso-DM55
  • Tylenol Cold and Flu No Drowsiness Powder60
  • Tylenol Cold Medication34
  • Tylenol Cold Medication Caplets34
  • Tylenol Cold Medication, Non-Drowsy Caplets60
  • Tylenol Cold Medication, Non-Drowsy Gelcaps60
  • Tylenol Cold Multi-Symptom34
  • Tylenol Maximum Strength Flu Gelcaps60
  • Tylenol Multi-Symptom Cough60
  • Uni-tussin DM54
  • Vanex-HD22
  • V-Dec-M70
  • Versacaps70
  • Vicks Children's NyQuil Cold/Cough Relief24
  • Vicks 44 Cough and Cold Relief Non-Drowsy LiquiCaps 59
  • Vicks 44D Cough and Head Congestion59
  • Vicks DayQuil Multi-Symptom Cold/Flu LiquiCaps60
  • Vicks DayQuil Multi-Symptom Cold/Flu Relief60
  • Vicks 44E Cough and Chest Congestion54
  • Vicks 44M Cough, Cold and Flu Relief34
  • Vicks NyQuil Hot Therapy35
  • Vicks NyQuil Multi-Symptom Cold/Flu LiquiCaps35
  • Vicks NyQuil Multi-Symptom Cold/Flu Relief35
  • Vicks Pediatric 44D Cough and Head Decongestion59
  • Vicks Children's Cough Syrup54
  • Vicks Pediatric 44M Multi-Symptom Cough and Cold24
  • Vicodin Tuss56
  • Zephrex70
  • Zephrex-LA70

In Canada—

  • Benylin DM-D59
  • Benylin DM-D for Children59
  • Benylin DM-D-E64
  • Benylin DM-D-E Extra Strength64
  • Benylin DM-E54
  • Benylin DM-E Extra Strength54
  • Benylin 4 Flu67
  • Calmydone27
  • Calmylin #259
  • Calmylin #364
  • Calmylin #410
  • Calmylin Cough and Flu67
  • Calmylin DM-D-E Extra Strength64
  • Calmylin Original with Codeine9
  • Calmylin Pediatric59
  • Cheracol52
  • CoActifed30
  • CoActifed Expectorant46
  • Coristex-DH58
  • Coristine-DH58
  • Cotridin30
  • Cotridin Expectorant46
  • Dimetane Expectorant-C37
  • Dimetane Expectorant-DC38
  • Dimetapp-C16
  • Entex LA69
  • Histenol60
  • Hycodan51
  • Hycomine45
  • Mersyndol with Codeine8
  • NeoCitran DM Coughs and Colds28
  • Novahistex DH58
  • Novahistex DH Expectorant62
  • Novahistine DH58
  • Novahistine DM w/ Decongestant59
  • Novahistine DM Expectorant w/ Decongestant64
  • Penntuss1
  • Pharmasave Children's Cough Syrup59
  • Phenergan Expectorant w/ Codeine13
  • Robitussin A-C11
  • Robitussin with Codeine11
  • Robitussin Cough and Cold64
  • Robitussin Cough and Cold Liqui-Fills64
  • Robitussin-DM54
  • Robitussin-PE70
  • Robitussin Pediatric Cough and Cold59
  • Sinutab with Codeine33
  • Sudafed Cold and Flu Gelcaps67
  • Sudafed Cough and Cold Extra Strength Caplets60
  • Sudafed DM59
  • Tanta Cough Syrup54
  • Triaminic-DM Expectorant44
  • Triaminic DM NightTime for Children24
  • Tussilyn DM24
  • Tussionex4
  • Tylenol Children's Cold DM Medication34
  • Tylenol Cold and Flu34
  • Tylenol Cold Medication Extra Strength Daytime Caplets 60
  • Tylenol Cold Medication Extra Strength Nighttime Caplets 34
  • Tylenol Cold Medication Regular Strength Daytime Caplets 60
  • Tylenol Cold Medication Regular Strength Nighttime Caplets34
  • Tylenol Cough Extra Strength Caplets50
  • Tylenol Cough Medication with Decongestant, Regular Strength60
  • Tylenol Cough Medication Regular Strength50
  • Tylenol Extra Strength Cold and Flu Medication Powder 34
  • Tylenol Junior Strength Cold DM Medication34
  • Vicks Children's NyQuil24
  • Vicks DayQuil Liquicaps60
  • Vicks Formula 44-D59
  • Vicks Formula 44-D Pediatric59
  • Vicks Formula 44E54
  • Vicks Formula 44E Pediatric54
  • Vicks Formula 44M34
  • Vicks NyQuil35
  • Vicks NyQuil LiquiCaps35

Note:

For quick reference the following cough/cold combinations are numbered to match the preceding corresponding brand names.

Note:

Products containing phenylpropanolamine were removed from the U.S. and Canadian Markets in November 2000.
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 CanadaAntihistamine, 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 CanadaAntihistamine, 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 CanadaAntihistamine, 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 CanadaAntihistamine, 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 CanadaAntihistamine, 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 CanadaAntihistamine, 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 CanadaAntihistamine, 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 CanadaAntihistamine, 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 CanadaAntitussive 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 CanadaAntitussive 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 CanadaAntitussive 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 CanadaDecongestant 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 CanadaDecongestant, 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 CanadaDecongestant, 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 CanadaDecongestant, 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 CanadaDecongestant 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

Category


Description

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:



Before Using This Medicine

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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.

Other medical problems—The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of the cough/cold combination medicine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:


Proper Use of This Medicine

To help loosen mucus or phlegm in the lungs, drink a glass of water after each dose of this medicine, unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

Take this medicine only as directed. Do not take more of it and do not take it more often than recommended on the label, unless otherwise directed by your doctor. To do so may increase the chance of side effects.

For patients taking the extended-release capsule or tablet form of this medicine:

For patients taking a combination medicine containing an antihistamine and/or aspirin or other salicylate:

If a combination medicine containing aspirin has a strong vinegar-like odor, do not use it. This odor means the medicine is breaking down. If you have any questions about this, check with your pharmacist.

Missed dose—

If you must take this medicine regularly and you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage—

To store this medicine:


Precautions While Using This Medicine

If your cough has not improved after 7 days or if you have a high fever, skin rash, continuing headache, or sore throat with the cough, check with your doctor. These signs may mean that you have other medical problems.

For patients taking antihistamine-containing medicine :

For patients taking decongestant-containing medicine :

For patients taking narcotic antitussive (codeine, dihydrocodeine, hydrocodone, or hydromorphone)–containing medicine:

For patients taking iodide (calcium iodide, iodinated glycerol, or potassium iodide)-containing medicine:

For patients taking analgesic-containing medicine :

For diabetic patients taking aspirin- or sodium salicylate–containing medicine:

For patients taking homatropine-containing medicine :


Side Effects of This Medicine

Side Effects of This MedicineAlong with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although serious side effects occur rarely when this medicine is taken as recommended, they may be more likely to occur if:

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur:

Also, check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

Other side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. However, check with your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome:


Not all of the side effects listed above have been reported for each of these medicines, but they have been reported for at least one of them. There are some similarities among these combination medicines, so many of the above side effects may occur with any of these medicines.

Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.


Revised: 05/27/2002

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