Antitussive/decongestant (By mouth)

Introduction:

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

Brand Name(s):

Respi-Tann PD, Levall-12, Respi-TANN, Robitussin Pediatric Cough & Cold, Pediacare Cough + Cold Children's, Pediacare Decongestant & Cough, Triaminic AM-Cough/Decongestant, Tuss-DA, Vicks 44d Cough & Head Congestion, Dynex 12, Carbatuss-12, Carbetaplex TS, Zinx Cold, L-All 12 NF, Allres Pd

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have ever had an allergic reaction to a decongestant or cough medicine. You should not use this medicine if you have used an MAO inhibitor such as Nardil®, Marplan®, Parnate®, or Eldepryl® within the past 14 days. Do not give any over-the-counter (OTC) cough and cold medicine to a baby or child under 4 years old. Using these medicines in very young children might cause serious or possibly life-threatening side effects.

How to Use This Medicine:

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

  • Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
  • If you are using this medicine without a prescription, follow the instructions on the medicine label.
  • 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:

  • If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use 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  • Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.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 away from children and 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
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