Antihistamines, Decongestants, and Analgesics (Systemic)

Proper Use of This Medicine

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.

If this medicine irritates your stomach, you may take it with food or a glass of water or milk, to lessen the irritation.

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

• Swallow the tablets whole.
• Do not crush, break, or chew before swallowing.

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.

Dosing - The dose of these combination medicines will be different for different products. Follow the directions on the box if you are taking this medicine without a prescription. Or, follow your doctor's orders if this medicine was prescribed . The following information includes only the average doses for these combinations.

The number of capsules or tablets or teaspoonfuls of liquid that you take depends on the strength of the medicine.

There is a large variety of antihistamine, decongestant, and analgesic combination products on the market. Some products are for use in adults only, while others may be used in children. If you have any questions about this, check with your health care professional.

For cold symptoms and sinus pain and congestion:

• For regular (short-acting) oral dosage forms (chewable tablets, capsules, liquid, or tablets):
  • Adults and children 12 years of age and older: Usually the dose is 1 to 2 capsules or tablets, or 1 teaspoonful of liquid, every four to six hours.
  • Children 6 to 12 years of age: Usually the dose is 1 tablet, 4 chewable tablets, or 1 to 2 teaspoonfuls of liquid every four hours.
  • Children up to 6 years of age: Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
• For oral dosage forms that must be dissolved (effervescent tablets or powder):
  • Adults and children 12 years of age and older: Usually the dose is 2 effervescent tablets or the contents of 1 packet of powder dissolved as directed on the package.
  • Children up to 12 years of age: Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
• For long-acting oral dosage form (tablets):
  • Adults and children 12 years of age and older: Usually the dose is 1 to 2 tablets every 12 hours.
  • Children up to 12 years of age: Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

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:

• Keep this medicine out of the reach of children. Overdose is very dangerous in young children.
• Store away from heat and direct light.
• Do not store the capsule or tablet form of this medicine in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down.
• Keep the liquid form of this medicine from freezing.
• Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.