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Paracetamol/Chlorpheniramine/Dextromethorphan

    DEA Class;  OTC

    Common Brand Names; CChildren’s Triaminic Flu, Cough & Fever, Children’s Tylenol Plus Cough & Runny Nose, Coricidin HBP Maximum Strength Flu, Vicks Formula 44 Custom Care Cough & Cold PM, St. Joseph Maximum Strength Flu

    •  Antitussives, Non-narcotic; 
    • Antitussives, Non-narcotic Combos; 
    • Analgesic/Antihistamine/Antitussive Combos

    Oral combination of an analgesic/antipyretic, antihistamine, and antitussive
    Used for the treatment of symptoms due to the common cold or flu
    May cause sedation; excitability may occur, especially in children

    For the treatment of symptoms due to the common cold or flu, including cough, fever, headache, mild pain, rhinorrhea, sneezing, and sore throat.

    Contraindicated in documented hypersensitivity; asthma attacks, narrow-angle glaucoma, symptomatic prostate hypertrophy, bladder-neck obstruction, and stenosing peptic ulcer; known G-6-PD deficiency

    Chlorpheniramine may cause significant confusional symptoms; not for administration to < 2 years of age

    Acetaminophen hepatotoxicity possible in chronic alcoholics following various dose levels; severe or recurrent pain or high or continued fever may indicate a serious illness; contained in many OTC products and combined use with these products may result in toxicity due to cumulative doses exceeding recommended maximum dose

    Do not take dextromethorphan for persistent or chronic cough associated with smoking, asthma, or emphysema, or if it is accompanied by excessive phlegm unless directed by a healthcare provider; dextromethorphan may slow the breathing

    Hypotension

    Palpitations

    Tachycardia

    Confusion

    Depression

    Distress

    Dizziness

    Euphoria

    Fatigue

    Headache

    Insomnia

    Irritability

    Sedation

    Tremors

    Dermatologic rash

    Anorexia

    GI disturbances

    Anemia blood dyscrasias (neutropenia, pancytopenia, leukopenia)

    Agranulocytosis

    Hemolytic anemia

    Thrombocytopenia

    Bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase may increase

    Thickening of bronchial secretions

    Wheezing

    Caution in asthma, bladder neck obstruction, cardiovascular disease, COPD, GI obstruction, glaucoma, hepatic impairment, hypertension, hyperthyroidism, increased intraocular pressure, malnutrition, renal impairment, elderly patients, patients taking CNS depressants or <6 years of age with chlorpheniramine products

    Caution in severe hypovolemia if taking acetaminophen products

    Acetaminophen: Risk for rare, but serious skin reactions that can be fatal; these reactions include Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), and acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP); symptoms may include skin redness, blisters and rash

    Pregnant or breastfeeding patients should seek advice of health professional before using OTC drugs

    Adults

    3,250 mg/day PO acetaminophen; 20 mg/day PO chlorpheniramine; 100 mg/day PO dextromethorphan for tablets and 2,600 mg/day PO acetaminophen; 16 mg/day PO chlorpheniramine; 120 mg/day dextromethorphan for liquid.

    Geriatric

    3,250 mg/day PO acetaminophen; 20 mg/day PO chlorpheniramine; 100 mg/day PO dextromethorphan for tablets and 2,600 mg/day PO acetaminophen; 16 mg/day PO chlorpheniramine; 120 mg/day dextromethorphan for liquid.

    Adolescents

    3,250 mg/day PO acetaminophen; 20 mg/day PO chlorpheniramine; 100 mg/day PO dextromethorphan for tablets and 2,600 mg/day PO acetaminophen; 16 mg/day PO chlorpheniramine; 120 mg/day dextromethorphan for liquid.

    Children

    12 years: 3,250 mg/day PO acetaminophen; 20 mg/day PO chlorpheniramine; 100 mg/day PO dextromethorphan for tablets and 2,600 mg/day PO acetaminophen; 16 mg/day PO chlorpheniramine; 120 mg/day dextromethorphan for liquid.
    6 to 11 years: 1600 mg/day PO acetaminophen; 10 mg/day PO chlorpheniramine; 50 mg/day PO dextromethorphan for suspension. Safety and efficacy of tablets and liquid have not been established.
    1 to 5 years: Safety and efficacy have not been established.

    Infants

    Safety and efficacy have not been established.

    Neonates

    Safety and efficacy have not been established.

    acetaminophen/chlorpheniramine/dextromethorphan

    tablet

    • 500mg/2mg/15mg