Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold Liquigel

Generic Name: acetaminophen/chlorpheniramine/pseudoephedrine

Brands: Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold Liquigel, Allerest Sinus, Comtrex Allergy Sinus, Comtrex Allergy Sinus Maximum Strength, Sinutab Ex-Strength, Theraflu Flu and Cold Medicine Powder, Theraflu Sore Throat Maximum Strength, Tylenol Caplet-Allergy Sinus

What is the most important information I should know about Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold Liquigel?

· Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold Liquigel may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.

· Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold Liquigel. Alcohol may also cause damage to your liver when it is taken with acetaminophen.

What is Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold Liquigel?

· Acetaminophen is a pain reliever and a fever reducer. It is used to treat many conditions, such as headache, muscle aches, arthritis, backache, toothaches, colds, and fevers.

· Chlorpheniramine is an antihistamine. It blocks the effects of the naturally occurring chemical histamine in the body. Chlorpheniramine prevents sneezing; itchy, watery eyes and nose; and other symptoms of allergies and hay fever.

· Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant. It constricts (shrinks) blood vessels (veins and arteries). This reduces the blood flow to certain areas, which decreases swelling and allows nasal and respiratory (breathing) passages to open up.

· Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold Liquigel is used to treat nasal congestion; itchy, watery eyes; itchy throat; sneezing; headache; fever; and other symptoms associated with allergies, hay fever, and the common cold.

· Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold Liquigel may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Who should not take acetaminophen/chlorpheniramine/ pseudoephedrine?

· Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you drink more than three alcoholic beverages per day or if you have had alcoholic liver disease. You may not be able to take acetaminophen if you have these conditions.

· Do not take Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold Liquigel if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days. A very serious drug interaction could occur, leading to serious side effects.

· Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have ·kidney disease, ·liver disease, ·diabetes, ·glaucoma, ·any type of heart disease or high blood pressure, ·thyroid disease, ·emphysema or chronic bronchitis, or ·difficulty urinating or an enlarged prostate.

· You may not be able to take Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold Liquigel, or you may require a lower dose or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

· It is not known whether Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold Liquigel will harm an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.

· This medication can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

· If you are over 60 years of age, you may be more likely to experience side effects from Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold Liquigel.

· Read the package label for directions or consult your doctor or pharmacist before treating a child with this medication. Children are more susceptible than adults to the effects of medicines and may have unusual reactions.

How should I take Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold Liquigel?

· Take Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold Liquigel exactly as directed. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse or doctor to explain them to you.

· Take each dose with a full glass of water.

· Do not crush, chew, or break any long-acting or extended- or sustained-release forms of this medication that are intended to release slowly. Swallow them whole. If you are unsure about the formulation of your medicine, ask your pharmacist for help. If you cannot swallow the tablets or capsules, look for a liquid form of the medication.

· To ensure that you get a correct dose, measure the liquid form of Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold Liquigel with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one.

· Never take more acetaminophen than is directed. The maximum amount of acetaminophen for adults is 1 gram (1000 mg) per dose and 4 grams (4000 mg) per day. Taking more acetaminophen could cause damage to your liver. If you drink more than three alcoholic beverages per day, talk to your doctor before taking acetaminophen and never take more than 2 grams (2000 mg) per day.

· Do not take Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold Liquigel for longer than 7 to 10 days in a row. If your symptoms do not improve, if they get worse or if you have a fever, see your doctor.

· Store Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold Liquigel at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

· Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?

· Seek emergency medical attention.

· Symptoms of an Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold Liquigel overdose include a dry mouth, large pupils, flushing, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, seizures, confusion, sweating, and an irregular heartbeat.

What should I avoid while taking Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold Liquigel?

· Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold Liquigel may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness, including antidepressants, alcohol, other antihistamines, pain relievers, anxiety medicines, seizure medicines, and muscle relaxants. Dangerous sedation, dizziness, or drowsiness may occur if Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold Liquigel is taken with any of these medications.

What are the possible side effects of Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold Liquigel?

· If you experience any of the following rare but serious side effects, stop taking Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold Liquigel and seek emergency medical attention: ·an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives); ·liver damage (yellowing of the skin or eyes, nausea, abdominal pain or discomfort, unusual bleeding or bruising, or severe fatigue); ·blood problems (easy or unusual bleeding or bruising); or ·low blood sugar (fatigue, increased hunger or thirst, dizziness, or fainting).

· Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold Liquigel and talk to your doctor or try another similar medication if you experience ·dry eyes, nose, and mouth; ·drowsiness or dizziness; ·blurred vision; ·difficulty urinating; or ·excitation in children.

· Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold Liquigel?

· Urine glucose tests may produce false results while you are taking acetaminophen. Talk to your doctor if you are diabetic and you notice changes in your glucose levels during therapy with Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold Liquigel.

· Do not take other over-the-counter cough, cold, allergy, diet, pain, or sleep medicines while taking Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold Liquigel without first talking to your doctor or pharmacist. Other medications may also contain chlorpheniramine, pseudoephedrine, acetaminophen, or other similar drugs, and you may accidentally take too much of these medicines.

· Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold Liquigel. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

Where can I get more information?

· Your pharmacist has additional information about Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold Liquigel written for health professionals that you may read.

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