Generic name: chlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan, and pseudoephedrine [ klor-feh-neer-a-meen, dex-tro-meh-thor-fan, and-soo-doe-eh-feh-drin ]
Drug class: Upper respiratory combinations
Availability: Rx and/or otc
Pregnancy & Lactation: Risk data available
Brand names: Rescon-dm, Vicks pediatric formula 44m, Kidkare cough/cold, Triaminic softchew cold and cough, Chlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan, and pseudoephedrine
What is Pediatric cough & cold medicine?
Chlorpheniramine is an antihistamine. Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant. Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant.
Pediatric Cough & Cold Medicine is a combination medicine used to treat cough, runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, itching, and watery eyes caused by allergies, the common cold, or the flu.
Pediatric Cough & Cold Medicine will not treat a cough that is caused by smoking, asthma, or emphysema.
Pediatric Cough & Cold Medicine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
Do not use this medicine if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days, such as isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, or tranylcypromine.
How should I use Pediatric cough & cold medicine
Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Cold or cough medicine is only for short-term use until your symptoms clear up.
Always follow directions on the medicine label about giving cough or cold medicine to a child. Do not use the medicine only to make a child sleepy. Death can occur from the misuse of cough or cold medicines in very young children.
Measure liquid medicine carefully. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).
You must chew the chewable tablet before you swallow it.
Do not take for longer than 7 days in a row. Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 7 days, or if you have a fever, rash, or headaches.
If you need surgery or medical tests, tell the surgeon or doctor ahead of time if you have taken this medicine within the past few days.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Before Taking
Do not use Pediatric Cough & Cold Medicine if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine, and others.
Ask a doctor or pharmacist if this medicine is safe to use if you have:
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asthma or COPD, cough with mucus;
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a blockage in your digestive tract (stomach or intestines);
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high blood pressure, heart disease;
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liver or kidney disease;
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glaucoma;
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enlarged prostate or urination problems;
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overactive thyroid; or
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pheochromocytoma (an adrenal gland tumor).
Liquid medicine may contain phenylalanine. Check the medication label if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).
Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Since Pediatric Cough & Cold Medicine is used when needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. Skip any missed dose if it's almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid while using Pediatric cough & cold medicine?
Drinking alcohol with this medicine can cause side effects.
Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how this medicine will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired.
Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using other cough, cold, allergy, or sleep medicines that may contain similar ingredients.
Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise and in hot weather. This medicine can decrease sweating and you may be more prone to heat stroke.
Pediatric cough & cold medicine side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
This medicine may cause serious side effects. Stop using this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have:
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severe anxiety, tremor, seizure (convulsions);
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painful or difficult urination;
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fast or pounding heartbeats; or
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severe headache, pounding in your neck or ears.
Common side effects of Pediatric Cough & Cold Medicine may include:
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dizziness, drowsiness;
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blurred vision;
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dry mouth, nose, or throat;
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increased or decreased urination;
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nausea, loss of appetite, diarrhea;
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sleep problems (insomnia); or
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nervousness.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
See more: Pediatric cough & cold medicine Side EffectsWhat other drugs will affect Pediatric cough & cold medicine?
Avoid using this medicine with other drugs that cause drowsiness or slow your breathing (such as opioid medicine, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures). Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using any other medication, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed in this medication guide.