What is Duraflu?
Acetaminophen relieves pain and reduces fever. Dextromethorphan suppresses coughing. It works by affecting the signals that are sent to the brain and triggering the cough reflex. Guaifenesin acts as an expectorant. Guaifenesin helps to loosen up congestion in the chest and throat, making it easier for you to cough. Pseudoephedrine works as a nasal decongestant by shrinking blood vessels. Dilated blood vessels can cause congestion in the nasal passages. Duraflu, a combination of medicines, is used to treat symptoms such as headaches, fevers, and body aches caused by allergies or colds. It can also be used for sinus congestion, congestion in the chest, congestion around the nose, and congestion on the face. Duraflu does not treat coughs caused by smoking or asthma. Duraflu can be used in other ways not mentioned in this guide.
Side Effects of Duraflu
If you experience symptoms indicative of an allergic reaction, such as hives, difficulty breathing or swelling of lips, face or throat - seek emergency medical help immediately! Acetaminophen can cause serious skin reactions that are potentially life-threatening, even after taking it before with no adverse reaction. Call your physician immediately if redness appears on the skin or you experience itching; call an ambulance if blisters form that peel off as blisters start forming on this medication and stop using.
This medicine can cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- Chest pain;
- Heart rate can be fast, slow, or uneven.
- Feeling faint;
- Mood changes, confusion, hallucinations, tremor, seizure (convulsions);
- Fever;
- Little or no urinating is acceptable.
- Dark urine, clay-colored stools, nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, and loss of appetite
- High blood pressure can be dangerous (headache, blurred vision or buzzing in the ears, anxiety, chest discomfort, irregular heartbeats, and seizures).
Duraflu side effects may include:
- Dizziness, weakness;
- Mild headache
- Mild nausea, diarrhea, upset stomach;
- Dry mouth, nose, or throat
- Feeling nervous, restless, or irritable
- Sleep problems (insomnia).
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.
Warnings
Don't take more than is recommended. An acetaminophen overdose can cause liver damage or death. Acetaminophen can cause severe skin reactions in rare cases. If you notice skin redness, a rash, blistering, or peeling, stop taking the medicine immediately and contact your doctor. Many combination medicines contain acetaminophen. Taking several products together may cause an overdose of acetaminophen, which could be fatal.
Before you take this drug
This medication should not be used if you have an allergy to acetaminophen or any of the following: dextromethorphan (dextromethorphan), guaifenesin (guaifenesin), or pseudoephedrine. You should not take this medication if you've taken an MAO-inhibitor in the last 14 days. It is possible that a dangerous drug interaction will occur. MAO inhibitors are phenelzine, selegiline, and rasagiline.
If you have other medical conditions or concerns, always inquire with your physician or pharmacist whether taking medicine will be safe.
- Liver diseases or alcoholism;
- Heart disease or coronary arterial disease;
- Diabetes;
- Glaucoma;
- Epilepsy or another seizure disorder
- Urination or prostate problems;
- If you have a cough that is mucus-related or caused by chronic lung disease, then it's a cough with mucus.
- Pheochromocytoma
- Overactive thyroid.
Duraflu is not known to harm unborn babies.If you are pregnant, do not take this medication without consulting with a physician first. This medication can pass into breastmilk and harm a nursing infant. Decongestants can also reduce breast milk production. Do not use this medicine unless your doctor has advised you to do so if you're breastfeeding a child. Phenylalanine can be found in artificially sweetened liquid medicines.If you have phenylketonuria, read and follow any labels attached to medications you take.
How to take Duraflu?
Do not exceed the recommended dosage or duration. Use only the recommended dose. Do not exceed it. This medication should only be taken for a short period of time until all symptoms have subsided. Do not exceed the maximum dosage recommended, as an overdose can result in liver damage or even fatality. This medication should not be given to children younger than four years of age. Ask a doctor first before giving cough and cold medicine to children. Children as young as 4 years old can die from the misuse of cough and cold medicines. One packet of powder should be dissolved in 4 ounces or more of water. Mix this mixture well, and consume it immediately. Take the medicine for no more than seven days. If you continue to have a high fever or pain even after three days of treatment (or five days for children), or if the symptoms worsen, call your doctor.
Inform your physician or surgeon immediately if you've taken this medication in the last several days before having medical testing or surgery performed. Store liquid medicines away from moisture or heat at room temperature in an upright position to avoid freezing. Do not leave unprotected medications sitting outside their packaging as these may become inaccessible and cause significant harm if allowed to freeze.
What happens if I miss the dose?
Duraflu can be taken as needed, and you might not have a schedule. Take the missed dose immediately if you take the medication regularly. If your next scheduled dose is approaching quickly, skip any missed medication to make up for an oversight. Taken more medicine could cause more harm.
What happens if I overdose?
Call the Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-1222 or seek emergency medical care. Acetaminophen overdoses can be deadly. Loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, sweating, or confusion are the first signs of an overdose of acetaminophen.Additional symptoms can include dark urine and yellowing skin or whites of the eyes.
What should be avoided?
Prior to taking any medication for colds, allergies, pain relief or sleep aids, consult your physician or pharmacist first.. Many combination medications contain acetaminophen, also known as APAP. Taking some products together may cause an overdose of acetaminophen, which could be fatal. Avoid alcohol. You may be at greater risk for liver damage if you take acetaminophen. This medication can impair your reactions or thinking. You should be careful when driving or doing anything else that requires alertness.
Interaction with other drug
Duraflu may interact with other drugs, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal remedies. Inform your healthcare providers of all the medicines you are currently taking and those you plan to start using.
