What is Children's Dimetapp multi-symptom cold and flu?
Acetaminophen relieves pain and reduces fever. Diphenhydramine acts as an antihistamine. Phenylephrine works as a decongestant.Children's Dimetapp® Multi-Symptom Cold & Flu is a combination medication used to treat cold or flu symptoms, such as a runny, stuffy, or stuffy nasal passage, sneezing and coughing, a sore throat, and a headache.You can buy acetaminophen, diphenhydramine, and phenylephrine in many different brands and forms. This leaflet does not list all brands.This medication guide does not list all possible uses for Children's Dimetapp Multi-Symptom Cold and Flu.
Side effects of Children's Dimetapp Multi-Symptom Cold and Flu
If you experience symptoms indicative of an allergic reaction, such as hives, difficulty breathing or swelling in your lips, face, tongue or throat - seek medical assistance immediately!Acetaminophen can cause life-threatening skin reactions even in people who have taken it before without experiencing adverse side effects. Even taking multiple doses without incident is no guarantee against developing adverse skin reactions in some way or another. Call your doctor immediately if the skin becomes red or you develop a rash. If blisters form and you peel them off, stop taking this medication.
This medicine can cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- Severe drowsiness;
- Urination that is painful or difficult
- Dizziness, trouble sleeping, nervousness,
- Liver problems: loss of appetite, nausea, fatigue, itchiness, dark urine, clay-coloured stools, and jaundice
Some of the common side effects associated with children's Dimetapp multi-symptom cold and flu include:
- Drowsiness;
- Dry eyes and blurred vision
- Dry mouth, nose, or throat
- Constipation
- Feeling restless or excited, especially in children
There may be other side effects. Call your doctor if experiencing side effects; for safety purposes, the FDA can be reached at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report them.
Similar/related drugs
Benadryl, Diphenhydramine, Chlorpheniramine, Promethazine DM, Echinacea, Vicks nyquil Cold & Flu Nighttime Relief
Warnings
You should not take this medication if you've taken an MAO inhibitor in the last 14 days. Drug interactions can occur. MAO inhibitors are isocarboxazid (linezolid), phenelzine (rasagiline), selegiline (tranylcypromine), and rasagiline.Comply with all instructions about using this medication. Overdosing on acetaminophen may damage your liver or even cause death. A diphenhydramine overdose can cause serious heart problems, seizures, or even death.This medicine is not intended to be used by children younger than 12 years of age.When taking acetaminophen, drinking alcohol can increase the risk of liver damage.If you experience redness, rash, blistering or peeling while taking any medication, discontinue use immediately and contact your physician as soon as possible.
Before you take this drug
If you've ever suffered from liver disease or drink more than three alcoholic drinks per day, you should consult a doctor prior to taking acetaminophen.
If you have taken a MAO inhibitor within the last 14 days, do not take this medication. It is possible that a dangerous drug interaction will occur. MAO inhibitors are isocarboxazid (linezolid), phenelzine (phenelzine), rasagiline (selegiline), and tranylcypromine.
Have You experienced Any of These:
- If you have asthma, COPD, a cough that is mucus-related, caused by smoking, or chronic lung disease, then this could be the cause.
- Liver disease
- Heart disease, high blood pressure
- Urination or prostate problems;
- A thyroid disorder
- Diabetes;
- Glaucoma;
- A condition for which warfarin is prescribed (Coumadin or Jantoven)
Consult your doctor before taking this medication if you're pregnant or nursing.
How to take Children's Dimetapp multi-symptom cold and flu?
Follow the directions on the label or those prescribed by your physician. Cold and cough medicines are only to be used for a short time until symptoms have cleared up.Don't take more than the recommended dose. Overdosing on acetaminophen may damage your liver or even cause death. A diphenhydramine overdose can cause serious heart problems, seizures, or even death.Children under 12 years of age are not allowed to use some brands of Children's Dimetapp Multisymptom Cold and Flu.Follow the directions on the label when giving a medicine to a young child. Do not use this medicine to put a child to sleep. Misuse of antihistamines can lead to death in very young children.Measuring liquid medicine is important. Use the provided dosing device or a dose-measuring tool (not a spoon).One packet of powder should be dissolved in 4 ounces or more of water. Mix this mixture well and consume it immediately.
If you have a sore or persistent throat and you have fever, headaches, nausea, vomiting, or a rash, call your doctor.If you have not improved after 7 days (or 5 days for children) or still have a stuffy nose or cough, you should stop taking the medicine and consult your doctor. Call your doctor as soon as your symptoms worsen or if there is any swelling or redness.Tell your doctor or surgeon, if you've taken this medication within the last few days, if you are going to need medical testing or surgery.Store away from heat and moisture at room temperature.
What happens if I miss the dose?
You may not have a schedule for Children's Dimetapp Multi-Symptom Cold and Flu since it is taken as needed. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip any missed dose. Never take two doses in one go.
What happens if I overdose?
Call the Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-1222 or seek emergency medical care. Overdoses can cause liver damage or death.Loss of appetite, vomiting, and confusion are all possible overdose symptoms. Other symptoms include ringing ears, pain in the upper stomach, dry mouth, eyes, skin, eyes or lips, yellowing, rapid heartbeats, tremors, agitation, or seizures.
What should be avoided?
Do not drive or engage in hazardous activities until you have determined how the medicine will affect you. You may be unable to react properly.Before using any other medication that contains acetaminophen or diphenhydramine, consult your doctor or pharmacist. Included are medicines used to treat pain, fevers, swelling, colds and flu, and anti-itch creams applied directly to the skin. An overdose of acetaminophen and diphenhydramine may be fatal.If you are taking this medication, drinking alcohol can increase the risk of liver damage.
Interaction with other drug
Before using Children's Dimetapp® Multi-Symptom Cold & Flu, consult your doctor or pharmacist. This is especially important if you are taking any medications that may cause drowsiness, such as sleep medication, opioids, muscle relaxants, anxiety medicines, or seizure medicine. Inform your doctor of all the medicines you are currently taking and those that you have started or stopped using. Included are prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. This list does not encompass every possible interaction.
