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Robitussin Flu

Generic name: acetaminophen, chlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan, and pseudoephedrine [a-seet-a-min-oh-fen, klor-fen-eer-a-meen, dex-troe-meth-or-fan, soo-doe-ee-fed-rin]

brand names: theraflu nighttime maximum strength, theraflu severe cold and congestion, triaminic cold and fever, tylenol cold + flu multi-action day/night extra strength, vicks 44 cold,… Show all 14 brands
drug class:combinations for the upper respiratory tract

What is Robitussin Flu?

acetaminophen relieves pain and lowers the fever. Chlorpheniramine acts as an antihistamine. Dextromethorphan works as a cough suppressant. Pseudoephedrine works as a decongestant. Robitussin flu is a combination of medicines used to treat symptoms such as headaches, fevers, and body aches. It can also be used for treating runny noses, stuffy or runny noses, sneezing, or sinus pressure. This medication guide does not list all possible uses for robitussin flu.

Side effects of Robitussin Flu

Symptoms of allergic reaction that require medical assistance immediately include difficulty breathing, hives and swelling to your lips or throat. Acetaminophen can cause severe skin reactions that are fatal. This may happen even if you've taken it before and never had a reaction. 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:

  • Any new or worsening symptoms
  • Severe sleepiness
  • Fever lasting more than 3 days
  • Redness, swelling, or rash
  • Chronic headache
  • Pain, cough, or sinus congestion lasting longer than 7 days

Some side effects are more common in older adults.

Some of the common side effects associated with the robitussin flu include:

  • Dizziness, drowsiness;
  • dry mouth, nose, or throat
  • Blurred vision
  • constipation;
  • Feeling restless or excited, especially in children
  • Sleep problems (insomnia).

There may be other side effects. Call your physician if experiencing side effects; otherwise contact the fda at 1-800-fda-1088 to report side effects.

Similar/related drugs

Benadryl, diphenhydramine, chlorpheniramine, amantadine, tamiflu, promethazine dm, and oseltamivir

Warnings

If you've taken an mao-inhibitor in the last 14 days (such as isocarboxazid or linezolid), or if your symptoms are worsened by mao-inhibitors, do not take this medication. An overdose of acetaminophen can cause liver damage or death. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience stomach pain, loss of appetite, fatigue, itching, or dark urine. If you develop redness, rash, blistering or peeling upon taking medicine, discontinue immediately and contact your physician as soon as possible. This medicine is not intended to put a child to sleep.

Before you take this drug

Mao inhibitors include isocarboxazid (linezolid), phenelzine (rasagiline), selegiline (tranylcypromine), and rasagiline. Drug interactions may result.

This medicine should not be used if you have an allergy to acetaminophen or any of the other ingredients: chlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan, or pseudoephedrine.

If you suffer from:

  • liver disease; cirrhosis; alcoholism; or drinking more than three alcoholic drinks per day.
  • Heart problems high blood pressure
  • diabetes;
  • glaucoma;
  • Urination or prostate problems;
  • A thyroid disorder,
  • Cough with mucus or cough due to smoking or asthma

Consult your doctor before taking this medication if you're pregnant or nursing.

How to take Robitussin Flu?

Follow all directions listed on the package or given by your physician for safe usage of medications such as acetaminophen or cold and cough remedies, until symptoms have cleared up completely. Acetaminophen can lead to liver damage or death while cold/cough medicines should only be used temporarily until symptoms subside. Follow the label instructions when giving cough or cold medication to a child, never using such remedies as sleeping aids. Before swallowing, chewable tablets must first be thoroughly chewed. Measuring liquid medications accurately is key, so always use the provided dosing device or an alternative dose-measuring tool (not spoon). One packet of powder should be combined with 4 ounces or more of water and consumed immediately for optimal results. If your throat becomes painful for more than two days, be sure to contact a medical provider, especially if fever, headaches, rash or vomiting occur as symptoms. Tell your doctor or surgeon immediately if you have recently taken medication that might interfere with surgery or medical testing, especially within the past several days. Store in an airtight container at room temperature to avoid moisture or heat exposure and freeze-thaw effects on liquid medicines.

What happens if i miss the dose?

You may not have a schedule for robitussin flu since it is only used 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. Acetaminophen overdoses can cause liver damage or death. Overdose symptoms include nausea, vomiting, sweating, or weakness. Other symptoms include dark urine and yellowing skin or eyes.

What should be avoided?

Avoid alcohol. Alcohol can cause liver damage. 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 (sometimes abbreviated apap), consult your doctor or pharmacist. An overdose of acetaminophen may be fatal.

Interaction with other drug

This medicine should not be taken with any other medications that can cause drowsiness, slow breathing, or anxiety (such as opioid medicines, muscle relaxers, or medications for seizures or anxiety). Before using any other medications, such as vitamins and herbs, consult your doctor or pharmacist. This medication guide does not list all possible interactions with other drugs.