| This medication contains an
antihistamine and decongestant used to relieve allergy
symptoms such as itchy red eyes, stuffy nose and
throat irritation.
How to use?
Take this medication by mouth, usually
once daily, 15 to 30 minutes before a meal; or as directed
by your doctor. Do not crush, break or chew the medication.
Swallow the medication whole. If you have difficulty swallowing
this medication whole, the capsule may be opened and the contents
sprinkled onto cool applesauce and taken as directed. Do not
chew the food/medication mixture or prepare a supply in advance;
this may destroy the drug and/or increase side effects. Drink
a glass of cool water after each dose to ensure complete swallowing
of the medication. Antacids may be taken along with this medication,
if needed. The dosage and length of treatment is based on
your medical condition and response to therapy. Use this medication
regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember
to use it at the same time each day. Continue to take this
medication for the prescribed length of treatment even if
you are feeling better. Inform your doctor if your condition
persists or worsens.
What side effects
can this medication cause?
Possible side effects can be
- Nausea
- Stomach upset
- Trouble sleeping
- Headache
- Cold symptoms
If these persist or worsen,
notify your doctor promptly. Unlikely but report promptly:
dizziness, mental/mood changes, fast heartbeat, fever. Tell
your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but
very serious side effects occur: fainting, irregular heartbeat.
Although drowsiness is very uncommon at usual doses under
normal circumstances, be aware that drowsiness may occur and
may effect the ability to perform tasks requiring alertness
(e.g., driving). If you notice other effects not listed above,
contact your doctor or pharmacist.
What
special precautions should I follow?
Tell your doctor your medical history,
including: allergies, kidney/urinary problems, enlarged prostate,
glaucoma (narrow angle), severe high blood pressure, heart
disease, diabetes, thyroid problems (hyperthyroid). Limit
alcohol intake, as it may aggravate drug side effects. This
medication should be used only when clearly needed during
pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
The pseudoephedrine in this product is excreted into breast
milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding. Caution is
advised when this product is used in the elderly since this
group may be more sensitive to side effects.
What About Interactions
With Other Drugs?
Tell your doctor of all nonprescription
and prescription medication you may use, especially: MAO inhibitors
(e.g., selegiline, furazolidone, phenelzine, tranylcypromine,
moclobemide, procarbazine, linezolid), certain blood pressure
drugs (e.g., methyldopa, mecamylamine, reserpine, prazosin),
digoxin, all adrenaline-like drugs. Report other drugs which
affect the heart rhythm (QTc prolongation), such as: dofetilide,
pimozide, quinidine, sotalol, procainamide, sparfloxacin,
"water pills" (diuretics such as furosemide or hydrochlorothiazide).
Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details. Check the
labels carefully on all nonprescription products, such as
cough-and-cold medicines which contain antihistamines and
decongestants. Consult your pharmacist. Do not take this medication
for several days before any allergy testing since test results
can be affected. Do not start or stop any medicine without
doctor or pharmacist approval.
In case of emergency/overdose
If overdose is suspected, contact your
local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
Symptoms of overdose may include irregular or unusually slow
or fast heartbeat, unusual nervousness or excitement, rapid
breathing, confusion, hallucinations, and seizures.
What If I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it
is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and
resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up"
the dose to catch up.
How Should It Be Stored?
Store at room temperature between 68 and
77 degrees F (20-25 degrees C) away from sunlight and moisture.
Anything Else I Should Know?
Do not share this medication with others.
NOTE: The above
information is intended to supplement, not substitute for,
the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist,
or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed
to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate,
or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional
before taking the product.
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