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Drug overview for CHILDREN'S MUCINEX COLD-FLU (phenylephrine hcl/dextromethorphan hbr/acetaminophen/guaifen):
Generic name: phenylephrine HCl/dextromethorphan HBr/acetaminophen/guaifen
Drug class: Amphetamines/Anorexiants/Stimulants
Therapeutic class:
Dextromethorphan, a derivative of levorphanol, is an antitussive agent. Guaifenesin is an expectorant. Phenylephrine hydrochloride is an alpha1-adrenergic receptor agonist. Acetaminophen is a synthetic nonopiate derivative of p-aminophenol that produces analgesia and antipyresis.
Dextromethorphan is used for the temporary relief of coughs caused by minor throat and bronchial irritation such as may occur with common colds or with inhaled irritants. Dextromethorphan is most effective in the treatment of chronic, nonproductive cough. The drug is a common ingredient in commercial cough mixtures available without prescription.
Although cough and cold preparations that contain cough suppressants (including dextromethorphan), nasal decongestants, antihistamines, and/or expectorants commonly are used in pediatric patients younger than 2 years of age, systematic reviews of controlled trials have concluded that nonprescription (over-the-counter, OTC) cough and cold preparations are not more effective than placebo in reducing acute cough and other symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection in these patients. Furthermore, adverse events, including deaths, have been (and continue to be) reported in pediatric patients younger than 2 years of age receiving these preparations. (See Cautions: Pediatric Precautions and see Acute Toxicity: Manifestations.) For information on abuse of dextromethorphan, see Cautions.
For use of dextromethorphan hydrobromide in fixed combination with quinidine sulfate in the treatment of pseudobulbar affect (PBA), see Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide and Quinidine Sulfate 28:92. Acetaminophen is used extensively in the treatment of mild to moderate pain and fever.
Generic name: phenylephrine HCl/dextromethorphan HBr/acetaminophen/guaifen
Drug class: Amphetamines/Anorexiants/Stimulants
Therapeutic class:
Dextromethorphan, a derivative of levorphanol, is an antitussive agent. Guaifenesin is an expectorant. Phenylephrine hydrochloride is an alpha1-adrenergic receptor agonist. Acetaminophen is a synthetic nonopiate derivative of p-aminophenol that produces analgesia and antipyresis.
Dextromethorphan is used for the temporary relief of coughs caused by minor throat and bronchial irritation such as may occur with common colds or with inhaled irritants. Dextromethorphan is most effective in the treatment of chronic, nonproductive cough. The drug is a common ingredient in commercial cough mixtures available without prescription.
Although cough and cold preparations that contain cough suppressants (including dextromethorphan), nasal decongestants, antihistamines, and/or expectorants commonly are used in pediatric patients younger than 2 years of age, systematic reviews of controlled trials have concluded that nonprescription (over-the-counter, OTC) cough and cold preparations are not more effective than placebo in reducing acute cough and other symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection in these patients. Furthermore, adverse events, including deaths, have been (and continue to be) reported in pediatric patients younger than 2 years of age receiving these preparations. (See Cautions: Pediatric Precautions and see Acute Toxicity: Manifestations.) For information on abuse of dextromethorphan, see Cautions.
For use of dextromethorphan hydrobromide in fixed combination with quinidine sulfate in the treatment of pseudobulbar affect (PBA), see Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide and Quinidine Sulfate 28:92. Acetaminophen is used extensively in the treatment of mild to moderate pain and fever.
DRUG IMAGES
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The following indications for CHILDREN'S MUCINEX COLD-FLU (phenylephrine hcl/dextromethorphan hbr/acetaminophen/guaifen) have been approved by the FDA:
Indications:
None.
Professional Synonyms:
None.
Indications:
None.
Professional Synonyms:
None.
The following dosing information is available for CHILDREN'S MUCINEX COLD-FLU (phenylephrine hcl/dextromethorphan hbr/acetaminophen/guaifen):
Dosages of dextromethorphan hydrobromide and dextromethorphan polistirex are expressed in terms of dextromethorphan hydrobromide.
The usual dosage of dextromethorphan hydrobromide for adults and children 12 years of age or older is 10-20 mg every 4 hours or 30 mg every 6-8 hours, not to exceed 120 mg daily, or as directed by a clinician. The usual dosage for children 6 to younger than 12 years of age is 5-10 mg every 4 hours or 15 mg every 6-8 hours, not to exceed 60 mg daily, or as directed by a clinician. Children 2 to younger than 6 years of age may receive 2.5-5
mg every 4 hours or 7.5 mg every 6-8 hours, not to exceed 30 mg daily, or as directed by a clinician. Dosage in children younger than 2 years of age must be individualized.
Suggested dosages for children younger than 2 years of age+ for some cough and cold preparations have been published in various references for prescribing and parenting. Using recommended dosages for adults and older children, some clinicians have extrapolated dosages for these preparations based on the weight or age of children younger than 2 years of age. However, these extrapolations were based on assumptions that pathology of the disease and pharmacology of the drugs are similar in adults and pediatric patients.
There currently are no specific dosage recommendations (i.e., approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)) for cough and cold preparations for this patient population. (See Cautions: Pediatric Precautions.)
The usual dosage of dextromethorphan hydrobromide as the extended-release oral suspension containing the polistirex for adults and children 12 years of age or older is 60 mg twice daily. The usual dosage as the extended-release oral suspension for children 6 to younger than 12 years of age is 30 mg twice daily; children 2 to younger than 6 years of age may receive 15 mg twice daily.
Acetaminophen is relatively safe when used at recommended dosages. However, acetaminophen overdosage has been the leading cause of acute liver failure in the US, United Kingdom, and most of Europe, with about 50% of US cases in recent years resulting from inadvertent overdosage (e.g., in patients not recognizing the presence of the drug in multiple over-the-counter (OTC) and/or prescription products that they may be taking). Therefore, patients should be warned about the importance of determining whether acetaminophen is present in their medications (e.g., by examining labels carefully, by consulting their clinician and pharmacist) and of not exceeding recommended dosages or combining acetaminophen-containing preparations.
Acetaminophen should not be used for self-medication of pain for longer than 10 days (in adults or children 12 years of age and older) or 5 days (in children 2-11 years of age), unless directed by a clinician because pain of such intensity and duration may indicate a pathologic condition requiring medical evaluation and supervised treatment.
Acetaminophen should not be used in adults or children for self-medication of marked fever (greater than 39.5degreesC), fever persisting longer than 3 days, or recurrent fever, unless directed by a clinician because such fevers may indicate serious illness requiring prompt medical evaluation.
Acetaminophen should not be used in adults or children for self-medication of sore throat pain (pharyngitis, laryngitis, tonsillitis) for longer than 2 days.
To minimize the risk of overdosage, recommended age-appropriate daily dosages of acetaminophen should not be exceeded. Because severe liver toxicity and death have occurred in children who received multiple excessive doses of acetaminophen as part of therapeutic administration, parents or caregivers should be instructed to use weight-based dosing for acetaminophen, to use only the calibrated measuring device provided with the particular acetaminophen formulation for measuring dosage, to ensure that the correct number of tablets required for the intended dose is removed from the package, and not to exceed the recommended daily dosage because serious adverse effects could result. In addition, patients should be warned that the risk of overdosage and severe liver damage is increased if more than one preparation containing acetaminophen are used concomitantly.
Pharmacists have an important role in preventing acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity by advising consumers about the risk of failing to recognize that a wide variety of OTC and prescription preparations contain acetaminophen. Failure to recognize acetaminophen as an ingredient may be particularly likely with prescription drugs because the label of the dispensed drug may not clearly state its presence. Educating consumers about the risk of exceeding recommended acetaminophen dosages also is important.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that pharmacists receiving prescriptions for fixed-combination preparations containing more than 325 mg of acetaminophen per dosage unit contact the prescriber to discuss use of a preparation containing no more than 325 mg of the drug per dosage unit. (See Preparations.)
Clinicians should exercise caution when prescribing, preparing, and administering IV acetaminophen to avoid dosing errors that could result in accidental overdosage and death. In particular, clinicians should ensure that the dose (in mg) and the volume (in mL) are not confused, the dose for patients weighing less than 50 kg is based on body weight, the infusion pump is programmed correctly, and the total daily dosage of acetaminophen from all sources does not exceed the maximum recommended daily dosage.
In patients with hepatic impairment or active liver disease, reduction of the total daily dosage of acetaminophen may be warranted. In patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance of 30 mL/minute or less), longer dosing intervals and a reduced total daily dosage of acetaminophen may be warranted. (See Cautions: Precautions and Contraindications.)
The usual dosage of dextromethorphan hydrobromide for adults and children 12 years of age or older is 10-20 mg every 4 hours or 30 mg every 6-8 hours, not to exceed 120 mg daily, or as directed by a clinician. The usual dosage for children 6 to younger than 12 years of age is 5-10 mg every 4 hours or 15 mg every 6-8 hours, not to exceed 60 mg daily, or as directed by a clinician. Children 2 to younger than 6 years of age may receive 2.5-5
mg every 4 hours or 7.5 mg every 6-8 hours, not to exceed 30 mg daily, or as directed by a clinician. Dosage in children younger than 2 years of age must be individualized.
Suggested dosages for children younger than 2 years of age+ for some cough and cold preparations have been published in various references for prescribing and parenting. Using recommended dosages for adults and older children, some clinicians have extrapolated dosages for these preparations based on the weight or age of children younger than 2 years of age. However, these extrapolations were based on assumptions that pathology of the disease and pharmacology of the drugs are similar in adults and pediatric patients.
There currently are no specific dosage recommendations (i.e., approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)) for cough and cold preparations for this patient population. (See Cautions: Pediatric Precautions.)
The usual dosage of dextromethorphan hydrobromide as the extended-release oral suspension containing the polistirex for adults and children 12 years of age or older is 60 mg twice daily. The usual dosage as the extended-release oral suspension for children 6 to younger than 12 years of age is 30 mg twice daily; children 2 to younger than 6 years of age may receive 15 mg twice daily.
Acetaminophen is relatively safe when used at recommended dosages. However, acetaminophen overdosage has been the leading cause of acute liver failure in the US, United Kingdom, and most of Europe, with about 50% of US cases in recent years resulting from inadvertent overdosage (e.g., in patients not recognizing the presence of the drug in multiple over-the-counter (OTC) and/or prescription products that they may be taking). Therefore, patients should be warned about the importance of determining whether acetaminophen is present in their medications (e.g., by examining labels carefully, by consulting their clinician and pharmacist) and of not exceeding recommended dosages or combining acetaminophen-containing preparations.
Acetaminophen should not be used for self-medication of pain for longer than 10 days (in adults or children 12 years of age and older) or 5 days (in children 2-11 years of age), unless directed by a clinician because pain of such intensity and duration may indicate a pathologic condition requiring medical evaluation and supervised treatment.
Acetaminophen should not be used in adults or children for self-medication of marked fever (greater than 39.5degreesC), fever persisting longer than 3 days, or recurrent fever, unless directed by a clinician because such fevers may indicate serious illness requiring prompt medical evaluation.
Acetaminophen should not be used in adults or children for self-medication of sore throat pain (pharyngitis, laryngitis, tonsillitis) for longer than 2 days.
To minimize the risk of overdosage, recommended age-appropriate daily dosages of acetaminophen should not be exceeded. Because severe liver toxicity and death have occurred in children who received multiple excessive doses of acetaminophen as part of therapeutic administration, parents or caregivers should be instructed to use weight-based dosing for acetaminophen, to use only the calibrated measuring device provided with the particular acetaminophen formulation for measuring dosage, to ensure that the correct number of tablets required for the intended dose is removed from the package, and not to exceed the recommended daily dosage because serious adverse effects could result. In addition, patients should be warned that the risk of overdosage and severe liver damage is increased if more than one preparation containing acetaminophen are used concomitantly.
Pharmacists have an important role in preventing acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity by advising consumers about the risk of failing to recognize that a wide variety of OTC and prescription preparations contain acetaminophen. Failure to recognize acetaminophen as an ingredient may be particularly likely with prescription drugs because the label of the dispensed drug may not clearly state its presence. Educating consumers about the risk of exceeding recommended acetaminophen dosages also is important.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that pharmacists receiving prescriptions for fixed-combination preparations containing more than 325 mg of acetaminophen per dosage unit contact the prescriber to discuss use of a preparation containing no more than 325 mg of the drug per dosage unit. (See Preparations.)
Clinicians should exercise caution when prescribing, preparing, and administering IV acetaminophen to avoid dosing errors that could result in accidental overdosage and death. In particular, clinicians should ensure that the dose (in mg) and the volume (in mL) are not confused, the dose for patients weighing less than 50 kg is based on body weight, the infusion pump is programmed correctly, and the total daily dosage of acetaminophen from all sources does not exceed the maximum recommended daily dosage.
In patients with hepatic impairment or active liver disease, reduction of the total daily dosage of acetaminophen may be warranted. In patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance of 30 mL/minute or less), longer dosing intervals and a reduced total daily dosage of acetaminophen may be warranted. (See Cautions: Precautions and Contraindications.)
Dextromethorphan preparations are administered orally. Lozenges containing dextromethorphan hydrobromide should not be used in children younger than 6 years of age and liquid-filled capsules containing the drug should not be used in children younger than 12 years of age, unless otherwise directed by a clinician. Guaifenesin is administered orally.
Mucinex(R) 600-mg extended-release tablets should not be broken, crushed, or chewed and should not be used in children younger than 12 years of age; the tablets should be kept out of reach of young children to avoid accidental swallowing and choking. Acetaminophen is administered orally, rectally as suppositories, and by IV infusion over 15 minutes. Acetaminophen preparations for self-medication should not be used unless seals on the tamper-resistant packaging are intact.
Phenylephrine hydrochloride is administered by IV bolus or continuous IV infusion for the treatment of clinically important hypotension. The drug is available as a 10 mg/mL phenylephrine hydrochloride injection concentrate that must be diluted prior to administration and as a ready-to-use phenylephrine hydrochloride 100 mcg/mL (Immphentiv(R), Biorphen(R)) injection. Ready-to-use phenylephrine hydrochloride 100 mcg/mL (Immphentiv(R), Biorphen(R)) injection should not be further diluted before IV bolus administration.
For treatment of hypotension during anesthesia, the manufacturers recommend administration of phenylephrine hydrochloride as an IV bolus or continuous infusion; when used in the treatment of septic shock, the drug should be administered as a continuous IV infusion with no initial bolus dose. Phenylephrine hydrochloride injection should be stored at 20-25degreesC, but may be exposed to temperatures ranging from 15-30degreesC; single-dose and pharmacy bulk vials should be kept in their original carton until time of use and protected from light. Commercially available phenylephrine hydrochloride injection concentrate must be diluted with a compatible IV solution prior to administration.
Diluted solutions may be stored at room temperature for up to 4 hours or under refrigeration for up to 24 hours; any unused portions should be discarded. Commercially available phenylephrine hydrochloride bulk vials are intended for use in a pharmacy admixture program for preparation of single doses to be dispensed to multiple patients. Each vial should be penetrated only one time with a suitable sterile transfer device or dispensing set.
Dispensing from a pharmacy bulk vial should be completed within 4 hours after the vial is penetrated. Prior to administration, phenylephrine hydrochloride solutions should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration; the drug should be discarded if the solution is colored, cloudy, or contains any particulate matter. Care should be taken to avoid extravasation and the infusion site should be checked for free flow.
Mucinex(R) 600-mg extended-release tablets should not be broken, crushed, or chewed and should not be used in children younger than 12 years of age; the tablets should be kept out of reach of young children to avoid accidental swallowing and choking. Acetaminophen is administered orally, rectally as suppositories, and by IV infusion over 15 minutes. Acetaminophen preparations for self-medication should not be used unless seals on the tamper-resistant packaging are intact.
Phenylephrine hydrochloride is administered by IV bolus or continuous IV infusion for the treatment of clinically important hypotension. The drug is available as a 10 mg/mL phenylephrine hydrochloride injection concentrate that must be diluted prior to administration and as a ready-to-use phenylephrine hydrochloride 100 mcg/mL (Immphentiv(R), Biorphen(R)) injection. Ready-to-use phenylephrine hydrochloride 100 mcg/mL (Immphentiv(R), Biorphen(R)) injection should not be further diluted before IV bolus administration.
For treatment of hypotension during anesthesia, the manufacturers recommend administration of phenylephrine hydrochloride as an IV bolus or continuous infusion; when used in the treatment of septic shock, the drug should be administered as a continuous IV infusion with no initial bolus dose. Phenylephrine hydrochloride injection should be stored at 20-25degreesC, but may be exposed to temperatures ranging from 15-30degreesC; single-dose and pharmacy bulk vials should be kept in their original carton until time of use and protected from light. Commercially available phenylephrine hydrochloride injection concentrate must be diluted with a compatible IV solution prior to administration.
Diluted solutions may be stored at room temperature for up to 4 hours or under refrigeration for up to 24 hours; any unused portions should be discarded. Commercially available phenylephrine hydrochloride bulk vials are intended for use in a pharmacy admixture program for preparation of single doses to be dispensed to multiple patients. Each vial should be penetrated only one time with a suitable sterile transfer device or dispensing set.
Dispensing from a pharmacy bulk vial should be completed within 4 hours after the vial is penetrated. Prior to administration, phenylephrine hydrochloride solutions should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration; the drug should be discarded if the solution is colored, cloudy, or contains any particulate matter. Care should be taken to avoid extravasation and the infusion site should be checked for free flow.
No dosing information available.
No generic dosing information available.
The following drug interaction information is available for CHILDREN'S MUCINEX COLD-FLU (phenylephrine hcl/dextromethorphan hbr/acetaminophen/guaifen):
There are 0 contraindications.
There are 0 severe interactions.
There are 0 moderate interactions.
The following contraindication information is available for CHILDREN'S MUCINEX COLD-FLU (phenylephrine hcl/dextromethorphan hbr/acetaminophen/guaifen):
Drug contraindication overview.
*Known hypersensitivity to phenylephrine or to any ingredient in the respective formulation.
*Known hypersensitivity to phenylephrine or to any ingredient in the respective formulation.
There are 0 contraindications.
There are 0 severe contraindications.
There are 0 moderate contraindications.
The following adverse reaction information is available for CHILDREN'S MUCINEX COLD-FLU (phenylephrine hcl/dextromethorphan hbr/acetaminophen/guaifen):
Adverse reaction overview.
The most commonly reported adverse effects in patients receiving IV phenylephrine hydrochloride were nausea, vomiting, and headache.
The most commonly reported adverse effects in patients receiving IV phenylephrine hydrochloride were nausea, vomiting, and headache.
There are 0 severe adverse reactions.
There are 0 less severe adverse reactions.
The following precautions are available for CHILDREN'S MUCINEX COLD-FLU (phenylephrine hcl/dextromethorphan hbr/acetaminophen/guaifen):
The manufacturers state that safety and efficacy of parenteral preparations of phenylephrine hydrochloride have not been established in pediatric patients.
Contraindicated
Severe Precaution
Management or Monitoring Precaution
Contraindicated
| None |
Severe Precaution
| None |
Management or Monitoring Precaution
| None |
Epidemiologic data regarding oral acetaminophen use in pregnant women have shown no increased risk of major congenital malformations in infants exposed in utero to the drug. In a large population-based prospective cohort study involving more than 26,000 women with live-born singleton infants who were exposed to oral acetaminophen during the first trimester of pregnancy, no increase in the risk of congenital malformations was observed in exposed children compared with a control group of unexposed children; the rate of congenital malformations (4.3%) was similar to the rate in the general population. A population-based, case-control study from the National Birth Defects Prevention Study also found no increase in the risk of major birth defects in a group of 11,610 children who had been exposed to acetaminophen during the first trimester of pregnancy compared with a control group of 4500 children.
Animal reproduction studies in pregnant rats given oral acetaminophen during organogenesis at dosages up to 0.85 times the maximum recommended human daily dosage (4 g daily, based on body surface area comparison) showed evidence of fetotoxicity (reduced fetal weight and length) and a dose-related increase in bone variations (reduced ossification and rudimentary rib changes); the offspring showed no evidence of external, visceral, or skeletal malformations. When pregnant rats received oral acetaminophen throughout gestation at a dosage of 1.2
times the maximum recommended human daily dosage, areas of necrosis occurred in both the liver and kidney of pregnant rats and fetuses; these effects did not occur in animals given acetaminophen at dosages of 0.3 times the maximum recommended human dosage. In a continuous breeding study in which pregnant mice were given acetaminophen at dosages approximately equivalent to 0.43,
0.87, or 1.7 times the maximum recommended human daily dosage (based on body surface area comparison), a dose-related reduction in body weight of the fourth and fifth litter offspring of the treated mating pair occurred during lactation and following weaning at all dosages studied.
Animals receiving the highest dosage had a reduced number of litters per mating pair, male offspring with an increased percentage of abnormal sperm, and reduced birth weights in the next-generation pups. Acetaminophen is commonly used during all stages of pregnancy for its analgesic and antipyretic effects. Although acetaminophen has been thought not to be associated with risk in offspring, some recent reports have questioned this assessment, especially with frequent maternal use or in cases involving genetic variability.
FDA reviewed data on a possible association between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and risk of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and announced in January 2015 that the data were inconclusive. Some experts state that as with all drug use during pregnancy, routine use of acetaminophen should be avoided. The manufacturer states that there are no studies of IV acetaminophen in pregnant women and animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with this preparation.
Therefore, the manufacturer states that IV acetaminophen should be used during pregnancy only when clearly needed. Because there are no adequate and well-controlled studies of IV acetaminophen during labor and delivery, the manufacturer states that IV acetaminophen should be used in this setting only after careful assessment of potential benefits and risks. Data from randomized trials and meta-analyses with phenylephrine injection in pregnant women undergoing Cesarean section have not established a drug-associated risk of major birth defects or miscarriage.
Additionally, the data did not identify adverse effects on maternal outcomes or infant Apgar scores. At recommended doses, phenylephrine does not appear to significantly affect fetal heart rate or fetal heart rate variability. Data are not available on phenylephrine use during the first or second trimester.
Untreated hypotension in pregnant women undergoing Cesarean delivery with neuraxial anesthesia has been associated with increased maternal nausea and vomiting. A sustained decrease in uterine blood flow caused by maternal hypotension has also been associated with fetal bradycardia and acidosis. No data are available on the safety of phenylephrine injection during the period of organogenesis; therefore, conclusions cannot be drawn regarding the risk of birth defects from drug exposure.
In addition, no data are available on the risk of miscarriage following fetal exposure to phenylephrine injection. In animal studies, fetal malformations were observed following phenylephrine infusion over 1 hour during the period of organogenesis at a dosage of 1.2 times the human daily dosage.
Decreased pup weight was also observed in offspring of pregnant rats who received 2.9 times the human daily dose of phenylephrine. If a vasopressor is used in conjunction with oxytocic drugs, the vasopressor effect is potentiated and may result in serious adverse effects.
Animal reproduction studies in pregnant rats given oral acetaminophen during organogenesis at dosages up to 0.85 times the maximum recommended human daily dosage (4 g daily, based on body surface area comparison) showed evidence of fetotoxicity (reduced fetal weight and length) and a dose-related increase in bone variations (reduced ossification and rudimentary rib changes); the offspring showed no evidence of external, visceral, or skeletal malformations. When pregnant rats received oral acetaminophen throughout gestation at a dosage of 1.2
times the maximum recommended human daily dosage, areas of necrosis occurred in both the liver and kidney of pregnant rats and fetuses; these effects did not occur in animals given acetaminophen at dosages of 0.3 times the maximum recommended human dosage. In a continuous breeding study in which pregnant mice were given acetaminophen at dosages approximately equivalent to 0.43,
0.87, or 1.7 times the maximum recommended human daily dosage (based on body surface area comparison), a dose-related reduction in body weight of the fourth and fifth litter offspring of the treated mating pair occurred during lactation and following weaning at all dosages studied.
Animals receiving the highest dosage had a reduced number of litters per mating pair, male offspring with an increased percentage of abnormal sperm, and reduced birth weights in the next-generation pups. Acetaminophen is commonly used during all stages of pregnancy for its analgesic and antipyretic effects. Although acetaminophen has been thought not to be associated with risk in offspring, some recent reports have questioned this assessment, especially with frequent maternal use or in cases involving genetic variability.
FDA reviewed data on a possible association between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and risk of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and announced in January 2015 that the data were inconclusive. Some experts state that as with all drug use during pregnancy, routine use of acetaminophen should be avoided. The manufacturer states that there are no studies of IV acetaminophen in pregnant women and animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with this preparation.
Therefore, the manufacturer states that IV acetaminophen should be used during pregnancy only when clearly needed. Because there are no adequate and well-controlled studies of IV acetaminophen during labor and delivery, the manufacturer states that IV acetaminophen should be used in this setting only after careful assessment of potential benefits and risks. Data from randomized trials and meta-analyses with phenylephrine injection in pregnant women undergoing Cesarean section have not established a drug-associated risk of major birth defects or miscarriage.
Additionally, the data did not identify adverse effects on maternal outcomes or infant Apgar scores. At recommended doses, phenylephrine does not appear to significantly affect fetal heart rate or fetal heart rate variability. Data are not available on phenylephrine use during the first or second trimester.
Untreated hypotension in pregnant women undergoing Cesarean delivery with neuraxial anesthesia has been associated with increased maternal nausea and vomiting. A sustained decrease in uterine blood flow caused by maternal hypotension has also been associated with fetal bradycardia and acidosis. No data are available on the safety of phenylephrine injection during the period of organogenesis; therefore, conclusions cannot be drawn regarding the risk of birth defects from drug exposure.
In addition, no data are available on the risk of miscarriage following fetal exposure to phenylephrine injection. In animal studies, fetal malformations were observed following phenylephrine infusion over 1 hour during the period of organogenesis at a dosage of 1.2 times the human daily dosage.
Decreased pup weight was also observed in offspring of pregnant rats who received 2.9 times the human daily dose of phenylephrine. If a vasopressor is used in conjunction with oxytocic drugs, the vasopressor effect is potentiated and may result in serious adverse effects.
Acetaminophen is distributed into human milk in small quantities after oral There are no data on whether phenylephrine or its metabolite is distributed administration. Data from more than 15 nursing women suggest that into human or animal milk following parenteral administration. The effects approximately 1-2% of the maternal daily dosage would be ingested by a on the breast-fed infant and milk production are not known.
nursing infant. A case of maculopapular rash in a breast-fed infant has been reported; the rash resolved when the mother discontinued acetaminophen The developmental and health benefits of breast-feeding should be weighed along with the mother's clinical need for the drug and any potential use and recurred when she resumed acetaminophen therapy. The American Academy of Pediatrics and other experts state that acetaminophen is an adverse effects on the breast-fed infant from phenylephrine or from the acceptable choice for use in nursing women.
The manufacturer states that IV underlying maternal condition. acetaminophen should be used with caution in nursing women.
Precaution Exists
Precaution exists. (No data or inconclusive human data.) Use of this drug by breast feeding mothers should be evaluated carefully.
No Known Risk
No known risk. This drug has no known risks to nursing infants and does not adversely affect lactation.
nursing infant. A case of maculopapular rash in a breast-fed infant has been reported; the rash resolved when the mother discontinued acetaminophen The developmental and health benefits of breast-feeding should be weighed along with the mother's clinical need for the drug and any potential use and recurred when she resumed acetaminophen therapy. The American Academy of Pediatrics and other experts state that acetaminophen is an adverse effects on the breast-fed infant from phenylephrine or from the acceptable choice for use in nursing women.
The manufacturer states that IV underlying maternal condition. acetaminophen should be used with caution in nursing women.
Precaution Exists
Precaution exists. (No data or inconclusive human data.) Use of this drug by breast feeding mothers should be evaluated carefully.
| Drug Name | Excretion Potential | Effect on Infant | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dextromethorphan | Excreted.This drug is known to be excreted in human breast milk. | It is not known whether this drug has an adverse effect on the nursing infant. (No data or inconclusive human data) | Low levels excreted, no adverse effects in infants expected |
| Guaifenesin | Unknown. It is unknown whether the drug is excreted in human breast milk. | It is not known whether this drug has an adverse effect on the nursing infant. (No data or inconclusive human data) | Insuff data avail; avoid products with high alcohol content |
| Phenylephrine | Excreted.This drug is known to be excreted in human breast milk. | It is not known whether this drug has an adverse effect on the nursing infant. (No data or inconclusive human data) | Oral bioavailability low; infant exposure may be minimal |
No Known Risk
No known risk. This drug has no known risks to nursing infants and does not adversely affect lactation.
| Drug Name | Excretion Potential | Effect on Infant | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acetaminophen | Excreted.This drug is known to be excreted in human breast milk. | This drug has been shown not to have an adverse effect on the nursing infant. | Low levels excreted with low risk for adverse effects in infant |
Clinical studies of phenylephrine hydrochloride did not include sufficient numbers of patients >=65 years of age to determine whether geriatric patients respond differently than younger patients. Clinical experience to date has not identified any differences in response between geriatric and younger patients. If phenylephrine is used in geriatric patients, dosage should be selected carefully, usually starting at the low end of the dosage range, since renal, hepatic, and cardiovascular dysfunction and concomitant disease or other drug therapy are more common in this age group.
Precaution Exists
Geriatric management or monitoring precaution exists.
Precaution Exists
Geriatric management or monitoring precaution exists.
| Drug Name | Narrative | REN | HEP | CARDIO | NEURO | PULM | ENDO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acetaminophen (oral,rectal) | Hepatic-Elderly may be more susceptible to hepatotoxicity. Strict adherence to a maximum daily dose is recommended; maximum dose 3000-3800 mg depending on dose form strength used and recommendation source. | N | Y | N | N | N | N |
| Phenylephrine | Cardiovascular-Elderly are more sensitive to tachycardia and hypertensive effects. May exacerbate symptomatic coronary insufficiency. Genitourinary-May cause urinary retention. Neuro/Psych-May worsen cognitive impairment in some elderly with dementia. Insomnia risk. | N | N | Y | Y | N | N |
The following prioritized warning is available for CHILDREN'S MUCINEX COLD-FLU (phenylephrine hcl/dextromethorphan hbr/acetaminophen/guaifen):
WARNING: One ingredient in this product is acetaminophen. Taking too much acetaminophen may cause serious (possibly fatal) liver disease. Adults should not take more than 4000 milligrams (4 grams) of acetaminophen a day.
People with liver problems and children should take less acetaminophen. Ask your doctor or pharmacist how much acetaminophen is safe to take. Do not use with any other drug containing acetaminophen without asking your doctor or pharmacist first.
Acetaminophen is in many nonprescription and prescription medications (such as pain/fever drugs or cough-and-cold products). Check the labels on all your medicines to see if they contain acetaminophen, and ask your pharmacist if you are unsure. Get medical help right away if you take too much acetaminophen (overdose), even if you feel well.
Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, sweating, stomach/abdominal pain, extreme tiredness, yellowing eyes/skin, and dark urine. Daily alcohol use, especially when combined with acetaminophen, may damage your liver. Avoid alcohol.
WARNING: One ingredient in this product is acetaminophen. Taking too much acetaminophen may cause serious (possibly fatal) liver disease. Adults should not take more than 4000 milligrams (4 grams) of acetaminophen a day.
People with liver problems and children should take less acetaminophen. Ask your doctor or pharmacist how much acetaminophen is safe to take. Do not use with any other drug containing acetaminophen without asking your doctor or pharmacist first.
Acetaminophen is in many nonprescription and prescription medications (such as pain/fever drugs or cough-and-cold products). Check the labels on all your medicines to see if they contain acetaminophen, and ask your pharmacist if you are unsure. Get medical help right away if you take too much acetaminophen (overdose), even if you feel well.
Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, sweating, stomach/abdominal pain, extreme tiredness, yellowing eyes/skin, and dark urine. Daily alcohol use, especially when combined with acetaminophen, may damage your liver. Avoid alcohol.
The following icd codes are available for CHILDREN'S MUCINEX COLD-FLU (phenylephrine hcl/dextromethorphan hbr/acetaminophen/guaifen)'s list of indications:
No ICD codes found for this drug.
No ICD codes found for this drug.
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