acetaminophen/chlorpheniramine/dextromethorphan/phenylephrine (Children's Dimetapp Multi-Symptom Cold and Flu)
Classes: Cough/Cold, Non-narcotic Combos; Analgesic/Antihistamine/Antitussive/Decongestant Combos
- Dosing and uses of Children's Dimetapp Multi-Symptom Cold & Flu (acetaminophen/chlorpheniramine/dextromethorphan/phenylephrine)
- Children's Dimetapp Multi-Symptom Cold & Flu (acetaminophen/chlorpheniramine/dextromethorphan/phenylephrine) adverse (side) effects
- Warnings
- Pregnancy
- Pharmacology of Children's Dimetapp Multi-Symptom Cold & Flu (acetaminophen/chlorpheniramine/dextromethorphan/phenylephrine)
Dosing and uses of Children's Dimetapp Multi-Symptom Cold and Flu (acetaminophen/chlorpheniramine/dextromethorphan/phenylephrine)
Adult dosage forms and strengths
acetaminophen/chlorpheniramine/dextromethorphan/phenylephrine
oral solution
- (160mg/1mg/5mg/2.5mg)/5mL
Cold/Flu
Indicated to temporarily relieve symptoms associated with cold or flu
4 teaspoonfuls (ie, 20 mL) PO q4hr prn
Pediatric dosage forms and strengths
acetaminophen/chlorpheniramine/dextromethorphan/phenylephrine
oral solution
- (160mg/1mg/5mg/2.5mg)/5mL
Cold/Flu
Indicated to temporarily relieve symptoms associated with cold or flu
<6 years: Do not use
6-12 years: 2 teaspoonfuls (ie, 10 mL) PO q4hr prn
4 teaspoonfuls (ie, 20 mL) PO q4hr prn
Children's Dimetapp Multi-Symptom Cold and Flu (acetaminophen/chlorpheniramine/dextromethorphan/phenylephrine) adverse (side) effects
Frequency not defined
Hypertension
Severe peripheral and visceral vasoconstriction
Reflex tachycardia
Dizziness
Drowsiness
Excitability
Headache
Restlessness
Tremor
GI disturbances
Warnings
Contraindications
Hypersensitivi
Hepatitis or hepatic/renal dysfunction, alcoholism
Repeated administration in patients with anemia or cardiac, pulmonary, or renal disease
Do not use with MAOIs or for 2 weeks after discontinuing MAOIs
Cautions
Acetaminophen
- Acetaminophen in many other dosage forms and products, check label carefully to avoid overdose
- Risk of hepatotoxicity is higher in alcoholics or with use of more than one acetaminophen-containing product
- G6PD deficiency
- Risk for rare, but serious skin reactions that can be fatal; these reactions include Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), and acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP); symptoms may include skin redness, blisters and rash
Chlorpheniramine
- Marked drowsiness may occur; avoid other sedating drugs and alcohol
- Paradoxical excitability reaction may occur, especially in children
- Caution in narrow angle glaucoma, prostatic hypertrophy, stenosing peptic ulcer, pyloroduodenal obstruction, or bladder neck obstruction
Dextromethorphan may decrease respirations
Phenylephrine may increase blood pressure
Pregnancy and lactation
Pregnancy category: C
Lactation: excretion in milk unknown; use with caution
Pregnant or breastfeeding patients should seek advice of health professional before using OTC drugs
Pregnancy categories
A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.
B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk.
C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done.
D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk.
X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist.
NA: Information not available.
Pharmacology of Children's Dimetapp Multi-Symptom Cold and Flu (acetaminophen/chlorpheniramine/dextromethorphan/phenylephrine)
Mechanism of action
Acetaminophen: Acts on hypothalamus to produce antipyresis; may work peripherally to pain impulse generation; may also inhibit prostaglandin synthesis in CNs
Chlorpheniramine: Histamine H1-receptor antagonist
Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant that acts centrally on the cough center in the medulla
Phenylephrine is a vasoconstrictor and a decongestant that relieves symptoms resulting from irritation of upper respiratory tract tissue; shrinks swollen mucous membranes, reduces nasal congestion and tissue hyperemia