dextromethorphan/phenylephrine (Children's Sudafed PE Cold and Cough, Children's Triaminic Day Time Cold and Cough Thin Strips, PediaCare Children's Multi-Symptom Cold, PediaCare Infant Decongestant and Cough (PE) Oral Drops, Theraflu Daytime Cold and Cough Strips, Triaminic Daytime Cold and Cough Liquid, Vicks Formula 44 Custom Care Congestion)
Classes: Antitussives, Non-narcotic Combos
- Dosing and uses of Children's Sudafed PE Cold & Cough, Children's Triaminic Day Time Cold & Cough Thin Strips (dextromethorphan/phenylephrine)
- Children's Sudafed PE Cold & Cough, Children's Triaminic Day Time Cold & Cough Thin Strips (dextromethorphan/phenylephrine) adverse (side) effects
- Warnings
- Pregnancy
- Pharmacology of Children's Sudafed PE Cold & Cough, Children's Triaminic Day Time Cold & Cough Thin Strips (dextromethorphan/phenylephrine)
Dosing and uses of Children's Sudafed PE Cold and Cough, Children's Triaminic Day Time Cold and Cough Thin Strips (dextromethorphan/phenylephrine)
Adult dosage forms and strengths
dextromethorphan/phenylephrine
strips
- 3.67mg/2.5mg
- 14.8mg/10mg
drops
- 3.125mg/1.56mg
liquid
- 5mg/2.5mg
- 6.67mg/3.33mg
- 15mg/2.5mg
- (20mg/10mg)/15mL
Relief of Mild to Moderate Pain & Congestion, Flu Symptoms & Common Cold
Theraflu Daytime Cold & Cough Strips: 1 strip q4hr; not to exceed 6/day
Vicks Formula 44D Cough & Head Congestion Relief Liquid: 15 mL PO q4hr; not to exceed 90 mL/day
Safetussin CD Liquid: 10 mL PO q6hr; not to exceed 40 mL/day
Vicks Formula 44 Custom Care Congestion
Pediatric dosage forms and strengths
dextromethorphan/phenylephrine
strips
- 3.67mg/2.5mg
- 14.8mg/10mg
drops
- 3.125mg/1.56mg
liquid
- 5mg/2.5mg
- 6.67mg/3.33mg
- 15mg/2.5mg
- (20mg/10mg)/15mL
Relief of Mild to Moderate Pain & Congestion, Flu Symptoms & Common Cold
<4 Years Old
- Ask a pediatrician
4-6 Years Old
- Children's Sudafed PE Cold & Cough: 5mL PO q4hr; not to exceed 6 doses/day
- Children's Triaminic Day Time Cold & Cough Thin Strips: 1 strip PO q4hr; not to exceed 6/day
- PediaCare Children's Multi-Symptom Cold: 5 mL PO q4hr; not to exceed 6 doses/day
- Dimetapp Toddler’s Decongestant Plus Cough Drops: 1.6 mL PO q4hr; not to exceed 9.6 mL/day
- Triaminic Daytime Cold & Cough Liquid: 5 mL PO q4hr; not to exceed 30 mL/day
- Safetussin CD Liquid: 2.5 mL q6hr; not to exceed 10 mL/day
6-12 Years Old
- Children's Sudafed PE Cold & Cough: 10mL PO q4hr; not to exceed 6 doses/day
- Children's Triaminic Day Time Cold & Cough Thin Strips: 2 strips PO q4hr; not to exceed 12/day
- PediaCare Children's Multi-Symptom Cold: 10 mL PO q4hr; not to exceed 6 doses/day
- Triaminic Daytime Cold & Cough Liquid: 10 mL PO q4hr; not to exceed 60 mL/day
- Vicks Formula 44D Cough & Head Congestion Relief Liquid: 7.5 mL PO q4hr; not to exceed 45 mL/day
- Safetussin CD Liquid: 5 mL PO q6hr; not to exceed 20 mL/day
- Vicks Formula 44 Custom Care Congestion: 7.5mL q4hr; not to exceed 6 doses/day
Children's Sudafed PE Cold and Cough, Children's Triaminic Day Time Cold and Cough Thin Strips (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
Contraindicated in documented hypersensitivity to the drugs or within 14 days of MAO inhibitor therapy
Cautions
Caution in elderly patients, hyperthyroidism, myocardial disease, bradycardia, partial heart block or severe arteriosclerosis when administering phenylephrine; in hypovolemia, phenylephrine use is not a substitute for replacement of blood, fluids and electrolytes, and plasma (promptly restore with loss); dilute IV and administer via large vein; extravasation precautions required
Do not take dextromethorphan for persistent or chronic cough associated with smoking, asthma, or emphysema, or if it is accompanied by excessive phlegm unless directed by a healthcare provider; dextromethorphan may slow the breathing
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 Sudafed PE Cold and Cough, Children's Triaminic Day Time Cold and Cough Thin Strips (dextromethorphan/phenylephrine)
Mechanism of action
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. It shrinks swollen mucous membranes, reduces nasal congestion and tissue hyperemia.
