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)

Dosing and uses of Children's Sudafed PE Cold and Cough, Children's Triaminic Day Time Cold and Cough Thin Strips (dextromethorphan/phenylephrine)

• Adult
• Pediatric

 

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.