Children's Dimetapp Multi-Symptom Cold and Flu

Acetaminophen is a medicine that relieves pain and reduces fever. Diphenhydramine is a type of antihistamine. Phenylephrine is a medicine that helps with nasal congestion.

Children's Dimetapp Multi-Symptom Cold and Flu is a combination medicine that helps treat cold and flu symptoms like a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, cough, sore throat, headache, fever, and body aches.

There are many brands and forms of acetaminophen, diphenhydramine, and phenylephrine available. Not all brands are mentioned in this leaflet.

Children's Dimetapp Multi-Symptom Cold and Flu may also be used for other purposes that are not listed in this medication guide.

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Cold or cough medicine is only for short-term use until your symptoms clear up.

Do not take more of this medicine than is recommended. An overdose of acetaminophen can damage your liver or cause death. Taking too much diphenhydramine can lead to serious heart problems, seizures, coma, or death.

Some brands of Children's Dimetapp Multi-Symptom Cold and Flu are not approved for use in anyone younger than 12 years old.

Always follow directions on the medicine label about giving this medicine to a child. Do not use the medicine only to make a child sleepy. Death can occur from the misuse of antihistamines in very young children.

Measure liquid medicine carefully. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).

Dissolve one packet of the powder in at least 4 ounces of water. Stir this mixture and drink all of it right away.

Call your doctor if you still have a sore throat after 2 days, or if you also have a fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, or rash.

Stop taking this medicine and talk with your doctor if you still have a fever after 3 days, or you still have pain, stuffy nose, or a cough after 7 days (5 days if treating a child). Also call your doctor if your symptoms get worse, or if you have any redness or swelling.

If you need surgery or medical tests, tell the surgeon or doctor ahead of time if you have taken this medicine within the past few days.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Do not use this medicine if you have taken an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could happen. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, and tranylcypromine.

Use this medicine exactly as directed. An overdose of acetaminophen can harm your liver or lead to death. Taking too much diphenhydramine can cause serious heart issues, seizures, coma, or death.

Do not use this medicine to make a child sleepy. Some brands of Children's Dimetapp Multi-Symptom Cold and Flu are not approved for anyone younger than 12 years old.

Drinking alcohol may increase your risk of liver damage while taking acetaminophen.

Stop taking this medicine and call your doctor right away if you have skin redness or a rash that spreads and leads to blistering and peeling.

Ask a doctor before taking medicine that contains acetaminophen if you have ever had liver disease, or if you drink more than 3 alcoholic beverages per day.

Do not use this medicine if you have taken an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, and tranylcypromine.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if this medicine is safe to use if you have ever had:

• asthma or COPD, cough with mucus, or cough caused by smoking, emphysema, or chronic bronchitis;
• liver disease;
• high blood pressure, heart disease;
• an enlarged prostate or urination problems;
• a thyroid disorder;
• diabetes;
• glaucoma; or
• a condition for which you take warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven).

Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Get emergency medical help if you notice signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

In rare instances, acetaminophen may lead to a severe skin reaction that could be life-threatening. This can happen even if you have taken acetaminophen before without any issues. Stop using this medicine and contact your doctor immediately if you experience skin redness or a rash that spreads and causes blistering and peeling. If you have this type of reaction, you should never take any medicine that contains acetaminophen again.

This medicine may cause serious side effects. Stop using this medicine and call your doctor right away if you have:

• severe drowsiness;
• painful or difficult urination;
• dizziness, trouble sleeping, nervousness; or
• liver problems—loss of appetite, stomach pain (upper right side), tiredness, itching, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Common side effects of Children's Dimetapp Multi-Symptom Cold and Flu may include:

• drowsiness;
• dry eyes, blurred vision;
• dry mouth, nose, or throat;
• constipation; or
• feeling restless or excited (especially in children).

This is not a complete list of side effects, and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Since Children's Dimetapp Multi-Symptom Cold and Flu is taken as needed, you may not have a regular dosing schedule. If you miss a dose and it’s almost time for your next dose, just skip the missed dose. Do not take two doses at the same time.

Seek emergency medical help or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. Taking too much can be fatal or cause liver damage.

Symptoms of an overdose may include loss of appetite, vomiting, weakness, confusion, ringing in your ears, upper stomach pain, dark urine, no urination, very dry eyes and mouth, yellowing of your skin or eyes, dilated pupils, fast heartbeats, tremor, agitation, hallucinations, or seizure.

Do not drive or do anything dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you. Your reactions may be impaired.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine that may have acetaminophen or diphenhydramine in it. This includes medicines for pain, fever, swelling, cold/flu symptoms, or anti-itch medicine used on the skin. Using too much acetaminophen or diphenhydramine can cause a fatal overdose.

Drinking alcohol may increase your risk of liver damage while taking this medicine.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using Children's Dimetapp Multi-Symptom Cold and Flu with any other medicines, especially those that can cause drowsiness (such as opioid medication, sleep medicine, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures). Inform your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you begin or stop using. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed here.