Vanacof

Chlophedianol is a cough suppressant. It works on the brain to stop the cough reflex.

Dexchlorpheniramine is an antihistamine that helps lessen the effects of histamine, a natural chemical in the body. Histamine can cause sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and a runny nose.

Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant that narrows blood vessels in the nasal passages. When blood vessels are swollen, they can lead to nasal congestion (a stuffy nose).

Vanacof is a combination medicine used to relieve runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, itching, watery eyes, cough, and sinus congestion caused by allergies, the common cold, or the flu.

Vanacof will not treat a cough caused by smoking, asthma, bronchitis, or emphysema.

Vanacof may also be used for other reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Cough or cold medicine is usually taken only for a short time until your symptoms clear up.

Do not give this medication to a child younger than 4 years old. Always ask a doctor before giving a cough or cold medicine to a child. Death can occur from the misuse of cough and cold medicines in very young children.

Measure liquid medicine with a special dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 7 days of treatment, or if you have a fever with a headache, cough, or skin rash.

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

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze.

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

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, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine, and others.

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to chlophedianol, dexchlorpheniramine, or pseudoephedrine.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to take this medicine if you have other medical conditions, especially:

• any type of breathing disorder;
• cough with mucus;
• glaucoma;
• diabetes;
• liver or kidney disease;
• heart disease, high blood pressure;
• a thyroid disorder; or
• if you take potassium (Cytra, Epiklor, K-Lyte, K-Phos, Kaon, Klor-Con, Polycitra, Urocit-K).

It is not known whether chlophedianol, dexchlorpheniramine, and pseudoephedrine will harm an unborn baby. Do not use this medicine without a doctor's advice if you are pregnant.

Vanacof may pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Antihistamines and decongestants may also slow breast milk production. Do not use this medicine without a doctor's advice if you are breast-feeding a baby.

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

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

• severe drowsiness;
• a light-headed feeling, like you might faint;
• severe dizziness or anxiety; or
• severe restlessness or trouble sleeping.

Common side effects of Vanacof may include:

• mild dizziness or drowsiness;
• dry mouth, nose, or throat;
• diarrhea, constipation, upset stomach;
• feeling restless or excited (especially in children);
• blurred vision; or
• sleep problems (insomnia).

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

Since cough or cold medicine is taken as needed, you may not have a set dosing schedule. If you do have a schedule and miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for the missed dose.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

This medicine may cause blurred vision or affect your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert and able to see clearly.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using any other cold, allergy, cough, or sleep medicine. Antihistamines, antitussives, and decongestants are found in many combination medicines. Taking certain products together can lead to getting too much of a certain drug. Check the label to see if a medicine contains an antihistamine, antitussive, or decongestant.

Drinking alcohol can increase certain side effects of Vanacof.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using this medicine if you are also taking any other drugs, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Some medicines can cause unwanted or dangerous effects when combined. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.

Taking this medicine with other drugs that make you sleepy or slow your breathing can make these effects worse. Ask your doctor before taking Vanacof with a sleeping pill, narcotic pain medicine, muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety, depression, or seizures.