Brand name:

Drixoral Cold & Flu

Pronounced: dricks-OR-al

Generic ingredients: Acetaminophen, Dexbrompheniramine maleate, Pseudoephedrine sulfate

Other brand name: Drixoral Allergy/Sinus

What this drug is used for

Two products in the Drixoral line--Drixoral Cold & Flu and Drixoral Allergy/Sinus--share the same set of ingredients. The acetaminophen in these products temporarily relieves headache, fever, and minor aches and pains. The dexbrompheniramine component relieves sneezing, runny nose, itchy nose or throat, and itchy, watery eyes. The pseudoephedrine unclogs stuffy nose and sinuses.

Both products are 12-hour timed-release formulations.

How should you take this medication?

For adults and children 12 years and over, the usual dosage is 2 tablets every 12 hours. Do not use more than 4 tablets each 24 hours. For children under 12, consult your doctor.

* STORAGE

Store at room temperature in a dry place.

Do not take this medication if...

Unless your doctor approves, do not take these products if you have heart disease, high blood pressure, thyroid disease, diabetes, high pressure within the eye (glaucoma), an enlarged prostate gland, or a breathing problem such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis.

Special warnings about this medication

If you become dizzy or nervous, or have trouble sleeping, stop taking Drixoral and check with your doctor.

Also check with your doctor if your symptoms do not improve within 7 days or you have a fever that lasts for more than 3 days or goes away and comes back.

If your pain or fever gets worse, if you have redness or swelling, or if you develop new symptoms, you could have a serious condition and should go to a doctor.

These products can cause excitability, especially in children. They can also make you drowsy. Use caution when driving, and when operating machinery.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking this medication

Do not use these products within 2 weeks of taking a drug classified as an MAO inhibitor, such as the antidepressants Nardil and Parnate.

If you are taking a tranquilizer such as Valium or Xanax, or a sleep aid such as Halcion or Seconal, do not take these products without your doctor's approval; the combination could cause extreme drowsiness. For the same reason, avoid alcohol while taking this medication.