Brand name

Pediacare Infants' Drops Decongestant Plus Cough

Pronounced: PEE-dee-uh-care

Generic ingredients: Pseudoephedrine hydrochloride, Dextromethorphan hydrobromide

Other brand name: Dimetapp Infant Drops Decongestant Plus Cough

What this drug is used for

These drops temporarily relieve two problems brought on by the common cold and allergies such as hay fever: stuffy nose and cough.

How should you take this medication?

Use the dropper that comes with these products to measure the dosage accurately. Give only by mouth.

* PEDIACARE DECONGESTANT PLUS COUGH

Doses may be repeated every 4 to 6 hours. Do not give more than 4 doses a day.

Children 2 to 3 years old: 2 dropperfuls
Children 12 to 23 months old: 1-1/2 dropperfuls
Infants 4 to 11 months old: 1 dropperful
Birth to 3 months old: one-half dropperful

* DIMETAPP DECONGESTANT PLUS COUGH

Doses may be repeated every 4 hours. Do not give more than 4 doses a day.

Children 2 to 3 years old: 2 dropperfuls
Children under 2: Consult your doctor.

Do not take this medication if...

Unless your doctor approves, do not give these drops to a child with heart disease, high blood pressure, thyroid disease, or diabetes. Also check with your doctor before giving the drops for the type of frequent, long-lasting coughing that marks conditions such as asthma, or for coughs that bring up lots of phlegm.

Special warnings about this medication

If the child becomes dizzy or nervous, or has trouble sleeping, stop giving the drops and check with your doctor.

If cough and other symptoms don't improve within 7 days or tend to come back--or if the child also has a fever, rash, or lasting headache--check with your doctor. A lingering cough could signal a serious condition.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking this medication

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

Overdosage

* Symptoms of an overdose may include:

Anxiety, rapid heartbeat, mild high blood pressure, nervous system problems, visual disturbances, failure to urinate, nausea, vomiting

If you suspect an overdose, check with your doctor.