Brand name:

TheraFlu Flu & Sore Throat

Pronounced: THAIR-uh-flew

Generic ingredients: Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine maleate, Pseudoephedrine hydrochloride

Other brand name: Theraflu Cold & Sore Throat

What this drug is used for

TheraFlu Flu & Sore Throat Night Time Medicine relieves the headache, body aches, minor sore throat pain, and fever that accompany colds and flu. It also unclogs stuffy nose, and combats runny nose, sneezing, itchy nose and throat, and itchy, watery eyes.

Theraflu Flu & Sore Throat and Theraflu Cold & Sore Throat contain the same set of ingredients. They come in powder form, wrapped in foil packets.

How should you take this medication?

For adults and children 12 years and over, the usual dose is 1 packet. You can take the Cold & Sore Throat Medicine every 4 to 6 hours. The Flu & Sore Throat formulation should not be taken more often than every 6 hours. With either, take no more than 4 packets a day. Dissolve the powder in 6 ounces of hot water and sip while hot. For children under 12, consult your doctor.

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 this medication and check with your doctor.

These products may cause drowsiness. Be especially cautious when driving, and when operating machinery. They can also cause excitability, especially in children.

Do not take these products for more than 10 days for pain or 3 days for fever without your doctor's approval. If your symptoms do not improve within 7 days or include a fever, if pain or fever won't go away or gets worse, if you develop new symptoms, or if you notice any redness or swelling, check with your doctor; you might have a serious condition.

You should also check with your doctor immediately if you have a severe sore throat that lasts for more than 2 days, or if your sore throat is accompanied or followed by fever, headache, rash, nausea, or vomiting.

If you consume 3 or more alcoholic drinks a day, check with your doctor about taking these products. The acetaminophen they contain can cause liver damage.

If you must avoid phenylalanine, do not use these products.

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 this medication without your doctor's approval; the combination could cause extreme drowsiness. For the same reason, avoid alcohol while taking these products.