Brand name:

Sudafed Sinus & Cold

Pronounced: SUE-da-fed

Generic ingredients: Acetaminophen, Pseudoephedrine hydrochloride

Other brand names: Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold & Sinus Medicine Liqui-Gels, Children's Cepacol Sore Throat Formula, Sudafed Sinus Headache, Triaminic Allergy Sinus & Headache Softchews, Tylenol Sinus Non-Drowsy, Tylenol Children's Sinus Liquid

What this drug is used for

All of these products contain the same two active ingredients. Pseudoephedrine, a decongestant, temporarily relieves nasal congestion, allowing the sinuses to drain. Acetaminophen relieves the minor aches, pains, headache, muscular aches, sore throat, and fever that often accompany a cold.

How should you take this medication?

* SUDAFED SINUS & COLD
The usual dose for adults and children over 12 is 2 pills every 4 to 6 hours, up to a maximum of 8 pills each 24 hours. For children under 12, consult your doctor.

* SUDAFED SINUS HEADACHE
The usual dose for adults and children over 12 is 2 pills every 6 hours, up to a maximum of 8 pills each 24 hours. For children under 12, consult your doctor.

* ALKA-SELTZER PLUS COLD & SINUS
The usual dose for adults and children over 12 is 2 pills every 4 hours, up to a maximum of 8 pills per day. For children 6 to 12, the usual dose is 1 pill every 4 hours, up to a maximum of 4 pills per day. For children under 6, consult a doctor.

* TYLENOL SINUS NON-DROWSY
The usual dose for adults and children over 12 is 2 pills every 4 to 6 hours, up to a maximum of 8 pills each 24 hours. Do not give to children under 12.

* CHILDREN'S CEPACOL SORE THROAT FORMULA
The product comes with a dosage cup for accurate measurements. Doses may be repeated every 4 to 6 hours. Do not give more than 4 doses each 24 hours.

Ages 12 and over: The usual dose is 4 teaspoonfuls.
Ages 6 to 12: 2 teaspoonfuls
Ages 2 to 5: 1 teaspoonful
Under 2: Consult your doctor

* TRIAMINIC ALLERGY SINUS & HEADACHE
The usual dose for children 6 to 12 is 2 pills every 4 to 6 hours, up to a maximum of 8 pills a day. For children 2 to 6, the usual dose is 1 pill every 4 to 6 hours, up to a maximum of 4 pills a day. For children under 2, consult a doctor.

* TYLENOL CHILDREN'S SINUS LIQUID
Doses may be repeated every 4 hours. Do not give more than 4 doses each 24 hours.

Age 11: 3 teaspoonfuls
Ages 9 to 10: 2-1/2 teaspoonfuls
Ages 6 to 8: 2 teaspoonfuls
Ages 4 to 5: 1-1/2 teaspoonful
Ages 2 to 3: 1 teaspoonful
Under 2: Consult your doctor

* STORAGE
Store at room temperature. Keep pills in a dry place, protected from light.

Do not take this medication if...

Avoid these products when taking other medications that contain acetaminophen, and when taking a prescription drug classified as an "MAOI" (see "Possible food and drug interactions..." below).

Check with your doctor before using these products if you have heart disease, high blood pressure, thyroid disease, diabetes, or an enlarged prostate gland.

Special warnings about this medication

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

Stop using the product and check with your doctor if symptoms last for more than 10 days (5 days for children's products). Use all products no more than 3 days for fever. If fever gets worse, if symptoms don't improve or new symptoms occur, or if you notice redness or swelling, stop taking the product and call your doctor.

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

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.

Do not combine these products with others that contain acetaminophen. Along with heavy drinking, large amounts of acetaminophen could conceivably cause liver damage. Check with your doctor before taking these products if you generally have 3 or more alcoholic beverages a day.