Brand name:

Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold & Cough Medicine Tablets

Pronounced: AL-ka SELL-tser

Generic ingredients: Dextromethorphan hydrobromide, Phenylephrine

What this drug is used for

This form of Alka-Seltzer Plus is marketed for relief of coughing, runny nose, sneezing, and nasal and sinus congestion.

How should you take this medication?

For adults and children 12 years and over, the recommended dose is 2 tablets dissolved in 4 ounces of water every 4 hours. Do not take more than 8 tablets in 24 hours unless your doctor approves. For children under 12, consult your doctor.

* STORAGE
Protect from excessive heat.

Do not take this medication if...

Avoid this product if you are taking a prescription drug classified as an "MAO inhibitor" (see "Possible food and drug interactions..." below).

Check with your doctor before using this product if you have heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid disease, high pressure in the eye (glaucoma), an enlarged prostate gland, the type of nagging cough that can accompany smoking or asthma, a cough that brings up too much phlegm, or breathing problems such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis.

Special warnings about this medication

This variety of Alka-Seltzer Plus can cause drowsiness. Be especially cautious when operating machinery or driving. This product can also cause excitability, especially in children.

Check with your doctor before using this product if you are on a sodium-restricted diet.

Stop taking this product and check with your doctor if:

• You become nervous or dizzy, or have trouble sleeping
• Your symptoms do not improve within 7 days or are accompanied by a fever
• Fever gets worse or lasts more than 3 days
• You have redness or swelling
• New symptoms develop
• Your cough won't go away
• Your cough lasts for more than 7 days, tends to come back, or is accompanied by a fever, rash, or lasting headache. These may be signs of a serious condition.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking this medication

Do not use this product 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, check with your doctor before using this product. You may suffer increased drowsiness. For the same reason, avoid alcohol while using this product.