Brand name:
Pronounced: AL-ka SELL-tser
Generic ingredients: Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine maleate, Dextromethorphan hydrobromide, Pseudoephedrine hydrochloride
Other brand names: Robitussin Flu, Robitussin Nighttime Honey Flu
The ingredients in this variety of Alka-Seltzer Plus relieve fever, headache, body aches and pains, stuffy nose and sinuses, runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, cough, watery eyes, and itchy nose or throat.
Robitussin Flu and Nighttime Honey Flu contain the same ingredients found in the Alka Seltzer Plus Cold & Cough liqui-gels. Robitussin Flu is a liquid. Robitussin Nighttime Honey Flu comes in powder form.
Alka-Seltzer Plus liqui-gels should be swallowed with a glass of water. The Robitussin powder should be dissolved in 4 to 6 ounces of a hot beverage such as tea. Doses of all these products may be repeated every 4 hours if needed--but don't take more than 4 doses per day.
* ALKA-SELTZER PLUS COLD & COUGH LIQUI-GELS
Adults
For adults and children 12 years and over, the usual dosage is 2
liqui-gels.
Children
For children 6 to 12, the usual dose is 1 liqui-gel. For
children under 6, consult your doctor.
* ROBITUSSIN FLU
Adults
For adults and children 12 years and over, the usual dose is 4
teaspoonfuls.
Children
For children 6 to 12, the usual dose is 2 teaspoonfuls. For
children under 6, consult your doctor.
* ROBITUSSIN NIGHTTIME HONEY FLU
Adults
The usual dosage is 1 pouch.
Children
This product is not recommended for children under 12.
* STORAGE
Store at room temperature.
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.
Also check with your doctor before using these products for the type of chronic cough that results from smoking or asthma, or for a cough that brings up lots of phlegm.
Check with your doctor before using these products if you have 3 or more alcoholic drinks every day. The acetaminophen in these products can cause liver damage.
If you become dizzy or nervous, or have trouble sleeping, stop taking the product and check with your doctor.
These products contain an antihistamine that may cause marked drowsiness. Be especially cautious when driving, and when operating machinery. The antihistamine can also cause excitability, especially in children.
Stop taking the product and check with your doctor if symptoms last 7 days or are accompanied by a fever, the fever gets worse or lasts more than 3 days, you have new symptoms, or you notice redness or swelling.
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.
Likewise, stop taking the product and call your doctor if you have a cough that lasts for more than 7 days or tends to come back, or a cough accompanied by rash, lasting headache, and fever.
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, such as Tylenol.
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 these drugs.