Brand name:
Pronounced: VIX 44-M
Generic ingredients: Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine maleate, Dextromethorphan hydrobromide, Pseudoephedrine hydrochloride
Vicks 44M liquid temporarily relieves the fever and minor aches and pains of a cold or flu, including muscular aches, headache, and sore throat pain. It also combats stuffy nose, cough, and runny nose and sneezing.
The product is similar to Vicks Nyquil, but contains a different antihistamine for relief of sneezing and runny nose.
The usual dose for adults and children 12 years and older is 4 teaspoonfuls. Repeat doses every 6 hours as needed, but do not take more than 4 doses per day.
Check with your doctor before taking Vicks 44M 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 asthma, emphysema, or chronic bronchitis.
Also check with your doctor before using Vicks 44M for the type of chronic cough that results from smoking, or for a cough that brings up lots of phlegm.
Not for children under 12.
If you become dizzy or nervous, or have trouble sleeping, stop taking Vicks 44M and check with your doctor.
Because Vicks 44M may cause drowsiness, be especially cautious when driving, and when operating machinery. The product could also cause excitability, especially in children.
Do not take Vicks 44M for more than 7 days without your doctor's approval. If your symptoms do not improve or include a fever that gets worse or lasts more than 3 days--or if new symptoms appear--stop taking the product and call your doctor. Do likewise 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.
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 have 3 or more alcoholic drinks a day, ask your doctor about taking this product. The acetaminophen it contains can cause liver damage.
Do not use Vicks 44M 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 Vicks 44M without your doctor's approval; the combination could cause extreme drowsiness. For the same reason, avoid alcohol while taking this product.