Brand name:

Robitussin Sinus & Congestion

Pronounced: ROW-bi-TUSS-in

Generic ingredients: Acetaminophen, Guaifenesin, Pseudoephedrine hydrochloride

What this drug is used for

The ingredients in this product provide temporary relief from many of the symptoms associated with colds and flu. Pseudoephedrine, a decongestant, temporarily relieves nasal congestion, allowing the sinuses to drain. Guaifenesin loosens phlegm, making coughs more productive. Acetaminophen relieves minor aches, pains, headache, muscular aches, sore throat, and fever. The product comes in caplet form.

How should you take this medication?

Do not take more than 4 doses each 24 hours.

* ADULTS
The usual dose for adults and children 12 and over is 2 caplets every 4 hours.

* CHILDREN
For children 6 to 12, the usual dose is 1 caplet every 4 hours. For children under 6, consult your doctor.

* STORAGE
Store at room temperature.

Do not take this medication if...

Avoid this product when taking other medications that contain acetaminophen, and when 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, thyroid disease, diabetes, an enlarged prostate gland, a cough that brings up too much phlegm, or the type of chronic cough that accompanies smoking, asthma, chronic bronchitis, or emphysema.

Special warnings about this medication

Stop taking this product and check with your doctor if:

• You become dizzy or nervous, or have trouble sleeping
• New symptoms appear
• You need the product for more than 7 days (5 days for children)
• Your symptoms fail to improve, get worse, or are accompanied by a fever for more than 3 days
• Redness or swelling are present
• Your cough lasts more than 7 days, comes back, or is accompanied by fever, rash, or a lasting headache

You should also check with your doctor if you have a sore throat that's severe, lasts for more than 2 days, or 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.

To avoid the possibility of overdose, do not combine this product with others that contain acetaminophen.

Combined with heavy drinking, large amounts of acetaminophen could conceivably cause liver damage. Check with your doctor before taking this product if you generally have 3 or more alcoholic beverages a day.