Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

Take this medicine only as directed. Do not take more of it and do not take it more often than recommended on the label, unless otherwise directed by your doctor. To do so may increase the chance of side effects.

If this medicine irritates your stomach, you may take it with food or a glass of water or milk, to lessen the irritation.

For patients taking the extended-release capsule or extended-release tablet form of this medicine:

  • Swallow the capsule or tablet whole.
  • Do not crush, break, or chew before swallowing.
  • If the capsule is too large to swallow, you may mix the contents of the capsule with applesauce, jelly, honey, or syrup and swallow without chewing.

Dosing

The dose medicines in this class will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of these medicines. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

  • For regular (short-acting) dosage forms (syrup, tablets, or chewable tablets):
    • For allergy and cold symptoms:
      • Adults and children 12 years of age and older—1 or 2 tablets or chewable tablets, or 1 to 2 teaspoonfuls of syrup every four to six hours.
      • Children 6 to 12 years of age—1 chewable tablet or 1 teaspoonful of syrup every four hours.
      • Children 4 to 6 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
      • Children and infants up to 4 years of age—Use is not recommended .
  • For long-acting dosage forms (extended-release capsules or tablets):
    • For allergy and cold symptoms:
      • Adults and children 12 years of age and older—1 capsule or tablet every twelve hours.
      • Children 4 to 12 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
      • Children and infants up to 4 years of age—Use is not recommended .

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.