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 tablet form of this medicine:

  • Swallow the tablets whole.
  • Do not crush, break, or chew before swallowing.

If a combination medicine containing aspirin has a strong vinegar-like odor, do not use it. This odor means the medicine is breaking down. If you have any questions about this, check with your pharmacist.

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 cold symptoms and sinus pain and congestion:

  • For regular (short-acting) oral dosage forms (chewable tablets, capsules, liquid, or tablets):
    • Adults and children 12 years of age and older—Usually the dose is 1 to 2 capsules or tablets, or 1 teaspoonful of liquid, every four to six hours.
    • Children 6 to 12 years of age—Usually the dose is 1 tablet, 4 chewable tablets, or 1 to 2 teaspoonfuls of liquid 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 oral dosage forms that must be dissolved (effervescent tablets or powder):
    • Adults and children 12 years of age and older—Usually the dose is 2 effervescent tablets or the contents of 1 packet of powder dissolved as directed on the package.
    • 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 .
  • For long-acting oral dosage forms (tablets):
    • Adults and children 12 years of age and older—Usually the dose is 1 to 2 tablets every 12 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.

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Portions of this document last updated: April 01, 2024

Copyright: © Merative US L.P. 1973, 2024. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.