Theraflu Flu And Sore Throat Side Effects

How Do I Know If I Have The Flu

A doctors exam may be needed to tell whether you have developed a cold, or flu related complications. You should be tested as close as is possible to when symptoms appear usually within 4-5 days.

If you develop flu-like symptoms, especially if you are at high risk for flu related complications, consult your healthcare provider.

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Is It Possible To Tell The Difference Between Flu Symptoms And Covid

I think its tough because both the flu and COVID-19 can have a variety of overlapping symptoms, said Fahimi. Those symptoms can include fever, chills and body aches, upper respiratory symptoms like runny nose and sore throat, lower respiratory symptoms like cough and pneumonia, and some gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

While you could say certain symptoms are slightly more associated with one virus than the other, theres enough overlap that theres uncertainty, cautioned Fahimi. So we wouldnt use the presence or absence of those symptoms to rule in or out either illness.

Cold And Flu Warning: The Dangers Of Too Much Acetaminophen

• By Susan Farrell, MD, Contributing Editor

Cold and flu season is here.

Peruse the aisles of a local pharmacy or grocery store and you will find more than 30 over-the-counter medications available to treat the symptoms of fever, headache, sore throat, and achy muscles. Many of these multi-symptom products contain acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol. This means cold and flu sufferers who are using multiple combination cough and cold remedies may inadvertently be taking more acetaminophen than they intend and putting themselves at risk for a serious complication: acetaminophen-induced liver toxicity.

Acetaminophen is the most commonly available pain-relieving and fever-reducing medication. It is an ingredient in more than 600 over-the-counter and prescription medications, and it has a remarkable safety profile: the dose at which potential toxicity occurs is dramatically higher than the amount that most adults need to effectively treat their symptoms . Moreover, acetaminophen does not cause the unwanted effects that are associated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or prescription opioids. As a result, acetaminophen is known as a very safe and effective over-the-counter medication for the treatment of pain and fever, and is taken by millions of people.

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Take Cough Syrup Or Use Cough Drops

The World Health Organization says that while some patients have nasal congestion and a runny nose when they have COVID-19, a dry cough is one of the most common symptoms.

Doctors recommends cough suppressants for a dry cough because they block your cough reflex and arent used for coughs with mucus. For nasal congestion, nasal sprays are recommended for a few days, following up with a pill or syrup decongestant if symptoms arent relieved.

If youre also using fever-reducing medication, be careful not to take multiple types that contain acetaminophen.

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What Should I Discuss With My Healthcare Provider Before Taking This Medicine

Do not use this medicine if you have taken an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, and tranylcypromine.

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to acetaminophen, chlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan, or pseudoephedrine.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if this medicine is safe to use if you have:

• liver disease, cirrhosis, alcoholism, or more than 3 alcoholic beverages per day
• heart problems, high blood pressure
• diabetes
• cough with mucus, or cough caused by smoking, asthma, or emphysema.

Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

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What Other Drugs Will Affect Acetaminophen Pheniramine And Phenylephrine

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using this medicine if you are also using any other drugs, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Some medicines can cause unwanted or dangerous effects when used together. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.

Taking this medicine with other drugs that make you sleepy or slow your breathing can worsen these effects. Ask your doctor before taking acetaminophen, pheniramine, and phenylephrine with a sleeping pill, narcotic pain medicine, muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety, depression, or seizures.

What Do I Need To Tell My Doctor Before I Take This Drug

• If you are allergic to this drug any part of this drug or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
• If you have taken certain drugs for depression or Parkinsons disease in the last 14 days. This includes isocarboxazid, phenelzine, tranylcypromine, selegiline, or rasagiline. Very high blood pressure may happen.
• If you are taking any of these drugs: Linezolid or methylene blue.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this drug.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take this drug with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

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What Are Some Other Side Effects Of This Drug

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

• Dizziness.
• Trouble sleeping.
• Feeling sleepy.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

How Should I Take Theraflu Flu & Cough

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. An acetaminophen overdose can damage your liver or cause death. Cold or cough medicine is only for short-term use until your symptoms clear up.

Always follow directions on the medicine label about giving cough or cold medicine to a child. Do not use the medicine only to make a child sleepy. Death can occur from the misuse of cough or cold medicines in very young children.

You must chew the chewable tablet before you swallow it.

Measure liquid medicine carefully. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device .

Dissolve one packet of the powder in at least 4 ounces of water. Stir this mixture and drink all of it right away

Call your doctor if you have a sore throat for more than 2 days, especially if you also have fever, headache, rash, nausea, or vomiting.

If you need surgery or medical tests, tell the surgeon or doctor if you have taken this medicine within the past few days.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not allow liquid medicine to freeze.

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What Happens If Youre Hospitalized For Covid

If you were diagnosed with COVID-19 or believe you have it,seek urgent medical attention if your illness is worsening or if you havedifficulty breathing. Its also recommended to call your healthcare providerand put on a face mask before you go to any medical facility. If you need tocall 911, notify dispatch that you have COVID-19 or believe you might. Ifpossible, put on a face mask before the emergency team arrives.

Once at the hospital, heres what you can expect:

Most times if youre hospitalized for COVID-19, youll stay for several weeks until you have recovered and are discharged home.

COVID-19 can range from very mild to very serious, but itsimportant for people to understand that not all cases require urgent medicalattention, says Dr. Vyas. Most people will be able to monitor their symptomsand manage it through OTC medications at-home. While anyone can get COVID-19,those who are most at-risk and may need hospitalization for medical support arethe elderly and those with other underlying chronic conditions.

Dr Fauci Says Some Tylenol After The Vaccine Should Be Ok

Aches and pains are a common side effect of the COVID vaccine. If someone gets achy or gets a headache and its really bothering you, I mean, I would believe as a physician that I would have no trouble taking a couple of Tylenol for that, he said. So again, people are going to come back and forth and say, well, it could mute or dampen the immunological response to the vaccine itself. I dont see any biological mechanisms why something like Tylenol would not do that.

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Are There Any Drug Interactions With Theraflu

Some medications interact with Theraflu. You should always ask your pharmacist to double check for interactions before starting any OTC medications. They can let you know if theyre safe for you to take.

The following medications interact with Theraflu:

• Warfarin . This is a commonly prescribed blood thinner.

• A class of medications called monoamine oxidase inhibitors . These are used for depression and Parkinsons disease.

This may not be all the medications that interact with Theraflu products. Make sure to speak with your pharmacist so they can double check for you.

How Do I Treat My Runny Nose Sneezing Watery And Itchy Eye Symptoms

For runny nose, sneezing, watery and itchy eyes, antihistamines such as chlorpheniramine and diphenhydramine help relieve itchy, watery eyes sneezing, and runny nose caused by allergies, hay fever, and the common cold.

Theraflu® Nighttime Multi-Symptom Severe Cold with Lipton® Flavors relieves runny nose, sneezing, watery and itchy eyes, coughing, nasal congestion, body aches, sore throat, fever, headache and sinus congestion with the power youve come to expect from Theraflu® brand products and the great taste of Lipton® Green Tea & Honey Lemon Flavors.

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Before Taking This Medicine

Ask a doctor before taking medicine that contains acetaminophen if you have ever had liver disease, or if you drink more than 3 alcoholic beverages per day.

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to acetaminophen or chlorpheniramine, or if you have:

• severe constipation, blockage in your stomach or intestines

• untreated or uncontrolled diseases–glaucoma, asthma or COPD, heart disease, high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, overactive thyroid or

• if you are unable to urinate.

Do not use cold or allergy medicine if you have taken an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include furazolidone, isocarboxazid, linezolid, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, and tranylcypromine.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to take Theraflu Flu & Sore Throat if you have other medical conditions, especially:

• kidney disease

• an enlarged prostate, problems with urination

• a history of alcoholism or

• if you take potassium .

It is not known whether Theraflu Flu & Sore Throat will harm an unborn baby. Do not use cold or allergy medicine without a doctor’s advice if you are pregnant.

This medicine may pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Antihistamines and may also slow breast milk production. Do not use cold or allergy without a doctor’s advice if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Can I Take Acetaminophen Pheniramine And Phenylephrine If Im Pregnant Or Breastfeeding

It is not known whether acetaminophen, pheniramine, and phenylephrine will harm an unborn baby. Do not use cold or allergy medicine without a doctor’s advice if you are pregnant.

This medicine may pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Antihistamines and decongestants may also slow breast milk production. Do not use cold or allergy without a doctor’s advice if you are breast-feeding a baby.

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Side Effects And Contraindications

Because of safety concerns regarding some of their ingredients, Theraflu products should generally not be given to children under the age of 4 years. In addition, these products should only be given to children aged 4 â 12 years following the directions of physicians.

Furthermore, Theraflu products should not be taken by anyone allergic to any of their ingredients.

Other drugs that also contain acetaminophen or the other active ingredients in each Theraflu product should not be taken at the same time as that Theraflu product. This is important because an overdose of any of the active ingredients of Theraflu products can cause serious side effects.

Specific drugs to avoid when taking Theraflu products include alcohol, blood thinners as well as prescription drugs containing a group of medications known as MAOIs .

MAOIs can be found in certain antidepressants, sedatives, tranquilizers, and drugs used in the treatment of neurological disorders.

Consult your doctor before taking Theraflu products if you have

• hypertension

How Long Will Relief From Theraflu Products Last

Theraflu products relieve symptoms for up to 4 hours per dose.

For Theraflu liquids, take every 4 hours in dosing cup provided, while symptoms persist. Do not take more than 5 doses or 150 mL in 24 hours unless directed by a doctor.

For Theraflu Hot Liquid Powder you should dissolve the contents of one packet into 8 oz. of hot water, sip while hot and consume the entire drink within 10-15 minutes. Do not take more than the amount stated on the label unless directed by a doctor.

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What Are Some Side Effects That I Need To Call My Doctor About Right Away

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash hives itching red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever wheezing tightness in the chest or throat trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking unusual hoarseness or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Signs of liver problems like dark urine, feeling tired, not hungry, upset stomach or stomach pain, light-colored stools, throwing up, or yellow skin or eyes.
• Not able to pass urine or change in how much urine is passed.
• A very bad skin reaction may happen. It can cause very bad health problems that may not go away, and sometimes death. Get medical help right away if you have signs like red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin red or irritated eyes or sores in your mouth, throat, nose, or eyes.

Theraflu Flu & Cough Side Effects

Generic name:acetaminophen / chlorpheniramine / dextromethorphan / pseudoephedrine

Note: This document contains side effect information about acetaminophen / chlorpheniramine / dextromethorphan / pseudoephedrine. Some of the dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Theraflu Flu & Cough.

Applies to acetaminophen / chlorpheniramine / dextromethorphan / pseudoephedrine: oral capsule

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Dec 17, 2020.

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Which Theraflu Product Is Right For You

Theraflu is an over-the-counter medication that attacks symptoms of the common cold, the flu, and fever.

It is available in syrup, liquid powder, and caplet forms. There are options for different times of the day, like Theraflu daytime versus nighttime medicines. Theraflu is here to help you fight your cold and flu symptoms, including chest congestion, body aches, sore throat, cough and sinus and nasal congestion.

No matter your cold or flu symptom, theres a Theraflu product thats right for you.

Is It Safe During Pregnancy Or Breastfeeding

You should not take these over-the-counter medications if youre pregnant as some of their active ingredients are associated with certain birth defects.

Do not use these over-the-counter medications without your doctors advice if you are breastfeeding an infant since some of their active ingredients may pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing infant.

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How Soon Can I Expect To Feel Relief From Cold And Flu Symptoms

When it comes to a cold, most people recover within a few days without requiring medical attention. When it comes to the flu, most people recover within a week without requiring medical attention. Response will vary for everyone.

Theraflu® cold and flu medicines will help ease the symptoms, but they will not cure or shorten the duration of your cold or flu. Contact your healthcare professional if symptoms get worse or dont start to improve after one week.

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Theraflu Flu And Sore Throat

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Should You Take Otc Medications Before Getting The Vaccine

Taking OTC pain medications ahead of your shot to try and decrease symptoms is not recommended by the CDC, because its not clear how that could affect the vaccines effectiveness.

The concern is that pre-treating with pain medications that reduce fevers and inflammation could dampen your immune systems response to the vaccine.

Thats because your immune system responds to vaccines through a process called controlled inflammation, Dr. Colleen Kelley, an associate professor of medicine at Emory University School of Medicine, told USA Today in January.

Covid messenger RNA vaccines work by giving cells genetic material that tells them how to make a non-infectious piece of the virus. The immune system then creates antibodies against it which is controlled inflammation and can remember how to trigger an immune response if exposed to the virus in the future.

But OTC pain-relieving medications reduce the production of inflammatory mediators, Kelley said. Thats why its important to wait until after youve gotten the vaccine to take pain medication.

Research on children has shown that those who take acetaminophen before getting vaccines have a lower immune response than those who didnt. And a recent study out of Yale found that giving mice nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs before being exposed to SARS-CoV-2 led to fewer protective antibodies from the virus.