Coricidin

What is Coricidin

Acetaminophen is a pain reliever and a fever reducer.

Chlorpheniramine is an antihistamine. It blocks the effects of the naturally occurring chemical histamine in the body. Chlorpheniramine prevents sneezing; itchy, watery eyes and nose; and other symptoms of allergies and hay fever.

Coricidin is used to treat aches and pains, headache, fever, and congestion associated with the flu, colds, allergies, and hay fever.

Coricidin may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

General medical information about Coricidin

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Coricidin may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.

Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while taking Coricidin. Alcohol may also cause damage to the liver when taken with acetaminophen.

Who should not take Coricidin

Do not take Coricidin without first talking to your doctor if you drink more than three alcoholic beverages per day or if you have had alcoholic liver disease. You may not be able to take acetaminophen.

Do not take Coricidin if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days. A serious drug interaction could occur, leading to serious side effects.

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have:
- kidney disease;
- liver disease;
- diabetes;
- glaucoma;
- difficulty urinating because of an enlarged prostate, a constricted bladder neck, or any other reason;
- a stomach ulcer;
- high blood pressure or any type of heart disease; or
- an overactive thyroid.

You may not be able to take Coricidin, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

It is not known whether Coricidin will harm an unborn baby. Do not take Coricidin without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.

This medication passes into breast milk and can harm a nursing baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

If you are over 60 years of age, you may be more likely to experience side effects from Coricidin.

Read the package label for directions or consult your doctor or pharmacist before treating a child with this medication. Children are more susceptible than adults to the effects of medicines and may have unusual reactions.

How should take Coricidin

Take Coricidin exactly as directed by your doctor or follow the package label. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Take each dose with a full glass of water.

Never take more of this medication than is directed. The maximum amount of acetaminophen for adults is 1 gram (1000 mg) per dose and 4 grams (4000 mg) per day. Taking more acetaminophen could cause damage to your liver. If you drink more than three alcoholic beverages per day, talk to your doctor before taking Coricidin and never take more than 2 grams (2000 mg) per day.

Consult your doctor if your symptoms do not improve within 10 days (or 5 days for children under 12 years of age) or if they get worse. Do not use this product to treat a fever for more than 3 days.

Store Coricidin at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

If you miss a dose:

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

What happens if you overdose:

Seek emergency medical attention.

Symptoms of an Coricidin overdose may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, sweating, seizure, confusion, sedation, insomnia, tremor, hallucinations, and an irregular heartbeat.

Avoid while taking Coricidin

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Coricidin may cause dizziness. If you experience dizziness, avoid these activities.

Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while taking Coricidin. Alcohol may also cause damage to your liver when taken with acetaminophen.

Coricidin may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness, including antidepressants, alcohol, other antihistamines, pain relievers, anxiety medicines, seizure medicines, and muscle relaxants. Dangerous sedation, dizziness, or drowsiness may occur if Coricidin is taken with any of these medications.

Possible side effects of Coricidin

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Coricidin and seek emergency medical attention:
- an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
- liver damage (yellowing of the skin or eyes, nausea, abdominal pain or discomfort, unusual bleeding or bruising, or severe fatigue);
- blood problems (easy or unusual bleeding or bruising); or
- low blood sugar (fatigue, increased hunger or thirst, dizziness, or fainting).

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur including:
- dryness of the eyes, nose, and mouth;
- drowsiness or dizziness;
- blurred vision;
- difficulty urinating; or
- excitation in children.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect Coricidin

Do not take Coricidin if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days. A very serious drug interaction could occur, leading to serious side effects.

Urine glucose tests for diabetics may produce false results while you are taking acetaminophen. Talk to your doctor if you have diabetes and you notice changes in your glucose levels during therapy with Coricidin.

Do not take other over-the-counter cough, cold, allergy, diet, pain, or sleep medications while taking Coricidin without first talking to your pharmacist or doctor. Other medications may also contain acetaminophen, chlorpheniramine, or other similar drugs, and you may accidentally take too much of these medicines.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Coricidin. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.