acetaminophen/chlorpheniramine/dextromethorphan

Adult Dosing & Uses 

Dosing Forms & Strengths

acetaminophen/chlorpheniramine/dextromethorphan

liquid

• (160mg/1mg/5mg)/5mL
• (160mg/1mg/7.5mg)/5mL
• (650mg/4mg/30mg)/15mL

tablet

• 500mg/2mg/15mg

Relief of Cold & Flu Symptoms

Children's Tylenol Plus Cough & Runny Nose:

Coricidin HBP Maximum Strength Flu: 2 tab PO q6hr; not to exceed 8 tabs/day

Vicks Formula 44 Custom Care Cough & Cold PM: 15mL q6hr; not to exceed 4 doses/day

Pediatric Dosing & Uses

Dosing Forms & Strengths

acetaminophen/chlorpheniramine/dextromethorphan

liquid

• (160mg/1mg/5mg)/5mL
• (160mg/1mg/7.5mg)/5mL
• (650mg/4mg/30mg)/15mL

tablet

• 500mg/2mg/15mg

Relief of Cold & Flu Symptoms

Children's Tylenol Plus Cough & Runny Nose

• <6 yo: Ask a peditrician 
• 6-12 yo: 10 mL PO q4hr; not to exceed 50 mL/day 

Coricidin HBP Maximum Strength Flu

• <12 yo: Ask a peditrician 
• >12 yo: 2 tab PO q6hr; not to exceed 8 tabs/day

Vicks Formula 44 Custom Care Cough & Cold PM

• <12 yo: Ask a pediatrician 
• >12 yo: 15mL q6hr; not to exceed 4 doses/day

Contraindications & Cautions

Contraindications

Contraindicated in documented hypersensitivity; asthma attacks, narrow-angle glaucoma, symptomatic prostate hypertrophy, bladder-neck obstruction, and stenosing peptic ulcer; known G-6-PD deficiency

Chlorpheniramine may cause significant confusional symptoms; not for administration to premature or full-term neonates

Acetaminophen hepatotoxicity possible in chronic alcoholics following various dose levels; severe or recurrent pain or high or continued fever may indicate a serious illness; contained in many OTC products and combined use with these products may result in toxicity due to cumulative doses exceeding recommended maximum dose

Do not take dextromethorphan for persistent or chronic cough associated with smoking, asthma, or emphysema, or if it is accompanied by excessive phlegm unless directed by a healthcare provider; dextromethorphan may slow the breathing

Pharmacology

Mechanism of Action

Chlorpheniramine blocks muscle responses in histamine and acts as an antagonism of the constrictor effects of histamine on respiratory smooth muscle.

Acetaminophen blocks pain impulse generation peripherally and may inhibit the generation of prostaglandin in the CNS. Reduces fever by inhibiting the hypothalamic heat-regulating center.

Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant that acts centrally on the cough center in the medulla.