Why is this medication prescribed?

Alka-Seltzer Plus Day and Night Cold Formulas are over-the-counter medications designed to relieve symptoms of the common cold, such as congestion, cough, and aches. Instead, they are recommended for use to manage symptoms of the common cold. They are formulated to provide relief from cold symptoms with different approaches for day and night.

How should this medicine be used?

Here are general guidelines:

• Follow the dosage instructions on the package carefully. Do not exceed the recommended dose.
• Typically taken during the daytime to relieve symptoms without causing drowsiness.
• Contains ingredients that may help you sleep, so it’s intended for use before bedtime.
• Take with or without food, but if it causes stomach upset, taking it with food or milk may help.
• Dissolve the tablets in water (for effervescent formulas) and drink the mixture. For caplets or tablets, swallow with water.
• Do not use this product if you are allergic to any of the ingredients or if you have certain medical conditions (such as bleeding disorders, stomach ulcers, or severe liver disease) without consulting a healthcare provider.
• Avoid alcohol and other medications that may contain similar ingredients to prevent overdose or adverse interactions.
• Consult a healthcare provider before use if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have any chronic health conditions.

Always read the packaging and instructions carefully, and consult a healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns about using this medication.

Other uses for this medicine

• Sinusitis: Relief of nasal congestion and sinus pressure.
• Allergic Rhinitis: Temporary relief of nasal congestion and cough due to allergies (though other antihistamine-containing medications may be more appropriate).
• Headache: For the pain-relieving effects of aspirin.
• Bronchitis: To suppress cough and relieve associated symptoms (but consult a healthcare provider as bronchitis may require specific treatments).

What special precautions should I follow?

Special Precautions for Alka-Seltzer Plus Day and Night Cold Formulas:

• Allergies: Do not use if you are allergic to aspirin, dextromethorphan, phenylephrine, or any other ingredients in the formulation.
• Medical Conditions:
  • Bleeding Disorders: Aspirin can increase the risk of bleeding.
  • Stomach Ulcers or Gastrointestinal Issues: Aspirin can exacerbate these conditions.
  • Asthma: Aspirin can trigger asthma symptoms in some people.
  • High Blood Pressure or Heart Disease: Phenylephrine may elevate blood pressure.
  • Diabetes: Consult a healthcare provider, as decongestants can affect blood sugar levels.
  • Thyroid Disorders: Phenylephrine may exacerbate hyperthyroidism.
  • Liver or Kidney Disease: Aspirin and other ingredients can affect these organs, especially at higher doses.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Consult a healthcare provider before use, as some ingredients may not be safe during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
• Age Considerations: Not recommended for children under a certain age (often under 12) without medical advice.
• Drug Interactions: Avoid using with other NSAIDs or aspirin-containing products to prevent overdose. Be cautious with other medications that contain dextromethorphan or phenylephrine. Consult a healthcare provider if you are taking blood thinners, MAO inhibitors, or any other prescription medications.
• Alcohol: Avoid alcohol, as it can increase the risk of stomach bleeding (with aspirin) and other side effects.
• Drowsiness: The nighttime formula may contain ingredients that cause drowsiness. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery after taking it.
• Signs of Overdose: Seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms of overdose, such as ringing in the ears, confusion, seizures, or severe dizziness.
• Follow Dosage Instructions: Do not exceed the recommended dose or frequency. If symptoms persist, consult a healthcare provider rather than increasing the dosage.

Always read the product label for specific instructions and warnings, and consult a healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

• Food and Milk: The medication can be taken with or without food. However, if stomach upset occurs, taking it with food or milk may help reduce discomfort.
• Avoid Caffeine: If possible, avoid consuming large amounts of caffeine, as it can increase certain side effects like restlessness or difficulty sleeping, especially with the daytime formula.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

• If You Miss a Dose: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember.
• If It’s Almost Time for the Next Dose: Skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule.
• Do Not Double Up: Do not take two doses at once to make up for a missed dose.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Alka-Seltzer Plus Day and Night Cold Formulas can cause various side effects due to their active ingredients. Here’s a summary of potential side effects for each of the main ingredients:

Common Side Effects:

1. • Gastrointestinal Issues: Upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, heartburn, or stomach pain.
   • Ringing in the Ears: Known as tinnitus, particularly at higher doses.
   • Allergic Reactions: Rash, itching, or swelling.
   • Increased Bleeding Risk: Easy bruising or bleeding.
   • Dizziness or Headache: Occasionally, especially with higher doses.
   • Drowsiness or Dizziness: Particularly with higher doses.
   • Nausea or Vomiting: Gastrointestinal upset can occur.
   • Confusion or Hallucinations: In rare cases, especially with misuse or higher doses.
   • Dry Mouth: Common with many cough suppressants
   • Increased Blood Pressure: Potential rise in blood pressure.
   • Nervousness or Restlessness: Especially if sensitive to stimulants.
   • Insomnia: Difficulty sleeping, especially with the daytime formula.
   • Headache: Potential side effect of decongestants.
   • Nausea: Occasional gastrointestinal upset.

Less Common but Serious Side Effects:

• Allergic Reactions: Severe reactions such as difficulty breathing, severe rash, or swelling of the face or throat.
• Severe Gastrointestinal Issues: Such as severe abdominal pain, black or bloody stools, or vomiting blood (especially with aspirin).
• Severe Dizziness or Lightheadedness: Could indicate a significant drop in blood pressure or a severe reaction.

Always read the product label for specific warnings and consult a healthcare provider if you have concerns about side effects or interactions with other medications

What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?

Storage and Disposal of Alka-Seltzer Plus Day and Night Cold Formulas:

• Storage:
  • Keep at Room Temperature: Store the medication at room temperature, away from excessive heat, moisture, or direct sunlight. Typically, this means between 68°F and 77°F (20°C to 25°C).
  • Keep Out of Reach of Children: Ensure the medication is stored in a place where children cannot access it to prevent accidental ingestion.
  • Avoid Humidity: Keep the medication in a tightly closed container to protect it from moisture, especially if it’s in effervescent tablet form.
• Disposal:
  • Do Not Flush: Avoid flushing medications down the toilet or pouring them down the sink unless specifically instructed to do so by disposal guidelines.
  • Use Drug Take-Back Programs: The best way to dispose of unused or expired medications is through a drug take-back program or disposal site. Many pharmacies, local government offices, or community centers offer these services.
  • Dispose in Household Trash: If no take-back program is available, mix the medication with an undesirable substance (such as used coffee grounds or cat litter), place it in a sealed container or plastic bag, and then dispose of it in your household trash.

In case of emergency/overdose

• Contact Emergency Services: If you suspect an overdose or experience severe symptoms, call emergency services (911) or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.
• Poison Control: Contact Poison Control (1-800-222-1222 in the U.S.) for guidance on what to do if an overdose is suspected.

What other information should I know?

• Inform Your Healthcare Provider: Always inform your healthcare provider about all the medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking to avoid potential interactions.
• Medical Conditions: Discuss with your healthcare provider if you have any chronic health conditions or are taking other medications, as these can affect the safety and effectiveness of Alka-Seltzer Plus.
• Follow Instructions: Always read the product label and follow the dosage instructions carefully. Pay attention to warnings about potential interactions or contraindications.
• Monitor Health: If you are using this medication frequently or for an extended period, regular check-ups with your healthcare provider can help ensure it is safe and effective for you.

By following these guidelines, you can use Alka-Seltzer Plus Day and Night Cold Formulas safely and effectively. If you have any uncertainties or questions, don’t hesitate to consult with a healthcare professional.