Frequently Asked Questions

Do the Theraflu^® warming syrups, warming caplets, and powders contain the same ingredients?

No. Different Theraflu^® products contain different ingredients. For more information about a particular Theraflu^® product's ingredients, please visit Theraflu^® Products or consult your health care professional.

What is the purpose of the different ingredients in the different Theraflu^® products?

Drug	Purpose
Acetaminophen	Pain Reliever/fever reducer
Chlorpheniramine maleate	Antihistamine
Dextromethorphan hydrobromide	Cough suppressant
Diphenhydramine hydrochloride	Antihistamine/cough suppressant
Guaifenesin	Expectorant
Pheniramine	Antihistamine
Phenylephrine hydrochloride	Nasal decongestant
Pseudoephedrine	Nasal decongestant

Do not use Theraflu^® products with any other product containing acetaminophen.

Where are Theraflu^® products manufactured?

Theraflu^® products are manufactured in the U.S. with components procured from outside the U.S.

Storage

How long is the shelf life?

Please check the expiration date on the package.

Can I use it past the expiration date?

No. You should not use any medicine after the expiration date marked on the package. You should appropriately dispose of any expired products. For more information on how to properly dispose of unused medicine, please visit: http://www.fda.gov/forconsumers/consumerupdates/ucm101653.htm.

How do I take it?

Please read the Drug Facts on the package. Do not use more than directed.

When and how often should I take it?

Please read the Drug Facts on the package. Do not use more than directed.

Can it be cut / crushed / sprinkled / mixed with food?

No. Please read the Drug Facts on the package. Do not use more than directed.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

"You should take the next dose as directed. Do not take 2 doses at once." Severe liver damage may occur if you take:

with other medicines containing acetaminophen
3 or more alcoholic drinks every day while using Theraflu^® products

Please consult your health care professional if you have any further questions.

Can I take an extra dose?

No. Severe liver damage may occur if you take:

with other medicines containing acetaminophen
3 or more alcoholic drinks every day while using Theraflu^® products

Please consult your health care professional if you have any further questions.

How soon can I expect to feel relief from cold and flu symptoms?

"Response will vary between patients. Please contact your health care professional with other questions."

Safety

Do I need to ask my health care professional before using Theraflu^®?

Ask your health care professional before using the product if you have/are:

Liver disease
Heart disease
High blood pressure
Thyroid disease
Diabetes
Trouble urinating due to an enlarged prostate gland
Cough that occurs with too much phlegm (mucus)/li>
Cough that lasts or is chronic such as occurs with smoking, asthma or emphysema
Taking the blood thinning drug warfarin

Can I take this medicine if I'm pregnant or nursing?

Please read the drug facts on the package. As with any medication, consult your health care professional before using any medication while pregnant or nursing.

Can I take Theraflu^® with other medicines? Are there any potential interactions with other medicines?

Please read the drug facts on the package. Because interactions between drugs are always possible, your health care professional should always be consulted before taking more than one medication. Do not use the product with:

With any other drug containing acetaminophen (prescription or nonprescription). If you are not sure whether a drug contains acetaminophen, ask your health care professional.
If you are now taking a prescription monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) (certain drugs for depression, psychiatric, or emotional conditions, or Parkinson's disease), or for 2 weeks after stopping the MAOI drug. If you do not know if your prescription drug contains an MAOI, ask your health care professional before taking this product.
Ask your health care professional before use if you are taking the blood thinning drug warfarin.

Can I drink alcohol while taking this medicine?

Please read the drug facts on the package. Novartis does not recommend drinking alcohol while taking any medication. Please speak with your health care professional with questions about alcohol consumption with your medical treatments.

This product contains acetaminophen. Severe liver damage may occur if you take:

with other medicines containing acetaminophen
3 or more alcoholic drinks every day while using Theraflu^® products

I'm taking another product which contains acetaminophen. Can I also take Theraflu^®?

No. Please read the drug facts on the package. Do not use Theraflu^® with any other product containing acetaminophen. Severe liver damage may occur if you take:

with other medicines containing acetaminophen
3 or more alcoholic drinks every day while using Theraflu^® products

I took more than the recommended dose. What should I do?

Taking more than the recommended dose can cause serious health problems, including liver damage. In the case of overdose, get medical help or contact the Poison Control Center right away. Quick medical attention is critical for both adults and children, even if you do not notice any signs or symptoms.