Aspirin/Chlorpheniramine/Phenylephrine

Aspirin/Chlorpheniramine/Phenylephrine is an over-the-counter (OTC) product used for temporary relief of common cold cough and upper respiratory symptoms.

Aspirin/Chlorpheniramine/Phenylephrine is available under the following different brand names: Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold.

Dosages of Aspirin/Chlorpheniramine/Phenylephrine:

Dosage Forms and Strengths

Effervescent Tablet

• 325mg/2mg/7.8mg

Dosage Considerations – Should be Given as Follows:

Temporary Relief of Common Cold Cough and Upper Respiratory Symptoms

• Adults and children over 12 years: 2 tablets fully dissolved in 4 oz of water every 4 hours; not to exceed 8 tablets/day
• Children under 12 years old: Ask a pediatrician

Side effects of aspirin/chlorpheniramine/phenylephrine include:

• Abnormal heartbeats
• Low blood pressure (hypotension)
• Fast heart rate
• Agitation
• Cerebral edema
• Coma
• Confusion
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Subdural or intracranial hemorrhage
• Lethargy
• Hives
• Rashes
• May potentiate peptic ulcer and cause stomach distress or heartburn
• Indigestion/heartburn
• Gastrointestinal bleeding
• Ulceration and perforation
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Prolonged prothrombin time
• Palpitations
• Sedation
• Fatigue
• Confusion
• Depression
• Tremors
• Irritability
• Insomnia
• Euphoria
• Hemolytic anemia
• Low blood platelets (thrombocytopenia)
• Agranulocytosis
• Loss of appetite
• Wheezing
• Thickening of bronchial secretions
• Restlessness
• Headache
• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Severe peripheral and visceral vasoconstriction

This document does not contain all possible side effects and others may occur. Check with your physician for additional information about side effects.

If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor, health care provider or pharmacist first.

• Severe interactions of aspirin/chlorpheniramine/phenylephrine include:
  • dichlorphenamide
  • iobenguane I 123
  • isocarboxazid
  • linezolid
  • mifepristone
  • phenelzine
• Aspirin/chlorpheniramine/phenylephrine has serious interactions with at least 56 different drugs.
• Aspirin/chlorpheniramine/phenylephrine has moderate interactions with at least 529 different drugs.
• Aspirin/chlorpheniramine/phenylephrine has mild interactions with at least 107 different drugs.

This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist. Check with your physician if you have health questions or concerns.

Warnings

• This medication contains aspirin/chlorpheniramine/phenylephrine. Do not take Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold if you are allergic to aspirin/chlorpheniramine/phenylephrine or any ingredients contained in this drug.
• Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately.

Contraindications

• Hypersensitivity
• Liver damage
• Hypoprothrombinemia
• Vitamin K deficiency
• Bleeding disorders
• Asthma
• Due to the association of aspirin with Reye syndrome, do not use in children (under 16 years) with viral infections
• Narrow-angle glaucoma
• Symptomatic prostate hypertrophy
• Bladder-neck obstruction
• Stenosing peptic ulcer

Effects of Drug Abuse

• No information is available

Short-Term Effects

• See "What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Aspirin/Chlorpheniramine/Phenylephrine?”

Long-Term Effects

• See "What Are Side Effects Associated with Using Aspirin/Chlorpheniramine/Phenylephrine?”

Cautions

• Aspirin: May cause a transient decrease in renal function and aggravate chronic kidney disease; avoid use in patients with severe anemia, with a history of blood coagulation defects, or taking anticoagulants
• Chlorpheniramine: May cause significant confusional symptoms; not for administration to premature or full-term neonates
• Phenylephrine: Caution in elderly patients, hyperthyroidism, myocardial disease, bradycardia, partial heart block or severe arteriosclerosis

Pregnancy and Lactation

• Use aspirin/chlorpheniramine/phenylephrine during pregnancy only in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug is available. There is positive evidence of human fetal risk. Avoid the use of aspirin/chlorpheniramine/phenylephrine during pregnancy, especially during the third trimester (risk for premature closure of ductus arteriosus).
• Aspirin/chlorpheniramine/phenylephrine is excreted in breast milk. Do not breastfeed.
• Pregnant or breastfeeding patients should seek the advice of a health professional before using over-the-counter (OTC) drugs.