Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold and Cough

Generic name: chlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan, and phenylephrine [ klor-feh-NEER-a-meen, dex-troe-meh-THOR-fan, and-feh-nill-EH-frin ]
Brand names: Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold and Cough, Balamine DM, Ed A-Hist DM, Gencontuss, Giltuss Allergy Plus, ... show all 14 brands Giltuss Children's Allergy Plus, NoHist DM, Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold and Cough, Balamine DM, Ed A-Hist DM, Gencontuss, Giltuss Allergy Plus, Giltuss Children's Allergy Plus, NoHist DM
Drug class: Upper respiratory combinations

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Aug 3, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold and Cough?

Chlorpheniramine is an antihistamine. Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant. Phenylephrine is a decongestant.

Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold and Cough is a combination medicine used to treat cough, runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, itching, and watery eyes caused by allergies, the common cold, or the flu.

Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold and Cough will not treat a cough that is caused by smoking, asthma, or emphysema.

Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold and Cough may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Side Effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

This medicine may cause serious side effects. Stop using this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have:

• severe anxiety, tremor, seizure (convulsions);

• fast or pounding heartbeats;

• painful or difficult urination;

• pale skin, weakness; or

• severe headache, pounding in your neck or ears.

Common side effects of Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold and Cough may include:

• dizziness, drowsiness;

• blurred vision;

• dry mouth, nose, or throat;

• increased or decreased urination;

• nausea, loss of appetite, diarrhea;

• sleep problems (insomnia); or

• nervousness.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

Do not use this medicine if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days, such as isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, or tranylcypromine.

Before taking this medicine

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if this medicine is safe to use if you have:

• asthma or COPD, cough with mucus;

• a blockage in your digestive tract (stomach or intestines);

• high blood pressure, heart disease;

• liver or kidney disease;

• glaucoma;

• enlarged prostate or urination problems;

• overactive thyroid; or

• pheochromocytoma (an adrenal gland tumor).

Do not use Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold and Cough if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine, and others.

Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

How should I take Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold and Cough?

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Cold or cough medicine is only for short-term use until your symptoms clear up.

Always follow directions on the medicine label about giving cough or cold medicine to a child. Do not use the medicine only to make a child sleepy. Death can occur from the misuse of cough or cold medicines in very young children.

Measure liquid medicine carefully. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).

Dissolve the effervescent tablets in at least 4 ounces of water. Stir and drink this mixture right away. Add a little more water to the glass, swirl gently and drink right away.

Do not take for longer than 7 days in a row. Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 7 days, or if you have a fever, rash, or headaches.

If you need surgery or medical tests, tell the surgeon or doctor ahead of time if you have taken this medicine within the past few days.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Related/similar drugs

Bromfed DM, brompheniramine / dextromethorphan / pseudoephedrine, Mucinex D, Promethazine VC with Codeine, Deconex

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold and Cough is used when needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. Skip any missed dose if it's almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold and Cough?

Drinking alcohol with this medicine can cause side effects.

Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how this medicine will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using other cough or cold medicines that may contain similar ingredients.

Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise and in hot weather. This medicine can decrease sweating and you may be more prone to heat stroke.

What other drugs will affect Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold and Cough?

Avoid using this medicine with other drugs that cause drowsiness or slow your breathing (such as opioid medicine, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures). Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using any other medication, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed in this medication guide.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

Copyright 1996-2024 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 8.01.