Ed A-Hist DM Liquid
Overview
What is this medicine?
How to Use This Medicine
To use this medication correctly, follow your doctor's instructions and read all the information provided. You can take this medication with or without food, but if it causes stomach upset, take it with food to help minimize discomfort. When taking the liquid form, measure the dose carefully using the measuring device that comes with the medication. If no device is provided, ask your pharmacist for a suitable measuring tool.
Storing and Disposing of Your Medication
Store this medication at room temperature in a dry location, avoiding the bathroom. Keep all medications in a safe place, out of the reach of children and pets. Dispose of unused or expired medications properly. Do not flush them down the toilet or pour them down the drain unless instructed to do so. If you have questions about disposing of your medication, consult your pharmacist. You may also want to check if there are drug take-back programs available in your area.
Missing a Dose
If you take this medication regularly and miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it's close to the time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not take two doses at the same time or take extra doses. If you take this medication as needed, do not take it more frequently than directed by your doctor.
Lifestyle & Tips
- Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how this medication affects you, as it may cause drowsiness or dizziness.
- Avoid alcohol consumption while taking this medication, as it can increase drowsiness and other side effects.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids to help thin mucus and soothe your throat.
- Do not exceed the recommended dose, as this can lead to serious side effects.
- Consult a healthcare professional before taking this medication if you have high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, thyroid disease, glaucoma, or prostate enlargement.
- Do not use with other products containing antihistamines, decongestants, or cough suppressants to avoid accidental overdose.
Available Forms & Alternatives
Dosing & Administration
Adult Dosing
Condition-Specific Dosing:
Pediatric Dosing
Dose Adjustments
Renal Impairment:
Hepatic Impairment:
Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption:
Distribution:
Elimination:
Pharmacodynamics
Safety & Warnings
Side Effects
While rare, some people may experience severe and potentially life-threatening side effects when taking this medication. If you notice any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor or seek medical help right away:
Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
+ Rash
+ Hives
+ Itching
+ Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever
+ Wheezing
+ Tightness in the chest or throat
+ Trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking
+ Unusual hoarseness
+ Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
Signs of high blood pressure, including:
+ Severe headache
+ Dizziness
+ Passing out
+ Changes in eyesight
Chest pain or pressure
Fast heartbeat
Shakiness
Other Possible Side Effects
Like all medications, this drug can cause side effects. Although many people may not experience any side effects or only minor ones, it's essential to discuss any concerns with your doctor. If you experience any of the following side effects or any other symptoms that bother you or do not go away, contact your doctor or seek medical help:
Dizziness
Drowsiness
Feeling nervous and excitable
* Trouble sleeping
Reporting Side Effects
This list is not exhaustive, and you may experience other side effects. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, consult your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention If You Experience:
- Severe dizziness or drowsiness
- Nervousness, restlessness, or trouble sleeping
- Fast or pounding heartbeat
- High blood pressure (headache, blurred vision)
- Difficulty urinating
- Blurred vision
- Rash or itching
- Difficulty breathing
- Hallucinations or confusion (especially with high doses)
Before Using This Medicine
It is essential to inform your doctor about the following:
Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, its components, or other substances, such as foods or drugs. Be sure to describe the allergic reaction you experienced, including any symptoms that occurred.
Respiratory conditions, such as a cough that produces a significant amount of mucus, a persistent cough caused by smoking or exposure to smoke, or lung diseases like asthma or emphysema.
If you have taken certain medications for depression or Parkinson's disease within the last 14 days, including isocarboxazid, phenelzine, tranylcypromine, selegiline, or rasagiline, as this may increase the risk of severely high blood pressure.
If you are currently taking linezolid or methylene blue, as these medications can interact with this drug.
To ensure your safety, it is crucial to provide your doctor and pharmacist with a comprehensive list of:
All prescription and over-the-counter medications you are taking
Any natural products or vitamins you are using
* Your medical history, including any health problems you have
This information will help your doctor determine whether it is safe for you to take this medication with your other medications and health conditions. Never start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without first consulting your doctor.
Precautions & Cautions
To minimize the risk of severe side effects, adhere strictly to the dosage instructions provided by your doctor. Do not exceed the recommended dose, and do not take this medication for a longer period than prescribed.
While using this drug, avoid consuming alcohol, as it may interact with the medication. Additionally, consult your doctor before using marijuana, cannabis products, or any prescription or over-the-counter medications that may cause drowsiness or slow your reactions.
When administering this medication to a child, exercise caution, as children may have a higher risk of experiencing excitability. Note that different brands of this drug may be suitable for different age groups of children, so it is crucial to consult with your doctor before giving this medication to a child. Furthermore, do not use this drug as a means to induce sleep in a child; instead, discuss alternative solutions with your doctor.
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding, inform your doctor, as they will need to discuss the potential benefits and risks of this medication to both you and your baby.
Overdose Information
Overdose Symptoms:
- Severe drowsiness or dizziness
- Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain
- Rapid heart rate, palpitations
- High blood pressure, headache
- Dilated pupils
- Agitation, restlessness, irritability
- Hallucinations, confusion
- Seizures
- Difficulty breathing, shallow breathing
- Coma
What to Do:
Seek immediate medical attention. Call 911 or Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222. Be prepared to provide information about the medication taken and the amount.
Drug Interactions
Contraindicated Interactions
- Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) (concurrent use or within 14 days of stopping MAOIs) - risk of hypertensive crisis, hyperpyrexia, severe CNS depression or excitation.
Major Interactions
- CNS Depressants (e.g., alcohol, sedatives, tranquilizers, opioids, anxiolytics) - increased sedation, respiratory depression, and CNS effects.
- Anticholinergic drugs (e.g., tricyclic antidepressants, atropine, some antipsychotics) - increased anticholinergic effects (dry mouth, urinary retention, blurred vision, constipation).
- Sympathomimetics (e.g., other decongestants, appetite suppressants, stimulants) - increased cardiovascular effects (hypertension, tachycardia).
- Serotonergic drugs (e.g., SSRIs, SNRIs, triptans, tricyclic antidepressants) - risk of serotonin syndrome with dextromethorphan.
Moderate Interactions
- Antihypertensives (e.g., beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors) - phenylephrine may reduce their hypotensive effect.
- Digoxin - phenylephrine may increase risk of arrhythmias.
- CYP2D6 inhibitors (e.g., fluoxetine, paroxetine, quinidine) - may increase dextromethorphan and chlorpheniramine levels, leading to increased side effects.
Minor Interactions
- Not available
Monitoring
Baseline Monitoring
Rationale: To identify contraindications or conditions requiring caution due to sympathomimetic, anticholinergic, and respiratory depressant effects.
Timing: Prior to initiation
Rationale: To identify potential drug-drug interactions, especially with MAOIs, CNS depressants, and serotonergic agents.
Timing: Prior to initiation
Routine Monitoring
Frequency: Daily, as needed
Target: Improved comfort, reduced symptoms
Action Threshold: Lack of improvement after 7 days, worsening symptoms, or new symptoms (e.g., fever, rash) warrant medical evaluation.
Frequency: Daily, as needed
Target: Absence or mild, tolerable effects
Action Threshold: Severe or persistent adverse effects, signs of overdose, or allergic reaction require immediate medical attention.
Symptom Monitoring
- Effectiveness of cough suppression
- Degree of nasal decongestion
- Reduction in sneezing and rhinorrhea
- Sedation/drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Nervousness/restlessness
- Insomnia
- Dry mouth/throat
- Blurred vision
- Urinary difficulty
- Palpitations/tachycardia
- Increased blood pressure
- Nausea/vomiting
Special Patient Groups
Pregnancy
Generally not recommended during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester and near term. Phenylephrine (Category C) and Chlorpheniramine (Category C) have potential risks. Dextromethorphan (Category C) is generally considered safer than other antitussives but still requires caution. Use only if the potential benefit outweighs the potential risk to the fetus, and under medical supervision.
Trimester-Specific Risks:
Lactation
Use with caution or avoid. Chlorpheniramine is generally not recommended due to potential for sedation in the infant and reduction in milk supply. Phenylephrine is generally considered low risk but can reduce milk supply. Dextromethorphan is generally considered compatible with breastfeeding, but caution is advised with combination products. Monitor infant for drowsiness or irritability.
Pediatric Use
Not recommended for children under 6 years of age without consulting a doctor due to potential for serious side effects, including overdose. Dosing for children 6-12 years must be carefully followed. Always use a measuring device provided with the product to ensure accurate dosing.
Geriatric Use
Use with caution in elderly patients due to increased sensitivity to anticholinergic effects (e.g., sedation, confusion, urinary retention, constipation) and sympathomimetic effects (e.g., hypertension, tachycardia, insomnia). Start with lower doses and monitor closely.
Clinical Information
Clinical Pearls
- This is an OTC product; emphasize the importance of reading the Drug Facts label carefully and not exceeding recommended doses.
- Advise patients to check other medications (prescription and OTC) for similar ingredients to avoid accidental overdose.
- Warn patients about potential for drowsiness and impaired ability to drive or operate machinery.
- Educate on signs of serotonin syndrome, especially if patients are on other serotonergic drugs.
- For patients with underlying conditions (e.g., hypertension, diabetes, glaucoma), advise consultation with a healthcare provider before use.
Alternative Therapies
- Single-ingredient antihistamines (e.g., loratadine, cetirizine for allergies)
- Single-ingredient decongestants (e.g., pseudoephedrine, oxymetazoline nasal spray for congestion)
- Single-ingredient cough suppressants (e.g., guaifenesin, plain dextromethorphan for cough)
- Non-pharmacological treatments (e.g., saline nasal sprays, humidifiers, warm fluids, rest)