Nohist-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. If it causes stomach upset, take it with food to help minimize this side effect. 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 dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular 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 medicine affects you, as it may cause drowsiness or dizziness.
- Avoid alcohol consumption while taking this medication, as it can increase drowsiness.
- Drink plenty of fluids to help loosen mucus and soothe a sore throat.
- Do not exceed the recommended dose or frequency.
- Consult a doctor before use if you have high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, thyroid disease, glaucoma, or prostate enlargement.
Available Forms & Alternatives
Available Strengths:
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
Although rare, this medication can cause severe and potentially life-threatening side effects. If you experience 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
+ Fainting
+ Changes in eyesight
Chest pain or pressure
Fast heartbeat
Shakiness
Other Possible Side Effects
Like all medications, this drug can cause side effects. While 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:
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, contact your doctor for medical advice. 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, pounding, or uneven heartbeats
- Severe headache
- Difficulty urinating
- Rash or itching
- Any signs of an allergic reaction (e.g., swelling of face/tongue/throat, severe dizziness, trouble breathing)
- If cough or congestion worsens or lasts more than 7 days, or if accompanied by fever, rash, or persistent headache.
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 issues, such as a cough that produces a significant amount of mucus, a persistent cough caused by smoking or exposure to smoke, or lung conditions 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 lead to 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 your medications, including:
Prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications
Natural products
* Vitamins
Additionally, inform them about any existing health problems. 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 dosage of any medication without first consulting your doctor.
Precautions & Cautions
Until you are aware of how this drug affects you, avoid operating a vehicle or engaging in any activities that require your full attention.
Adhere strictly to the dosage prescribed by your doctor. Taking more than the recommended dose may increase your risk of experiencing severe side effects. Additionally, do not take this medication for a longer duration than prescribed by your doctor.
While taking this drug, refrain from consuming alcohol. Before using marijuana, other forms of cannabis, or any prescription or over-the-counter medications that may cause drowsiness, consult with your doctor.
If the patient is a child, exercise caution when administering this drug, as children may have a higher risk of experiencing excitability. Note that different brands of this medication may be suitable for different age groups of children, so it is crucial to consult with the doctor before giving this drug to a child. Furthermore, do not use this medication as a means to induce sleep in a child; instead, discuss this with the doctor.
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding, inform your doctor. It is necessary to discuss the potential benefits and risks of this medication to both you and your baby.
Overdose Information
Overdose Symptoms:
- Severe drowsiness or agitation
- Hallucinations
- Seizures
- Rapid heart rate, irregular heartbeat
- High blood pressure, then possibly low blood pressure
- Dilated pupils
- Flushing
- Dry mouth, urinary retention
- Nausea, vomiting
- Respiratory depression
- Coma
What to Do:
Seek immediate medical attention. Call 911 or Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222. Bring the medication bottle with you.
Drug Interactions
Contraindicated Interactions
- Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) (concurrent use or within 14 days of stopping MAOIs due to risk of hypertensive crisis with phenylephrine and serotonin syndrome with dextromethorphan)
- Linezolid (due to MAOI activity)
- Methylene Blue (due to MAOI activity)
- Severe uncontrolled hypertension (due to phenylephrine)
- Narrow-angle glaucoma (due to chlorpheniramine's anticholinergic effects)
- Urinary retention (due to chlorpheniramine's anticholinergic effects)
Major Interactions
- CNS depressants (e.g., alcohol, sedatives, hypnotics, anxiolytics, opioids) - increased sedation and respiratory depression (chlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan)
- Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs) - enhanced pressor effect of phenylephrine, increased anticholinergic effects of chlorpheniramine
- Beta-blockers (non-selective) - increased risk of hypertension and bradycardia with phenylephrine
- Other sympathomimetics (e.g., other decongestants, amphetamines) - additive cardiovascular effects (phenylephrine)
- Serotonergic drugs (e.g., SSRIs, SNRIs, triptans) - increased risk of serotonin syndrome with dextromethorphan
- CYP2D6 inhibitors (e.g., fluoxetine, paroxetine, quinidine) - increased dextromethorphan levels and risk of toxicity
Moderate Interactions
- Anticholinergic drugs (e.g., atropine, benztropine, some antipsychotics) - additive anticholinergic effects (chlorpheniramine)
- Digoxin - phenylephrine may increase risk of arrhythmias
- Alpha-adrenergic blockers (e.g., prazosin) - reduced decongestant effect of phenylephrine
- Antihypertensives - phenylephrine may reduce their effect
Minor Interactions
- Food (may delay absorption of chlorpheniramine)
Monitoring
Symptom Monitoring
- Effectiveness of symptom relief (cough, congestion, sneezing)
- Drowsiness or sedation
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Dry mouth, nose, or throat
- Blurred vision
- Urinary retention or difficulty urinating
- Increased heart rate or palpitations
- Increased blood pressure (especially in patients with hypertension)
- Nervousness, restlessness, or insomnia
- Signs of serotonin syndrome (agitation, hallucinations, rapid heart rate, fever, sweating, muscle rigidity, twitching, loss of coordination, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea)
Special Patient Groups
Pregnancy
Generally not recommended during pregnancy unless clearly necessary and benefits outweigh risks. Chlorpheniramine is Category B, but phenylephrine and dextromethorphan are Category C. Phenylephrine can cause vasoconstriction, potentially affecting uterine blood flow. Chlorpheniramine's anticholinergic effects may be a concern near term.
Trimester-Specific Risks:
Lactation
Use with caution. Chlorpheniramine (L3) can cause drowsiness in the infant and may decrease milk supply. Phenylephrine (L3) is poorly absorbed orally but can cause irritability in infants and theoretically reduce milk supply. Dextromethorphan (L2) is generally considered safer but can cause drowsiness. Monitor infant for sedation, irritability, or poor feeding. Consider alternative agents if possible.
Pediatric Use
Contraindicated in children under 2 years of age due to serious and potentially life-threatening side effects. Use with extreme caution and only under medical supervision for children 2-6 years. Always follow specific product labeling for age-appropriate dosing. Risk of overdose is higher in young children.
Geriatric Use
Increased susceptibility to anticholinergic effects (e.g., sedation, confusion, urinary retention, constipation) and sympathomimetic effects (e.g., increased blood pressure, heart rate, insomnia) due to age-related changes in metabolism and elimination. Start with lower doses and monitor closely. Avoid in elderly with glaucoma, prostate enlargement, or cardiovascular disease unless benefits clearly outweigh risks.
Clinical Information
Clinical Pearls
- This is an OTC product; always advise patients to read and follow the specific product label instructions carefully.
- Educate patients on the potential for drowsiness and to avoid activities requiring mental alertness.
- Warn about the risk of serotonin syndrome, especially if patients are taking other serotonergic drugs or MAOIs.
- Advise patients with underlying conditions like hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, or thyroid disorders to consult their physician before use due to the phenylephrine component.
- Emphasize that this medication treats symptoms and does not cure the underlying cause of cold or flu.
Alternative Therapies
- Single-ingredient antihistamines (e.g., loratadine, cetirizine for non-drowsy options)
- Single-ingredient decongestants (e.g., pseudoephedrine, oxymetazoline nasal spray)
- Single-ingredient antitussives (e.g., guaifenesin, benzonatate)
- Saline nasal sprays for congestion
- Honey for cough relief
- Warm fluids, humidifiers