Maxiflu CD

Pronunciation: SOO-doe-e-FED-rin/KOE-deen/gwye-FEN-e-sin/a-SEET-a-MIN-oh-fen
Generic Name: Pseudoephedrine/Codeine/Guaifenesin/Acetaminophen
Brand Name: Examples include Maxiflu CD and Maxiflu CDX

Maxiflu CD contains acetaminophen. Severe and sometimes fatal liver problems, including the need for liver transplant, have been reported with the use of acetaminophen. Most cases of these liver problems occurred in patients taking excessive doses of acetaminophen (more than 4,000 mg per day). Also, patients who developed these liver problems were often using more than 1 medicine that contained acetaminophen. Discuss any questions or concerns with your doctor.

Maxiflu CD is used for:

Relieving pain, congestion, cough, fever, and throat and airway irritation due to respiratory tract infections and other related conditions. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Maxiflu CD is a decongestant, narcotic cough suppressant, expectorant, and analgesic combination. The decongestant works by constricting blood vessels and reducing swelling in the nasal passages. The expectorant works by loosening mucus and lung secretions in the chest, making coughs more productive. The cough suppressant works in the brain to help decrease the cough reflex. The analgesic works in the brain to reduce pain and fever.

Do NOT use Maxiflu CD if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Maxiflu CD


• you are breast-feeding


• you have severe or uncontrolled high blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, or other severe heart problems (eg, heart blood vessel disease)


• you have an enlarged prostate


• you take droxidopa, or have taken furazolidone or a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) (eg, phenelzine) within the last 14 days

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Maxiflu CD:

Some medical conditions may interact with Maxiflu CD. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding


• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement


• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances


• if you have had an allergic reaction to any other codeine- or morphine-related medicine (eg, oxycodone, dihydrocodeine, hydromorphone)


• if you have a history of glaucoma or increased pressure in the eye; heart problems, (eg, cor pulmonale; fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat; heart disease); diabetes; high or low blood pressure; blood vessel problems (eg, in the brain, in the heart); adrenal gland problems (eg, Addison disease, pheochromocytoma); mental or mood problems (eg, depression); prostate problems; stomach or bowel problems (eg, inflammatory bowel disease, ulcerative colitis, ulcers); seizures; stroke; liver problems (eg, hepatitis); kidney problems; thyroid problems; trouble sleeping; or recent stomach, bowel, or urinary surgery


• if you have a history of asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or other lung or breathing problems (eg, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, sleep apnea, slow or irregular breathing), or chronic cough, or if your cough occurs with large amounts of mucus


• if you have severe drowsiness, increased pressure in the brain, an unusual growth in the brain (eg, tumor), a recent head or brain injury, or infection of the brain or nervous system


• if you have difficulty urinating; low blood volume; a certain bowel problem (pseudomembranous colitis); stomach pain; constipation; a blockage of your bladder, stomach, or bowels; or poor health


• if you are very overweight or are dehydrated


• if you drink alcohol, or you have a history of alcohol or drug abuse or dependence, or suicidal thoughts or behaviors


• if you take medicine for high blood pressure or depression

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Maxiflu CD. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following

• Digoxin or droxidopa because the risk of irregular heartbeat or heart attack may be increased


• Beta-blockers (eg, propranolol), furazolidone, indomethacin, linezolid, MAOIs (eg, phenelzine), tricyclic antidepressants (eg, amitriptyline), or urinary alkalinizers (eg, sodium bicarbonate) because they may increase the risk of Maxiflu CD's side effects


• Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin) or bromocriptine because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Maxiflu CD


• Guanadrel, guanethidine, mecamylamine, medicines for high blood pressure, methyldopa, or reserpine because their effectiveness may be decreased by Maxiflu CD


• Medicines that may harm the liver (eg, methotrexate, ketoconazole, isoniazid, certain medicines for HIV infection) because the risk of liver side effects may be increased. Ask your doctor if you are unsure if any of your medicines might harm the liver

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Maxiflu CD may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Maxiflu CD:

Use Maxiflu CD as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Take Maxiflu CD by mouth with or without food. If stomach upset occurs, take with food to reduce stomach irritation.


• Take Maxiflu CD with a full glass of water (8 oz/240 mL).


• Drinking extra fluids while you are taking Maxiflu CD is recommended.


• If you miss a dose of Maxiflu CD and you are taking it regularly, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Maxiflu CD.

Important safety information:

• Maxiflu CD may cause dizziness or drowsiness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to Maxiflu CD. Taking Maxiflu CD alone, with certain other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or perform other potentially dangerous tasks.


• Maxiflu CD may cause dizziness, light-headedness, or fainting; alcohol, hot weather, exercise, or fever may increase these effects. To prevent them, sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning. Sit or lie down at the first sign of any of these effects.


• Do not drink alcohol while you are taking Maxiflu CD.


• Check with your doctor before you use medicines that may cause drowsiness (eg, sleep aids, muscle relaxers) while you are taking Maxiflu CD; it may add to their effects. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines may cause drowsiness.


• Maxiflu CD may cause or worsen constipation. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about using a stool softener or laxative to prevent constipation. It is also important to maintain a diet adequate in fiber, drink plenty of water, and exercise to prevent constipation. If you become constipated while taking Maxiflu CD, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.


• Do not take appetite suppressants while you are taking Maxiflu CD without checking with your doctor.


• Maxiflu CD contains acetaminophen, a decongestant (pseudoephedrine), a narcotic cough suppressant (codeine), and an expectorant (guaifenesin). Before you start any new prescription or nonprescription medicine, check the label to see if it has any of these medicines, other narcotic pain relievers or cough suppressants, or other decongestants in it too. If it does or if you are not sure, contact your doctor or pharmacist.


• Do NOT take more than the recommended dose, take more often than prescribed, or take for longer than prescribed without checking with your doctor.


• Maxiflu CD may harm your liver. Your risk may be greater if you drink alcohol while you are taking Maxiflu CD. Talk to your doctor before you take Maxiflu CD or other fever reducers if you drink alcohol.


• Contact your doctor right away if you take more than 4,000 mg of acetaminophen per day, even if you feel well.


• If your symptoms do not improve within 5 to 7 days or if they become worse, check with your doctor.


• If your cough does not improve within 5 days, goes away and comes back, or occurs along with a high fever, rash, or persistent headache, check with your doctor.


• Maxiflu CD may cause you to become sunburned more easily. Avoid the sun, sunlamps, or tanning booths until you know how you react to Maxiflu CD. Use a sunscreen or wear protective clothing if you must be outside for more than a short time.


• Maxiflu CD may interfere with certain lab test results. Make sure that all of your doctors and laboratory personnel know that you are taking Maxiflu CD.


• Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Maxiflu CD before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery


• Use Maxiflu CD with caution in the ELDERLY; they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially confusion, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, excitability, low blood pressure, and trouble urinating.


• Caution is advised when using Maxiflu CD in CHILDREN; they may be more sensitive to its effects.


• Maxiflu CD should not be used in CHILDREN younger than 6 years old; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.


• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Maxiflu CD while you are pregnant. Maxiflu CD may be found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Maxiflu CD.

When used for long periods of time or at high doses, Maxiflu CD may not work as well and may require higher doses to obtain the same effect as when originally taken. This is known as TOLERANCE. Talk with your doctor if Maxiflu CD stops working well. Do not take more than prescribed.

When used for long periods of time or at high doses, some people develop a need to continue taking Maxiflu CD. This is known as DEPENDENCE or addiction.

If you suddenly stop taking Maxiflu CD, you may experience WITHDRAWAL symptoms including anxiety; diarrhea; fever, runny nose, or sneezing; goose bumps and abnormal skin sensations; nausea; vomiting; pain; rigid muscles; rapid heartbeat; seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there; shivering or tremors; sweating; and trouble sleeping.

Possible side effects of Maxiflu CD:

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Constipation; dizziness; drowsiness; excitability; headache; irritability; light-headedness; nausea; sweating; trouble sleeping; vomiting; weakness.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, throat, or tongue); confusion; difficulty urinating or inability to urinate; fainting; fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat; fever, chills, or persistent sore throat; hallucinations; involuntary muscle movements; mental or mood changes (eg, anxiety, nervousness); persistent trouble sleeping; restlessness; seizures; severe or persistent dizziness, drowsiness, light-headedness, or headache; slow, difficult, or shallow breathing; symptoms of liver problems (eg, dark urine, loss of appetite, pale stools, stomach pain, yellowing of the skin or eyes); tremor; vision problems.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.

See also: Maxiflu CD side effects (in more detail)

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center, or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include blurred vision; cold and clammy skin; coma; confusion; decreased urination; difficulty urinating; fainting; fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat; hallucinations; increased or decreased pupil size; increased sweating; limp muscles; paleness; restlessness; seizures; severe dizziness, light-headedness, or headache; severe drowsiness; severe excitability; severe nausea, vomiting, or weakness; slow, fast, difficult, or shallow breathing; symptoms of liver problems (eg, dark urine, loss of appetite, pale stools, stomach pain, yellowing of the skin or eyes); tremor; unusual bruising or bleeding.

Proper storage of Maxiflu CD:

Store Maxiflu CD at room temperature, between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Maxiflu CD out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

• If you have any questions about Maxiflu CD, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.


• Maxiflu CD is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.


• If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.


• Check with your pharmacist about how to dispose of unused medicine.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Maxiflu CD. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

Issue Date: February 1, 2012

Database Edition 12.1.1.002

Copyright © 2012 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.

More Maxiflu CD resources

• Maxiflu CD Side Effects (in more detail)
• Maxiflu CD Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
• Maxiflu CD Drug Interactions
• Maxiflu CD Support Group
• 0 Reviews for Maxiflu CD - Add your own review/rating

• Maxiflu CD Concise Consumer Information (Cerner Multum)

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