What is Cough & Cold: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Cough & Cold overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Children's Daytime/Nighttime DM, Children's Dimetapp Long Acting Cough Plus Cold, Children's Robitussin Cough & Cold Long Acting, Children's Triaminic Cough & Runny Nose, Coricidin HBP Cough & Cold, Cough & Cold, Cough & Cold HBP, DayClear Allergy + Cough, DayClear Allergy Relief, Good Neighbor Pharmacy Night Time Cough, Good Neighbor Pharmacy Tussin DM Max, Good Sense Night Time Cough, Leader Cough & Cold HBP, Maxi-Tuss DM, Nighttime Cough

Generic Names:

  • Cough & Cold

Uses:

  • Treats runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes, and cough caused by the common cold or flu.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Antihistamine/Antitussive Combination, Antihistamine/Decongestant Combination

Forms:

  • Capsule, Chewable Tablet, Liquid, Tablet

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What is Cough & Cold used for?

What form(s) does Cough & Cold come in

  • Capsule

  • Chewable Tablet

  • Liquid

  • Tablet

What are common Cough & Cold doses?

  • Box 16 Tablets

How to take Cough & Cold

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Follow the instructions on the medicine label if you are using this medicine without a prescription.

  • Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.

  • Follow the instructions on the medicine label if you are using this medicine without a prescription.

What to do if you miss a dose of Cough & Cold

  • Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Cough & Cold contraindications

  • You should not use this medicine if you have ever had an allergic reaction to any cough and cold medicine or to any antihistamine or antitussive. You should not use this medicine if you have taken an MAO inhibitors such as Nardil®, Marplan®, Eldepryl®, or Parnate® within the past 14 days. Do not give any over-the-counter (OTC) cough and cold medicine to a baby or child under 4 years old. Using these medicines in very young children might cause serious or possibly life-threatening side effects.

Cough & Cold warnings

  • This medicine might contain phenylalanine (aspartame). This is only a concern if you have a disorder called phenylketonuria (a problem with amino acids). Talk to your doctor before using this medicine.

  • If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before using this medicine.

  • This medicine may make you drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.

  • Some liquid cough medicines contain alcohol.

  • Call your doctor if your symptoms get worse after 2 or 3 days of treatment, or if they do not improve after 7 days. Also call if you develop a severe sore throat or fever; or cough up thick yellow mucus.

  • Children may be more sensitive to this medicine than adults, especially if they take too much medicine. Always read medicine labels carefully and give your child the right amount. Ask your pharmacist if you are not sure how much medicine to use.

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you have heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, glaucoma, an enlarged prostate, seizure disorder, asthma, emphysema, or an overactive thyroid.

Cough & Cold interactions

  • Children may be more sensitive to this medicine than adults, especially if they take too much medicine. Always read medicine labels carefully and give your child the right amount. Ask your pharmacist if you are not sure how much medicine to use.

  • Some liquid cough medicines contain alcohol.

  • Call your doctor if your symptoms get worse after 2 or 3 days of treatment, or if they do not improve after 7 days. Also call if you develop a severe sore throat or fever; or cough up thick yellow mucus.

  • This medicine may make you drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.

  • Do not use any other medicines that make you sleepy. These include sleeping pills, narcotic pain relievers, and sedatives.

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you have heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, glaucoma, an enlarged prostate, seizure disorder, asthma, emphysema, or an overactive thyroid.

  • This medicine might contain phenylalanine (aspartame). This is only a concern if you have a disorder called phenylketonuria (a problem with amino acids). Talk to your doctor before using this medicine.

Cough & Cold side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Thickened mucus

  • Confusion

  • Skin rash, hives, or itching

  • Extreme weakness

  • Trouble breathing

  • Fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Drowsiness or dizziness

  • Trouble urinating

  • Dry mouth, nose, or throat

  • Confusion

  • Thickened mucus

  • Sunburn (use a sunscreen)

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