What do Theraflu products treat?
Theraflu products for cough, cold, and flu symptoms are for adults and children as young as 12 years old. They contain a mix of ingredients to treat several symptoms at once.
- Pain Reliever and Fever Reducer (Acetaminophen). Seems to work to reduce pain by blocking pain signals. It is thought to help reduce fever by affecting the part of your brain that controls body temperature.
- Cough Suppressant(Dextromethorphan). Reduces the urge to cough by slowing the activity in certain areas of the brain.
- Nasal Decongestant(Pseudoephedrine or Nasal Oxymetazoline). Narrows your blood vessels, which may help reduce swelling and congestion in your nose and sinuses to help with sinus congestion and pain, as well as a stuffy nose.
- Antihistamine(Chlorpheniramine or Diphenhydramine). Blocks the effect of a substance in your body called histamine, to help with runny nose and sneezing.
- Expectorant(Guaifenesin). Decreases chest congestion by thinning and loosening mucus, making coughs more productive.
What are the possible side effects of Theraflu products?
Theraflu products are generally well tolerated. Side effects may vary depending on the ingredients in the specific product you are using. Many Theraflu products have multiple ingredients. Check the label to see which ingredients your product has, and ask your pharmacist or other health care provider if you are not sure.
Many Theraflu products contain acetaminophen. If you are taking a Theraflu product with acetaminophen, do not take any other medicine that has acetaminophen in it. Taking too much acetaminophen can be harmful and can increase your risk of liver problems. Ask your pharmacist if you are not sure if a medicine contains acetaminophen. It is also best to limit the amount of alcohol you drink while taking a Theraflu product with acetaminophen.
Certain Theraflu products contain ingredients (such as chlorpheniramine or diphenhydramine) that can make you drowsy or sleepy. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery while taking these products. You should also avoid alcohol and medicines that can make you sleepy, such as sedatives or tranquilizers, when taking these Theraflu products. Children taking products with these ingredients may have the opposite effect and may have excitability. Do not use Theraflu products to make your child sleepy.
If you are using a Theraflu nasal spray, you may have temporary burning, stinging, sneezing, or an increase in nasal discharge after using the product. Do not use Theraflu nasal spray products for more than three days. Using them too long may cause your stuffy nose to come back or get worse. If your symptoms do not get better or get worse, talk to your health care provider. These may be signs of a more serious condition. Do not share nasal sprays with other people, as this can increase your risk of spreading infections. Shake the nasal spray well before each use.
Stop taking the medicine if you develop a rash or hives. Get medical help right away if you have signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as trouble breathing or swelling of the face, lips, or throat.
What should I know before using Theraflu products?
Different Theraflu products contain different ingredients and are used in different ways. Read and follow the label on the specific Theraflu product you are taking to learn more.
The ingredients in Theraflu products are also found in many other over-the-counter and prescription medicines. Do not take any other medicines with the same ingredients as the Theraflu product you are taking.
If you have certain health conditions or take certain medicines, you may have to check with your health care provider before taking a Theraflu product. Some examples include the following.
- Liver disease
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure
- Thyroid disease
- Diabetes
- Glaucoma
- Have trouble peeing due to an enlarged prostate
- Cough with too much mucus
- A long-term cough or a cough that does not go away, such as a cough that can happen with smoking, asthma, bronchitis, or emphysema
- Are taking a blood thinner called warfarin
- Pregnant or breastfeeding
You should not take any Theraflu products that contain dextromethorphan or a decongestant (such as pseudoephedrine) in it if you take or have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) within the past two weeks. An MAOI is a medicine usually used for depression or Parkinson’s disease. Before taking a Theraflu product that has dextromethorphan or a decongestant in it, you should ask your health care provider first if you take or have taken an MAOI.
Stop taking Theraflu and talk to your health care provider if you have any of the following.
- A sore throat that is severe, lasts more than two days, or happens with a fever, headache, rash, nausea, or vomiting
- Symptoms get worse or last for more than seven days
- Fever gets worse or lasts for more than three days
- Redness or swelling
- New symptoms
- A cough that comes back or happens with a rash or headache
- Nervousness, dizziness, or trouble sleeping
There are Theraflu products that come as a combination pack, which include the daytime and nighttime products together. If you are using a combination pack throughout the day, do not take the daytime and nighttime products at the same time. Wait at least four hours after taking the daytime product to take the nighttime product.
If you are taking Theraflu syrup, use the dosing cup that comes with the medicine. Do not use a household spoon, as this may cause you to take the incorrect amount of medicine.
If you are taking a Theraflu soft chew, chew it fully before swallowing.
There are also Theraflu products that come as a powder, which is mixed with hot water. If you are taking one of these products, sip the medicine/water mixture within 10-15 minutes, being careful not to burn your mouth or tongue. Follow the instructions to make sure you take the product correctly.
There may be side effects, additional warnings, and interactions with other medicines that are not listed here. These may vary depending on the combination of ingredients in the specific Theraflu product you are using. Always check the label before taking any over-the-counter medicine. Do not take more than the recommended dose. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about your health conditions and other medicines to help determine which products are safe for you.
Which Theraflu product is right for my symptoms?
Here are some factors you can use to decide which Theraflu product is right for you.
- Symptoms. Theraflu products contain a variety of ingredients, which may help treat different symptoms. You should take a product that only has the ingredients needed to treat your symptoms. Check the label and ask your pharmacist or other health care provider if you are not sure which medicines are best for your symptoms.
- Dosage Forms and Flavors. Theraflu products come in various forms, including a syrup, powder, soft chew, caplet, and nasal spray. Some products only come in certain flavors. You may prefer one form or flavor over another.
- Daytime or Nighttime Use. There are Theraflu products that can be used during the day and products that can be used at night (because they may cause sleepiness). Some products only come in combo packs, with both daytime and nighttime products included. Others are available as just a single product.
- Where to Buy. Theraflu-D products contain an ingredient called pseudoephedrine. These medicines are usually stored behind the pharmacy counter. Other Theraflu products are available over-the-counter.
Daytime Products
These products focus on providing relief without causing sleepiness.
For aches/pains, fever, sore throat, and cough
- Theraflu Daytime Flu Relief Max Strength Caplets (only comes in a combo pack)
- Theraflu Daytime Flu Relief Max Strength Hot Liquid Powder (also comes in a combo pack)
- Theraflu Daytime Flu Relief Max Strength Syrup (also comes in a combo pack)
- Theraflu Daytime Severe Cold Relief Hot Liquid Powder (available in various flavors; also comes in a combo pack)
- Theraflu Daytime Severe Relief Apple Cinnamon Flavor Soft Chews
Each of these products contain acetaminophen and dextromethorphan.
For aches/pains, fever, sore throat, cough, and chest congestion
- Theraflu Daytime Severe Cold Relief + Chest Congestion Syrup (only comes in a combo pack)
This product contains acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, and guaifenesin.
For aches/pains, fever, sore throat, cough, nasal congestion, and sinus pressure
- Theraflu-D Daytime Flu Relief Max Strength + Nasal Decongestion Syrup
This product contains acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, and pseudoephedrine.
Nighttime Products
These products may cause sleepiness.
For aches/pains, fever, sore throat, cough, runny/itchy nose, sneezing, itchy throat, or itchy/watery eyes
- Theraflu Nighttime Severe Cold Relief Apple Cinnamon Flavor Soft Chews
- Theraflu Nighttime Severe Cold Relief Hot Liquid Powder (also comes in a combo pack)
- Theraflu Nighttime Severe Cold Relief Syrup (only comes in a combo pack)
Each of these products contain acetaminophen and diphenhydramine.
For aches/pains, fever, sore throat, cough, and runny nose
- Theraflu Nighttime Flu Relief Max Strength Caplets (only comes in a combo pack)
- Theraflu Nighttime Flu Relief Max Strength Hot Liquid Powder (also comes in a combo pack)
- Theraflu Nighttime Flu Relief Max Strength Syrup (also comes in a combo pack)
Each of these products contain acetaminophen, chlorpheniramine, and dextromethorphan.
For aches/pains, fever, sore throat, cough, stuffy/runny nose, sneezing, and sinus pressure
- Theraflu-D Nighttime Flu Relief Max Strength + Nasal Decongestion Syrup
This product contains acetaminophen, chlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan, and pseudoephedrine.
Nasal Spray Products
For stuffy nose and sinus congestion
- Theraflu Severe Congestion Relief Nasal Mist + Cooling (contains eucalyptol and menthol as inactive ingredients)
- Theraflu Severe Congestion Relief Nasal Mist
Each of these products contain nasal oxymetazoline.