Acetaminophen / Dextromethorphan / Phenylephrine Dosage

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Aug 7, 2023.

Applies to the following strengths: 325 mg-10 mg-5 mg; 325 mg-10 mg-5 mg/15 mL; 650 mg-20 mg-10 mg; 500 mg-20 mg-10 mg; 650 mg-20 mg-10 mg/30 mL; 160 mg-5 mg-2.5 mg/5 mL

Usual Adult Dose for Cold Symptoms

Acetaminophen 325 mg/ dextromethorphan 10 mg/ phenylephrine 5 mg per softgel/caplet: 2 softgels/caplets every 4 hours
Maximum dose: 4 doses (8 softgels/caplets) per 24 hours

Acetaminophen 325 mg/ dextromethorphan 10 mg/ phenylephrine 5 mg per 15 mL liquid: 30 mL every 4 hours
Maximum dose: 5 doses per 24 hours

Acetaminophen 650 mg/ dextromethorphan 20 mg/ phenylephrine 10 mg per packet: One packet in water every 4 hours
Maximum dose: 6 doses per 24 hours

Acetaminophen 650 mg/ dextromethorphan 20 mg/ phenylephrine 10 mg per 30 mL liquid:
12 years and older: 30 mL every 6 hours
Maximum dose: 5 doses per 24 hours

Acetaminophen 650 mg/ dextromethorphan 30 mg/ phenylephrine 12.5 mg per 30 mL liquid:
12 years and older: 30 mL every 6 hours
6 to under 12 years: 15 mL every 4 hours
Maximum dose: 4 doses per 24 hours

Usual Pediatric Dose for Cold Symptoms

Acetaminophen 325 mg/ dextromethorphan 10 mg/ phenylephrine 5 mg per softgel/caplet:
12 years and older: 2 softgels/caplets every 4 hours
Maximum dose: 4 doses (8 softgels/caplets) per 24 hours

Acetaminophen 325 mg/ dextromethorphan 10 mg/ phenylephrine 5 mg per 15 mL liquid:
12 years and older: 30 mL every 4 hours
Maximum dose: 5 doses per 24 hours

Acetaminophen 650 mg/ dextromethorphan 20 mg/ phenylephrine 10 mg per packet:
12 years and older: One packet in water every 4 hours
Maximum dose: 6 doses per 24 hours

Acetaminophen 650 mg/ dextromethorphan 20 mg/ phenylephrine 10 mg per 30 mL liquid:
12 years and older: 30 mL every 6 hours
Maximum dose: 5 doses per 24 hours

Acetaminophen 650 mg/ dextromethorphan 30 mg/ phenylephrine 12.5 mg per 30 mL liquid:
12 years and older: 30 mL every 6 hours
6 to under 12 years: 15 mL every 4 hours
Maximum dose: 4 doses per 24 hours

Renal Dose Adjustments

Data not available

Liver Dose Adjustments

Use with caution.

Precautions

CONTRAINDICATIONS:

Current use of any other drug containing acetaminophen.
Current use of a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) or use within 14 days of stopping a MAOI.
Current use of any other drug containing diphenhydramine, including topical preparations.

Safety and efficacy have not been established in patients younger than 6 years.

Consult WARNINGS section for additional precautions.

Dialysis

Data not available

Other Comments

Administration advice:

Swallow caplets and softgels whole; do not crush or chew.
Use only provided measuring cups.

Patient advice:

Take only as directed.
This product contains acetaminophen; severe liver damage may occur with use of over 4000 mg in 24 hours, use with other acetaminophen-containing medications, or having 3 or more alcoholic drinks a day during use.
Do not use with any other drug containing acetaminophen.
Avoid drinking alcohol while on this drug.
If cough comes back, or is accompanied or followed by fever, headache that lasts, or rash, seek medical care promptly.
Discontinue for cough, pain, or nasal congestion that worsens or lasts over 7 days, if new symptoms arise, fever worsens or lasts over 3 days, or for redness or swelling.