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Interactions between Cough & Cold Relief and Doxapram

1 drug interaction and 31 additional warnings found for the following 2 drugs:

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Drug interactions

Moderate drug interactions

Moderate:

phenylephrine doxapram

Applies to: Cough & Cold Relief (acetaminophen / dextromethorphan / guaifenesin / phenylephrine) and doxapram
Monitor

Coadministration of two or more sympathomimetic or noradrenergic agents may increase the risk of nervousness, irritability, tachycardia, and/or increased blood pressure. Central nervous system (CNS) stimulants, particularly amphetamines, can potentiate the adrenergic response to vasopressors and other sympathomimetic and/or noradrenergic agents, including norepinephrine transporter inhibitors. Additive increases in blood pressure and heart rate may occur due to enhanced peripheral sympathetic activity.

Management

Caution is advised if two or more sympathomimetic or noradrenergic agents are coadministered. Pulse and blood pressure should be closely monitored. Consultation with individual product labeling, as well as relevant institutional protocols, may be advisable for further guidance.

References (20)
  1. Rosenblatt JE, Lake CR, van Kammen DP, Ziegler MG, Bunney WE Jr (1979) "Interactions of amphetamine, pimozide, and lithium on plasma norepineophrine and dopamine-beta-hydroxylase in schizophrenic patients." Psychiatry Res, 1, p. 45-52
  2. Cavanaugh JH, Griffith JD, Oates JA (1970) "Effect of amphetamine on the pressor response to tyramine: formation of p-hydroxynorephedrine from amphetamine in man." Clin Pharmacol Ther, 11, p. 656
  3. (2001) "Product Information. Adderall (amphetamine-dextroamphetamine)." Shire Richwood Pharmaceutical Company Inc
  4. (2001) "Product Information. Tenuate (diethylpropion)." Aventis Pharmaceuticals
  5. (2001) "Product Information. Sanorex (mazindol)." Novartis Pharmaceuticals
  6. (2001) "Product Information. Focalin (dexmethylphenidate)." Mikart Inc
  7. (2024) "Product Information. Ephedrine (ephedrine)." Hameln Pharma Ltd
  8. (2023) "Product Information. Ephedrine Hydrochloride (ephedrine)." Wockhardt UK Ltd
  9. (2026) "Product Information. Strattera (atomoxetine)." Lilly, Eli and Company
  10. (2025) "Product Information. Atomoxetine (atomoxetine)." Zentiva Pharma UK Ltd
  11. (2026) "Product Information. Atomoxetine (Apo) (atomoxetine)." Arrotex Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd
  12. Angita Pharma, Inc (2026) AG-ATOMOXETINE Product Monograph (Health Canada) https://pdf.hres.ca/dpd_pm/00059014.PDF
  13. (2026) "Product Information. Boots Decongestant (Pseudoephedrine) (pseudoephedrine)." The Boots Company Plc
  14. (2023) "Product Information. Sinus and Nasal Decongestant (Trust) (pseudoephedrine)." Noumed Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd
  15. (2019) "Product Information. Ephedrine (ephedrine)." Pfizer Australia Pty Ltd
  16. (2024) "Product Information. EPHEDrine Sulfate (ePHEDrine)." Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC
  17. (2024) "Product Information. Lemsip Cough Max for Mucus Cough and Cold (guaifenesin/paracetamol/phenylephrine)." Reckitt Benckiser Healthcare (UK) Ltd
  18. emc (2026) Product information: sudafed plus blocked nose 1mg/50mg/ml nasal spray. https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/14256/smpc?utm_source=chatgpt.com
  19. (2023) "Product Information. EPHEDrine Sulfate (ePHEDrine)." Baxter Corporation
  20. Neo Health (OTC) Pty Ltd (2026) Product information: pseudoephedrine hydrochloride-paracetamol capsules. https://www.ebs.tga.gov.au/ebs/picmi/picmirepository.nsf/pdf?OpenAgent&id=CP-2024-PI-02603-1&d=20260804172310101&d=20260827172310101

Food/lifestyle interactions

Major food/lifestyle interactions

Major:

acetaminophen Food/Lifestyle

Applies to: Cough & Cold Relief (acetaminophen / dextromethorphan / guaifenesin / phenylephrine)
Generally avoid

Chronic, excessive consumption of alcohol may increase the risk of acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity, which has included rare cases of fatal hepatitis and frank hepatic failure requiring liver transplantation. The proposed mechanism is induction of hepatic microsomal enzymes during chronic alcohol use, which may result in accelerated metabolism of acetaminophen and increased production of potentially hepatotoxic metabolites.

Management

In general, chronic alcoholics should avoid regular or excessive use of acetaminophen. Alternative analgesic/antipyretic therapy may be appropriate in patients who consume three or more alcoholic drinks per day.

References (1)
  1. (2022) "Product Information. Acetaminophen (acetaminophen)." Camber Pharmaceuticals, Inc

Moderate food/lifestyle interactions

Moderate:

dextromethorphan Food/Lifestyle

Applies to: Cough & Cold Relief (acetaminophen / dextromethorphan / guaifenesin / phenylephrine)
Generally avoid

Alcohol may potentiate some of the pharmacologic effects of CNS-active agents. Use in combination may result in additive central nervous system depression and/or impairment of judgment, thinking, and psychomotor skills.

Management

Patients receiving CNS-active agents should be warned of this interaction and advised to avoid or limit consumption of alcohol. Ambulatory patients should be counseled to avoid hazardous activities requiring complete mental alertness and motor coordination until they know how these agents affect them, and to notify their physician if they experience excessive or prolonged CNS effects that interfere with their normal activities.

References (4)
  1. Warrington SJ, Ankier SI, Turner P (1986) "Evaluation of possible interactions between ethanol and trazodone or amitriptyline." Neuropsychobiology, 15, p. 31-7
  2. Gilman AG, eds., Nies AS, Rall TW, Taylor P (1990) "Goodman and Gilman's the Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics." New York, NY: Pergamon Press Inc.
  3. (2012) "Product Information. Fycompa (perampanel)." Eisai Inc
  4. (2015) "Product Information. Rexulti (brexpiprazole)." Otsuka America Pharmaceutical, Inc.
Moderate:

phenylephrine Caffeine

Applies to: Cough & Cold Relief (acetaminophen / dextromethorphan / guaifenesin / phenylephrine)
Monitor

Coadministration of two or more sympathomimetic or noradrenergic agents may increase the risk of nervousness, irritability, tachycardia, and/or increased blood pressure. Central nervous system (CNS) stimulants, particularly amphetamines, can potentiate the adrenergic response to vasopressors and other sympathomimetic and/or noradrenergic agents, including norepinephrine transporter inhibitors. Additive increases in blood pressure and heart rate may occur due to enhanced peripheral sympathetic activity.

Management

Caution is advised if two or more sympathomimetic or noradrenergic agents are coadministered. Pulse and blood pressure should be closely monitored. Consultation with individual product labeling, as well as relevant institutional protocols, may be advisable for further guidance.

References (20)
  1. Rosenblatt JE, Lake CR, van Kammen DP, Ziegler MG, Bunney WE Jr (1979) "Interactions of amphetamine, pimozide, and lithium on plasma norepineophrine and dopamine-beta-hydroxylase in schizophrenic patients." Psychiatry Res, 1, p. 45-52
  2. Cavanaugh JH, Griffith JD, Oates JA (1970) "Effect of amphetamine on the pressor response to tyramine: formation of p-hydroxynorephedrine from amphetamine in man." Clin Pharmacol Ther, 11, p. 656
  3. (2001) "Product Information. Adderall (amphetamine-dextroamphetamine)." Shire Richwood Pharmaceutical Company Inc
  4. (2001) "Product Information. Tenuate (diethylpropion)." Aventis Pharmaceuticals
  5. (2001) "Product Information. Sanorex (mazindol)." Novartis Pharmaceuticals
  6. (2001) "Product Information. Focalin (dexmethylphenidate)." Mikart Inc
  7. (2024) "Product Information. Ephedrine (ephedrine)." Hameln Pharma Ltd
  8. (2023) "Product Information. Ephedrine Hydrochloride (ephedrine)." Wockhardt UK Ltd
  9. (2026) "Product Information. Strattera (atomoxetine)." Lilly, Eli and Company
  10. (2025) "Product Information. Atomoxetine (atomoxetine)." Zentiva Pharma UK Ltd
  11. (2026) "Product Information. Atomoxetine (Apo) (atomoxetine)." Arrotex Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd
  12. Angita Pharma, Inc (2026) AG-ATOMOXETINE Product Monograph (Health Canada) https://pdf.hres.ca/dpd_pm/00059014.PDF
  13. (2026) "Product Information. Boots Decongestant (Pseudoephedrine) (pseudoephedrine)." The Boots Company Plc
  14. (2023) "Product Information. Sinus and Nasal Decongestant (Trust) (pseudoephedrine)." Noumed Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd
  15. (2019) "Product Information. Ephedrine (ephedrine)." Pfizer Australia Pty Ltd
  16. (2024) "Product Information. EPHEDrine Sulfate (ePHEDrine)." Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC
  17. (2024) "Product Information. Lemsip Cough Max for Mucus Cough and Cold (guaifenesin/paracetamol/phenylephrine)." Reckitt Benckiser Healthcare (UK) Ltd
  18. emc (2026) Product information: sudafed plus blocked nose 1mg/50mg/ml nasal spray. https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/14256/smpc?utm_source=chatgpt.com
  19. (2023) "Product Information. EPHEDrine Sulfate (ePHEDrine)." Baxter Corporation
  20. Neo Health (OTC) Pty Ltd (2026) Product information: pseudoephedrine hydrochloride-paracetamol capsules. https://www.ebs.tga.gov.au/ebs/picmi/picmirepository.nsf/pdf?OpenAgent&id=CP-2024-PI-02603-1&d=20260804172310101&d=20260827172310101

Disease interactions

28 potential interactions Applies to: 26 conditions, including High Blood Pressure, Depression, Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, Seizures, and Pulmonary Embolism.

Alcoholism

Major:

Cough & Cold Relief

The acetaminophen in Cough & Cold Relief has a major potential interaction with Alcoholism.

Chronic alcohol abusers may be at increased risk of hepatotoxicity during treatment with acetaminophen (APAP). Severe liver injury, including cases of acute liver failure resulting in liver transplant and death, has been reported in patients using acetaminophen. Therapy with acetaminophen should be administered cautiously, if at all, in patients who consume three or more alcoholic drinks a day. In general, patients should avoid drinking alcohol while taking acetaminophen-containing medications. Patients should be warned not to exceed the maximum recommended total daily dosage of acetaminophen (4 g/day in adults and children 12 years of age or older), and to read all prescription and over-the-counter medication labels to ensure they are not taking multiple acetaminophen-containing products, or check with a healthcare professional if they are unsure. They should also be advised to seek medical attention if they experience signs and symptoms of liver injury such as fever, rash, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, right upper quadrant pain, dark urine, and jaundice.

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Moderate:

Cough & Cold Relief

The phenylephrine in Cough & Cold Relief has a moderate potential interaction with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia.

Sympathomimetic agents may cause or worsen urinary difficulty in patients with prostate enlargement due to smooth muscle contraction in the bladder neck via stimulation of alpha-1 adrenergic receptors. Therapy with sympathomimetic agents should be administered cautiously in patients with hypertrophy or neoplasm of the prostate.

Cardiovascular Conditions and Disorders

Major:

Cough & Cold Relief

The phenylephrine in Cough & Cold Relief has a major potential interaction with Cardiovascular Conditions and Disorders.

Sympathomimetic agents may cause adverse cardiovascular effects, particularly when used in high dosages and/or in susceptible patients. In cardiac tissues, these agents may produce positive chronotropic and inotropic effects via stimulation of beta- 1 adrenergic receptors. Cardiac output, oxygen consumption, and the work of the heart may be increased. In the peripheral vasculature, vasoconstriction may occur via stimulation of alpha-1 adrenergic receptors. Palpitations, tachycardia, arrhythmia, hypertension, reflex bradycardia, coronary occlusion, cerebral vasculitis, myocardial infarction, cardiac arrest, and death have been reported. Some of these agents, particularly ephedra alkaloids (ephedrine, ma huang, phenylpropanolamine), may also predispose patients to hemorrhagic and ischemic stroke. Therapy with sympathomimetic agents should generally be avoided or administered cautiously in patients with sensitivity to sympathomimetic amines, hyperthyroidism, or underlying cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disorders. These agents should not be used in patients with severe coronary artery disease or severe/uncontrolled hypertension.

Cerebral Thrombosis/Embolism

Major:

doxapram

Doxapram has a major potential interaction with Cerebral Thrombosis/Embolism.

The use of doxapram is contraindicated in patients with head injury, cerebral vascular accident, or cerebral edema. Existing coma may worsen with doxapram administration.

Cerebrovascular Insufficiency

Major:

Cough & Cold Relief

The phenylephrine in Cough & Cold Relief has a major potential interaction with Cerebrovascular Insufficiency.

Sympathomimetic agents may cause adverse cardiovascular effects, particularly when used in high dosages and/or in susceptible patients. In cardiac tissues, these agents may produce positive chronotropic and inotropic effects via stimulation of beta- 1 adrenergic receptors. Cardiac output, oxygen consumption, and the work of the heart may be increased. In the peripheral vasculature, vasoconstriction may occur via stimulation of alpha-1 adrenergic receptors. Palpitations, tachycardia, arrhythmia, hypertension, reflex bradycardia, coronary occlusion, cerebral vasculitis, myocardial infarction, cardiac arrest, and death have been reported. Some of these agents, particularly ephedra alkaloids (ephedrine, ma huang, phenylpropanolamine), may also predispose patients to hemorrhagic and ischemic stroke. Therapy with sympathomimetic agents should generally be avoided or administered cautiously in patients with sensitivity to sympathomimetic amines, hyperthyroidism, or underlying cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disorders. These agents should not be used in patients with severe coronary artery disease or severe/uncontrolled hypertension.

Dehydration

Major:

Cough & Cold Relief

The acetaminophen in Cough & Cold Relief has a major potential interaction with Dehydration.

Acetaminophen is contraindicated in patients with severe hepatic impairment or severe active liver disease. Patients with hepatic impairment may be at increased risk of toxicity. Severe liver injury, including cases of acute liver failure and death, have been reported in patients using this drug. Clinical monitoring of hepatic function is recommended. Caution is advised if using acetaminophen in patients with chronic malnutrition or severe hypovolemia. Instruct patients to avoid drinking alcohol while taking acetaminophen-containing medications. Patients should be warned not to exceed the maximum recommended total daily dosage of acetaminophen (4 g/day in adults and children 12 years of age or older), and to read all prescription and over-the-counter medication labels to ensure they are not taking multiple acetaminophen-containing products, or check with a healthcare professional if they are unsure.

Depression

Major:

doxapram

Doxapram has a major potential interaction with Depression.

The use of CNS stimulants can cause psychotic symptoms, suicidal ideation, and aggression, and can exacerbate symptoms of behavior disturbance and thought disorder; CNS stimulants may induce a manic or mixed episode in patients with bipolar disorder. Psychiatric symptoms have been reported in patients with and without history of psychiatric disorders. All patients (particularly those with psychotic or bipolar disorders) should be monitored closely, especially during treatment initiation and at times of dose changes. Extreme caution should be exercised when CNS stimulants are given to patients with a history of psychosis, depression, mania, or bipolar disorder. Prior to initiating therapy, all patients should be screened for risk factors for developing a manic episode (e.g., comorbid or history of depressive symptoms or family history of suicide, bipolar disease, or depression). If any psychiatric symptoms emerge or are exacerbated, treatment suspension should be considered. Some CNS stimulants are contraindicated in patients with marked agitation or anxiety.

Diabetes Mellitus

Moderate:

Cough & Cold Relief

The phenylephrine in Cough & Cold Relief has a moderate potential interaction with Diabetes Mellitus.

Sympathomimetic agents may cause increases in blood glucose concentrations. These effects are usually transient and slight but may be significant with dosages higher than those normally recommended. Therapy with sympathomimetic agents should be administered cautiously in patients with diabetes mellitus. Closer monitoring of blood glucose concentrations may be appropriate.

Glaucoma/Intraocular Hypertension

Moderate:

Cough & Cold Relief

The phenylephrine in Cough & Cold Relief has a moderate potential interaction with Glaucoma/Intraocular Hypertension.

Sympathomimetic agents can induce transient mydriasis via stimulation of alpha-1 adrenergic receptors. In patients with anatomically narrow angles or narrow-angle glaucoma, pupillary dilation can provoke an acute attack. In patients with other forms of glaucoma, mydriasis may occasionally increase intraocular pressure. Therapy with sympathomimetic agents should be administered cautiously in patients with or predisposed to glaucoma, particularly narrow-angle glaucoma.

Head Injury

Major:

doxapram

Doxapram has a major potential interaction with Head Injury.

The use of doxapram is contraindicated in patients with head injury, cerebral vascular accident, or cerebral edema. Existing coma may worsen with doxapram administration.

Head Injury w/ Intracranial Hemorrhage and Loss of Consciousness

Major:

doxapram

Doxapram has a major potential interaction with Head Injury w/ Intracranial Hemorrhage and Loss of Consciousness.

The use of doxapram is contraindicated in patients with head injury, cerebral vascular accident, or cerebral edema. Existing coma may worsen with doxapram administration.

Heart Disease

Major:

doxapram

Doxapram has a major potential interaction with Heart Disease.

Many CNS stimulants are contraindicated in patients with significant cardiovascular impairment such as uncompensated heart failure, severe coronary disease, severe hypertension (including that associated with hyperthyroidism or pheochromocytoma), cardiac structural abnormalities, serious arrhythmias, etc. Sudden death has been reported in patients with structural cardiac abnormalities or other serious cardiac disease who are treated with CNS stimulants at the recommended dosages for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder; use of these agents should be avoided in patients with known structural cardiac abnormalities, cardiomyopathy, serious cardiac arrhythmia, coronary artery disease, or other serious cardiac disease. Additionally, stroke, myocardial infarction, chest pain, syncope, arrhythmias, and other symptoms have been reported in adults under treatment. A careful assessment of the cardiovascular status should be done in patients being considered for treatment. This includes family history, physical exam, and further cardiac evaluation (EKG and echocardiogram). Patients who develop symptoms should have a detailed cardiac evaluation and if needed, treatment should be suspended.

High Blood Pressure

Major:

doxapram

Doxapram has a major potential interaction with High Blood Pressure.

Many CNS stimulants are contraindicated in patients with significant cardiovascular impairment such as uncompensated heart failure, severe coronary disease, severe hypertension (including that associated with hyperthyroidism or pheochromocytoma), cardiac structural abnormalities, serious arrhythmias, etc. Sudden death has been reported in patients with structural cardiac abnormalities or other serious cardiac disease who are treated with CNS stimulants at the recommended dosages for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder; use of these agents should be avoided in patients with known structural cardiac abnormalities, cardiomyopathy, serious cardiac arrhythmia, coronary artery disease, or other serious cardiac disease. Additionally, stroke, myocardial infarction, chest pain, syncope, arrhythmias, and other symptoms have been reported in adults under treatment. A careful assessment of the cardiovascular status should be done in patients being considered for treatment. This includes family history, physical exam, and further cardiac evaluation (EKG and echocardiogram). Patients who develop symptoms should have a detailed cardiac evaluation and if needed, treatment should be suspended.

Hyperthyroidism

Major:

Cough & Cold Relief

The phenylephrine in Cough & Cold Relief has a major potential interaction with Hyperthyroidism.

Sympathomimetic agents may cause adverse cardiovascular effects, particularly when used in high dosages and/or in susceptible patients. In cardiac tissues, these agents may produce positive chronotropic and inotropic effects via stimulation of beta- 1 adrenergic receptors. Cardiac output, oxygen consumption, and the work of the heart may be increased. In the peripheral vasculature, vasoconstriction may occur via stimulation of alpha-1 adrenergic receptors. Palpitations, tachycardia, arrhythmia, hypertension, reflex bradycardia, coronary occlusion, cerebral vasculitis, myocardial infarction, cardiac arrest, and death have been reported. Some of these agents, particularly ephedra alkaloids (ephedrine, ma huang, phenylpropanolamine), may also predispose patients to hemorrhagic and ischemic stroke. Therapy with sympathomimetic agents should generally be avoided or administered cautiously in patients with sensitivity to sympathomimetic amines, hyperthyroidism, or underlying cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disorders. These agents should not be used in patients with severe coronary artery disease or severe/uncontrolled hypertension.

Major:

doxapram

Doxapram has a major potential interaction with Hyperthyroidism.

Many CNS stimulants are contraindicated in patients with significant cardiovascular impairment such as uncompensated heart failure, severe coronary disease, severe hypertension (including that associated with hyperthyroidism or pheochromocytoma), cardiac structural abnormalities, serious arrhythmias, etc. Sudden death has been reported in patients with structural cardiac abnormalities or other serious cardiac disease who are treated with CNS stimulants at the recommended dosages for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder; use of these agents should be avoided in patients with known structural cardiac abnormalities, cardiomyopathy, serious cardiac arrhythmia, coronary artery disease, or other serious cardiac disease. Additionally, stroke, myocardial infarction, chest pain, syncope, arrhythmias, and other symptoms have been reported in adults under treatment. A careful assessment of the cardiovascular status should be done in patients being considered for treatment. This includes family history, physical exam, and further cardiac evaluation (EKG and echocardiogram). Patients who develop symptoms should have a detailed cardiac evaluation and if needed, treatment should be suspended.

Liver Disease

Major:

Cough & Cold Relief

The acetaminophen in Cough & Cold Relief has a major potential interaction with Liver Disease.

Acetaminophen is contraindicated in patients with severe hepatic impairment or severe active liver disease. Patients with hepatic impairment may be at increased risk of toxicity. Severe liver injury, including cases of acute liver failure and death, have been reported in patients using this drug. Clinical monitoring of hepatic function is recommended. Caution is advised if using acetaminophen in patients with chronic malnutrition or severe hypovolemia. Instruct patients to avoid drinking alcohol while taking acetaminophen-containing medications. Patients should be warned not to exceed the maximum recommended total daily dosage of acetaminophen (4 g/day in adults and children 12 years of age or older), and to read all prescription and over-the-counter medication labels to ensure they are not taking multiple acetaminophen-containing products, or check with a healthcare professional if they are unsure.

Malnourishment

Major:

Cough & Cold Relief

The acetaminophen in Cough & Cold Relief has a major potential interaction with Malnourishment.

Acetaminophen is contraindicated in patients with severe hepatic impairment or severe active liver disease. Patients with hepatic impairment may be at increased risk of toxicity. Severe liver injury, including cases of acute liver failure and death, have been reported in patients using this drug. Clinical monitoring of hepatic function is recommended. Caution is advised if using acetaminophen in patients with chronic malnutrition or severe hypovolemia. Instruct patients to avoid drinking alcohol while taking acetaminophen-containing medications. Patients should be warned not to exceed the maximum recommended total daily dosage of acetaminophen (4 g/day in adults and children 12 years of age or older), and to read all prescription and over-the-counter medication labels to ensure they are not taking multiple acetaminophen-containing products, or check with a healthcare professional if they are unsure.

Mechanical Ventilation

Major:

doxapram

Doxapram has a major potential interaction with Mechanical Ventilation.

The use of doxapram is contraindicated in patients with mechanical disorders of ventilation such as mechanical obstruction, muscle paresis, flail chest, pneumothorax, acute bronchial asthma, pulmonary fibrosis or other conditions resulting in restriction of chest wall, muscles of respiration or alveolar expansion. Doxapram is not effective in stimulating respiration in these patients. Doxapram should not be used in patients under mechanical ventilation.

Peripheral Arterial Disease

Major:

doxapram

Doxapram has a major potential interaction with Peripheral Arterial Disease.

Many CNS stimulants are contraindicated in patients with significant cardiovascular impairment such as uncompensated heart failure, severe coronary disease, severe hypertension (including that associated with hyperthyroidism or pheochromocytoma), cardiac structural abnormalities, serious arrhythmias, etc. Sudden death has been reported in patients with structural cardiac abnormalities or other serious cardiac disease who are treated with CNS stimulants at the recommended dosages for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder; use of these agents should be avoided in patients with known structural cardiac abnormalities, cardiomyopathy, serious cardiac arrhythmia, coronary artery disease, or other serious cardiac disease. Additionally, stroke, myocardial infarction, chest pain, syncope, arrhythmias, and other symptoms have been reported in adults under treatment. A careful assessment of the cardiovascular status should be done in patients being considered for treatment. This includes family history, physical exam, and further cardiac evaluation (EKG and echocardiogram). Patients who develop symptoms should have a detailed cardiac evaluation and if needed, treatment should be suspended.

Phenylketonuria

Moderate:

Cough & Cold Relief

The acetaminophen in Cough & Cold Relief has a moderate potential interaction with Phenylketonuria.

Several oral acetaminophen and acetaminophen-combination products, particularly flavored chewable tablets, contain the artificial sweetener, aspartame (NutraSweet). Aspartame is converted to phenylalanine in the gastrointestinal tract following ingestion. Chewable and effervescent formulations of acetaminophen products may also contain phenylalanine. The aspartame/phenylalanine content should be considered when these products are used in patients who must restrict their intake of phenylalanine (i.e. phenylketonurics).

Pheochromocytoma

Major:

Cough & Cold Relief

The phenylephrine in Cough & Cold Relief has a major potential interaction with Pheochromocytoma.

Sympathomimetic agents may cause adverse cardiovascular effects, particularly when used in high dosages and/or in susceptible patients. In cardiac tissues, these agents may produce positive chronotropic and inotropic effects via stimulation of beta- 1 adrenergic receptors. Cardiac output, oxygen consumption, and the work of the heart may be increased. In the peripheral vasculature, vasoconstriction may occur via stimulation of alpha-1 adrenergic receptors. Palpitations, tachycardia, arrhythmia, hypertension, reflex bradycardia, coronary occlusion, cerebral vasculitis, myocardial infarction, cardiac arrest, and death have been reported. Some of these agents, particularly ephedra alkaloids (ephedrine, ma huang, phenylpropanolamine), may also predispose patients to hemorrhagic and ischemic stroke. Therapy with sympathomimetic agents should generally be avoided or administered cautiously in patients with sensitivity to sympathomimetic amines, hyperthyroidism, or underlying cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disorders. These agents should not be used in patients with severe coronary artery disease or severe/uncontrolled hypertension.

Major:

doxapram

Doxapram has a major potential interaction with Pheochromocytoma.

Many CNS stimulants are contraindicated in patients with significant cardiovascular impairment such as uncompensated heart failure, severe coronary disease, severe hypertension (including that associated with hyperthyroidism or pheochromocytoma), cardiac structural abnormalities, serious arrhythmias, etc. Sudden death has been reported in patients with structural cardiac abnormalities or other serious cardiac disease who are treated with CNS stimulants at the recommended dosages for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder; use of these agents should be avoided in patients with known structural cardiac abnormalities, cardiomyopathy, serious cardiac arrhythmia, coronary artery disease, or other serious cardiac disease. Additionally, stroke, myocardial infarction, chest pain, syncope, arrhythmias, and other symptoms have been reported in adults under treatment. A careful assessment of the cardiovascular status should be done in patients being considered for treatment. This includes family history, physical exam, and further cardiac evaluation (EKG and echocardiogram). Patients who develop symptoms should have a detailed cardiac evaluation and if needed, treatment should be suspended.

Prostate Tumor, Benign

Moderate:

Cough & Cold Relief

The phenylephrine in Cough & Cold Relief has a moderate potential interaction with Prostate Tumor, Benign.

Sympathomimetic agents may cause or worsen urinary difficulty in patients with prostate enlargement due to smooth muscle contraction in the bladder neck via stimulation of alpha-1 adrenergic receptors. Therapy with sympathomimetic agents should be administered cautiously in patients with hypertrophy or neoplasm of the prostate.

Psychosis

Major:

doxapram

Doxapram has a major potential interaction with Psychosis.

The use of CNS stimulants can cause psychotic symptoms, suicidal ideation, and aggression, and can exacerbate symptoms of behavior disturbance and thought disorder; CNS stimulants may induce a manic or mixed episode in patients with bipolar disorder. Psychiatric symptoms have been reported in patients with and without history of psychiatric disorders. All patients (particularly those with psychotic or bipolar disorders) should be monitored closely, especially during treatment initiation and at times of dose changes. Extreme caution should be exercised when CNS stimulants are given to patients with a history of psychosis, depression, mania, or bipolar disorder. Prior to initiating therapy, all patients should be screened for risk factors for developing a manic episode (e.g., comorbid or history of depressive symptoms or family history of suicide, bipolar disease, or depression). If any psychiatric symptoms emerge or are exacerbated, treatment suspension should be considered. Some CNS stimulants are contraindicated in patients with marked agitation or anxiety.

Pulmonary Embolism

Major:

doxapram

Doxapram has a major potential interaction with Pulmonary Embolism.

The use of doxapram is contraindicated in patients with mechanical disorders of ventilation such as mechanical obstruction, muscle paresis, flail chest, pneumothorax, acute bronchial asthma, pulmonary fibrosis or other conditions resulting in restriction of chest wall, muscles of respiration or alveolar expansion. Doxapram is not effective in stimulating respiration in these patients. Doxapram should not be used in patients under mechanical ventilation.

Pulmonary Impairment

Major:

doxapram

Doxapram has a major potential interaction with Pulmonary Impairment.

The use of doxapram is contraindicated in patients with mechanical disorders of ventilation such as mechanical obstruction, muscle paresis, flail chest, pneumothorax, acute bronchial asthma, pulmonary fibrosis or other conditions resulting in restriction of chest wall, muscles of respiration or alveolar expansion. Doxapram is not effective in stimulating respiration in these patients. Doxapram should not be used in patients under mechanical ventilation.

Renal Dysfunction

Moderate:

doxapram

Doxapram has a moderate potential interaction with Renal Dysfunction.

Overall CNS stimulants should be administered with caution in patients with significantly impaired renal function as the reduction in the rate of elimination may alter the therapeutic response. The dosage should be adjusted accordingly in certain agents.

Seizures

Major:

doxapram

Doxapram has a major potential interaction with Seizures.

The use of doxapram is contraindicated in patients with seizure disorders. In high doses, doxapram may produce tonic-clonic seizures by CNS stimulation effects.

More resources

Cough & Cold Relief

A total of 950 drugs are known to interact with Cough & Cold Relief.

doxapram

A total of 74 drugs are known to interact with doxapram.

Drug Interaction Classification

These classifications are only a guideline. The relevance of a particular drug interaction to a specific individual is difficult to determine. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or stopping any medication.
Major Highly clinically significant. Avoid combinations; the risk of the interaction outweighs the benefit.
Moderate Moderately clinically significant. Usually avoid combinations; use it only under special circumstances.
Minor Minimally clinically significant. Minimize risk; assess risk and consider an alternative drug, take steps to circumvent the interaction risk and/or institute a monitoring plan.
Unknown No interaction information available.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.