Allfen

Allfen is used to help clear mucus or phlegm from the chest when you experience congestion from a cold or flu. It works by thinning the mucus or phlegm in the lungs.

Do not give any over the counter cough and cold medications to children under 4 years of age. Using these medications in very young children may cause serious or life-threatening side effects.

This medication is available over the counter and with your doctor’s prescription.

This medication is available in the following forms:

• Extended release tablet
• Solution
• Extended release capsule
• Packet
• Liquid
• Tablet
• Capsule
• Elixer
• Syrup

As with all medicines, the risks of using Allfen must be compared to how much this medication will help you. This is a decision that you and your doctor will make together.

For this medication, there are many things that need to be considered:

• Allergies: Inform your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to Doxorubicin or to any other medications. It is also important to inform your doctor of any non-medicine allergies such as foods, dyes, preservatives or animals. 

• Pediatric: No appropriate studies have been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of this medication in children. However this medication is not expected to cause different side effects or problems in children than it does in adults.

  Inform your doctor before using this medication in children who have a chronic cough (such as that which occurs with asthma), or who have an unusually large amount of mucus or phlegm with the cough. Children with these conditions may need another type of medication. Guaifenesin is not to be given to children younger than 2 years of age unless directed by your doctor.

  Do not give any over the counter cough and cold medications to children under 4 years of age. Using these medications in very young children may cause serious or life-threatening side effects.

• Geriatric: No appropriate studies have been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of this medication in elderly patients. However this medication is not expected to cause different side effects or problems in the elderly than it does in younger adults.
• Pregnancy: This medication is listed as Pregnancy Category C. This means that animal studies have shown an adverse effect and no studies have been performed on pregnant women OR there are no adequate studies on pregnant animals and pregnant women.
• Breastfeeding: There are no up-to-date studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication while breastfeeding. Weigh the potential risks with the benefits before taking this medication while breastfeeding.
• Drug Interactions: Certain medications should not be used together. However, in certain cases, two medications may be used together, even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change your dose or take other precautions. When taking this medication, it is important that you inform your doctor if you are taking any prescription or over the counter medications.
• Other Interactions: Certain medications should not be used while eating, or while eating certain foods in case of negative interactions. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medications may also cause negative interactions. Talk with your doctor about the use of your medication with food, alcohol or tobacco.

Drinking plenty of fluids while taking this medication may help loosen mucus or phlegm from the lungs.

For patients using the extended-release capsule:

Swallow the capsule whole, or open the capsule and sprinkle the contents on soft food such as applesauce, jelly or pudding and swallow without crushing or chewing.

For patients using the extended-release tablet:

If the tablet has a groove in it, you may carefully break it into two pieces. Swallow the pieces whole without crushing or chewing them. 

If the tablets do not have a groove, it must be swallowed whole. Do not break, crush or chew it before swallowing.

Dosing:

Different patients will be given a different dose of this medication based on the strength of the medication. The number of doses you take each day, the time between doses and the length of time you take this medication depends on the reason you are taking this medication. The following information only includes the average dose of this medication. If your dose is different, do not change it without first speaking to your doctor.

• Short acting dosage forms (capsules, oral solution, syrup or tablets):

         -Adults - 200-400mg every 4 hours

         -Children 6-12 yeas of age - 100-200mg every 4 hours

         -Children 4-6 years of age - 50-100mg every 4 hours

         -Children under 4 years of age - Use is not recommended

• Long-acting dosage forms (extended-release capsules, extended-release tablets):

         -Adults - 600-1200mg every 4 hours

         -Children 6-12 yeas of age - 600mg every 4 hours

         -Children 4-6 years of age - 300mg every 4 hours

         -Children under 4 years of age - Use is not recommended

Missed dose:

If you miss a dose of this medication, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your normal dosing schedule. Do not double dose.

Storage:

Store this medication in a closed container at room temperature. Keep it away from heat, moisture and direct light. Do not freeze.

Keep our of the reach of children

Do not keep expired medication or medication you no longer need. Ask your doctor how to dispose of any medication you do not use.

Before using Allfen, there are some precautions you must take. 

If your cough has not improved after 7 days or if you have a fever, skin rash, continuing headache, or sore throat with the cough, inform your doctor. These signs may mean that you have other medical problems.

Some side effects that may occur when using Allfen do not normally need medical attention. These may leave as your body becomes accustomed to treatment. 

Ask your doctor about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. 

Ask your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.