When you’re fighting a cold, it’s easy to grab a cold-and-flu medicine for your cough and a pain reliever for your headache. The boxes look different, so you might assume the medicines are too. But you could be taking the same ingredient twice.
Two boxes, one ingredient
A pain reliever and a multi-symptom cold-and-flu medicine may both contain acetaminophen. You might take them for different symptoms without realizing you’re getting acetaminophen from both.
| What you’re reaching for | What the label might list |
|---|---|
| A pain and fever reliever | Acetaminophen |
| A multi-symptom cold-and-flu medicine | Acetaminophen, along with other active ingredients |
Acetaminophen is found in more than 600 prescription and nonprescription medicines, according to the FDA. Taking too much can damage your liver, so the agency advises against taking two over-the-counter products with acetaminophen together.
Give the Drug Facts panel a closer look
The Drug Facts panel tells you what’s in the medicine and how to use it. Start with the active ingredients and compare them across the products you’re considering. Check the amount per tablet or measured dose, too.
Then take a moment to review:
- Warnings: Look for possible interactions, health conditions, and reasons to ask a pharmacist or clinician before use.
- Directions: Check the dose, timing, and age limits. Follow the instructions for that specific product.
- Expiration date: Check the date before using something that’s been sitting in your cabinet.
Even if you’ve bought a product before, read the label again. Formulas and directions can change, and similar names don’t always mean the ingredients are the same.
For kids, check the product’s age restrictions and ask a pharmacist or clinician if you’re unsure what to use. Don’t substitute an adult cold medicine.
Check your cabinet while you’re feeling well
It’s easier to sort this out before you’re tired, congested, and looking for relief. Set aside 10 minutes to compare labels, check expiration dates, and make a short list of what your household needs.
BHT’s one-page Cold & Flu Cabinet Check gives you a place to record what you have, including adult and children’s options. Keep the packages or take photos of the labels so a pharmacist or clinician can help with any questions.
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