Flu Immune 500

Vicks 44M by proctor and gamble is the part of their cold range aimed at multi symptom relief, hence the “M” in the name. Vicks is a brand that has long been associated with cold relief and it represents a comfortable old familiar in many homes. It is presented as liquid, and available in adult and child formulations.

The active ingredients are acetaminophen, chlorpheniramine and dextromethorphan. Acetaminophen is responsible for reducing fevers, curing headaches and reducing the aching joints common with a cold. The Chlorpheniramine is a sedating antihistamine that dries up a runny nose and so reduces sneezing. Dextromethorphan suppresses the dry irritating cough that s many of get with a cold. The pediatric formulation doesn’t contain acetaminophen, allowing flexibility of dosing. Vicks 44M does not contain a decongestant; although chlorpheniramine does help with this action it is not a decongestant.

The usual dose of the liquid for adults and children over twelve is 20ml every six hours, and no more than four doses in a day. The liquid should start relieving symptoms within half an hour and each dose lasts from six to eight hours. The pediatric formula should be used for children between six and twelve, at a dose of 5mls every six hours.

The most common side effect of Vicks 44M is drowsiness, which is useful to enable us to get a good night’s sleep, but means you have to be careful if you are going to take it during the day. Care should be taken before driving or operating machinery. Some patients report dizziness. Excitability has been reported amongst children taking it. The adult formula contains alcohol.

If you suffer from glaucoma, diabetes, urinary tract problems or cardiac problems or take other medications you should check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking Vicks 44M. People with these conditions may not be able to take it. If you are taking other drugs that make you drowsy the effect will be increased by Vicks 44M. Vicks 44M should not be taken in pregnancy unless on a doctors advice. If symptoms carry on for longer than a week or get more severe, or a rash appears it is a good idea to see your doctor.

Do not mix Vicks 44M with other cold remedies, or other remedies containing acetaminophen. Every year accidental acetaminophen over dose is responsible for thousands of hospital admissions with liver failure because people don’t realize they are doubling up on the dosage. All products are required to show whether or not they contain acetaminophen now to help avoid this problem, make sure you read the label of any other products you are taking before you take them with the Vicks 44M.

There are better multi symptom treatments available on the market for colds and flu, but 44m is a useful option for patients unable to take decongestants because of side effects or interactions.