Frequently Asked Questions:
Contac® Cold & Flu Maximum Strength FAQ
Are Contac formulas that contain pseudoephedrine (former Contac formulas) discontinued?
As of 10/1/2006, all Contac formulas contain phenylephrine.
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Will the new decongestant that you are using, phenylephrine, work as well as pseudoephedrine?
Yes, they are generally interchangeable.
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What does each active ingredient do in Contac Cold & Flu Maximum Strength?
Actives: Acetaminophen (Pain Reliever/Fever Reducer)
Phenylephrine (Nasal Decongestant)
Chlorpheniramine Maleate (Antihistamine)
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What is an analgesic?
Cold products often contain aspirin or acetaminophen (aspirin-free analgesic) to help relieve the aches and pains associated with sinusitis, colds and flu. An additional advantage of these ingredients is that they reduce fever (antipyretics). The analgesic used in Contac products is acetaminophen.
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What is an antihistamine?
Among other things, antihistamines block the effect of the histamines that cause the excessive secretions of allergic reactions. By doing this, they help reduce a runny nose and watery eyes. The primary disadvantage of antihistamines is that they can make people drowsy. The antihistamines used in Contac products is chlorpheniramine.
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What is a decongestant?
A decongestant reduces the size of swollen blood vessels in the mucous membranes. This causes the swelling to subside, thereby opening the blocked airways and reducing the congestion—relieving the ’stuffy nose.’ Pseudoephedrine hydrochloride is the decongestant used in Contac
products.
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Why did you change your decongestant from pseudoephedrine to phenylephrine?
The decongestant was changed due to the restriction of pseudoephedrine in certain states. Pseudoephedrine was restricted because of misuse by some individuals. Please be assured that there were no safety issues with pseudoephedrine when it was used properly. Our new Contac products, with the decongestiant phenyleophrine, are equally as effective.
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Does Contac contain aspirin?
No. Contac contains acetaminophen. The analgesic used in Contac is acetaminophen.
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Can I take Contac with other medications?
Drug interaction precautions exist on the back label of every Contac box. When in doubt it is best to check with your doctor or pharmacist.
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Does the new Contac formula contain aluminum, gluten or peanut oil?
No. Contac Cold & Flu Maximum Strength contains the analgesic acetaminophen.
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Can this be taken during pregnancy?
If you are pregnant or breast feeding, check with a health professional before use.
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Can I have alcoholic beverages while using your new Contac formulas?
Contac Cold & Flu contains alcohol warnings. This product contains acetaminophen. If you consume 3 or more alcoholic beverages every day, talk with your doctor about taking acetaminophen. Acetaminophen can cause liver damage.
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Why is there a warning about asking my doctor if I have heart disease, high blood pressure or diabetes?
Products that contain a combination of drugs and are labeled as ”plus” or ”with Decongestant” may cause problems. Decongestants in cold medicines decrease the size of enlarged blood vessels in nasal passages. But they also affect blood vessels in the rest of your body and raise blood pressure. For most people, this isn’t significant. Yet some people, especially those who already have high blood pressure, can get exaggerated response or dangerously high blood pressure.
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