Bifera Coupons

Contac® FAQ


  • FAQ Topics
    Select a topic to learn more

 

Contac FAQ

  • What do the different ingredients do?

    Analgesic/Antipyretics: 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.


    Antihistamines: Among other things, antihistamines block the effect of the histamines that cause the excessive secretions of allergic reactions. By doing this, they help reduce the runny nose and watery eyes that often bother allergy sufferers. The primary disadvantage of antihistamines is that they can make people drowsy. The antihistamine used in Contac products is chlorpheniramine maleate.


    Decongestant: A decongestant reduces the size of swollen blood vessels in the mucous membrane. This causes the swelling to subside, thereby opening the blocked airways and reducing the congestion...relieving the "stuffy nose." Phenylephrine is the decongestant used in Contac products.

  • Can I use Contac with other medications?

    Drug interaction precautions appear on the back label of every Contac box. When in doubt, it is best to check with your doctor or pharmacist.


    As stated on the label, do not use Contac with any other drug containing acetaminophen (prescription or non-prescription). Additionally, do not take this product if you are now taking a prescription monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) (certain drugs for depression, psyhiatric or emotional conditions, or Parkinson’s disease), or for 2 weeks after stopping the MAOI drug. Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using this product if you are taking the blood thinning drug warfarin, sedatives, or tranquilizers. It is also best to avoid alcoholic drinks while taking Contac.

  • Does Contac contain aspirin?

    No, Contac products do not contain aspirin. The analgesic used in Contac products is acetaminophen.

  • What is an antihistamine?

    Among other things, antihistamines block the effect of histamine that cause the sneezing in colds and the excessive secretions of allergic reactions. By doing this, they help reduce the runny nose and watery eyes that often bother cold and allergy sufferers. The antihistamine used in Contac products is Chlorpheniramine Maleate, which may cause drowsiness. Use caution when driving a motor vehicle or operating machinery.

  • Why is there a warning about asking my doctor if I have heart disease, high blood pressure or diabetes?

    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, the increase isn’t significant. However, some people, especially those who already have high blood pressure, can get exaggerated responses or dangerously high blood pressures. As stated on the label, check with your doctor before using Contac if you have hear disease, thyroid disease, diabetes, glaucoma, high blood pressure, trouble urinating due to an enlarged prostate gland (if male), or a breathing problem such as emphesema or chronic bronchitis.

  • Why is there a warning on the label stating to contact your doctor if you have thyroid disease?

    As hyperthyroidism may affect heart rate in some patients, decongestants such as Phenylephine may increase that effect. If you have severe hyperthyroidism, your physician can help determine if using products with phenylephrine as a decongestant is appropriate. As stated on the label, check with your doctor before using Contac if you have heart disease, thyroid disease, diabetes, glaucoma, high blood pressure, trouble urinating due to an enlarged prostate gland (if male), or a breathing problem such as emphesema or chronic bronchitis.

  • Why is there a warning on the label that states “Stop use and ask a doctor if you get nervous, dizzy or sleepless”?

    Phenylephrine may cause this if taken in excessive doses. The product belongs to a class of drugs which reduces swelling in the mucosa and decreases nasal airway resistance. Phenylephrine also has stimulating effects.

  • Can I have alcoholic beverages while using Contac (new formulas containing phenylephrine)?

    Contac Cold + Flu Non- Drowsy formula, Contac Cold + Flu, and Contac Day & Night Cold + Flu all contain alcohol warnings. As stated on the label, when using this product, avoid alcohol drinks. These products contain acetaminophen. Acetaminophen can cause severe liver damage if you consume 3 or more alcoholic beverages a day while taking these products.

  • Can this be taken during pregnancy?

    If you are pregnant or breast feeding, check with a health professional before use.

  • Are your Contac formulas containing pseudoephedrine discontinued?

    Yes. As of 10/1/06 all Contac formulas contain phenylephrine.

  • Does the decongestant, phenylephrine, work as well as pseudoephedrine?

    Phenylephrine and pseudoephedrine are generally viewed as interchangeable. If you are concerned, please speak with your healthcare provider.

  • 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 pseudoehedrine when it was used properly.

  • What does each active ingredient do in Contac Cold + Flu Maximum Strength, Contac Cold + Flu Non- Drowsy Maximum Strength, and Contac Day & Night Cold + Flu?

    Contac Maximum Strength Cold & Flu Non-Drowsy
    Actives: Phenylephrine (Nasal Decongestant)
    Acetaminophen (Pain Reliever/Fever reducer)


    Contac Maximum Strength Cold & Flu
    Actives: Acetaminophen (Pain Reliever/Fever reducer)
    Phenylephrine (Nasal Decongestant)
    Chlorpheniramine (Antihistamine)


    Contac Day & Night Cold & Flu

    Actives: Day Tablets
    Acetaminophen (Pain Reliever/Fever reducer)
    Phenylephrine (Nasal Decongestant)

    Actives: Night Tablets
    Acetaminophen (Pain Reliever/Fever reducer)
    Phenylephrine (Nasal Decongestant)
    Chlorpheniramine (Antihistamine)

  • How are cold and flu viruses spread?

    Viruses spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes, expelling viral-infected droplets several feet. These viruses can also live on any object that comes in contact with an infected person. Objects such as door handles, telephones, towels, and silverware can spread a virus days after being contaminated. Touching your nose, mouth or eyes after handling an object contaminated by a virus will likely infect you. A person infected with a flu virus can spread the infection days before symptoms emerge, as well as up to a week later.

  • Is there any treatment once infected?

    Plenty of rest and fluid intake is your best treatment once infected. Contac can help alleviate the symptoms that come from cold and flu infections. Symptoms will vary, so make sure to test the Contac that’s right for you.

  • How can you prevent the flu?

    Get a flu shot every year. Practice good hygiene, such as covering your mouth when coughing or sneezing. Wash your hands often – it’s one of the best ways to avoid catching, or spreading the viruses you come in contact with. Stay home from work or school when you are sick. Properly dispose of tainted tissues. Never share glassware or silverware with infected persons.