Drugs and Supplements

Over the Counter (OTC)

Antihistamine/Antitussive

Antihistamine/Antitussive

Indications for Use

Treats runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes, and cough caused by the common cold or flu.

Brand Name(s)

  • Tannic-12
  • Tannic-12 S
  • Coricidin Cough & Cold Maximum Strength
  • Tricodene
  • Children's Dimetapp Long Acting Cough Plus Cold
  • Scot-Tussin DM
  • C-Tanna 12
  • Tannate 12 S
  • Tussizone-12 RF
  • Tana T-12
  • Trionate
  • Tussi-12 S
  • Respi-TANN
  • Carb Pseudo-Tan
  • Re-Tann
  • There may be other brand names for this medicine.

    When You Should Not Take the Medication

    You should not use this medicine if you have ever had an allergic reaction to any cough and cold medicine or to any antihistamine or antitussive. You should not use this medicine if you have taken an MAO inhibitors such as Nardil®, Marplan®, Eldepryl®, or Parnate® within the past 14 days.

    How to Use this Medicine

    Capsule, Liquid, Tablet

    Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.

    If you are using this medicine without a prescription, follow the instructions on the medicine label.

    Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.

    If a Dose is Missed


    If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

    How to Store and Dispose of this Medicine


    Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not freeze.

    Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

    Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

    Drugs and Foods to Avoid

    Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

    Do not use any other medicines that make you sleepy. These include sleeping pills, narcotic pain relievers, and sedatives.

    Warnings While Using this Medicine


    If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before using this medicine.

    Make sure your doctor knows if you have heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, glaucoma, an enlarged prostate, seizure disorder, asthma, emphysema, or an overactive thyroid.

    This medicine might contain phenylalanine (aspartame). This is only a concern if you have a disorder called phenylketonuria (a problem with amino acids). Talk to your doctor before using this medicine.

    This medicine may make you drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.

    Some liquid cough medicines contain alcohol.

    Call your doctor if your symptoms get worse after 2 or 3 days of treatment, or if they do not improve after 7 days. Also call if you develop a severe sore throat or fever; or cough up thick yellow mucus.

    Children may be more sensitive to this medicine than adults, especially if they take too much medicine. Always read medicine labels carefully and give your child the right amount. Ask your pharmacist if you are not sure how much medicine to use.

    Possible Side Effects While Using this Medicine


    Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
    Fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat
    Trouble breathing
    Extreme weakness
    Skin rash, hives, or itching

    If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
    Drowsiness or dizziness
    Dry mouth, nose, or throat
    Sunburn (use a sunscreen)
    Trouble urinating
    Confusion
    Thickened mucus

    If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.