What is the use of Flutab Tablet?

October 11, 2025 •

4 min read

As of August 31, 2010, the U.S. prescription drug Flutabs was discontinued. Therefore, understanding what is the use of Flutab Tablet is complex, as it refers to a historical product in the U.S. market, while similar-sounding products with varying ingredients may still exist in other regions.

Quick Summary

The multi-ingredient medication Flutab Tablet was previously used for temporary relief of cold and flu symptoms, including fever, aches, cough, and congestion. Its original U.S. formulation has been withdrawn from the market, but regional variants may have similar uses.

Key Points

Discontinued in the U.S. While a multi-ingredient medication called Flutabs was available by prescription in the U.S. for cold and flu symptoms, it was officially discontinued in August 2010.
Multi-ingredient formulation: The US version contained acetaminophen for pain and fever, pseudoephedrine as a nasal decongestant, dextromethorphan as a cough suppressant, and guaifenesin as an expectorant.
International variations: Products with the name "Flutab" exist in other countries but may have different active ingredients. For example, 'Flutab Sinus' products often contain paracetamol and pseudoephedrine, with other variations also available.
Targeted symptom relief: The historical Flutabs were used for temporary relief of fever, headache, body aches, sore throat, cough, chest congestion, and nasal congestion.
Risk of side effects: Common side effects included nervousness, dizziness, and nausea, while more serious effects could affect the cardiovascular system and liver.
Contraindicated for some conditions: People with high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, or liver problems were advised against using the U.S. Flutabs.
Do not use for chronic conditions: The original Flutabs and similar products are not intended for chronic coughs or long-term breathing issues like asthma or emphysema.

Understanding the Complexities of Flutab

When researching what is the use of Flutab Tablet, it is essential to distinguish between the historical U.S. product and similar-named formulations that may be available in other countries. The active ingredients and intended uses can vary significantly depending on the specific product and its market. The U.S. product, known as Flutabs, was a powerful, multi-symptom medication that required a prescription and was discontinued in 2010. In other regions, products like 'Flutab Sinus' or 'Flutab 20' contain different combinations of active ingredients, serving a range of purposes.

Historical U.S. Formulation: Flutabs (Discontinued)

For nearly a decade, Flutabs was a prescription-only medication in the United States used to combat the widespread discomfort of cold and flu. The tablets were formulated with four active ingredients, each targeting a specific symptom.

Active Ingredients and Functions

Each Flutabs tablet contained a potent combination of therapeutic agents:

Acetaminophen (500 mg): A non-opiate, non-salicylate analgesic and antipyretic, which is used to temporarily reduce fever and relieve minor aches, pains, and sore throat.
Pseudoephedrine HCl (60 mg): A nasal decongestant that stimulates alpha-adrenergic receptors, causing vasoconstriction to shrink swollen nasal mucous membranes. This action helps to relieve nasal congestion and improve breathing.
Dextromethorphan HBr (20 mg): An antitussive agent that acts centrally on the cough reflex, suppressing the urge to cough. It is intended for relief of cough caused by minor throat and bronchial irritation.
Guaifenesin (200 mg): An expectorant that thins and loosens bronchial secretions, making a dry, nonproductive cough more productive and less frequent.

Discontinuation and Indicated Uses

Flutabs was withdrawn from the market in August 2010. During its availability, it was indicated for the temporary relief of a wide range of cold and flu symptoms, including:

Minor aches, pains, and headache
Fever reduction
Cough due to minor irritation
Nasal and sinus congestion
Loosening phlegm and thinning bronchial secretions

Modern Alternatives vs. Flutabs

For those seeking relief for similar symptoms today, numerous over-the-counter and prescription options are available. The table below compares the discontinued U.S. Flutabs formulation with some current multi-symptom products.


Feature	Discontinued U.S. Flutabs	Modern Equivalent (e.g., Walgreens Severe Cold & Flu)	Mucinex D
Active Ingredients	Acetaminophen, Pseudoephedrine, Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin	Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Phenylephrine, Guaifenesin	Guaifenesin, Pseudoephedrine
Symptom Relief	Pain, fever, cough, congestion, chest congestion	Pain, fever, cough, congestion, chest congestion	Congestion, chest congestion
Legal Status	Discontinued (Rx Only)	Over-the-counter (Varies)	Over-the-counter (Varies)
Decongestant Type	Pseudoephedrine	Phenylephrine	Pseudoephedrine
Cough Suppressant	Dextromethorphan	Dextromethorphan	None

Other International Flutab Formulations

Due to varying pharmaceutical markets, it is important to note that products with the name "Flutab" may exist elsewhere, often with different ingredient lists. For example, some regional products are specifically for sinus relief, containing only paracetamol and pseudoephedrine. Others might add an antihistamine like diphenhydramine. Always consult the packaging and a healthcare professional to confirm the ingredients and proper use for any medication, especially when purchased from international sources.

Side Effects and Precautions (Based on US Flutabs)

Given the potency of its ingredients, the historical Flutabs formulation carried significant risks, and its use required careful consideration.

Reported Side Effects

Central Nervous System: Nervousness, sleeplessness, dizziness, anxiety, tremor, and, in rare cases, hallucinations.
Cardiovascular: Palpitations, rapid or irregular heart rate, and increased blood pressure.
Gastrointestinal: Nausea, vomiting, and upset stomach.
Other: Dry mouth, nose, or throat.

Warnings and Contraindications

The medication was contraindicated in patients with severe hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, or those taking MAO inhibitors due to potential drug interactions and adverse effects. Due to the acetaminophen content, individuals with liver disease or those who consume large amounts of alcohol were advised against its use. Pregnant and nursing mothers were also cautioned against using the product.

Conclusion

In summary, the specific use of Flutab Tablet depends entirely on its formulation, which can differ by region. The well-documented U.S. version, Flutabs, was a powerful, multi-symptom cold and flu medication containing acetaminophen, pseudoephedrine, dextromethorphan, and guaifenesin, but it was discontinued in 2010. Current patients should seek advice from a healthcare provider or pharmacist regarding modern treatment options. For reliable information on the historical U.S. product, consult the official package insert or other professional resources.

Remember to always check the active ingredients of any medication before use and adhere strictly to dosage instructions to avoid complications. For guidance on current cold and flu treatments, consider consulting your doctor or a pharmacist for the best option for your specific symptoms.

Note: This article provides information for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider for any medical concerns.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, the U.S. prescription drug Flutabs, a multi-ingredient cold and flu tablet, was discontinued in August 2010. Any products available today under a similar name are likely different formulations from other countries.

The discontinued U.S. Flutabs contained four active ingredients: acetaminophen (pain reliever/fever reducer), pseudoephedrine HCl (nasal decongestant), dextromethorphan HBr (cough suppressant), and guaifenesin (expectorant).

Yes, different versions of Flutab or similar products exist internationally, often with varying active ingredients. For instance, 'Flutab Sinus' contains paracetamol and pseudoephedrine, a different formula than the discontinued U.S. version.

Reported side effects included nervousness, dizziness, sleeplessness, nausea, and potentially more severe cardiovascular effects like high blood pressure or rapid heart rate. Acetaminophen in the product also carried a risk of liver damage with excessive use.

Based on the U.S. Flutabs, significant drug interactions were possible, especially with monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors and certain antihypertensive medications. It is crucial to consult a doctor or pharmacist about any drug interactions with modern alternatives.

The uses depend on the specific formulation. For example, 'Flutab Sinus' is typically used for sinusitis and nasal congestion relief, leveraging its decongestant and pain-relieving properties.

It is generally not recommended to take multi-ingredient cold medicines containing decongestants like pseudoephedrine if you have high blood pressure, as these can cause an increase in blood pressure. Always consult your doctor before taking such medication.