• Less than 4 years old.
• Fever over 101.5 F.
• Symptoms which have gotten worse or new symptoms that have developed after beginning to self treat with OTC medications.
• Asthma, COPD or other respiratory condition.
• Heart conditions including congestive heart failure.
• Currently having chest pain, or shortness of breath.
• Immunosuppression (having a health condition or are taking drugs that can suppress the immune system).
• AIDS.
• Elderly and frail.
• Allergy or hypersensitivity to over the counter medications.
• A cough that has lasted more than 7 days.
• A cough that produces yellow, tan or green mucus or is secreting pus.
• Cough is likely a side effect from a drug such as lisinopril.
• The cough is from inhaling irritants or foreign material into lungs.
• A cough that is accompanied by chills, night sweats or weight loss.
• A rash.
• Swollen ankles or legs.
• Pregnancy.
• Taking drugs known as MAOI inhibitors or have taken them within 14 days. MAOI's include the following drugs: Zelapar (selegiline), Nardil (phenelzine), Marplan (isocarboxazid), and Parnate (tranylcypromine).