Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Dex... Health Article

Generic name(s):

Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine Maleate, Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide, Phenylephrine Hydrochloride Effervescent tablet

Brand name(s):

Comtrex Cold & Cough Day Night, Comtrex Nighttime Cold & Cough, Dimetapp Nighttime Flu, Robitussin Cough, Cold & Flu Nighttime, Theraflu Nighttime Severe Cold Caplets, Tylenol Children's Multi-Symptom Cold Plus, Tylenol Cold Head Congestion Day and Night, Tylenol Cold Head Congestion Nighttime Cool Burst, Tylenol Cold Multi-Symptom Nighttime Cool Burst

What is this medicine?

ACETAMINOPHEN; CHLORPHENIRAMINE; DEXTROMETHORPHAN; PHENYLEPHRINE (a set a MEE noe fen; klor fen IR a meen; dex troe meth OR fan; fen il EF rin) is a combination of a pain reliever, an antihistamine, a cough suppressant, and a decongestant. It is used to treat the aches and pains, cough, fever, congestion, runny nose, and sneezing of a cold. This medicine will not treat an infection.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• asthma
• cough that does not go away
• cough with a lot of phlegm
• diabetes
• glaucoma
• heart disease
• high blood pressure
• if you frequently drink alcohol containing drinks
• liver disease
• phenylketonuria
• taken an MAOI like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, or Parnate in last 14 days
• thyroid disease
• trouble passing urine
• an unusual or allergic reaction to acetaminophen, chlorpheniramine, dextromethorphan, phenylephrine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is taken by mouth. Mix this medicine in a 4 ounce glass of water. Follow the directions on the package label. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take it more often than directed.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 12 years old for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• cocaine
• ergot alkaloids like dihydroergotamine, ergonovine, ergotamine, methylergonovine
• MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate
• stimulant medicines like dextroamphetamine and others

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• alcohol
• bretylium
• furazolidone
• imatinib
• isoniazid
• linezolid
• mecamylamine
• medicines for anxiety or sleep
• medicines for blood pressure like atenolol, clonidine, doxazosin, methyldopa, metoprolol
• medicines for chest pain like isosorbide dinitrate, nitroglycerin
• medicines for enlarged prostate like tamsulosin
• medicines for sleep during surgery
• other medicines for cold, cough or allergy
• other medicines with acetaminophen
• procarbazine
• reserpine
• St. John's Wort

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.