Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide... Health Article

Generic name(s):

Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan Hydrobromide, Phenylephrine Hydrochloride Oral capsule

Brand name(s):

Comtrex, Comtrex Cold & Cough, Daytime, Daytime PE, Mapap Cold Formula, Theraflu Daytime Severe Cold & Cough, Theraflu Nighttime Severe Cold & Cough, Theraflu Warming Severe Cold Daytime, Tylenol Cold Multi-Symptom Daytime

What is this medicine?

ACETAMINOPHEN; DEXTROMETHORPHAN; PHENYLEPHRINE (a set a MEE noe fen; dex troe meth OR fan; fen il EF rin) is a combination of pain reliever, a cough suppressant, and a decongestant. It is used to treat the aches and pains, cough, and congestion 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
• diabetes
• heart disease
• high blood pressure
• if you frequently drink alcohol containing drinks
• liver disease
• 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, dextromethorphan, phenylephrine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the package label. Do not cut, crush or chew this medicine. 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 of age 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
• atomoxetine
• atropine
• bretylium
• digoxin
• furazolidone
• imatinib
• isoniazid
• linezolid
• maprotiline
• mecamylamine
• midodrine
• medicines for chest pain like isosorbide dinitrate, nitroglycerin
• medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances
• medicines for sleep during surgery
• other medicines for cold, cough or allergy
• other medicines with acetaminophen
• procarbazine
• 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.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Tell your doctor or healthcare professional if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse. Let your doctor know if you have pain, nasal congestion or cough that gets worse or lasts for more than 7 days. Call your doctor if you have a sore throat that gets worse or lasts for more than 2 days. Or, if you have a sore throat with a fever, rash, headache, nausea, or vomiting, see your doctor.