acetaminophen and chlorpheniramine Health Article

Generic name(s):

acetaminophen and chlorpheniramine

Brand name(s):

acetaminophen-chlorpheniramine, Coricidin

What is the most important information I should know about acetaminophen and chlorpheniramine?

Do not take more of this medication than is recommended. An overdose of acetaminophen can cause damage to your liver. Do not use any other over-the-counter cough, cold, allergy, pain, or sleep medication without first asking your doctor or pharmacist. If you take certain products together you may accidentally take too much of one or more types of medicine. Read the label of any other medicine you are using to see if it contains acetaminophen or chlorpheniramine. Avoid drinking alcohol. It can increase the risk of liver damage while you are taking acetaminophen, and can add to drowsiness caused by an antihistamine. If you drink more than three alcoholic beverages per day, do not take acetaminophen without your doctor's advice, and never take more than 2 grams (2000 mg) per day.

What is acetaminophen and chlorpheniramine?

Acetaminophen is a pain reliever and a fever reducer.

Chlorpheniramine is an antihistamine. It blocks the effects of the naturally occurring chemical histamine in the body. Chlorpheniramine prevents sneezing; itchy, watery eyes and nose; and other symptoms of allergies and hay fever.

The combination of acetaminophen and chlorpheniramine is used to treat runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes, and pain or fever caused by allergies, the common cold, or the flu.

Acetaminophen and chlorpheniramine may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking acetaminophen and chlorpheniramine?

Do not take this medication if you are allergic to acetaminophen, chlorpheniramine, or any antihistamine.

Before using acetaminophen and chlorpheniramine, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• liver disease;

• glaucoma;

• kidney disease;

• an enlarged prostate; or

• problems with urination.

Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you drink more than three alcoholic beverages per day or if you have had alcoholic liver disease (cirrhosis). You may not be able to take medication that contains acetaminophen.

How should I take acetaminophen and chlorpheniramine?

Use this medication exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended.

An overdose of acetaminophen can cause serious harm. The maximum amount of acetaminophen for adults is 1 gram (1000 mg) per dose and 4 grams (4000 mg) per day. Taking more acetaminophen could cause damage to your liver. One Coricidin tablet contains 325 mg of acetaminophen. Know the amount of acetaminophen in the specific product you are taking. If you drink more than three alcoholic beverages per day, do not take acetaminophen without your doctor's advice, and never take more than 2 grams (2000 mg) of acetaminophen per day. Take this medicine with food or milk if it upsets your stomach.

This medication can cause you to have unusual results with allergy skin tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are taking an antihistamine.

Store acetaminophen and chlorpheniramine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.

Overdose symptoms may include dizziness, drowsiness, feeling restless or nervous, dry mouth, warmth or tingly feeling, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, loss of appetite, increased sweating, seizure (convulsions), or coma.