acetaminophen and diphenhydramine Health Article

Generic name(s):

acetaminophen and diphenhydramine

Brand name(s):

acetaminophen-diphenhydramine, Anacin P.M. Aspirin Free, Excedrin PM, Legatrin PM, Midol PM, Sominex Pain Relief Formula, Tylenol PM, Unisom with Pain Relief

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

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Acetaminophen and diphenhydramine may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities. Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking acetaminophen and diphenhydramine. Alcohol may also cause damage to your liver when taken with acetaminophen.

What is acetaminophen and diphenhydramine?

Acetaminophen is a pain reliever and a fever reducer.

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

Acetaminophen and diphenhydramine is used to treat watering of the eyes, congestion, sneezing, and itchy throat caused by allergies and hay fever.

Acetaminophen and diphenhydramine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

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

Do not take acetaminophen and diphenhydramine without first talking to your doctor if you drink more than three alcoholic beverages per day or if you have had alcoholic liver disease. You may not be able to take acetaminophen. Do not take acetaminophen and diphenhydramine if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days. A very serious drug interaction could occur, leading to serious side effects.

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have

• kidney disease;
• liver disease;

• diabetes;

• glaucoma;

• difficulty urinating because of an enlarged prostate, a constricted bladder neck, or any other reason;

• a stenosing peptic (stomach) ulcer;

• high blood pressure or any type of heart disease; or

• an overactive thyroid.

You may not be able to take acetaminophen and diphenhydramine, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

It is not known whether acetaminophen and diphenhydramine will harm an unborn baby. Do not take acetaminophen and diphenhydramine without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. Acetaminophen and diphenhydramine passes into breast milk and can seriously harm a nursing infant. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. If you are over 60 years of age, you may be more likely to experience side effects from acetaminophen and diphenhydramine. Read the package label for directions or consult your doctor or pharmacist before treating a child with this medication. Children are more susceptible than adults to the effects of medicines and may have unusual reactions.