acetaminophen and diphenhydramine Health Article

How should I take acetaminophen and diphenhydramine?

Take acetaminophen an diphenhydramine exactly as directed by your doctor or follow the instructions on the package label. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Take each dose with a full glass of water.

Never take more acetaminophen and diphenhydramine than is directed. 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. If you drink more than three alcoholic beverages per day, talk to your doctor before taking acetaminophen and diphenhydramine and never take more than 2 grams (2000 mg) per day.

Consult your doctor if your symptoms do not improve within 10 days (or 5 days for children under 12 years of age) or if they get worse. Do not use this product to treat a fever for more than 3 days.

Store acetaminophen and diphenhydramine 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 your next dose, skip the missed dose and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention.

Symptoms of an acetaminophen and diphenhydramine overdose may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, sweating, seizures, confusion, sedation, insomnia, tremor, hallucinations, and an irregular heartbeat.

What should I avoid while taking 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. Also, alcohol is very damaging to your liver when it is taken with acetaminophen.

Acetaminophen and diphenhydramine may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness, including antidepressants, alcohol, other antihistamines, pain relievers, anxiety medicines, seizure medicines, and muscle relaxants. Dangerous sedation, dizziness, or drowsiness may occur if acetaminophen and diphenhydramine is taken with any of these medications.

What are the possible side effects of acetaminophen and diphenhydramine?

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking acetaminophen and diphenhydramine and seek emergency medical attention:

• an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);

• liver damage (yellowing of the skin or eyes, nausea, abdominal pain or discomfort, unusual bleeding or bruising, or severe fatigue);

• blood problems (easy or unusual bleeding or bruising); or

• low blood sugar (fatigue, increased hunger or thirst, dizziness, or fainting).

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur including:

• dry eyes, nose, and mouth;

• drowsiness or dizziness;

• blurred vision;

• difficulty urinating; or

• excitation in children.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.