acetaminophen and diphenhydramine Health Article

What other drugs will affect acetaminophen and diphenhydramine?

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.

Urine glucose tests for diabetics may produce false results while you are taking acetaminophen. Talk to your doctor if you are diabetic and you notice changes in your glucose levels during therapy with acetaminophen and diphenhydramine.

Do not take other over-the-counter cough, cold, allergy, diet, pain, or sleep medicines while taking acetaminophen and diphenhydramine without first talking to your doctor or pharmacist. Other medications may also contain acetaminophen, diphenhydramine, or other similar drugs, and you may accidentally take too much of these medicines.

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.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with acetaminophen and diphenhydramine. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist has additional information about acetaminophen and diphenhydramine written for health professionals that you may read.

What does my medication look like?

Acetaminophen and diphenhydramine is available over-the-counter under many brand names. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.