acetaminophen and phenyltoloxamine Health Article

Generic name(s):

acetaminophen and phenyltoloxamine

Brand name(s):

acetaminophen-phenyltoloxamine, Aceta-Gesic, Acuflex, Alpain, Apagesic, Flextra-DS, Genasec, Hyflex-650, Hyflex-DS, Percogesic, Q Flex, RhinoFlex 650, Staflex, Vistra

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

Do not use acetaminophen and phenyltoloxamine if you have used an MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) within the past 14 days. Serious, life-threatening side effects can occur if you take acetaminophen and phenyltoloxamine before the MAO inhibitor has cleared from your body. Acetaminophen and phenyltoloxamine can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert. Do not take more of this medication than is recommended. An overdose of acetaminophen can cause damage to your liver. 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. Do not take this medication without your doctor's advice if you have ever had alcoholic liver disease (cirrhosis). You may not be able to take acetaminophen.

What is acetaminophen and phenyltoloxamine?

Acetaminophen is a pain reliever and a fever reducer.

Phenyltoloxamine is an antihistamine that reduces the natural chemical histamine in the body. Histamine can produce symptoms of sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and runny nose.

Acetaminophen and phenyltoloxamine is used to treat runny nose, sneezing, and pain or fever caused by the common cold, flu, or seasonal allergies.

Acetaminophen and phenyltoloxamine 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 phenyltoloxamine?

You should not take this medication if you are allergic to acetaminophen or phenyltoloxamine. Do not use acetaminophen and phenyltoloxamine if you have used an MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) within the past 14 days. Serious, life-threatening side effects can occur if you take acetaminophen and phenyltoloxamine before the MAO inhibitor has cleared from your body.

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

• liver or kidney disease;

• diabetes;

• glaucoma;

• urination problems;

• an enlarged prostate;

• heart disease or high blood pressure;

• a stomach ulcer; or

• an overactive thyroid.

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take acetaminophen and phenyltoloxamine.

Tell your doctor if you drink more than three alcoholic beverages per day or if you have ever had alcoholic liver disease (cirrhosis). You may not be able to take medication that contains acetaminophen.

Acetaminophen and phenyltoloxamine may harm an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without telling your doctor if you are pregnant. Acetaminophen and phenyltoloxamine can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not take this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take acetaminophen and phenyltoloxamine?

Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Do not take more than 1 gram (1000 mg) of acetaminophen per dose or 4 grams (4000 mg) per day. An acetaminophen overdose can damage your liver. Know the amount of acetaminophen in the product you are taking.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if you have a fever for longer than 3 days.

This medication can cause you to have unusual results with certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are taking acetaminophen and phenyltoloxamine.

Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat.