acetaminophen/caffeine/chlorpheniramine/ phe... Health Article

Generic name(s):

acetaminophen/caffeine/chlorpheniramine/ phenylpropanolamine

Brand name(s):

APAP/caffeine/chlorpheniramine/PPA, Sinapils

What is the most important information I should know about acetaminophen/ caffeine/ chlorpheniramine/ phenylpropanolamine?

Phenylpropanolamine, an ingredient in this product, has been associated with an increased risk of hemorrhagic stroke (bleeding into the brain or into tissue surrounding the brain) in women. Men may also be at risk. Although the risk of hemorrhagic stroke is low, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that consumers not use any products that contain phenylpropanolamine.

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

What is acetaminophen/ caffeine/ chlorpheniramine/ phenylpropanolamine?

Acetaminophen is a pain reliever and a fever reducer. It is used to treat many conditions, such as headache, muscle aches, arthritis, backache, toothaches, colds, and fevers.

Caffeine is added to this product to increase the effects of acetaminophen and to decrease the drowsiness caused by chlorpheniramine.

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.

Phenylpropanolamine is a decongestant. It constricts (shrinks) blood vessels (veins and arteries) allowing nasal passages to open up.

Acetaminophen/caffeine/chlorpheniramine/phenylpropanolamine is used to treat nasal congestion; itchy, watery eyes; itchy throat; sneezing; headache; fever; and other symptoms associated with allergies, hay fever, and the common cold.

Phenylpropanolamine, an ingredient in this product, has been associated with an increased risk of hemorrhagic stroke (bleeding into the brain or into tissue surrounding the brain) in women. Men may also be at risk. Although the risk of hemorrhagic stroke is low, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that consumers not use any products that contain phenylpropanolamine.

Acetaminophen/caffeine/chlorpheniramine/phenylpropanolamine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Who should not take acetaminophen/ caffeine/ chlorpheniramine/ phenylpropanolamine?

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. You may not be able to take acetaminophen. Do not take acetaminophen/caffeine/chlorpheniramine/phenylpropanolamine if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days. A dangerous 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,

• any type of heart disease or high blood pressure,

• thyroid disease,

• emphysema or chronic bronchitis, or

• difficulty urinating or have an enlarged prostate.

You may not be able to take acetaminophen/caffeine/chlorpheniramine/phenylpropanolamine, 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/caffeine/chlorpheniramine/phenylpropanolamine will harm an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. This medication passes into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. 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. If you are over 60 years of age, you may be more likely to experience side effects from acetaminophen/caffeine/chlorpheniramine/phenylpropanolamine.