acetaminophen/chlorpheniramine/phenylephrine Health Article

How should I take acetaminophen/chlorpheniramine/phenylephrine?

Take acetaminophen/chlorpheniramine/phenylephrine exactly as directed. 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. Do not crush, chew, or break any long-acting or extended- or sustained-release forms of this medication that are intended to release slowly. Swallow them whole. If you are unsure about the formulation of your medicine, ask your pharmacist for help. If you cannot swallow the tablets or capsules, look for a liquid form of the medication.

To ensure that you get a correct dose, measure the liquid forms of acetaminophen/chlorpheniramine/phenylephrine with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one.

Never take more of this medication 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 can be damaging to the liver. If you drink more than three alcoholic beverages per day, talk to your doctor before taking acetaminophen and never take more than 2 grams (2000 mg) per day.

Do not take acetaminophen/chlorpheniramine/phenylephrine for longer than 7 to 10 days in a row. If your symptoms do not improve, if they get worse or if you have a fever, see your doctor.

Store acetaminophen/chlorpheniramine/phenylephrine 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 the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the 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/chlorpheniramine/phenylephrine overdose include a dry mouth, large pupils, flushing, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, seizures, confusion, sweating, and an irregular heartbeat.

What should I avoid while taking acetaminophen/chlorpheniramine/phenylephrine?

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Acetaminophen/chlorpheniramine/phenylephrine 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/chlorpheniramine/phenylephrine. Alcohol and acetaminophen together may also be damaging to the liver.

Acetaminophen/chlorpheniramine/phenylephrine 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/chlorpheniramine/phenylephrine is taken with any of these medications.

What are the possible side effects of acetaminophen/chlorpheniramine/phenylephrine?

If you experience any of the following rare but serious side effects, stop taking acetaminophen/chlorpheniramine/phenylephrine and seek emergency medical attention:

• an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the 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. Continue to take acetaminophen/chlorpheniramine/phenylephrine and talk to your doctor or try another similar medication if you experience

• dryness of the eyes, nose, or 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.