acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, and diphenh... Health Article

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Doctor-reviewed Information, Multum Drug Directory, 2006

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Generic name(s):

acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, and diphenhydramine

Brand name(s):

APAP/dextromethorphan/diphenhydramine, Diabetic Tussin Night Time Formula

What is the most important information I should know about acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, and diphenhydramine?

Always ask a doctor before giving a cough or cold medicine to a child. Death can occur from the misuse of cough and cold medicines in very young children. Do not use a cough or cold medicine 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 cough or cold medicine before the MAO inhibitor has cleared from your body. Do not use any other over-the-counter cough, cold, allergy, or sleep medication without first asking your doctor or pharmacist. If you take certain products together you may accidentally take too much of one or more types of medicine. Read the label of any other medicine you are using to see if it contains acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, or diphenhydramine. Do not take more of this medication than is recommended. An overdose of acetaminophen can cause damage to your liver. Avoid drinking alcohol. It can increase the risk of liver damage while you are taking acetaminophen. 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) per day. Dextromethorphan will not treat a cough that is caused by smoking, asthma, or emphysema.

What is acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, and diphenhydramine?

Acetaminophen is a pain reliever and fever reducer.

Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant. It affects the signals in the brain that trigger cough reflex.

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

The combination of acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, and diphenhydramine is used to treat sneezing, runny nose, itchy or watery eyes, cough, and pain or fever caused by the common cold or flu.

Acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, and diphenhydramine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, and diphenhydramine?

Do not take this medication if you are allergic to acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, diphenhydramine, or other antihistamines. Do not use a cough or cold medicine 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 cough or cold medicine before the MAO inhibitor has cleared from your body.

Before using acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, and diphenhydramine, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

glaucoma;
emphysema or chronic bronchitis;
liver disease;
kidney disease;
an enlarged prostate; or
problems with urination.

If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use this medication, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.

This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. This medication may pass into breast milk and could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Artificially-sweetened liquid forms of cold medicine may contain phenylalanine. This would be important to know if you have phenylketonuria (PKU). Check the ingredients and warnings on the medication label if you are concerned about phenylalanine.

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