acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, pyrilamine,... Health Article

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Doctor-reviewed Information, Multum Drug Directory, 2006

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Generic name(s):

acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, pyrilamine, and pseudoephedrine

Brand name(s):

APAP/dextromethorphan/PSE/pyrilamine, Robitussin Night Relief

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

Always ask your doctor before giving cough or cold medicine to a child. Death can occur from the misuse of cough or cold medicine in very young children. Do not take this medication 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 take more of this medication than is recommended. An overdose of acetaminophen can cause damage to your liver. The maximum amount of acetaminophen for adults is 1 gram (1000 mg) per dose and 4 grams (4000 mg) per day. Do not use any other over-the-counter cough, cold, allergy, or pain medication without first asking your doctor or pharmacist. If you take certain products together you may accidentally take too much of a certain drug. Read the label of any other medicine you are using to see if it contains acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, pyrilamine, or pseudoephedrine.

What is acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, pyrilamine, and pseudoephedrine?

Acetaminophen is a pain reliever and fever reducer.

Pyrilamine is an antihistamine that reduces the natural chemical histamine in the body. Histamine can produce symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, and watery eyes.

Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant. It affects the cough reflex in the brain that triggers coughing.

Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant that shrinks blood vessels in the nasal passages. Dilated blood vessels can cause nasal congestion (stuffy nose).

The combination of acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, pyrilamine, and pseudoephedrine is used to treat runny or stuffy nose, sinus congestion, cough, and pain or fever caused by the common cold or flu.

Dextromethorphan will not treat a cough that is caused by smoking.

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

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, pyrilamine, and pseudoephedrine?

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, pyrilamine, or pseudoephedrine, or to similar medications such as other decongestants, diet pills, stimulants, or ADHD medications. Do not use this medication 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 a cough or cold medicine before the MAO inhibitor has cleared from your body.

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

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.

FDA pregnancy category C. 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.

Artifically-sweetened liquid forms of cough-and-cold medications 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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