acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, and pseudoe... Health Article

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Doctor-reviewed Information, Multum Drug Directory, 2006

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Generic name(s):

acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, and pseudoephedrine

Brand name(s):

APAP/dextromethorphan/pseudoephedrine, Comtrex Non-Drowsy, Sudafed Severe Cold

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

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 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. Do not take more of this medication than is recommended. An overdose of acetaminophen can cause damage to your liver. 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 take to see if it contains acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, or pseudoephedrine. 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.

What is acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, and pseudoephedrine?

Acetaminophen is a pain reliever and fever reducer.

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

Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant. It constricts (shrinks) blood vessels (veins and arteries). This reduces the blood flow to certain areas, which decreases swelling and allows nasal and respiratory (breathing) passages to open up.

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

Acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, 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, and pseudoephedrine?

Do not take this medication if you are allergic to acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, or pseudoephedrine, or to other decongestants, diet pills, stimulants, or ADHD medications. Do not use a cough and 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 a cough and cold medicine before the MAO inhibitor has cleared from your body. Dextromethorphan will not treat a cough that is caused by smoking.

Before using acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, 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.

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 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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