acetaminophen, diphenhydramine, and phenylep... Health Article

How should I take acetaminophen, diphenhydramine, and phenylephrine?

Take acetaminophen, diphenhydramine, and 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 the long-acting 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 form of acetaminophen, diphenhydramine, and 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.

Do not take acetaminophen, diphenhydramine, and 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.

Do not take more of this medication than is recommended. An overdose of this medication can cause serious harm. Store acetaminophen, diphenhydramine, and 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 if an overdose is suspected.

Symptoms of an acetaminophen, diphenhydramine, and phenylephrine overdose include dry mouth, large pupils, flushing, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, seizures, confusion, sweating, and an irregular heartbeat.

What should I avoid while taking acetaminophen, diphenhydramine, and phenylephrine?

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

Do not take other over-the-counter cough, cold, allergy, diet, pain, or sleep medications while taking acetaminophen, diphenhydramine, and pseudoephrine without first talking to your pharmacist or doctor. Other medications may also contain acetaminophen, diphenhydramine, phenylephrine or other similar drugs, and you may accidentally take too much of these medicines.

Acetaminophen, diphenhydramine, and 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, diphenhydramine, and phenylephrine is taken with any of these medications.

What are the possible side effects of acetaminophen, diphenhydramine, and phenylephrine?

If you experience any of the following uncommon but serious side effects, stop taking acetaminophen, diphenhydramine, and phenylephrine and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:

• an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);

• liver problems (yellowing of the skin or eyes, abdominal pain);

• 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 are more likely to occur including:

• 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.