acetaminophen, diphenhydramine, and pseudoep... Health Article

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Doctor-reviewed Information, Multum Drug Directory, 2006

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Generic name(s):

acetaminophen, diphenhydramine, and pseudoephedrine

Brand name(s):

APAP/diphenhydramine/pseudoephedrine, Actifed Sinus Day and Night, Benadryl Cold, Contac Day and Night Allergy, Tylenol Allergy Sinus NightTime, Tylenol Nightime Flu Gelcap Maximum Strength

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

Always ask a doctor before giving a cough or cold medicine to a child. Death can occur from the misuse of cough or cold medicine 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 cold, allergy, pain, or sleep 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, diphenhydramine, 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.

What is acetaminophen, diphenhydramine, and pseudoephedrine?

Acetaminophen is a pain reliever and fever reducer.

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

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, diphenhydramine, and pseudoephedrine is used to treat runny or stuffy nose, sinus congestion, sneezing, and pain or fever caused by allergies or the common cold.

Acetaminophen, diphenhydramine, 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, diphenhydramine, and pseudoephedrine?

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 decongestant before the MAO inhibitor has cleared from your body. Do not take this medication if you are allergic to acetaminophen, diphenhydramine, or pseudoephedrine, or to other antihistamines or decongestants, diet pills, stimulants, or ADHD medications.

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

heart disease or high blood pressure;
liver disease, alcoholism, or cirrhosis of the liver;
glaucoma;
kidney disease;
diabetes;
a thyroid disorder;
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.

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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