acetaminophen, pheniramine, and phenylephrine Health Article

How should I take acetaminophen, pheniramine, and phenylephrine?

Use this medication exactly as directed on the label, or as it has been prescribed by your doctor. Do not use the medication in larger or smaller amounts, or use it for longer than recommended.

Dissolve the contents of one packet of medicine in 8 ounces of hot water. You may also mix the powder with 8 ounces of cool water and heat the mixture in a microwave oven. Stir the mixture thoroughly before and after heating it. Sip the mixture slowly, making sure you finish all of it within 10 to 15 minutes.

Do not take more than 6 packets of this medicine in one day (24 hours).

Do not take more of this medication than is recommended. An overdose of acetaminophen can cause serious harm. The maximum amount of acetaminophen for adults is 1 gram (1000 mg) per dose and 4 grams (4000 mg) per day. Taking more acetaminophen could cause damage to your liver. If you drink more than three alcoholic beverages per day, talk to your doctor before taking acetaminophen and never take more than 2 grams (2000 mg) per day. Do not take this medication for longer than 7 days. Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, if they get worse, or if you have new symptoms. Store acetaminophen, pheniramine, 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. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. Symptoms of a acetaminophen, pheniramine, and phenylephrine overdose may include nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), feeling light-headed, or fainting.

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

Avoid drinking alcohol, which can increase your risk of liver damage while taking a medicine containing acetaminophen. Alcohol can also increase the side effects of acetaminophen, pheniramine, and phenylephrine. Do not take other over-the-counter cough, cold, allergy, diet, or sleep aids while taking acetaminophen, pheniramine, and phenylephrine without asking your doctor or pharmacist.

Avoid using other medicines that make you sleepy (such as other cold medicine, pain medication, muscle relaxers, and medicine for seizures, depression or anxiety). They can add to sleepiness caused by acetaminophen, pheniramine, and phenylephrine.

This medication can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.

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

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop using this medication and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• severe sore throat that lasts longer than 2 days or occurs with fever, nausea, or vomiting;

• fever lasting longer than 3 days; or

• redness or swelling, or any new symptoms.

Continue using this medication and talk with your doctor if you have any of these less serious side effects:

• drowsiness; or

• feeling restless or excited.

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.