What is this medicine?
ACETAMINOPHEN; DIPHENHYDRAMINE (a set a MEE noe fen; dye fen HYE dra meen) is a pain reliever antihistamine combination. It is used to treat allergy symptoms like sore throat, runny nose, sneezing, and itching of the eyes, nose, and throat. Or, this medicine is used to treat pain and help you fall to sleep.
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What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
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They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
-asthma or lung disease
-glaucoma
-high blood pressure or heart disease
-if you frequently drink alcohol containing drinks
-liver disease
-pain or difficulty passing urine
-prostate trouble
-ulcers or other stomach problems
-an unusual or allergic reaction to acetaminophen, diphenhydramine, other medicines foods, dyes, or preservatives
-pregnant or trying to get pregnant
-breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
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Take this medicine by mouth. Follow the directions on the medicine's label. Use a specially marked spoon or container to measure each dose. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have one. Household spoons are not accurate.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. This medicine is not approved for use in children under 12 years of age.
Overdosage: If you think you've taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
What if I miss a dose?
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If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
What may interact with this medicine?
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Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:
-MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate
This medicine may also interact with the following medications:
-alcohol
-barbiturates, like phenobarbital
-imatinib
-isoniazid
-medicines for bladder spasm like oxybutynin, tolterodine
-medicines for blood pressure
-medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances
-medicines for movement abnormalities or Parkinson's disease
-medicines for sleep
-other medicines for cold, cough, or allergy
-other medicines with acetaminophen
-some medicines for the stomach like chlordiazepoxide, dicyclomine
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
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Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.
Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water may help. Contact your doctor if the problem does not go away or is severe.
This medicine may cause dry eyes and blurred vision. If you wear contact lenses you may feel some discomfort. Lubricating drops may help. See your eye doctor if the problem does not go away or is severe.
You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medicine. Avoid alcoholic drinks.
Do not take other medicines that contain acetaminophen with this medicine. Always read labels carefully. If you have questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
If you take too much acetaminophen get medical help right away. Too much acetaminophen can be very dangerous and cause liver damage. Even if you do not have symptoms, it is important to get help right away.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
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Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
-allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
-breathing problems
-changes in vision
-confused, agitated, nervous
-fever gets worse or lasts more than 3 days
-irregular or fast heartbeat
-sore throat lasts more than 2 days
-tremor
-trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine
-unusual bleeding or bruising
-unusually weak or tired
-yellowing of the eyes or skin
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (Report these to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome.):
-constipation, diarrhea
-drowsy
-headache
-loss of appetite
-nausea, stomach upset
Where should I keep my medicine?
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Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
