Acetaminophen-Dextromethorphan

 
Generic Name: acetaminophen and dextromethorphan

Brands: Drixoral Cough/Sore Throat, Tylenol Cough

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What is the most important information I should know about Acetaminophen-Dextromethorphan?

· Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol can be damaging to your liver when it is taken with acetaminophen.

· Do not take more of this medicine than is directed. Also, do not use Acetaminophen-Dextromethorphan for longer than 7 to 10 days. If your symptoms do not improve, or if you have a persistent fever, consult your doctor.

 

What is Acetaminophen-Dextromethorphan?

· Acetaminophen is a pain reliever and a fever reducer. It is used to treat many conditions, such as headache, muscle aches, arthritis, backache, toothaches, colds, and fevers.

· Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant. It suppresses an area in your brain that causes you to cough.

· Acetaminophen-Dextromethorphan is used to treat sore throats, coughs, fever, and aches and pains associated with the common cold.

· Acetaminophen-Dextromethorphan is not commercially available in the United States.

· Acetaminophen-Dextromethorphan 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?

· Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you drink more than three alcoholic beverages per day or if you have had alcoholic liver disease. You may not be able to take acetaminophen.

· Before taking Acetaminophen-Dextromethorphan, tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease. You may not be able to take this medication, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment.

· It is not known whether Acetaminophen-Dextromethorphan will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.

· It is not known whether Acetaminophen-Dextromethorphan will harm a nursing infant. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

 

How should I take Acetaminophen-Dextromethorphan?

· Take Acetaminophen-Dextromethorphan exactly as directed by your doctor or follow the instructions on the package. 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.

· Never take more Acetaminophen-Dextromethorphan than is directed. The maximum amounts for adults are 1 gram (1000 mg) per dose and 4 grams (4000 mg) per day. Taking more Acetaminophen-Dextromethorphan could damage 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 use Acetaminophen-Dextromethorphan for longer than 7 to 10 days. If your symptoms do not improve, or if you have a persistent fever, see your doctor.

· Store Acetaminophen-Dextromethorphan 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-Dextromethorphan overdose include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, sweating, seizures, confusion, and an irregular heartbeat.

 

What should I avoid while taking Acetaminophen-Dextromethorphan?

· Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol can be damaging to your liver when it is taken with acetaminophen.

· Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Acetaminophen-Dextromethorphan may cause dizziness. If you experience dizziness, avoid these activities.

· Be aware of the Acetaminophen-Dextromethorphan content of other over-the-counter and prescription products. Any acetaminophen found in these products counts toward your total daily dose.

 

What are the possible side effects of Acetaminophen-Dextromethorphan?

· If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Acetaminophen-Dextromethorphan 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 damage (yellowing of the skin or eyes, nausea, abdominal pain or discomfort, unusual bleeding or bruising, or severe fatigue);     ·blood problems (easy or unusual bleeding or bruising); or     ·low blood sugar (fatigue, increased hunger or thirst, dizziness, or fainting).

· These side effects are very rare and are not likely to occur with proper use of Acetaminophen-Dextromethorphan. If you experience any unusual reactions, however, stop taking Acetaminophen-Dextromethorphan and talk to your doctor.

 

What other drugs will affect Acetaminophen-Dextromethorphan?

· Do not take other over-the-counter cough, cold, allergy, or pain medicines while taking Acetaminophen-Dextromethorphan without first talking to your doctor or pharmacist. Other medications may also contain acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, or other similar drugs, and you may accidentally take too much.

· Urine glucose tests may produce false results while you are taking acetaminophen. Talk to your doctor if you are diabetic and you notice changes in your glucose levels during therapy with Acetaminophen-Dextromethorphan.

· Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Acetaminophen-Dextromethorphan. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.

 

Where can I get more information?

· Your pharmacist has additional information about Acetaminophen-Dextromethorphan written for health professionals that you may read.

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