Acetaminophen-Pseudoephedrine

Generic Name: acetaminophen and pseudoephedrine

Brands: Allerest No Drowsiness, Bayer Select Decongestant, Bayer Select Sinus Pain Formula, Benadryl Allergy Sinus Headache, Contac Sinus, Excedrin Sinus, Ornex, Ornex Maximum Strength, Sine-Off Maximum Strength, Sinus Maximum Strength, Sinutab Maximum Strength,

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

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

· Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase dizziness while you are taking Acetaminophen-Pseudoephedrine. Alcohol may also cause damage to your liver when taken with acetaminophen.

What is Acetaminophen-Pseudoephedrine?

· 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.

· Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant. It constricts (shrinks) blood vessels (veins and arteries). This reduces the blood flow to certain areas, which decreases swelling and allows nasal and respiratory (breathing) passages to open up.

· Acetaminophen-Pseudoephedrine is used to treat nasal congestion, headache, fever, and other symptoms associated with allergies, hay fever, and the common cold.

· Acetaminophen-Pseudoephedrine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Who should not take Acetaminophen-Pseudoephedrine?

· 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.

· Do not take Acetaminophen-Pseudoephedrine if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days. A very serious drug interaction could occur, leading to serious side effects.

· Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have ·kidney disease, ·liver disease, ·diabetes, ·glaucoma, ·any type of heart disease or high blood pressure, ·thyroid disease, or ·difficulty urinating or an enlarged prostate.

· You may not be able to take Acetaminophen-Pseudoephedrine, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

· It is not known whether Acetaminophen-Pseudoephedrine will harm an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.

· This medication passes into breast milk and can harm a nursing infant. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

· If you are over 60 years of age, you may be more likely to experience side effects from Acetaminophen-Pseudoephedrine.

· Read the package label for directions or consult your doctor or pharmacist before treating a child with this medication. Children are more susceptible than adults to the effects of medicines and may have unusual reactions.

How should I take Acetaminophen-Pseudoephedrine?

· Take Acetaminophen-Pseudoephedrine 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.

· Never take more acetaminophen than is directed. 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 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 take Acetaminophen-Pseudoephedrine for longer than 7 days in a row. If your symptoms do not improve, if they get worse, or if you have a fever, see your doctor.

· Store Acetaminophen-Pseudoephedrine 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 your next dose, skip the missed dose and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?

· Seek emergency medical attention.

· Symptoms of an Acetaminophen-Pseudoephedrine overdose include tiredness, sedation, coma, sweating, a slow heartbeat, and a weak pulse.

What should I avoid while taking Acetaminophen-Pseudoephedrine?

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

· Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase dizziness while you are taking Acetaminophen-Pseudoephedrine. Alcohol may also cause damage to your liver when taken with acetaminophen.

What are the possible side effects of Acetaminophen-Pseudoephedrine?

· If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Acetaminophen-Pseudoephedrine and seek emergency medical attention: ·an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your 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).

· Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur including: ·restlessness, tremor, insomnia, or anxiety; ·headache, lightheadedness, dizziness, or weakness; ·sweating; or ·nausea.

· 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.

What other drugs will affect Acetaminophen-Pseudoephedrine?

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

· Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Acetaminophen-Pseudoephedrine. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

Where can I get more information?

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

Print this page