DrugindexOnline^{2nd edition}

Generic Name: acetaminophen/chlorpheniramine/phenylephrine (a seet a MIN oh fen/klor fen IR a meen/fen ill EFF rin)
Brand Names: Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold, Dristan Cold Multi Symptom Formula, Protid

What is acetaminophen/chlorpheniramine/phenylephrine?

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.

Chlorpheniramine is an antihistamine. It blocks the effects of the naturally occurring chemical histamine in the body. Chlorpheniramine prevents sneezing; itchy, watery eyes and nose; and other symptoms of allergies and hay fever.

Phenylephrine 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/chlorpheniramine/phenylephrine is used to treat nasal congestion; itchy, watery eyes; itchy throat; sneezing; headache; fever; and other symptoms associated with allergies, hay fever, and the common cold.

Acetaminophen/chlorpheniramine/phenylephrine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about acetaminophen/chlorpheniramine/phenylephrine?

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Acetaminophen/chlorpheniramine/phenylephrine may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities. Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while taking acetaminophen/chlorpheniramine/phenylephrine. Alcohol and acetaminophen together may also be damaging to the liver.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking acetaminophen, chlorpheniramine, and phenylephrine?

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/chlorpheniramine/phenylephrine if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days. A dangerous 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,

• heart disease or high blood pressure,

• thyroid disease,

• emphysema or chronic bronchitis, or

• difficulty urinating or an enlarged prostate.

You may not be able to take acetaminophen/chlorpheniramine/phenylephrine, 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/chlorpheniramine/phenylephrine will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take acetaminophen/chlorpheniramine/phenylephrine without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. This medication can pass into breast milk and may be harmful to a nursing baby. 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/chlorpheniramine/phenylephrine. You may need a lower dose of the medication. 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/chlorpheniramine/phenylephrine?

Take acetaminophen/chlorpheniramine/phenylephrine 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. Do not crush, chew, or break any long-acting or extended- or sustained-release forms of this medication that are intended to release slowly. Swallow them whole. If you are unsure about the formulation of your medicine, ask your pharmacist for help. If you cannot swallow the tablets or capsules, look for a liquid form of the medication.

To ensure that you get a correct dose, measure the liquid forms of acetaminophen/chlorpheniramine/phenylephrine with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one.

Never take more of this medication 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 can be damaging to the 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/chlorpheniramine/phenylephrine for longer than 7 to 10 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/chlorpheniramine/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. 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.

Symptoms of an acetaminophen/chlorpheniramine/phenylephrine overdose include a dry mouth, large pupils, flushing, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, seizures, confusion, sweating, and an irregular heartbeat.

What should I avoid while taking acetaminophen/chlorpheniramine/phenylephrine?

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Acetaminophen/chlorpheniramine/phenylephrine may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities. Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while taking acetaminophen/chlorpheniramine/phenylephrine. Alcohol and acetaminophen together may also be damaging to the liver.

Acetaminophen/chlorpheniramine/phenylephrine may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness, including antidepressants, alcohol, other antihistamines, pain relievers, anxiety medicines, seizure medicines, and muscle relaxants. Dangerous sedation, dizziness, or drowsiness may occur if acetaminophen/chlorpheniramine/phenylephrine is taken with any of these medications.

What are the possible side effects of acetaminophen/chlorpheniramine/phenylephrine?

If you experience any of the following rare but serious side effects, stop taking acetaminophen/chlorpheniramine/phenylephrine and seek emergency medical attention:

• 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).

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take acetaminophen/chlorpheniramine/phenylephrine and talk to your doctor or try another similar medication if you experience

• dryness of the eyes, nose, or mouth;

• drowsiness or dizziness;

• blurred vision;

• difficulty urinating; or

• excitation in children.

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/chlorpheniramine/phenylephrine?

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

Urine glucose tests may produce false results while taking acetaminophen. Talk to your doctor if you have diabetes and notice changes in blood or urine glucose levels during therapy with acetaminophen/chlorpheniramine/phenylephrine.

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

Acetaminophen/chlorpheniramine/phenylephrine may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness, including antidepressants, alcohol, other antihistamines, pain relievers, anxiety medicines, seizure medicines, and muscle relaxants. Dangerous sedation, dizziness, or drowsiness may occur if acetaminophen/chlorpheniramine/phenylephrine is taken with any of these medications.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with acetaminophen/chlorpheniramine/phenylephrine. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products.

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist has additional information about acetaminophen/chlorpheniramine/phenylephrine written for health professionals that you may read.

What does my medication look like?

Acetaminophen/chlorpheniramine/phenylephrine is available over-the-counter under several brand names. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.

• Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
• Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

Copyright 1996-2006 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 6.03. Revision Date: 2/13/04 4:04:18 PM.