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What is Acetaminophen; Dextromethorphan oral liquid or suspension?

ACETAMINOPHEN; DEXTROMETHORPHAN (e.g., Children's Tylenol® Cold Plus Cough & Sore Throat Suspension, Tylenol® Cough & Sore Throat Daytime) is a combination of 2 medicines used to help relieve symptoms of cough and sore throat. Acetaminophen helps lower fever and relieve pain, like body aches, headaches, and sore throat. Dextromethorphan helps to stop a cough.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
• alcohol use
• anemia or other blood disease
• asthma, emphysema, bronchitis, or other lung disease
• chronic cough
• G6PD deficiency
• heart failure
• hepatitis
• problems with immune system
• infection
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• an unusual reaction to acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, aspirin or other salicylates, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should this medicine be used?

Take this medicine by mouth. Follow the directions on the label. Use the specially marked spoon or measuring cup that comes with your medicine. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have one; household spoons are not always accurate. Take the medicine with food or milk if it upsets your stomach. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

Try to avoid grapefruit juice while using this medicine because this may increase the chance of side effects from dextromethorphan.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What if I miss a dose?

If you are taking this medicine regularly and 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 drug(s) may interact with Acetaminophen; Dextromethorphan?

• amiodarone
• antacids
• aspirin or aspirin-like medicines
• busulfan
• celecoxib
• charcoal
• cholestyramine
• delavirdine
• echinacea
• exenatide
• gefitinib
• imatinib
• isoniazid
• medicines known as MAO inhibitors (such as phenelzine (Nardil®), tranylcypromine (Parnate®), isocarboxazid (Marplan®))
• medicines for mental depression (such as fluoxetine (Prozac®), sertraline (Zoloft®), paroxetine (Paxil®))
• medicines for Parkinson's disease or other movement disorders
• medicines that contain acetaminophen
• prilocaine
• quinidine
• rifabutin
• rifampin
• ritonavir
• St. John's wort
• sulfinpyrazone
• terbinafine
• valdecoxib
• warfarin
• zidovudine

Because this product can cause drowsiness, other medicines that also cause drowsiness may increase this effect. Some medicines that cause drowsiness are:
• alcohol and alcohol-containing medicines
• barbiturate medicines for inducing sleep or treating seizures (convulsions)
• medicines for anxiety or sleeping problems, such as diazepam or temazepam
• medicines for hay fever and other allergies
• medicines for mental problems and psychotic disturbances
• medicines for motion sickness
• muscle relaxers
• prescription pain medicines

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking Acetaminophen; Dextromethorphan?

If you have a fever, skin rash, or persistent headache as well as a cough, see your prescriber. Do not treat yourself for fever longer than 3 days, or for cough or pain for longer than 7 days without consulting a health care professional. If your sore throat is severe, lasts more than 2 days, or if you also have a fever, headache, rash, nausea, and vomiting, see a health care professional immediately.

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. Alcohol can increase the chance of drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, or liver problems while using this medicine. Avoid alcoholic drinks. If you drink 3 or more alcoholic beverages every day, check with your doctor before taking medicines which contain acetaminophen because of the possibility of liver damage.

Do not smoke cigarettes. This may increase the irritation to your stomach when taking this medicine, and may increase the chance of side effects.

What side effects may I notice from receiving Acetaminophen; Dextromethorphan?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
• agitation, nervousness, excitability
• bloody stools
• confusion
• difficulty breathing, or wheezing
• fever
• headache, especially if severe or gets worse
• loss of appetite
• nausea/vomiting
• skin rash, redness, hives, or itching
• slurred speech
• swelling of face, tongue, or throat
• unusual bleeding or bruising, pinpoint red spots on the skin
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• yellowing of the skin or eyes

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• dizziness
• drowsiness
• fatigue

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Store at room temperature between 20—25 degrees C (68—77 degrees F). Do not transfer liquid preparations to another bottle or container. Protect from light and heat. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.

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