Also from Answers.com... Herpes What is Herpes? Learn the signs and symptoms.

To return to the main entry click here.

What are acetaminophen; pseudoephedrine products?

ACETAMINOPHEN; PSEUDOEPHEDRINE (Alka-Seltzer Plus® Cold & Sinus Medicine Liqui-Gels®, Children's Tylenol® Sinus, Dristan® Cold, Infants' Tylenol® Cold Decongestant & Fever Reducer, Maximum Strength Tylenol® Sinus, Sine-Aid® Maximum Strength, Sudafed® Cold & Sinus, TheraFlu® Sinus Maximum Strength, and others) is used to relieve symptoms of nasal congestion, sinus congestion, and/or headache pain caused by allergies, common cold, hay fever, and sinusitis. Generic acetaminophen; pseudoephedrine products are available.

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

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
• anemia
• drink more than 3 alcohol-containing drinks per day
• blood vessel disease
• diabetes
• difficulty urinating (urinary retention)
• glaucoma
• heart disease or heart rhythm problems
• high blood pressure
• infection
• kidney or liver disease
• over active thyroid
• prostate trouble
• an unusual or allergic reaction to acetaminophen, aspirin, pseudoephedrine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I take this medicine?

Take acetaminophen; pseudoephedrine by mouth. Follow the directions on the product label. Swallow capsules, caplets, gelcaps, and tablets with plenty of water. Use a specially marked spoon or container to measure liquids. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have one; household spoons are not always accurate. Do not take medicine more often than directed.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. Do not administer adult preparations to children.

Elderly patients over 60 years old may have a stronger reaction to this medicine and may need smaller doses.

What if I miss a dose?

If your prescriber or health care professional has prescribed a regular schedule and 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 drug(s) may interact with acetaminophen; pseudoephedrine?

• other medicines that contain acetaminophen
• alcohol
• ammonium chloride
• amphetamine or other stimulant drugs
• antacids
• bicarbonate, citrate, or acetate products (such as sodium bicarbonate, sodium acetate, sodium citrate, sodium lactate, and potassium citrate)
• bromocriptine
• caffeine
• cimetidine
• cocaine
• furazolidone
• linezolid
• medicines for colds and breathing difficulties
• medicines for diabetes
• medicines known as MAO inhibitors, such as phenelzine (Nardil®), tranylcypromine (Parnate®), isocarboxazid (Marplan®), and selegiline (Carbex®, Eldepryl®)
• medicines for mental problems and psychotic disturbances
• medicines for migraine
• medicines for seizures
• procarbazine
• some medicines for chest pain, heart disease, high blood pressure, or heart rhythm problems
• some medicines for weight loss (including some herbal products, ephedrine, dextroamphetamine)
• St. John's wort
• theophylline
• thyroid hormones
• warfarin

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; pseudoephedrine?

Check with your prescriber or health care professional if your symptoms have not improved within 7 days, or if you have a high fever.

If the product makes it difficult for you to sleep at night; take your last dose a few hours before bedtime. If nervousness, dizziness, or sleeplessness occur, stop using and consult a health care professional.

If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber you are taking acetaminophen; pseudoephedrine.

Report any possible overdose promptly to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible. The effects of too much acetaminophen may not be obvious for several days. Many non-prescription medicines contain acetaminophen as an ingredient. Always read the labels carefully to avoid taking an accidental overdose.

Avoid alcoholic drinks if you are taking acetaminophen; pseudoephedrine on a regular basis. Alcohol can increase possible damage to your liver.

Acetaminophen can affect the results from some blood-sugar tests used by diabetic patients. Check with your prescriber or health care professional before you change your diet or the dose of your diabetic medicine.

If you are receiving cancer chemotherapy or other immunosuppression medicine, do not take this medicine; check with your prescriber or health care professional first. Acetaminophen may hide the signs of an infection such as fever or pain.

What side effects may I notice from taking acetaminophen; pseudoephedrine?

If you take acetaminophen; pseudoephedrine as recommended, serious side effects are uncommon.
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
• anxiety or nervousness
• bloody or black, tarry stools
• chest pain
• confusion
• dizziness, or fainting spells
• excessive sweating
• fast or irregular heartbeat, palpitations
• fever or sore throat
• high blood pressure
• numbness or tingling in the hands or feet
• rapid or troubled breathing, or wheezing
• pain or difficulty passing urine
• severe, persistent, or worsening headache
• sleeplessness (insomnia)
• skin rash or hives
• stomach cramps and pain
• tremor
• unusual bleeding or bruising, pinpoint red spots on the skin
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• vomiting
• 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):
• headache (mild)
• loss of appetite
• nausea
• restlessness

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of reach of children in a container that small children cannot open. Acetaminophen can be dangerous to children. Avoid accidental overdose of acetaminophen as this may result in severe effects and possibly death.

Store at room temperature between 15—30 degrees C (59—86 degrees F). Protect from moisture and light. 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.

ADVERTISEMENT