Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, and Pseudoephedrine

Pronunciation

Brand Names

Therapeutic Categories

What is this medicine used for?

• This medicine relieves symptoms (runny nose, sneezing, throat irritation and itching; watery, irritated, itchy, red eyes) from allergies.
• Long-term nasal congestion and headache are treated by pseudoephedrine.
• Acetaminophen reduces pain.

How does it work?

• Acetaminophen reduces pain by preventing production of chemicals called prostaglandins. This decreases pain.
• Chlorpheniramine, if taken before coming in contact with the material that causes the allergy, blocks the allergic reaction by minimizing/preventing the body's reaction to the allergen.
• Pseudoephedrine shrinks swollen nasal tissue and opens up passages. Sinus drainage is increased by this.

How is it best taken?

• Take on an empty stomach. Take 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals.
• This medicine is most effective if started before contact with the allergen. Take at least 1-3 hours before.
• Make sure you are drinking enough liquids unless told to drink less by healthcare provider. Avoid products with caffeine.
• Do not take more than prescribed amount. Liver damage can occur.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Return to your regular schedule.
• Do not take a double dose or extra doses.

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

• Wear disease medical alert identification for allergies.
• Avoid alcohol (includes wine, beer, and liquor) and other medicines that slow your actions and reactions. This includes sedatives, tranquilizers, mood stabilizers, or pain medicine. Talk with healthcare provider.
• Limit caffeine (teas, coffee, colas) and chocolate intake. Use may increase inability to sleep or cause nervousness with this medicine.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are a heavy drinker. This medicine mixed with alcohol can cause liver damage.
• Use caution if you have high blood pressure. Talk with healthcare provider.
• Use caution if you have liver disease. Talk with healthcare provider.
• Increased activity or insomnia may be seen in children.
• Do not use over-the-counter products that increase blood pressure. These include cough or cold remedies, diet pills, stimulants, ibuprofen or like products, and certain herbs or supplements. Talk with healthcare provider.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
• Do not use if you are breast-feeding.

What are the common side effects of this medicine?

• Dizziness. Avoid driving, doing other tasks or hobbies that require you to be alert until you see how this medicine affects you.
• Dry mouth. Frequent mouth care, sucking hard candy, or chewing gum may help.
• Inability to sleep, nervousness, excitability, and restlessness.

What should I monitor?

• Check effectiveness of medicine in preventing or treating symptoms.

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Chest pains, fast heartbeats, passing out, fainting, or severe headache.
• Too tired or sleepy.
• Any rash.
• No improvement in condition or feeling worse.

How should I store this medicine?

• Store in a tight, light-resistant container at room temperature.

General statements

• Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant).
• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs, vitamins).

Copyright © 1978-2000 Lexi-Comp Inc. All Rights Reserved