Acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, phenylephrine, and triprolidine

Generic name: acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, phenylephrine, and triprolidine [ a-SEET-a-MIN-oh-fen, DEX-troe-meth-OR-fan, FEN-il-EF-rin, trye-PRO-li-deen ]
Brand names: Mucinex Children''s FreeFrom Multi-Symptom Cold & Flu Night, Mucinex Nightshift Cold & Flu Clear & Cool, Mucinex Nightshift Sinus, Mucinex Nightshift Sinus Clear & Cool, Mucinex Nightshift Cold and Flu Clear and Cool, ... show all 10 brands Mucinex Nightshift Sinus Clear and Cool, Mucinex Children''s FreeFrom Multi-Symptom Cold and Flu Night, Mucinex Nightshift Severe Cold and Flu Maximum Strength, Mucinex Nightshift Sinus Maximum Strength, Mucinex FreeFrom Cold and Flu Nighttime
Dosage form: oral liquid (650 mg-20 mg-10 mg-2.5 mg/20 mL)
Drug class: Upper respiratory combinations

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Aug 31, 2022. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, phenylephrine, and triprolidine?

Acetaminophen is a pain reliever and fever reducer. Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant. Phenylephrine is a decongestant. Triprolidine is an antihistamine.

Acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, phenylephrine, and triprolidine is a combination medicine used to treat headache, fever, body aches, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, or sinus pressure caused by the flu or common cold.

Acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, phenylephrine, and triprolidine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Warnings

Do not use this medicine if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days, such as isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, or tranylcypromine.

An acetaminophen overdose can damage your liver or cause death. Call your doctor at once if you have stomach pain (upper right side), loss of appetite, tiredness, itching, dark urine, clay-colored stools, or yellowing of your skin or eyes.

Stop taking this medicine and call your doctor right away if you have skin redness or a rash that spreads and causes blistering and peeling.

Do not use this medicine only to make a child sleepy.

Before taking this medicine

Do not use this medicine if you have taken an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, and tranylcypromine.

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, phenylephrine, or triprolidine.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if this medicine is safe to use if you have:

• liver disease, cirrhosis, alcoholism, or more than 3 alcoholic beverages per day;

• heart problems, high blood pressure;

• diabetes;

• glaucoma;

• a condition for which you take warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven);

• an enlarged prostate or urination problems;

• a thyroid disorder;

• breathing problems; or

• cough with mucus, or cough caused by smoking, asthma, or emphysema.

Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

How should I use acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, phenylephrine, and triprolidine?

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. An acetaminophen overdose can damage your liver or cause death. Cold or cough medicine is only for short-term use until your symptoms clear up.

Always follow directions on the medicine label about giving cough or cold medicine to a child. Do not use the medicine only to make a child sleepy. Death can occur from the misuse of cough or cold medicines in very young children.

Measure liquid medicine carefully. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).

Call your doctor if you have a sore throat for more than 2 days, especially if you also have fever, headache, rash, nausea, or vomiting.

If you need surgery or medical tests, tell the surgeon or doctor if you have taken this medicine within the past few days.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not allow liquid medicine to freeze.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, phenylephrine, and triprolidine is used when needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. Skip any missed dose if it''s almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose of acetaminophen can damage your liver or cause death.

Early signs of acetaminophen overdose include loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, sweating, or weakness. Later symptoms may include upper stomach pain, dark urine, and yellowing of your skin or eyes.

What should I avoid while using acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, phenylephrine, and triprolidine?

Avoid drinking alcohol. It may increase your risk of liver damage.

Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how this medicine will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine that may contain acetaminophen (sometimes abbreviated as APAP). Taking too much acetaminophen can lead to a fatal overdose.

acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, phenylephrine, and triprolidine side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

In rare cases, acetaminophen may cause a severe skin reaction that can be fatal. This could occur even if you have taken acetaminophen in the past and had no reaction. Stop taking this medicine and call your doctor right away if you have skin redness or a rash that spreads and causes blistering and peeling. If you have this type of reaction, you should never again take any medicine that contains acetaminophen.

This medicine may cause serious side effects. Stop using this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have:

• any new or worsening symptoms;

• nervousness, dizziness, or drowsiness;

• fever for longer than 3 days;

• redness, swelling, or rash;

• ongoing headache; or

• pain, cough, or sinus congestion lasting more than 7 days.

Some side effects may be more likely in older adults.

Common side effects of acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, phenylephrine, and triprolidine may include:

• dizziness, drowsiness;

• dry mouth, nose, or throat;

• blurred vision;

• constipation;

• feeling restless or excited (especially in children); or

• sleep problems (insomnia).

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, phenylephrine, and triprolidine?

Avoid using this medicine with other drugs that cause drowsiness or slow your breathing (such as opioid medicine, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures). Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using any other medication, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed in this medication guide.

Where can I get more information?

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.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

Copyright 1996-2023 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 1.01.

Acetaminophen, diphenhydramine, and phenylephrine

Generic name: acetaminophen, diphenhydramine, and phenylephrine [ a-SEET-a-MIN-oh-fen, DYE-fen-HYE-dra-meen, and-FEN-il-EFF-rin ]
Brand names: Benadryl Allergy & Sinus Headache, Delsym Cough Plus Cold Night Time, Mucinex Fast-Max Night Time Cold and Flu, Sudafed PE Severe Cold, Theraflu Severe Cold & Cough Nighttime, ... show all 23 brands Theraflu Warming Severe Cold Nighttime, Benadryl Allergy and Cold, Benadryl Allergy and Sinus Headache, Sudafed PE Nighttime Cold, Theraflu Warming Flu and Sore Throat, Theraflu Severe Cold and Cough Nighttime, Theraflu Warming Sinus and Cold, Robitussin Nighttime Multi-Symptom Cold, Tylenol Allergy Multi-Symptom Nighttime, Theraflu Nighttime Severe Cough and Cold, Children''s Delsym Cough Plus Cold Night Time, Children''s Mucinex Night Multi-Symp Cold, Children''s Dimetapp Multi-Symptom Cold and Flu, Theraflu ExpressMax Nighttime Severe C and C, Theraflu PowerPods Nighttime Severe Cold, Mucinex Sinus-Max Nighttime Congestion and Cough, Robitussin Maximum Strength Severe, Mucinex Children''s Multi-Symptom Cold Nighttime Very Berry
Dosage forms: oral liquid (320 mg-12.5 mg-5 mg/10 mL; 325 mg-12.5 mg-5 mg/10 mL; 650 mg-25 mg-10 mg/20 mL), oral powder for reconstitution (650 mg-25 mg-10 mg), ... show all 4 dosage forms oral syrup (325 mg-12.5 mg-5 mg/15 mL), oral tablet (325 mg-12.5 mg-5 mg; 325 mg-25 mg-5 mg)
Drug class: Upper respiratory combinations

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Sep 19, 2022. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is acetaminophen, diphenhydramine, and phenylephrine?

Acetaminophen is a pain reliever and fever reducer. Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine. Phenylephrine is a decongestant.

Acetaminophen, diphenhydramine, and phenylephrine is a combination medicine used to treat cold and flu symptoms such as runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, cough, sore throat, headache, fever, and body aches.

There are many brands and forms of acetaminophen, diphenhydramine, and phenylephrine available. Not all brands are listed on this leaflet.

Acetaminophen, diphenhydramine, and phenylephrine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Warnings

Do not use this medicine if you have taken an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, and tranylcypromine.

Use this medicine exactly as directed. An overdose of acetaminophen can damage your liver or cause death. Taking too much diphenhydramine can lead to serious heart problems, seizures, coma, or death.

Do not use this medicine to make a child sleepy. Some brands of acetaminophen, diphenhydramine, and phenylephrine are not approved for use in anyone younger than 12 years old.

Drinking alcohol may increase your risk of liver damage while taking acetaminophen.

Stop taking this medicine and call your doctor right away if you have skin redness or a rash that spreads and causes blistering and peeling.

Before taking this medicine

Ask a doctor before taking medicine that contains acetaminophen if you have ever had liver disease, or if you drink more than 3 alcoholic beverages per day.

Do not use this medicine if you have taken an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, and tranylcypromine.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if this medicine is safe to use if you have ever had:

• asthma or COPD, cough with mucus, or cough caused by smoking, emphysema, or chronic bronchitis;

• liver disease;

• high blood pressure, heart disease;

• an enlarged prostate or urination problems;

• a thyroid disorder;

• diabetes;

• glaucoma; or

• a condition for which you take warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven).

Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

How should I take acetaminophen, diphenhydramine, and phenylephrine?

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Cold or cough medicine is only for short-term use until your symptoms clear up.

Do not take more of this medicine than is recommended. An overdose of acetaminophen can damage your liver or cause death. Taking too much diphenhydramine can lead to serious heart problems, seizures, coma, or death.

Some brands of acetaminophen, diphenhydramine, and phenylephrine are not approved for use in anyone younger than 12 years old.

Always follow directions on the medicine label about giving this medicine to a child. Do not use the medicine only to make a child sleepy. Death can occur from the misuse of antihistamines in very young children.

Measure liquid medicine carefully. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).

Dissolve one packet of the powder in at least 4 ounces of water. Stir this mixture and drink all of it right away.

Call your doctor if you still have a sore throat after 2 days, or if you also have a fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, or rash.

Stop taking this medicine and talk with your doctor if you still have a fever after 3 days, or you still have pain, stuffy nose, or a cough after 7 days (5 days if treating a child). Also call your doctor if your symptoms get worse, or if you have any redness or swelling.

If you need surgery or medical tests, tell the surgeon or doctor ahead of time if you have taken this medicine within the past few days.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since acetaminophen, diphenhydramine, and phenylephrine is used when needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. Skip any missed dose if it''s almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose can be fatal or cause liver damage.

Overdose symptoms may include loss of appetite, vomiting, weakness, confusion, ringing in your ears, upper stomach pain, dark urine, no urination, very dry eyes and mouth, yellowing of your skin or eyes, dilated pupils, fast heartbeats, tremor, agitation, hallucinations, or seizure.

What should I avoid while taking acetaminophen, diphenhydramine, and phenylephrine?

Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how this medicine will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine that may contain acetaminophen or diphenhydramine. This includes medicines for pain, fever, swelling, cold/flu symptoms, or anti-itch medicine used on the skin. Using too much acetaminophen or diphenhydramine can lead to a fatal overdose.

Drinking alcohol may increase your risk of liver damage while taking this medicine.

acetaminophen, diphenhydramine, and phenylephrine side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

In rare cases, acetaminophen may cause a severe skin reaction that can be fatal. This could occur even if you have taken acetaminophen in the past and had no reaction. Stop taking this medicine and call your doctor right away if you have skin redness or a rash that spreads and causes blistering and peeling. If you have this type of reaction, you should never again take any medicine that contains acetaminophen.

This medicine may cause serious side effects. Stop using this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have:

• severe drowsiness;

• painful or difficult urination;

• dizziness, trouble sleeping, nervousness; or

• liver problems--loss of appetite, stomach pain (upper right side), tiredness, itching, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Common side effects of acetaminophen, diphenhydramine, and phenylephrine may include:

• drowsiness;

• dry eyes, blurred vision;

• dry mouth, nose, or throat;

• constipation; or

• feeling restless or excited (especially in children).

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect acetaminophen, diphenhydramine, and phenylephrine?

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using acetaminophen, diphenhydramine, and phenylephrine with any other medicines, especially drugs that can cause drowsiness (such as opioid medication, sleep medicine, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures). Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed here.

Where can I get more information?

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.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

Copyright 1996-2023 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 3.01.