ACETAMINOPHEN; CHLORPHENIRAMINE; PHENYLEPHRINE (a SEET a MIN oh fen; klor fen IR a meen; fen il EF rin) treats the symptoms of the common cold, allergies, or flu. It works by reducing pain, fever, and red, itchy eyes. It also decreases a runny or stuffy nose. It is a combination of acetaminophen, an antihistamine, and a decongestant.
What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
Diabetes
Frequently drink alcohol
Glaucoma
Heart disease
High blood pressure
Liver disease
Lung or breathing disease, such as COPD or asthma
Taken an MAOI, such as Marplan, Nardil, or Parnate in the last 14 days
Thyroid disease
Trouble passing urine
An unusual or allergic reaction to acetaminophen, chlorpheniramine, phenylephrine, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
Breastfeeding
How should I use this medication?
Take this medication by mouth with water. Take it as directed on the label. You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. Do not use it more often than directed.
Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it may be given to children as young as 12 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
People 65 years and older may have a stronger reaction and need a smaller dose.
What if I miss a dose?
This does not apply. This medication is not for regular use. It should only be used as needed.
What may interact with this medication?
Do not take this medication with any of the following:
Ergot alkaloids, such as dihydroergotamine, ergotamine, methylergonovine
MAOIs, such as Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate
This medication may also interact with the following:
Alcohol
Atropine
Benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam, diazepam, lorazepam
Certain medications for bladder problems, such as oxybutynin or tolterodine
Certain medications for depression, such as amitriptyline or trazodone
Certain medications for seizures, such as phenobarbital or primidone
Certain medications for stomach problems, such as dicyclomine or hyoscyamine
Certain medications for travel sickness, such as scopolamine
Certain medications for Parkinson disease, such as benztropine or trihexyphenidyl
Ipratropium
Medications that cause drowsiness before a procedure, such as propofol
Medications that help you fall asleep
Medications that relax muscles
Opioids for pain or cough
Other antihistamines for allergy, cough, and cold
Phenothiazines, such as chlorpromazine, prochlorperazine, thioridazine
St. John's wort
Stimulant medications for ADHD, weight loss, or staying awake
Warfarin
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
Heart palpitations—rapid, pounding, or irregular heartbeat
Increase in blood pressure
Liver injury—right upper belly pain, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stool, dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing skin or eyes, unusual weakness or fatigue
Redness, blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
Sudden eye pain or change in vision such as blurry vision, seeing halos around lights, vision loss
Trouble passing urine
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
Anxiety, nervousness
Confusion
Constipation
Dizziness
Drowsiness
Dry mouth
Fatigue
What should I watch for while using this medication?
Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse. If you need to use this medication for more than 7 days, talk to your care team. Tell your care team if your fever lasts more than 3 days.
Do not take other medications that contain acetaminophen with this medication. Many non-prescription medications contain acetaminophen. Always read labels carefully. If you have questions, ask your care team.
If you take too much acetaminophen, get medical help right away. Too much acetaminophen can be very dangerous and cause liver damage. Even if you do not have symptoms, it is important to get help right away.
This medication may affect your coordination, reaction time, or judgment. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you. Sit up or stand slowly to reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Drinking alcohol with this medication can increase the risk of these side effects.
This medication may cause serious skin reactions. They can happen weeks to months after starting the medication. Contact your care team right away if you notice fevers or flu-like symptoms with a rash. The rash may be red or purple and then turn into blisters or peeling of the skin. You may also notice a red rash with swelling of the face, lips, or lymph nodes in your neck or under your arms.
Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy and drinking plenty of water may help. Contact your care team if the problem does not go away or is severe.
Where should I keep my medication?
Keep out of the reach of children and pets.
Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.
To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:
Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put it in the trash, take the medication out of the container. Mix the medication with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or other unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.
K Health articles are all written and reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, or PharmDs and are for informational purposes only. This information does not constitute and should not be relied on for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment.
This information is educational only and should not be construed as specific instructions for individual patients nor as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Talk to your health care provider or pharmacist about the information and instructions. K Health assumes no liability for any use or reliance on this information.
