Acetaminophen; Dextromethorphan Oral Solution

July 17, 2018

Acetaminophen; Dextromethorphan Oral Solution

What is this medicine?

ACETAMINOPHEN; DEXTROMETHORPHAN (a set a MEE noe fen; dex troe meth OR fan) is a combination of a pain reliever and a cough suppressant. It is used to treat the aches and pains, cough, fever and headache of a cold. This medicine will not treat an infection.

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth. Follow the directions on the package label. Use a specially marked spoon or container to measure each dose. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have one. Household spoons are not accurate. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take it more often than directed.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 2 years of age for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

  • allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

  • breathing problems

  • confusion

  • over excited, nervous, or restless

  • problems with balance, talking, walking

  • trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine

  • unusual bleeding or bruising

  • unusually weak or tired

  • yellowing of the eyes or skin

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

  • headache

  • nausea, stomach upset

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

  • MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

  • alcohol

  • furazolidone

  • imatinib

  • isoniazid

  • linezolid

  • other medicines with acetaminophen

  • procarbazine

What if I miss a dose?

If 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.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

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

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • asthma, bronchitis, or other lung disease

  • cough that does not go away

  • cough with a lot of phlegm

  • if you often drink alcohol

  • liver disease

  • taken a MAOI like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, or Parnate in last 14 days

  • an unusual or allergic reaction to acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

  • pregnant or trying to get pregnant

  • breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Tell your doctor or healthcare professional if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse. Let your doctor know if the pain or cough gets worse or lasts for more than 5 days. Call your doctor if a fever gets worse or lasts for more than 3 days. If a cough does not go away, if a cough comes back, or if it occurs with a rash or headache see your doctor. Also see your doctor if a sore throat lasts more than 2 days or if it occurs with a fever, rash, headache, nausea, or vomiting.

Do not take other medicines that contain acetaminophen with this medicine. Always read labels carefully. If you have questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

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.

Updated:  

July 17, 2018