Acetaminophen; Diphenhydramine effervescent tablets

What is this medicine?

ACETAMINOPHEN; DIPHENHYDRAMINE (a set a MEE noe fen; dye fen HYE dra meen) is a pain reliever antihistamine combination. It is used to treat pain and help you fall to sleep.

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth. Follow the directions on the package. Leave the tablet in the sealed blister pack until you are ready to take it. With dry hands, open the blister and gently remove the tablet. Dissolve 2 tablets in 8 ounces of room temperature water. Do not chew or swallow this medicine without first dissolving the tablet.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be used for children as young as 12 years 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

• changes in vision

• confusion

• fast, irregular heartbeat

• tremors

• 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):

• constipation

• drowsiness

• headache

• loss of appetite

• upset stomach

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

• antihistamines for allergy, cough, and cold

• barbiturates, like phenobarbital

• certain medicines for sleep

• certain medicines for bladder problems like oxybutynin, tolterodine

• certain medicines for blood pressure

• certain medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances

• certain medicines for Parkinson's disease like benztropine, trihexyphenidyl

• certain medicines stomach problems like dicyclomine, hyoscyamine

• imatinib

• isoniazid

• other medicines with acetaminophen

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 to 77 degrees F). Keep this medicine in the original container. 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:

• glaucoma

• heart disease

• high blood pressure

• if you often drink alcohol

• liver disease

• lung or breathing disease, like asthma

• problems urinating

• prostrate disease

• stomach or intestine problems

• an unusual or allergic reaction to acetaminophen, diphenhydramine, 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 if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water may help. Contact your doctor if the problem does not go away or is severe.

This medicine may cause dry eyes and blurred vision. If you wear contact lenses you may feel some discomfort. Lubricating drops may help. See your eye doctor if the problem does not go away or is severe.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medicine. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

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.