What is this medication?

ACETAMINOPHEN; DIPHENHYDRAMINE (a set a MEE noe fen; dye fen HYE dra meen) treats pain and helps you get to sleep faster. It is a combination of acetaminophen and an antihistamine.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

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
  • Prostate disease
  • Stomach or intestine problems
  • An unusual or allergic reaction to acetaminophen, diphenhydramine, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
  • Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
  • Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication 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 medication without first dissolving the tablet.

Talk to your care team regarding the use of this medication in children. While this medication may be used for children as young as 12 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

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.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

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

This medication may also interact with the following:

  • Alcohol
  • Antihistamines for allergy, cough, and cold
  • Barbiturates, like phenobarbital
  • Certain medications for sleep
  • Certain medications for bladder problems like oxybutynin, tolterodine
  • Certain medications for blood pressure
  • Certain medications for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances
  • Certain medications for Parkinson disease like benztropine, trihexyphenidyl
  • Certain medications for stomach problems like dicyclomine, hyoscyamine
  • Imatinib
  • Isoniazid
  • Other medications with acetaminophen

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Tell your care team 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 care team if the problem does not go away or is severe.

This medication may cause dry eyes and blurred vision. If you wear contact lenses you may feel some discomfort. Lubricating drops may help. See your eye care specialist 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 medication 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 medication. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

Do not take other medications that contain acetaminophen with this medication. Always read labels carefully. If you have questions, ask your care team 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.

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
  • 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 to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

  • Confusion
  • Constipation
  • Drowsiness
  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Upset stomach

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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 to 77 degrees F). Keep this medication in the original container. Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.