Acetaminophen+pseudoephedrine+chlorpheniramine
About
Acetaminophen+pseudoephedrine+chlorpheniramine belongs to the class of medication called 'cough and cold medications' primarily used to treat symptoms of the common cold and allergies like sneezing, runny/stuffy nose, fever, headache, body pains, congestion or watery eyes. The common cold is a respiratory illness affecting the nose and throat. It is mostly caused by viruses known as 'rhinovirus.' The virus enters the body through the nose, mouth or eyes and spreads easily through droplets in the air when the person who is sick sneezes, coughs or talks.
Acetaminophen+pseudoephedrine+chlorpheniramine is a combination medicine that contains Acetaminophen (mild analgesic and antipyretic), Pseudoephedrine (decongestant) and Chlorpheniramine (antihistamine/antiallergic). Acetaminophen works by blocking the production of certain chemical messengers in the brain known as prostaglandins responsible for pain and fever. Pseudoephedrine works by contracting and narrowing the small blood vessels of nasal passages and airways, relieving congestion or stuffiness in the nose. Chlorpheniramine works by blocking the action of histamine, a substance responsible for causing allergic reactions. Collectively, Acetaminophen+pseudoephedrine+chlorpheniramine helps relieve allergy symptoms such as sneezing, running nose, watery eyes, itching, swelling and nasal congestion.
Take Acetaminophen+pseudoephedrine+chlorpheniramine as prescribed by your doctor. Your doctor will recommend how often you take Acetaminophen+pseudoephedrine+chlorpheniramine based on your medical condition. Some people may experience nausea, sleepiness, allergic reaction, dizziness, headache, restlessness, nervousness, and insomnia (difficulty sleeping). Most of these side effects of Acetaminophen+pseudoephedrine+chlorpheniramine do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
If you are allergic to Acetaminophen+pseudoephedrine+chlorpheniramine or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. Please do not take more than the prescribed dose of Acetaminophen+pseudoephedrine+chlorpheniramine as it may cause liver damage and can be lethal. If you have high blood pressure, diabetes, glaucoma, hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), kidney, liver, heart or urinary problems, inform your doctor before taking Acetaminophen+pseudoephedrine+chlorpheniramine. If you are pregnant, it is advised to inform your doctor before using Acetaminophen+pseudoephedrine+chlorpheniramine. Do not use Acetaminophen+pseudoephedrine+chlorpheniramine in breastfeeding mothers without a doctor’s advice as it may be excreted in breast milk and cause harm to the baby. Acetaminophen+pseudoephedrine+chlorpheniramine is not recommended for children below 4 years.
Uses of Acetaminophen+pseudoephedrine+chlorpheniramine
Medicinal Benefits
Acetaminophen+pseudoephedrine+chlorpheniramine belongs to the class of medication called 'cough and cold medications' primarily used to treat symptoms of the common cold and allergies like sneezing, runny/stuffy nose, fever, headache, body pains, congestion or watery eyes. Acetaminophen is an analgesic (relieves pain) and antipyretic (reduces fever) that works by blocking the production of certain chemical messengers in the brain known as prostaglandins responsible for pain and fever. Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant that works by contracting and narrowing the small blood vessels of nasal passages and airways, relieving congestion or stuffiness in the nose. Chlorpheniramine belongs to the class of antihistamines (anti-allergic drugs) that works by blocking the action of histamine, a substance responsible for causing allergic reactions. It helps relieve allergy symptoms such as sneezing, running nose, watery eyes, itching, swelling and nasal congestion.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Acetaminophen+pseudoephedrine+chlorpheniramine
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Mild headache
- Blurred vision
- Dry mouth, nose, or throat
- Constipation
- Feeling nervous
- Sleep problems
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
If you are allergic to Acetaminophen+pseudoephedrine+chlorpheniramine or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. If you are pregnant, it is advised to inform your doctor before using Acetaminophen+pseudoephedrine+chlorpheniramine. Do not use Acetaminophen+pseudoephedrine+chlorpheniramine in breastfeeding mothers without a doctor’s advice as it may be excreted in breast milk and cause harm to the baby. Acetaminophen+pseudoephedrine+chlorpheniramine is not recommended for children below 4 years. Please do not take more than the prescribed dose of Acetaminophen+pseudoephedrine+chlorpheniramine as it may cause liver damage and can be lethal. If you have high blood pressure, diabetes, glaucoma, hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), chronic bronchitis, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), blockage in stomach or intestines, enlarged prostate gland, pheochromocytoma (tumour in the adrenal glands), kidney, liver, heart or urinary problems, inform your doctor before taking Acetaminophen+pseudoephedrine+chlorpheniramine.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Acetaminophen+pseudoephedrine+chlorpheniramine may interact with antidepressants (duloxetine, escitalopram), sleeping agents (ramelteon), pain killers (ibuprofen), fits medicine (phenytoin, carbamazepine), blood pressure-lowering pills (atenolol, propranolol).
Drug-Food Interactions: Avoid intake of Acetaminophen+pseudoephedrine+chlorpheniramine with chocolate and caffeine-containing foods such as cocoa beans and tea leaves as they may increase the risk of severity of side effects. Avoid consumption of alcohol with Acetaminophen+pseudoephedrine+chlorpheniramine as it may increase the risk of liver damage and cause increased drowsiness, dizziness and difficulty concentrating.
Drug-Disease Interactions: If you have high blood pressure, diabetes, glaucoma, hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), chronic bronchitis, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), blockage in stomach or intestines, enlarged prostate gland, pheochromocytoma (tumour in the adrenal glands), kidney, liver, heart or urinary problems, inform your doctor before taking Acetaminophen+pseudoephedrine+chlorpheniramine.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAvoid consumption of alcohol with Acetaminophen+pseudoephedrine+chlorpheniramine as it may increase the risk of liver damage and cause increased drowsiness, dizziness or difficulty concentrating. Please consult a doctor before consuming alcohol with Acetaminophen+pseudoephedrine+chlorpheniramine.
Pregnancy
cautionIt is not known whether Acetaminophen+pseudoephedrine+chlorpheniramine is safe to be used in pregnancy. If you are pregnant, consult your doctor before taking this medicine.
Breast Feeding
cautionAcetaminophen+pseudoephedrine+chlorpheniramine may be excreted in breast milk and cause harm to the baby. Besides this, Acetaminophen+pseudoephedrine+chlorpheniramine may also slow milk production. Hence, if you are breastfeeding, consult your doctor before taking this medicine.
Driving
unsafeAcetaminophen+pseudoephedrine+chlorpheniramine may cause blurred vision or impair thinking in some people. Therefore, drive only if you are alert after taking Acetaminophen+pseudoephedrine+chlorpheniramine.
Liver
cautionAcetaminophen+pseudoephedrine+chlorpheniramine has acetaminophen, which may causes harm to the liver in doses more than the recommended dose. Take Acetaminophen+pseudoephedrine+chlorpheniramine with caution, especially if you have a history of liver diseases/conditions. Your doctor may adjust the dose based on your condition.
Kidney
cautionTake Acetaminophen+pseudoephedrine+chlorpheniramine with caution, especially if you have a history of kidney diseases/conditions. Your doctor may adjust the dose based on your condition.
Children
cautionAcetaminophen+pseudoephedrine+chlorpheniramine is not recommended for children below 4 years of age as the safety and efficacy are not established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Wash your hands with soap and water regularly to prevent the spread of germs.
- Eat plenty of foods rich in good bacteria, like yoghurt to improve overall health.
- Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.
- Gargle with salt water for relief from sore throat.
- Avoid alcohol consumption with Acetaminophen+pseudoephedrine+chlorpheniramine as it may cause tiredness, drowsiness or lack of concentration.
Special Advise
- Do not give Acetaminophen+pseudoephedrine+chlorpheniramine to children below 4 years of age.
- Do not take Acetaminophen+pseudoephedrine+chlorpheniramine for longer than 7 days in a row (for adults) and 5 days (for children above 4 years).
- If you have allergic skin reactions like skin redness or rash that spreads and causes blistering and peeling, immediately contact a doctor.
- Patients with glaucoma or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) should use this medicine with caution.
- Consult your doctor if you face any problems while using Acetaminophen+pseudoephedrine+chlorpheniramine.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Common cold: The virus, commonly referred to as 'rhinoviruses,' which affects the nose and throat, causes the common cold (upper respiratory tract). The risk of colds is greatest in children under the age of six, but healthy adults can also be affected by getting 2 to 3 colds per year. Most of the time, cold symptoms disappear within a week to ten days. However, those who smoke or are exposed to allergens like pollutants, dust, etc., may experience symptoms that last longer. Sneezing, a sore throat, a cough, congestion, mild body aches, a low fever, a mild headache, feeling unwell, and a stuffy or runny nose are some of the symptoms of the common cold. It is not always a sign of bacterial infection when the nasal discharge thickens and turns yellow or green.
Allergies: These happen when foreign substances that can cause allergies (allergens) attack and enter our bodies, releasing histamines. Histamines, chemical messengers, cause swelling, inflammation, redness, itching, and watery/runny eyes, noses, and throats. Chemicals, air pollution, pet dander, dust, pollen hairs, seasonal allergies like hay fever, etc., are the most common causes of allergies.
FAQs
Acetaminophen+pseudoephedrine+chlorpheniramine contains Acetaminophen, Pseudoephedrine, and Chlorpheniramine. Acetaminophen works by inhibiting the production of certain chemical messengers in the brain known as prostaglandins responsible for pain and fever. Pseudoephedrine works by contracting and narrowing the blood vessels. Chlorpheniramine works by blocking the action of histamine, a substance responsible for causing allergic reactions. Collectively, Acetaminophen+pseudoephedrine+chlorpheniramine helps to provide relief from allergy symptoms such as sneezing, running nose, watery eyes, itching, swelling and congestion or stiffness.
Yes, Acetaminophen+pseudoephedrine+chlorpheniramine may cause drowsiness. It is not necessary for everyone taking Acetaminophen+pseudoephedrine+chlorpheniramine to experience this side effect. Therefore, avoid driving or operating heavy machinery if you feel drowsy after taking Acetaminophen+pseudoephedrine+chlorpheniramine.
Yes, Acetaminophen+pseudoephedrine+chlorpheniramine contains acetaminophen, which acts as a mild pain killer (analgesic) and fever reducer (antipyretic). It works by inhibiting the production of certain chemical messengers in the brain known as prostaglandins responsible for pain and fever.
Acetaminophen+pseudoephedrine+chlorpheniramine contains Acetaminophen. This medicine is known to harm the liver, mainly in doses more than the recommended level. Also, avoid drinking alcohol while taking this Acetaminophen+pseudoephedrine+chlorpheniramine, as it may further increase your risk of liver damage.
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.
Acetaminophen+pseudoephedrine+chlorpheniramine should be used with caution in patients with glaucoma. Consult your doctor for further advice.
