acetaminophen/dextromethorphan/pseudoephedrine/guaifenesin (OTC)

Brand and Other Names:Tylenol Cold Severe Congestion
Sections

Dosing & Uses

AdultPediatric

Dosage Forms & Strengths

acetaminophen/dextromethorphan/pseudoephedrine/guaifenesin

tablet

  • 325mg/15mg/30mg/200mg

Symptomatic Relief of Cough & Congestion

2 tablets PO q6hr; not to exceed 8 tablets/day

Dosage Forms & Strengths

acetaminophen/dextromethorphan/pseudoephedrine/guaifenesin

tablet

  • 325mg/15mg/30mg/200mg

Symptomatic Relief of Cough & Congestion

<12 Years Old

  • Not recommended

>12 Years Old

  • 2 tablets PO q6hr; not to exceed 8 tablets/day
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Interactions

Interaction Checker

and acetaminophen/dextromethorphan/pseudoephedrine/guaifenesin

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            Contraindicated (15)

            • dihydroergotamine

              dihydroergotamine increases effects of pseudoephedrine by pharmacodynamic synergism. Contraindicated. Ergot derivatives may enhance the vasoconstricting effect of pseudoephedrine and eventually significantly increasing blood pressure.

            • dihydroergotamine inhaled

              dihydroergotamine inhaled increases effects of pseudoephedrine by pharmacodynamic synergism. Contraindicated. Ergot derivatives may enhance the vasoconstricting effect of pseudoephedrine and eventually significantly increasing blood pressure.

            • dihydroergotamine intranasal

              dihydroergotamine intranasal increases effects of pseudoephedrine by pharmacodynamic synergism. Contraindicated. Ergot derivatives may enhance the vasoconstricting effect of pseudoephedrine and eventually significantly increasing blood pressure.

            • ergoloid mesylates

              ergoloid mesylates increases effects of pseudoephedrine by pharmacodynamic synergism. Contraindicated. Ergot derivatives may enhance the vasoconstricting effect of pseudoephedrine and eventually significantly increasing blood pressure.

            • ergonovine

              ergonovine increases effects of pseudoephedrine by pharmacodynamic synergism. Contraindicated. Ergot derivatives may enhance the vasoconstricting effect of pseudoephedrine and eventually significantly increasing blood pressure.

            • ergotamine

              ergotamine increases effects of pseudoephedrine by pharmacodynamic synergism. Contraindicated. Ergot derivatives may enhance the vasoconstricting effect of pseudoephedrine and eventually significantly increasing blood pressure.

            • isocarboxazid

              isocarboxazid increases effects of pseudoephedrine by pharmacodynamic synergism. Contraindicated. Risk of acute hypertensive episode.

            • linezolid

              linezolid increases effects of pseudoephedrine by pharmacodynamic synergism. Contraindicated. Risk of acute hypertensive episode.

            • methylergonovine

              methylergonovine increases effects of pseudoephedrine by pharmacodynamic synergism. Contraindicated. Ergot derivatives may enhance the vasoconstricting effect of pseudoephedrine and eventually significantly increasing blood pressure.

            • phenelzine

              phenelzine increases effects of pseudoephedrine by pharmacodynamic synergism. Contraindicated. Risk of acute hypertensive episode.

            • procarbazine

              procarbazine increases effects of pseudoephedrine by pharmacodynamic synergism. Contraindicated. Risk of acute hypertensive episode.

            • rasagiline

              rasagiline increases effects of pseudoephedrine by pharmacodynamic synergism. Contraindicated. Risk of acute hypertensive episode.

            • selegiline

              selegiline increases effects of pseudoephedrine by pharmacodynamic synergism. Contraindicated. Risk of acute hypertensive episode.

            • selegiline transdermal

              selegiline transdermal increases effects of pseudoephedrine by pharmacodynamic synergism. Contraindicated. Risk of acute hypertensive episode.

            • tranylcypromine

              tranylcypromine increases effects of pseudoephedrine by pharmacodynamic synergism. Contraindicated. Risk of acute hypertensive episode.

            Serious - Use Alternative (25)

            • amitriptyline

              amitriptyline increases effects of pseudoephedrine by sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Tricyclic antidepressants increase or decrease effects of sympathomimetics, by blocking reuptake of NE, or blocking uptake of indirect sympathomimetics into the adrenergic neuron.

            • amoxapine

              amoxapine increases effects of pseudoephedrine by sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Tricyclic antidepressants increase or decrease effects of sympathomimetics, by blocking reuptake of NE, or blocking uptake of indirect sympathomimetics into the adrenergic neuron.

            • cabergoline

              cabergoline, pseudoephedrine. Mechanism: pharmacodynamic synergism. Contraindicated. Additive vasospasm; risk of hypertension.

            • clomipramine

              clomipramine increases effects of pseudoephedrine by sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Tricyclic antidepressants increase or decrease effects of sympathomimetics, by blocking reuptake of NE, or blocking uptake of indirect sympathomimetics into the adrenergic neuron.

            • cocaine topical

              cocaine topical increases effects of pseudoephedrine by sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug.

            • desipramine

              desipramine increases effects of pseudoephedrine by sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Tricyclic antidepressants increase or decrease effects of sympathomimetics, by blocking reuptake of NE, or blocking uptake of indirect sympathomimetics into the adrenergic neuron.

            • desvenlafaxine

              desvenlafaxine increases effects of pseudoephedrine by sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug.

            • doxapram

              doxapram increases effects of pseudoephedrine by pharmacodynamic synergism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Additive pressor effect.

            • doxepin

              doxepin increases effects of pseudoephedrine by sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Tricyclic antidepressants increase or decrease effects of sympathomimetics, by blocking reuptake of NE, or blocking uptake of indirect sympathomimetics into the adrenergic neuron.

            • duloxetine

              duloxetine increases effects of pseudoephedrine by sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug.

            • imipramine

              imipramine increases effects of pseudoephedrine by sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Tricyclic antidepressants increase or decrease effects of sympathomimetics, by blocking reuptake of NE, or blocking uptake of indirect sympathomimetics into the adrenergic neuron.

            • iobenguane I 123

              pseudoephedrine decreases effects of iobenguane I 123 by receptor binding competition. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. If clinically appropriate, discontinue drugs that compete for NE receptor sites for at least 5 half-lives; may cause false-negative imaging results. Do not administer pseudoephedrine until at least 7 days after each iobenguane dose.

            • iobenguane I 131

              pseudoephedrine decreases effects of iobenguane I 131 by receptor binding competition. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. If clinically appropriate, discontinue drugs that compete for NE receptor sites for at least 5 half-lives; may cause false-negative imaging results. Do not administer pseudoephedrine until at least 7 days after each iobenguane dose.

            • isoflurane

              isoflurane increases toxicity of pseudoephedrine by Mechanism: unknown. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Risk of V tach, HTN.

            • levomilnacipran

              levomilnacipran increases effects of pseudoephedrine by sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug.

            • lofepramine

              lofepramine, pseudoephedrine. Other (see comment). Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Comment: Tricyclic antidepressants increase or decrease effects of sympathomimetics, by blocking reuptake of NE, or blocking uptake of indirect sympathomimetics into the adrenergic neuron.

            • lonafarnib

              acetaminophen will increase the level or effect of lonafarnib by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. If coadministration of lonafarnib (a sensitive CYP3A substrate) with weak CYP3A inhibitors is unavoidable, reduce to, or continue lonafarnib at starting dose. Closely monitor for arrhythmias and events (eg, syncope, heart palpitations) since lonafarnib effect on QT interval is unknown.

            • maprotiline

              maprotiline, pseudoephedrine. Other (see comment). Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Comment: Tricyclic antidepressants increase or decrease effects of sympathomimetics, by blocking reuptake of NE, or blocking uptake of indirect sympathomimetics into the adrenergic neuron.

            • methoxyflurane

              methoxyflurane increases toxicity of pseudoephedrine by Mechanism: unknown. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Risk of V tach, HTN.

            • milnacipran

              milnacipran increases effects of pseudoephedrine by sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug.

            • nortriptyline

              nortriptyline increases effects of pseudoephedrine by sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Tricyclic antidepressants increase or decrease effects of sympathomimetics, by blocking reuptake of NE, or blocking uptake of indirect sympathomimetics into the adrenergic neuron.

            • ozanimod

              ozanimod increases toxicity of pseudoephedrine by sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Because the active metabolite of ozanimod inhibits MAO-B in vitro, there is a potential for serious adverse reactions, including hypertensive crisis. Therefore, coadministration of ozanimod with drugs that can increase norepinephrine or serotonin is not recommended. Monitor for hypertension with concomitant use.

            • pexidartinib

              acetaminophen and pexidartinib both increase Other (see comment). Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Pexidartinib can cause hepatotoxicity. Avoid coadministration of pexidartinib with other products know to cause hepatoxicity.

            • pretomanid

              acetaminophen, pretomanid. Either increases toxicity of the other by Other (see comment). Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Comment: Pretomanid regimen associated with hepatotoxicity. Avoid alcohol and hepatotoxic agents, including herbal supplements and drugs other than bedaquiline and linezolid.

            • protriptyline

              protriptyline increases effects of pseudoephedrine by sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Avoid or Use Alternate Drug. Tricyclic antidepressants increase or decrease effects of sympathomimetics, by blocking reuptake of NE, or blocking uptake of indirect sympathomimetics into the adrenergic neuron.

            Monitor Closely (99)

            • acetazolamide

              acetazolamide will increase the level or effect of pseudoephedrine by passive renal tubular reabsorption - basic urine. Use Caution/Monitor.

            • albuterol

              albuterol and pseudoephedrine both increase sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Use Caution/Monitor.

            • alfuzosin

              pseudoephedrine decreases effects of alfuzosin by sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Use Caution/Monitor.

            • aluminum hydroxide

              aluminum hydroxide will increase the level or effect of pseudoephedrine by passive renal tubular reabsorption - basic urine. Use Caution/Monitor. Caution advised with frequent or high dose antacids

            • ammonium chloride

              ammonium chloride decreases effects of pseudoephedrine by unknown mechanism. Use Caution/Monitor. Urinary excretion of indirect acting alpha/beta agonists (eg, pseudoephedrine) may increase when administered concomitantly with urinary acidifying agents, resulting in lower serum concentrations.

            • apalutamide

              apalutamide will decrease the level or effect of acetaminophen by increasing elimination. Use Caution/Monitor. Apalutamide induces UGT and may decrease systemic exposure of drugs that are UGT substrates.

            • arformoterol

              arformoterol and pseudoephedrine both increase sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Use Caution/Monitor.

            • atogepant

              acetaminophen will increase the level or effect of atogepant by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor.

            • avapritinib

              acetaminophen will increase the level or effect of avapritinib by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor.

            • axitinib

              acetaminophen increases levels of axitinib by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor.

            • benzphetamine

              benzphetamine and pseudoephedrine both increase sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Use Caution/Monitor.

            • bromocriptine

              bromocriptine, pseudoephedrine. Either increases effects of the other by pharmacodynamic synergism. Use Caution/Monitor. Hypertension, V tach.

            • bupivacaine implant

              acetaminophen, bupivacaine implant. Either increases toxicity of the other by Other (see comment). Use Caution/Monitor. Comment: Local anesthetics may increase the risk of developing methemoglobinemia when concurrently exposed to drugs that also cause methemoglobinemia.

            • busulfan

              acetaminophen increases levels of busulfan by decreasing metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor. Use of acetaminophen prior to (< 72 hours) or concurrently with busulfan may result in decreased clearance of busulfan due to acetaminophen-induced decreases in glutathione levels.

            • chlorpromazine

              chlorpromazine, pseudoephedrine. Mechanism: unknown. Use Caution/Monitor. Consider avoiding use of pseudoephedrine in patients receiving phenothiazines (especially thioridazine) due to the potential risk of cardiac arrhythmia or sudden death. Monitor for evidence of ventricular arrhythmias during concomitant use.

            • dapsone topical

              acetaminophen increases toxicity of dapsone topical by altering metabolism. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. May induce methemoglobinemia .

            • dexfenfluramine

              dexfenfluramine and pseudoephedrine both increase sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Use Caution/Monitor.

            • dexmethylphenidate

              dexmethylphenidate and pseudoephedrine both increase sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Use Caution/Monitor.

            • dextroamphetamine

              dextroamphetamine and pseudoephedrine both increase sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Use Caution/Monitor.

            • diethylpropion

              diethylpropion and pseudoephedrine both increase sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Use Caution/Monitor.

            • dobutamine

              dobutamine and pseudoephedrine both increase sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Use Caution/Monitor.

            • dopamine

              dopamine and pseudoephedrine both increase sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Use Caution/Monitor.

            • dopexamine

              dopexamine and pseudoephedrine both increase sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Use Caution/Monitor.

            • doxazosin

              pseudoephedrine decreases effects of doxazosin by sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Use Caution/Monitor.

            • droxidopa

              pseudoephedrine and droxidopa both increase sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Use Caution/Monitor. May increase risk for supine hypertension

            • eltrombopag

              eltrombopag increases levels of acetaminophen by decreasing metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor. UGT inhibition; significance of interaction unclear.

            • ephedrine

              ephedrine and pseudoephedrine both increase sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Use Caution/Monitor.

              ephedrine, pseudoephedrine. Either increases effects of the other by pharmacodynamic synergism. Use Caution/Monitor.

            • epinephrine

              epinephrine and pseudoephedrine both increase sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Use Caution/Monitor.

            • epinephrine inhaled

              pseudoephedrine, epinephrine inhaled. Either increases effects of the other by sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Use Caution/Monitor.

            • epinephrine racemic

              epinephrine racemic and pseudoephedrine both increase sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Use Caution/Monitor.

            • esketamine intranasal

              esketamine intranasal, pseudoephedrine. Either increases toxicity of the other by sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Use Caution/Monitor. Closely monitor blood pressure with concomitant use of esketamine nasal with stimulants. .

            • exenatide injectable solution

              exenatide injectable solution will decrease the level or effect of acetaminophen by unspecified interaction mechanism. Use Caution/Monitor. To avoid potential interaction, give acetaminophen at least 1 hour before or 4 hours after exenatide injection.

            • exenatide injectable suspension

              exenatide injectable suspension will decrease the level or effect of acetaminophen by unspecified interaction mechanism. Use Caution/Monitor. To avoid potential interaction, give acetaminophen at least 1 hour before or 4 hours after exenatide injection.

            • fenfluramine

              fenfluramine and pseudoephedrine both increase sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Use Caution/Monitor.

            • finerenone

              acetaminophen will increase the level or effect of finerenone by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. Monitor serum potassium during initiation and dosage adjustment of either finererone or moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors. Adjust finererone dosage as needed.

            • flibanserin

              acetaminophen will increase the level or effect of flibanserin by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor. Increased flibanserin adverse effects may occur if coadministered with multiple weak CYP3A4 inhibitors.

            • fluphenazine

              fluphenazine, pseudoephedrine. Mechanism: unknown. Use Caution/Monitor. Consider avoiding use of pseudoephedrine in patients receiving phenothiazines (especially thioridazine) due to the potential risk of cardiac arrhythmia or sudden death. Monitor for evidence of ventricular arrhythmias during concomitant use.

            • formoterol

              formoterol and pseudoephedrine both increase sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Use Caution/Monitor.

            • hydralazine

              hydralazine, pseudoephedrine. Mechanism: pharmacodynamic antagonism. Use Caution/Monitor. Sympathomimetics can antagonize the activity of some antihypertensive agents.

            • imatinib

              imatinib decreases levels of acetaminophen by decreasing hepatic clearance. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. In vitro, imatinib was found to inhibit acetaminophen O-glucuronidation (Ki value of 58.5 micro-M) at therapeutic levels; avoid chronic acetaminophen therapy with imatinib; if occasional acetaminophen administered, do not exceed 1300 mg/day.

            • insulin degludec

              pseudoephedrine decreases effects of insulin degludec by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. Sympathomimetics increase blood glucose by stimulating alpha and beta receptors; this action results in increased hepatic glucose production, glycogenolysis, and decreased insulin secretion.

            • insulin degludec/insulin aspart

              pseudoephedrine decreases effects of insulin degludec/insulin aspart by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. Sympathomimetics increase blood glucose by stimulating alpha and beta receptors; this action results in increased hepatic glucose production, glycogenolysis, and decreased insulin secretion.

            • insulin detemir

              pseudoephedrine decreases effects of insulin detemir by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. Sympathomimetics increase blood glucose by stimulating alpha and beta receptors; this action results in increased hepatic glucose production, glycogenolysis, and decreased insulin secretion.

            • insulin glargine

              pseudoephedrine decreases effects of insulin glargine by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. Sympathomimetics increase blood glucose by stimulating alpha and beta receptors; this action results in increased hepatic glucose production, glycogenolysis, and decreased insulin secretion.

            • insulin inhaled

              pseudoephedrine decreases effects of insulin inhaled by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. Sympathomimetics increase blood glucose by stimulating alpha and beta receptors; this action results in increased hepatic glucose production, glycogenolysis, and decreased insulin secretion.

            • insulin regular human

              pseudoephedrine decreases effects of insulin regular human by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. Sympathomimetics increase blood glucose by stimulating alpha and beta receptors; this action results in increased hepatic glucose production, glycogenolysis, and decreased insulin secretion.

            • isavuconazonium sulfate

              acetaminophen will increase the level or effect of isavuconazonium sulfate by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor.

            • isoniazid

              isoniazid will increase the level or effect of acetaminophen by affecting hepatic enzyme CYP2E1 metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor.

            • isoproterenol

              isoproterenol and pseudoephedrine both increase sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Use Caution/Monitor.

            • ivacaftor

              acetaminophen increases levels of ivacaftor by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor. Monitor when coadministered with weak CYP3A4 inhibitors .

            • lemborexant

              acetaminophen will increase the level or effect of lemborexant by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. Lower nightly dose of lemborexant recommended if coadministered with weak CYP3A4 inhibitors. See drug monograph for specific dosage modification.

            • levalbuterol

              levalbuterol and pseudoephedrine both increase sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Use Caution/Monitor.

            • levonorgestrel oral/ethinylestradiol/ferrous bisglycinate

              levonorgestrel oral/ethinylestradiol/ferrous bisglycinate will decrease the level or effect of acetaminophen by unknown mechanism. Use Caution/Monitor.

              acetaminophen increases levels of levonorgestrel oral/ethinylestradiol/ferrous bisglycinate by decreasing hepatic clearance. Use Caution/Monitor. Coadministration of ascorbic acid and certain combined hormonal contraceptives (CHCs) containing EE may increase plasma EE concentrations, possibly by inhibition of conjugation.

            • lisdexamfetamine

              lisdexamfetamine and pseudoephedrine both increase sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Use Caution/Monitor.

            • lixisenatide (DSC)

              lixisenatide (DSC) will decrease the level or effect of acetaminophen by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Modify Therapy/Monitor Closely. GLP1 agonists delay gastric emptying, which may affect absorption of concomitantly administered oral medications. No effects on acetaminophen Cmax and Tmax were observed when acetaminophen was administered 1 hr before lixisenatide. When administered 1 or 4 hr after lixisenatide, acetaminophen Cmax was decreased by 29% and 31% respectively and median Tmax was delayed by 2 and 1.75 hr, respectively.

            • lomitapide

              acetaminophen increases levels of lomitapide by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor. Lomitapide dose should not exceed 30 mg/day.

            • metaproterenol

              metaproterenol and pseudoephedrine both increase sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Use Caution/Monitor.

            • methamphetamine

              methamphetamine and pseudoephedrine both increase sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Use Caution/Monitor.

            • methenamine

              methenamine decreases effects of pseudoephedrine by unknown mechanism. Use Caution/Monitor. Urinary excretion of indirect acting alpha/beta agonists (eg, pseudoephedrine) may increase when administered concomitantly with urinary acidifying agents, resulting in lower serum concentrations.

            • methyldopa

              methyldopa increases effects of pseudoephedrine by unknown mechanism. Use Caution/Monitor.

            • methylenedioxymethamphetamine

              methylenedioxymethamphetamine and pseudoephedrine both increase sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Use Caution/Monitor.

            • midazolam intranasal

              acetaminophen will increase the level or effect of midazolam intranasal by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor. Coadministration of mild CYP3A4 inhibitors with midazolam intranasal may cause higher midazolam systemic exposure, which may prolong sedation.

            • midodrine

              midodrine and pseudoephedrine both increase sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Use Caution/Monitor.

            • mipomersen

              mipomersen, acetaminophen. Either increases toxicity of the other by Other (see comment). Use Caution/Monitor. Comment: Both drugs have potential to increase hepatic enzymes; monitor LFTs.

            • nateglinide

              pseudoephedrine decreases effects of nateglinide by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Use Caution/Monitor. Coadministration may reduce nateglinide's hypoglycemic action.

            • norepinephrine

              norepinephrine and pseudoephedrine both increase sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Use Caution/Monitor.

            • olodaterol inhaled

              pseudoephedrine and olodaterol inhaled both increase sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Use Caution/Monitor. Caution with coadministration of adrenergic drugs by any route because of additive sympathetic effects

            • oxytocin

              oxytocin increases effects of pseudoephedrine by pharmacodynamic synergism. Use Caution/Monitor.

            • perphenazine

              perphenazine, pseudoephedrine. Mechanism: unknown. Use Caution/Monitor. Consider avoiding use of pseudoephedrine in patients receiving phenothiazines (especially thioridazine) due to the potential risk of cardiac arrhythmia or sudden death. Monitor for evidence of ventricular arrhythmias during concomitant use.

            • phendimetrazine

              phendimetrazine and pseudoephedrine both increase sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Use Caution/Monitor.

            • phentermine

              phentermine and pseudoephedrine both increase sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Use Caution/Monitor.

            • phenylephrine

              phenylephrine and pseudoephedrine both increase sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Use Caution/Monitor.

            • phenylephrine PO

              phenylephrine PO and pseudoephedrine both increase sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Use Caution/Monitor.

            • pirbuterol

              pirbuterol and pseudoephedrine both increase sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Use Caution/Monitor.

            • potassium phosphate

              potassium phosphate decreases effects of pseudoephedrine by unknown mechanism. Use Caution/Monitor. Urinary excretion of indirect acting alpha/beta agonists (eg, pseudoephedrine) may increase when administered concomitantly with urinary acidifying agents, resulting in lower serum concentrations.

            • prochlorperazine

              prochlorperazine, pseudoephedrine. Mechanism: unknown. Use Caution/Monitor. Consider avoiding use of pseudoephedrine in patients receiving phenothiazines (especially thioridazine) due to the potential risk of cardiac arrhythmia or sudden death. Monitor for evidence of ventricular arrhythmias during concomitant use.

            • promazine

              promazine, pseudoephedrine. Mechanism: unknown. Use Caution/Monitor. Risk of cardiac arrhythmia or sudden death, more likely w/thioridazine than other phenothiazines. Interaction more likely in certain predisposed pts. only.

            • promethazine

              promethazine, pseudoephedrine. Mechanism: unknown. Use Caution/Monitor. Risk of cardiac arrhythmia or sudden death, more likely w/thioridazine than other phenothiazines. Interaction more likely in certain predisposed pts. only.

            • propylhexedrine

              propylhexedrine and pseudoephedrine both increase sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Use Caution/Monitor.

            • safinamide

              pseudoephedrine and safinamide both increase sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Use Caution/Monitor. Monitor patients for hypertension if safinamide is prescribed concomitantly with prescription or nonprescription sympathomimetics, including nasal, oral, or ophthalmic decongestants and cold remedies.

            • salmeterol

              salmeterol and pseudoephedrine both increase sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Use Caution/Monitor.

            • serdexmethylphenidate/dexmethylphenidate

              serdexmethylphenidate/dexmethylphenidate and pseudoephedrine both decrease sedation. Use Caution/Monitor.

              serdexmethylphenidate/dexmethylphenidate and pseudoephedrine both increase sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Use Caution/Monitor.

            • silodosin

              pseudoephedrine decreases effects of silodosin by sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Use Caution/Monitor.

            • sodium bicarbonate

              sodium bicarbonate will increase the level or effect of pseudoephedrine by passive renal tubular reabsorption - basic urine. Use Caution/Monitor. Caution advised with frequent or high dose antacids

            • sodium citrate/citric acid

              sodium citrate/citric acid will increase the level or effect of pseudoephedrine by passive renal tubular reabsorption - basic urine. Use Caution/Monitor.

            • sodium lactate

              sodium lactate will increase the level or effect of pseudoephedrine by passive renal tubular reabsorption - basic urine. Use Caution/Monitor.

            • sodium phosphates, IV

              sodium phosphates, IV decreases effects of pseudoephedrine by unknown mechanism. Use Caution/Monitor. Urinary excretion of indirect acting alpha/beta agonists (eg, pseudoephedrine) may increase when administered concomitantly with urinary acidifying agents, resulting in lower serum concentrations.

            • solriamfetol

              pseudoephedrine and solriamfetol both increase sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Use Caution/Monitor.

            • spironolactone

              spironolactone decreases effects of pseudoephedrine by pharmacodynamic antagonism. Use Caution/Monitor.

            • tamsulosin

              pseudoephedrine decreases effects of tamsulosin by sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Use Caution/Monitor.

            • tazemetostat

              acetaminophen will increase the level or effect of tazemetostat by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor.

            • terazosin

              pseudoephedrine decreases effects of terazosin by sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Use Caution/Monitor.

            • terbutaline

              terbutaline and pseudoephedrine both increase sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Use Caution/Monitor.

            • tetracaine

              tetracaine, acetaminophen. Other (see comment). Use Caution/Monitor. Comment: Monitor for signs of methemoglobinemia when methemoglobin-inducing drugs are coadministered.

            • thioridazine

              thioridazine, pseudoephedrine. Mechanism: unknown. Use Caution/Monitor. Consider avoiding use of pseudoephedrine in patients receiving phenothiazines (especially thioridazine) due to the potential risk of cardiac arrhythmia or sudden death. Monitor for evidence of ventricular arrhythmias during concomitant use.

            • tinidazole

              acetaminophen will increase the level or effect of tinidazole by affecting hepatic/intestinal enzyme CYP3A4 metabolism. Use Caution/Monitor.

            • trifluoperazine

              trifluoperazine, pseudoephedrine. Mechanism: unknown. Use Caution/Monitor. Consider avoiding use of pseudoephedrine in patients receiving phenothiazines (especially thioridazine) due to the potential risk of cardiac arrhythmia or sudden death. Monitor for evidence of ventricular arrhythmias during concomitant use.

            • warfarin

              acetaminophen increases effects of warfarin by anticoagulation. Use Caution/Monitor.

            • xylometazoline

              pseudoephedrine and xylometazoline both increase sympathetic (adrenergic) effects, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Use Caution/Monitor.

            Minor (14)

            • acetazolamide

              acetazolamide decreases levels of acetaminophen by increasing metabolism. Minor/Significance Unknown. Enhanced metabolism incr levels of hepatotoxic metabolites.

            • albiglutide

              albiglutide decreases levels of acetaminophen by unspecified interaction mechanism. Minor/Significance Unknown.

            • antithrombin alfa

              acetaminophen increases effects of antithrombin alfa by unknown mechanism. Minor/Significance Unknown.

            • antithrombin III

              acetaminophen increases effects of antithrombin III by unknown mechanism. Minor/Significance Unknown.

            • argatroban

              acetaminophen increases effects of argatroban by unknown mechanism. Minor/Significance Unknown.

            • bemiparin

              acetaminophen increases effects of bemiparin by unknown mechanism. Minor/Significance Unknown.

            • bivalirudin

              acetaminophen increases effects of bivalirudin by unknown mechanism. Minor/Significance Unknown.

            • carbamazepine

              carbamazepine decreases levels of acetaminophen by increasing metabolism. Minor/Significance Unknown. Enhanced metabolism incr levels of hepatotoxic metabolites.

            • cholestyramine

              cholestyramine decreases levels of acetaminophen by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.

            • clonazepam

              clonazepam decreases levels of acetaminophen by increasing metabolism. Minor/Significance Unknown. Enhanced metabolism incr levels of hepatotoxic metabolites.

            • colestipol

              colestipol decreases levels of acetaminophen by inhibition of GI absorption. Applies only to oral form of both agents. Minor/Significance Unknown.

            • dalteparin

              acetaminophen increases effects of dalteparin by unknown mechanism. Minor/Significance Unknown.

            • desmopressin

              desmopressin increases effects of pseudoephedrine by pharmacodynamic synergism. Minor/Significance Unknown.

            • diazepam

              diazepam decreases levels of acetaminophen by increasing metabolism. Minor/Significance Unknown. Enhanced metabolism incr levels of hepatotoxic metabolites.

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            Adverse Effects

            Frequency Not Defined

            Arrhythmia

            Palpitations

            Convulsion

            Dizziness

            Drowsiness

            Excitability

            Headache

            Tremor

            Weakness

            Dermatologic rash

            GI disturbances

            Nausea

            Vomiting

            Anemia blood dyscrasias (neutropenia, pancytopenia, leukopenia)

            Bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase may increase

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            Warnings

            Contraindications

            Documented hypersensitivity to the drugs or within 14 days of MAO inhibitor therapy; known G-6-PD deficiency

            Cautions

            Caution in cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, prostatic hypertrophy and increased intraocular pressure when taking pseudoephedrine

            Acetaminophen hepatotoxicity possible in chronic alcoholics following various dose levels; severe or recurrent pain or high or continued fever may indicate a serious illness; contained in many OTC products and combined use with these products may result in toxicity due to cumulative doses exceeding recommended maximum dose

            Do not take dextromethorphan for persistent or chronic cough associated with smoking, asthma, or emphysema, or if it is accompanied by excessive phlegm unless directed by a healthcare provider; dextromethorphan may slow the breathing

            Guaifenesin is not for administration in persistent cough associated with chronic bronchitis, smoking, asthma, or accompanied with excessive secretions

            Acetaminophen: Risk for rare, but serious skin reactions that can be fatal; these reactions include Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), and acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP); symptoms may include skin redness, blisters and rash

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            Pregnancy & Lactation

            Pregnant or breastfeeding patients should seek advice of health professional before using OTC drugs

            Pregnancy Categories

            A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.

            B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk.

            C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done.

            D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk.

            X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist.

            NA: Information not available.

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            Pharmacology

            Mechanism of Action

            Acetaminophen blocks pain impulse generation peripherally and may inhibit the generation of prostaglandin in the CNS. Reduces fever by inhibiting the hypothalamic heat-regulating center.

            Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant that acts centrally on the cough center in the medulla.

            Pseudoephedrine stimulates the alpha-adrenergic receptors causing bronchodilation and vasoconstriction.

            Guaifenesin increases respiratory tract fluid secretions and helps to loosen phlegm and bronchial secretions.

            Pharmacokinetics

            Acetaminophen

            • Peak plasma time: 10-60 min (PO immediate release); 60-120 min (PO extended release); 6 hr (PO 500 mg tablet); 8 hr (PO 650 mg extended release tablet)
            • Vd: 1 L/kg
            • Protein binding: 10-25%
            • Metabolism: Liver (microsomal enzyme systems); conjugation (glucuronic acid)
            • Half-life: 1.25-3hr
            • Excretion: Urine

            Dextromethorphan

            • Onset: 15-30 min
            • Duration: 3-6 hr
            • Metabolism: Hepatic P450 enzyme CYP2D6
            • Excretion: Urine
            • Half-life: 2-4 hr (extensive metabolizers); 24 hr (poor metabolizers)
            • Peak plasma time: 2-3 hr

            Pseudoephedrine

            • Half-Life: 3 hr (children); 9-16 hr (adults)
            • Onset: 30 min (decongestant)
            • Duration: 3-8 hr
            • Peak PlasmaTime: 1.97 hr
            • Concentration: 422 ng/mL
            • Metabolism: Liver, by N-demethylation
            • Metabolites: Inactive
            • Clearance: 7.3-7.6 mL/min/kg
            • Excretion: Urine (43-96%)

            Guaifenesin

            • Half-Life: 1 hr
            • Onset: 30 min
            • Duration: 4-6 hr
            • Metabolism: Liver
            • Metabolite: b-(2-methoxyphenoxy) lactic acid
            • Excretion: Urine
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            Images

            No images available for this drug.
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            Patient Handout

            A Patient Handout is not currently available for this monograph.
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            Medscape prescription drug monographs are based on FDA-approved labeling information, unless otherwise noted, combined with additional data derived from primary medical literature.