Acetaminophen and dextromethorphan Uses, Side Effects & Warnings - Drugs.com

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# Acetaminophen and dextromethorphan

Generic name: acetaminophen and dextromethorphan [ a-SEET-a-MIN-oh-fen-and-DEX-troe-me-THOR-fan ]
Brand names: Children's Delsym Cough Plus Sore Throat, Children's Triacting, Children's Tylenol Cold + Cough + Sore Throat, Delsym Cough and Sore Throat, Triaminic Cough and Sore Throat Softchews, ... show all 12 brands Tylenol Cough, Drixoral Cough/Sore Throat, Tylenol Cough and Sore Throat Daytime, Triaminic Cough and Sore Throat, Tylenol Childrens Plus Cough and Sore Throat, Robitussin Maximum Strength Severe Cough Plus Sore Throat, TheraFlu Flu Relief Max Strength
Dosage forms: oral liquid (160 mg-5 mg/5 mL; 650 mg-20 mg/20 mL); oral solution (325 mg-10 mg/10 mL); oral suspension (160 mg-5 mg/5 mL); oral tablet, chewable (160 mg-5 mg)
Drug class: Upper respiratory combinations

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Feb 24, 2022. Written by Cerner Multum.

## What is acetaminophen and dextromethorphan?

Acetaminophen and dextromethorphan is a combination medicine used to treat cough, sore throat, headache, fever, and minor aches and pain or fever caused by throat irritation or the common cold.

acetaminophen and dextromethorphan will not treat a cough that is caused by smoking, asthma, or emphysema.

Acetaminophen and dextromethorphan may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

## Warnings

You should not use this medicine if you have severe liver disease.

Use this medicine exactly as directed. An overdose of acetaminophen can damage your liver or cause death.

Call your doctor at once if you have nausea, pain in your upper stomach, itching, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, or jaundice (yellowing of your skin or eyes).

Stop taking this medicine and call your doctor right away if you have skin redness or a rash that spreads and causes blistering and peeling.

## Related/similar drugs

benzonatate, Benadryl, diphenhydramine, guaifenesin, Mucinex, dextromethorphan, chlorpheniramine

## Before taking this medicine

You should not take acetaminophen if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

- severe liver disease; or

- if you have taken an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days, such as isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, or tranylcypromine.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if acetaminophen and dextromethorphan is safe to use if you have:

- a chronic cough, or a cough with mucus; or

- liver disease, or if you drink more than 3 alcoholic beverages per day.

Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Artificially sweetened liquid medicine may contain phenylalanine. Check the medication label if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).

## How should I take acetaminophen and dextromethorphan?

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. An acetaminophen overdose can damage your liver or cause death. Cold or cough medicine is only for short-term use until your symptoms clear up.

If you are treating a child, use a pediatric form of acetaminophen and dextromethorphan. Use only the special dose-measuring dropper or oral syringe that comes with the specific pediatric form you are using. Carefully follow the dosing directions on the medicine label.

You must chew the chewable tablet before you swallow it.

Measure liquid medicine carefully. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).

Call your doctor if you have a fever for longer than 3 days, or if your pain or cough gets worse or lasts more than 5 days.

If you need surgery or medical tests, tell the surgeon or doctor ahead of time if you have taken this medicine within the past few days.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not allow liquid medicine to freeze.

Detailed Acetaminophen / dextromethorphan dosage information

## What happens if I miss a dose?

Since acetaminophen and dextromethorphan is used when needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. Skip any missed dose if it's almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

## What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose of acetaminophen can damage your liver or cause death.

Early signs of acetaminophen overdose include loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, sweating, or weakness. Later symptoms may include upper stomach pain, dark urine, and yellowing of your skin or eyes.

## What should I avoid while taking acetaminophen and dextromethorphan?

Avoid drinking alcohol. It may increase your risk of liver damage.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine that may contain dextromethorphan or acetaminophen (sometimes abbreviated as APAP). Taking too much acetaminophen can lead to a fatal overdose.

Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how acetaminophen and dextromethorphan will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired.

## Acetaminophen and dextromethorphan side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

In rare cases, acetaminophen may cause a severe skin reaction that can be fatal. This could occur even if you have taken acetaminophen in the past and had no reaction. Stop taking this medicine and call your doctor right away if you have skin redness or a rash that spreads and causes blistering and peeling. If you have this type of reaction, you should never again take any medicine that contains acetaminophen.

The medicine may cause serious side effects. Stop using the medicine and call your doctor at once if you have:

- redness or swelling;

- new or worsening symptoms;

- an ongoing cough with a rash or headache; or

- liver problems--loss of appetite, stomach pain (upper right side), tiredness, itching, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Common side effects of acetaminophen and dextromethorphan may include:

- upset stomach;

- confusion; or

- drowsiness.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Acetaminophen / dextromethorphan side effects (more detail)

## What other drugs will affect acetaminophen and dextromethorphan?

Other drugs may affect acetaminophen and dextromethorphan, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use.

Acetaminophen / dextromethorphan drug interactions (more detail)

## Where can I get more information?

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

## More about acetaminophen / dextromethorphan

- Check interactions
- Side effects
- Dosage information
- Drug class: upper respiratory combinations

### Patient resources

#### Other brands

Children's Triacting, Delsym Cough & Sore Throat, Triaminic Softchews Cough & Sore Throat, Tylenol Children’s Cold + Cough + Sore Throat, Tylenol Cough and Sore Throat Daytime

### Related treatment guides

- Cold Symptoms
- Cough

## Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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