What is this medicine?
ACETAMINOPHEN; PSEUDOEPHEDRINE (a set a MEE noe fen; soo doe e FED rin) is a combination of a pain reliever and a decongestant. It is used to treat symptoms of the common cold and other sinus congestion with pain or fever.

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

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
• bloody or tarry stool
• breathing problems
• chest pain
• confusion, dizzy, nervous
• fever, chills, or sore throat
• high blood pressure
• trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine
• trouble sleeping
• stomach cramps and pain
• tremors
• unusual bleeding or bruising, pinpoint red spots on the skin
• unusually weak or tired
• vomiting
• yellowing of the skin or eyes

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• headache
• loss of appetite
• nausea
• restless

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.

How should I use this medicine?
Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the package or prescription label. Do not chew, crush, or cut. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 12 years of age for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Patients over 65 years old may have a stronger reaction and need a smaller dose.

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 medicine?
Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• bromocriptine
• ergot alkaloids like dihydroergotamine, ergonovine, ergotamine, methylergonovine
• MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate
• stimulant medicines for attention disorders, weight loss, or to stay awake

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• acetaminophen
• alcohol
• atropine
• bretylium
• caffeine
• digoxin
• isoniazid
• linezolid
• mecamylamine
• medicines for blood pressure
• medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances
• medicines for enlarged prostate
• medicines for sleep
• other medicines for cold, cough or allergy
• procarbazine
• reserpine
• St. John's Wort

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 medicine?
Tell your doctor or healthcare professional if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse. Check with your doctor if you have a fever for more than 3 days or if your congestion lasts more than 7 days. Get medical help if you have a sore throat for more than 2 days or if you have a sore throat with fever, headache, rash, swelling, nausea, or vomiting.

If you have difficulty sleeping at night while using this medicine, take your last dose a few hours before bedtime. If nervousness, dizziness, or sleeplessness occur, stop using and consult a health care professional.

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.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• diabetes
• glaucoma
• heart disease
• high blood pressure
• if you frequently drink alcohol containing drinks
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• prostate trouble
• taken an MAOI like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, or Parnate in last 14 days
• thyroid disease
• trouble passing urine
• an unusual or allergic reaction to acetaminophen, pseudoephedrine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

Can I stop taking the medication if I feel better?
As a general rule, you should always take your medications exactly as prescribed and do not change the dosage or stop taking the medication without first discussing it with your healthcare provider.

I am on so many medications; do I have to take them all?
This is called polypharmacy—many different medications being used at the same time by one person. Sometimes, being on multiple medications is acceptable and appropriate but at other times it may be problematic. If you are receiving your medications from multiple physicians you need to ensure that they all know what medications you are taking. The best way to do this is to make a list of all the medications you are currently using, including all nutritional supplements, homeopathic remedies, vitamins and over-the-counter drugs (if possible, also include all the diseases you have been diagnosed with). Give a copy to every doctor who takes care of you so they have it on file, this way they can avoid duplicating medications and perhaps even try to consolidate some. After every doctor's visit remember to update the list accordingly. Also, as much as you possibly can, try to use the same pharmacy to fill all your prescriptions, this way any potential drug interactions can be caught and averted.