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Paracetamol/Phenylephrine

    DEA Class;  OTC

    Common Brand Names; Excedrin Sinus Headache, Sinutab Sinus Maximum Strength Tablets, QlearQuil Daytime Sinus & Congestion Relief, Sine-Off Non-Drowsy Maximum Strength Tablets, Sudafed PE Sinus Headache, Robitussin Peak Cold Nasal Relief, Tylenol Infants Drops Plus Cold, Tylenol Sinus Congestion & Pain Daytime, Vicks DayQuil Sinus

    • Cough/Cold, Other Combos; 
    • Analgesic/Decongestant Combos

    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.

    Phenylephrine is a vasoconstrictor and a decongestant that relieves symptoms resulting from irritation of upper respiratory tract tissue. It shrinks swollen mucous membranes, reduces nasal congestion and tissue hyperemia.

    Indicated for Relief of Mild to Moderate Pain & Congestion, Flu Symptoms, Common Cold

    Both drugs contraindicated in documented hypersensitivity to either drug or components

    Within 14 days of taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor

    Longer than 10 days if experiencing pain, 3 days if experiencing fever, 2 days if experiencing sore throat

    Hypertension

    Reflex tachycardia

    Severe peripheral and visceral vasoconstriction

    Dizziness

    Excitability

    Headache

    Restlessness

    Tremor

    Dermatologic rash

    Anemia blood dyscrasias (neutropenia, pancytopenia, leukopenia)

    Bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase

    Risk of hepatotoxicity; higher in alcoholics, or with use of more than one acetaminophen-containing product

    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

    Closely monitor in hyperthyroidism, DM, heart disease, bowel obstruction/narrowing, increased intraocular pressure, BPH

    Use caution in the elderly, in patients with bowel obstruction/narrowing, asthma, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, hyperthyroidism, hypertension, hyperplasia, increased intraocular pressure, and prostatic hyperplasia; if symptoms do not improve within 7 days or are accompanied by fever, contact healthcare professional

    Discontinue and inform healthcare provider if dizziness, nervousness, or sleeplessness occur

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

    Adults

    650 mg/10 mg PO q4hr PRN; not to exceed 6 doses/24hr

    1000 mg/10 mg PO q6hr PRN; not to exceet 4 doses/24hr

    Pediatric

    <12 years: Ask a pediatrician

    ≥12 years

    650mg/10mg PO q4hr PRN; not to exceed 6 doses/24hr

    1000mg/10mg PO q6hr PRN; not to exceet 4 doses/24hr

    acetaminophen/phenylephrine

    caplets

    • 325mg/5mg
    • 500mg/5mg

    tablet

    • 325mg/5mg
    • 500mg/5mg

    capsule

    • 325mg/5mg

    gelcap

    • 325mg/5mg