Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, and Phenylephrine

(a seet a MIN oh fen, deks troe meth OR fan, & fen il EF rin)

How does this drug come?

• This drug comes as a caplet, a capsule, a gelcap, and a liquid.

Pharmacologic Category

• Analgesic, Miscellaneous
• Antitussive
• Decongestant

What key warnings do I need to know about before giving this drug to my child?

• Talk with the doctor before giving this drug to a child. Check all of your child's drugs, including OTC, with doctor.
• Unsafe side effects may happen. This drug cannot be given while your child is taking some other drugs. Check all the drugs your child is taking with your child's doctor.

Is it safe for my child to take this drug?

• Not if your child has an allergy to acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, phenylephrine, or any other part of this drug.
• Be sure to let the doctor know if your child has any allergies or side effects to drugs, foods, or dyes. Make sure to tell about the allergy and what signs your child had. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other signs.

Why does my child need this drug?

• It is used to stop coughing.
• It is used to ease pain.
• It is used to treat nose stuffiness.

How does this drug work?

• Acetaminophen blocks chemicals that cause pain.
• Dextromethorphan works on the cough center in the brain.
• Phenylephrine shrinks swollen nose tissue and opens up passages.

How is this drug given?

• Do not give more than what the doctor told you to give. Harm to the liver may happen.
• Give this drug with or without food. Give with food if it causes an upset stomach.
• There is a liquid (solution) if your child cannot swallow pills.
• Children who have feeding tubes may also use the liquid. Flush the feeding tube before and after this drug is given.
• Measure liquid doses carefully. Use the measuring device that comes with this drug. If there is none, get an oral syringe, a dropper, a spoon, or a cup (only for older children) from your pharmacist.
• Have your child drink lots of noncaffeine liquids every day unless told to drink less liquid by your child's doctor.

How long does this drug take to work?

• Your child may start feeling better soon after starting this drug.

What do I do if my child misses a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)

• Give a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
• If it is close to the time for your child's next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your child's normal time.
• Do not give 2 doses or extra doses.
• Many times this drug is given on an as needed basis.

What safety measures do I need to take when my child is using this drug?

• Avoid giving your child other sources of acetaminophen. An overdose may cause problems.
• Read package labeling carefully, Make sure you have the right strength of the product your child needs.
• If your child has high blood sugar (diabetes), talk with the doctor.
• If your child has heart disease, talk with the doctor.
• If your child has high blood pressure, talk with the doctor.
• If your child has liver disease, talk with the doctor.
• If your child has PKU, talk with your child's doctor. Some products have phenylalanine.
• Check all drugs your child is taking with your child's doctor. This drug may not mix well with some other drugs.
• Limit your child's use of caffeine and chocolate. Use with this drug may cause nervousness, shakiness, and a fast heartbeat.
• Be careful if your child has G6PD deficiency. Anemia may happen.

What are some side effects of this drug?

• Nervous and excitable.
• Dry mouth. Good mouth care may help. Older children may suck hard, sugar-free candy. See a dentist often.
• Not able to sleep.
• Harm to the liver may rarely happen.

When do I need to call my child's doctor?

• If any of this news causes you to be worried, any of the unwanted side effects happen, or if your child is not better after taking this drug.
• If you think there was an overdose, call your local poison control center or ER right away.
• If your child shows signs of a very bad reaction, call your child's doctor or the ER right away. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or if your child is not acting normal.
• If your child has chest pain or pressure or a fast heartbeat.
• If your child shows signs of very bad dizziness or passes out.
• If your child has a bad headache.
• If your child has a cough that does not go away.
• If your child is not able to eat.
• If your child is feeling very tired or weak.
• If your child has dark urine or yellow skin or eyes.
• If your child gets a rash.
• If your child’s health problem does not get better or if you believe your child’s health problem is worse.

How do I store and/or throw out this drug?

• Store at room temperature.
• Protect from light.
• Protect capsules from water. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.

General drug facts

• If your child has a very bad allergy, he/she needs to wear an allergy ID at all times.
• You may get this drug without a drug order.
• Get rid of this drug when your child no longer needs it or if the drug is outdated.
• Most drugs may be thrown away in household trash after mixing with coffee grounds or kitty litter and sealing in a plastic bag.
• In Canada, take any unused drugs to the pharmacy. Also, visit http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/med/disposal-defaire-eng.php#th
• Do not share your child's drug with others and do not give anyone else's drug to your child.
• Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Many drugs do not work with other drugs. Keep a list of all your child's drugs (prescription, natural products, vitamins, OTC) with you. Give this list to your child's doctor.
• Call your doctor for help with any side effects. If in the U.S., you may also call the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or if in Canada, you may also call Health Canada's Vigilance Program at 1-866-234-2345.
• Talk with the doctor before giving your child any new drug, including OTC, natural products, or vitamins.
• If you do not use a drug the right way, it may not be safe. Follow what your child’s doctor tells you.

Copyright © 1978- Lexi-Comp Inc., The Children's Hospital, Denver, CO., and Pediatric Pharmacy Advocacy Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. This information is protected under US and international copyright law. Unauthorized use or reproduction is prohibited.