What is Apap/Pheniramine/Phenylephrine?
Acetaminophen is a pain reliever and fever reducer.
Pheniramine is an antihistamine that blocks the effects of a chemical in your body called histamine. Pheniramine prevents sneezing, itchy or watery eyes and nose, and other symptoms of allergies or the common cold.
Phenylephrine is a decongestant used to treat nasal congestion caused by allergies or the common cold.
The acetaminophen, pheniramine, and phenylephrine combination is used to relieve symptoms of allergies, hay fever, and the common cold.
Acetaminophen, pheniramine, and phenylephrine may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about Apap/Pheniramine/Phenylephrine?
Use this medication exactly as directed on the label, or as it has been prescribed by your doctor. Do not use the medication in larger amounts or for longer than recommended.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
Do not take more of this medication than is recommended. An overdose of acetaminophen can cause serious harm. The maximum amount of acetaminophen for adults is 1 gram (1000 mg) per dose and 4 grams (4000 mg) per day. Taking more acetaminophen could cause damage to your liver. If you drink more than three alcoholic beverages per day, talk to your doctor before taking acetaminophen and never take more than 2 grams (2000 mg) per day.
Do not use any other cold, allergy, pain, or sleep medication without first asking your doctor or pharmacist. Acetaminophen (sometimes abbreviated as “APAP”) is contained in many combination medicines. If you use certain products together you may accidentally use too much acetaminophen. Read the label of any other medicine you are using to see if it contains acetaminophen or APAP.
Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you drink more than three alcoholic beverages per day or if you have had alcoholic liver disease (cirrhosis). You may not be able to take acetaminophen.
Do not take this medication for longer than 7 days. Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, if they get worse, or if you also have a fever lasting 3 days or longer.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Apap/Pheniramine/Phenylephrine?
Do not take acetaminophen, pheniramine, and phenylephrine if you have taken an MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), tranylcypromine (Parnate), phenelzine (Nardil), or selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam) in the past 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur, leading to serious side effects.
Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you drink more than three alcoholic beverages per day or if you have had alcoholic liver disease (cirrhosis). You may not be able to take acetaminophen.
Ask a doctor or pharmacist about using acetaminophen, pheniramine, and phenylephrine if you have:
- liver disease
- heart disease
- high blood pressure
- a thyroid disorder
- diabetes
- glaucoma
- asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, or other breathing disorder
- urination problems
- if you are on a low-salt diet; or
- if you drink more than 3 alcoholic beverages per day
It is not known whether this medication will harm an unborn baby. Before using acetaminophen, pheniramine, and phenylephrine, tell your doctor if you are pregnant.
This medication can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Do not give this medication to a child younger than 12 years old without the advice of a doctor.
Apap/Pheniramine/Phenylephrine Side Effects
What are the possible side effects of Apap/Pheniramine/Phenylephrine?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using this medication and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
- severe sore throat that lasts longer than 2 days or occurs with fever, nausea, or vomiting
- fever lasting longer than 3 days; or
- redness or swelling, or any new symptoms
Less serious side effects may include:
- drowsiness; or
- feeling restless or excited
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.
Apap/Pheniramine/Phenylephrine Interactions
What other drugs affect Apap/Pheniramine/Phenylephrine?
There may be other drugs that can interact with acetaminophen, pheniramine, and phenylephrine. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.
What should I avoid while taking Apap/Pheniramine/Phenylephrine?
Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medication. Alcohol may increase your risk of liver damage while taking acetaminophen.
Do not use any other cold, allergy, pain, or sleep medication without first asking your doctor or pharmacist. Acetaminophen (sometimes abbreviated as “APAP”) is contained in many combination medicines. If you use certain products together you may accidentally use too much acetaminophen. Read the label of any other medicine you are using to see if it contains acetaminophen or APAP.
Avoid using other medicines that make you sleepy (such as other cold medicine, pain medication, muscle relaxers, and medicine for seizures, depression or anxiety). They can add to sleepiness caused by acetaminophen, pheniramine, and phenylephrine.
This medication can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.
Apap/Pheniramine/Phenylephrine Dosage
How should I take Apap/Pheniramine/Phenylephrine?
Use this medication exactly as directed on the label, or as it has been prescribed by your doctor. Do not use the medication in larger or smaller amounts, or use it for longer than recommended.
Dissolve the contents of one packet of medicine in 8 ounces of hot water. You may also mix the powder with 8 ounces of cool water and heat the mixture in a microwave oven. Stir the mixture thoroughly before and after heating it. Sip the mixture slowly, making sure you finish all of it within 10 to 15 minutes.
Do not take more than 6 packets of this medicine in one day (24 hours).
Do not take more of this medication than is recommended. An overdose of acetaminophen can cause serious harm. The maximum amount of acetaminophen for adults is 1 gram (1000 mg) per dose and 4 grams (4000 mg) per day. Taking more acetaminophen could cause damage to your liver. If you drink more than three alcoholic beverages per day, talk to your doctor before taking acetaminophen and never take more than 2 grams (2000 mg) per day.
Do not take this medication for longer than 7 days. Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, if they get worse, or if you have new symptoms.
Store acetaminophen, pheniramine, and phenylephrine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I overdose on Apap/Pheniramine/Phenylephrine?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.
The first signs of an acetaminophen overdose include loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, sweating, and confusion or weakness. Later symptoms may include pain in your upper stomach, dark urine, and yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.
Overdose symptoms may also include low fever, loss of appetite, feeling light-headed, or fainting.
What happens if I miss a dose of Apap/Pheniramine/Phenylephrine?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Edited from everydayhealth.com