Generic Name: acetaminophen/brompheniramine/phenylpropanolamine (a see ta MIH noe fen/brome feh NEER a meen/fen ill proe pa NOLE a meen)
Brand Names: Dimetapp Allergy Sinus, Dimetapp Cold and Flu
What is Dimetapp Allergy Sinus (acetaminophen/brompheniramine/phenylpropanolamine)?
Acetaminophen is a pain reliever and a fever reducer. It is used to treat many conditions, such as headache, muscle aches, arthritis, backache, toothaches, colds, and fevers.
Brompheniramine is an antihistamine. It blocks the effects of the naturally occurring chemical histamine in the body. Brompheniramine prevents sneezing; itchy, watery eyes and nose; and other symptoms of allergies and hay fever.
Phenylpropanolamine is a decongestant. It constricts (shrinks) blood vessels (veins and arteries). This reduces the blood flow to certain areas, which allows nasal passages to open up.
Acetaminophen/brompheniramine/phenylpropanolamine is used to treat nasal congestion; itchy, watery eyes; itchy throat; sneezing; headache; fever; and other symptoms associated with allergies, hay fever, and the common cold.
Phenylpropanolamine, an ingredient in this product, has been associated with an increased risk of hemorrhagic stroke (bleeding into the brain or into tissue surrounding the brain) in women. Men may also be at risk. Although the risk of hemorrhagic stroke is low, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that consumers not use any products that contain phenylpropanolamine.
Acetaminophen/brompheniramine/phenylpropanolamine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about Dimetapp Allergy Sinus (acetaminophen/brompheniramine/phenylpropanolamine)?
Phenylpropanolamine, an ingredient in this product, has been associated with an increased risk of hemorrhagic stroke (bleeding into the brain or into tissue surrounding the brain) in women. Men may also be at risk. Although the risk of hemorrhagic stroke is low, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that consumers not use any products that contain phenylpropanolamine.
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Acetaminophen/brompheniramine/phenylpropanolamine may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities. Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while taking acetaminophen/brompheniramine/phenylpropanolamine. Alcohol may also cause damage to the liver when taken with acetaminophen.
Who should not take Dimetapp Allergy Sinus (acetaminophen/brompheniramine/phenylpropanolamine)?
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. You may not be able to take acetaminophen if you have these conditions. Do not take acetaminophen/brompheniramine/phenylpropanolamine if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur, leading to serious side effects.
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have
- kidney disease,
- liver disease,
diabetes,
glaucoma,
any type of heart disease or high blood pressure,
thyroid disease,
emphysema or chronic bronchitis, or
difficulty urinating or have an enlarged prostate.
You may not be able to take acetaminophen/brompheniramine/phenylpropanolamine, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
It is not known whether acetaminophen/brompheniramine/phenylpropanolamine will harm an unborn baby. Do not take acetaminophen/brompheniramine/phenylpropanolamine without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. This medication passes into breast milk and can harm a nursing baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. If you are over 60 years of age, you may be more likely to experience side effects from acetaminophen/brompheniramine/phenylpropanolamine. Read the package label for directions or consult your doctor or pharmacist before treating a child with this medication. Children are more susceptible than adults to the effects of medicines and may have unusual reactions.
How should I take Dimetapp Allergy Sinus (acetaminophen/brompheniramine/phenylpropanolamine)?
Take acetaminophen/brompheniramine/phenylpropanolamine exactly as directed. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Take each dose with a full glass of water. Do not crush, chew, or break the long-acting or sustained-release tablets or capsules. Swallow them whole. If you are unsure about the formulation of the medicine, ask your pharmacist for help. If you have difficulty swallowing tablets or capsules, look for a liquid form of the medication.
To ensure that you get a correct dose, measure the liquid forms of acetaminophen/brompheniramine/phenylpropanolamine with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one.
Never take more of this medication than is directed. 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 damage 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 acetaminophen/brompheniramine/phenylpropanolamine for longer than 7 to 10 days in a row. If your symptoms do not improve, if they get worse, or if you have a fever, see your doctor.
Store acetaminophen/brompheniramine/phenylpropanolamine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention.
Symptoms of an acetaminophen/brompheniramine/phenylpropanolamine overdose include a dry mouth, large pupils, flushing, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, seizures, confusion, sweating, and an irregular heartbeat.
What should I avoid while taking Dimetapp Allergy Sinus (acetaminophen/brompheniramine/phenylpropanolamine)?
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Acetaminophen/brompheniramine/phenylpropanolamine may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities. Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while taking acetaminophen/brompheniramine/phenylpropanolamine. Alcohol may also cause damage to the liver when taken with acetaminophen.
Acetaminophen/brompheniramine/phenylpropanolamine may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness, including antidepressants, alcohol, other antihistamines, pain relievers, anxiety medicines, seizure medicines, and muscle relaxants. Dangerous sedation, dizziness, or drowsiness may occur if acetaminophen/brompheniramine/phenylpropanolamine is taken with any of these medications.
Dimetapp Allergy Sinus (acetaminophen/brompheniramine/phenylpropanolamine) side effects
If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking acetaminophen/brompheniramine/phenylpropanolamine and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:
an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
liver damage (yellowing of the skin or eyes, nausea, abdominal pain or discomfort, unusual bleeding or bruising, or severe fatigue);
blood problems (easy or unusual bleeding or bruising); or
low blood sugar (fatigue, increased hunger or thirst, dizziness, or fainting).
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur including:
dryness of the eyes, nose, and mouth;
drowsiness or dizziness;
blurred vision;
difficulty urinating; or
excitation in children.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
What other drugs will affect Dimetapp Allergy Sinus (acetaminophen/brompheniramine/phenylpropanolamine)?
Do not take acetaminophen/brompheniramine/phenylpropanolamine if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur, leading to serious side effects.
Urine glucose tests for diabetics may produce false results while taking acetaminophen. Talk to your doctor if you have diabetes and you notice changes in blood glucose levels during therapy with acetaminophen/brompheniramine/phenylpropanolamine.
Do not take other over-the-counter cough, cold, allergy, diet, pain, or sleep medicines while taking acetaminophen/brompheniramine/phenylpropanolamine without first talking to your doctor or pharmacist. Other medications may also contain brompheniramine, phenylpropanolamine, acetaminophen, or other similar drugs, and you may accidentally take too much of these medicines.
Acetaminophen/brompheniramine/phenylpropanolamine may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness, including antidepressants, alcohol, other antihistamines, pain relievers, anxiety medicines, seizure medicines, and muscle relaxants. Dangerous sedation, dizziness, or drowsiness may occur if acetaminophen/brompheniramine/phenylpropanolamine is taken with any of these medications.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with acetaminophen/brompheniramine/phenylpropanolamine. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.
More Dimetapp Allergy Sinus resources
- Dimetapp Allergy Sinus Drug Interactions
- Dimetapp Allergy Sinus Support Group
- 0 Reviews · Be the first to review/rate this drug
Where can I get more information?
- Your pharmacist has additional information about acetaminophen/brompheniramine/phenylpropanolamine written for health professionals that you may read.
What does my medication look like?
Acetaminophen/brompheniramine/phenylpropanolamine is available over-the-counter under the brand names Dimetapp Cold and Flu and Dimetapp Allergy Sinus. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.
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