Pronunciation(a seet a MIN oh fen & dye fen HYE dra meen)
U.S. Brand NamesAnacin PM Aspirin Free [OTC] [DSC]; Excedrin® P.M. [OTC]; Goody's PM® Powder; Legatrin PM® [OTC]; Percogesic® Extra Strength [OTC]; Tylenol® PM Extra Strength [OTC]; Tylenol® Severe Allergy [OTC]
SynonymsDiphenhydramine and Acetaminophen
Generic AvailableYes: Excludes powder
UseAid in the relief of insomnia accompanied by minor pain
Adverse ReactionsSee individual agents.
Drug InteractionsAcetaminophen: Substrate (minor) of CYP1A2, 2A6, 2C8/9, 2D6, 2E1, 3A4; Inhibits CYP3A4 (weak) Diphenhydramine: Inhibits CYP2D6 (moderate) Also see individual agents.
Ethanol/Nutrition/Herb InteractionsEthanol: Excessive intake of ethanol may increase the risk of acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity. Avoid ethanol or limit to <3 drinks/day.
Pharmacodynamics/KineticsSee individual agents.
DosageOral: Adults: 50 mg of diphenhydramine HCl (76 mg diphenhydramine citrate) at bedtime or as directed by physician; do not exceed recommended dosage; not for use in children <12 years of age
Patient EducationIf you consume 3 or more alcoholic drinks per day, ask your prescriber whether you should take acetaminophen, other pain relievers, or fever reducers. Acetaminophen may cause liver damage.
Dental Health: Effects on Dental TreatmentKey adverse event(s) related to dental treatment: Xerostomia (normal salivary flow resumes upon discontinuation).
Dental Health: Vasoconstrictor/Local Anesthetic PrecautionsNo information available to require special precautions
Mental Health: Effects on Mental StatusDrowsiness is common
Mental Health: Effects on Psychiatric TreatmentConcurrent use with CNS depressant may result in additive CNS depression. MAO inhibitor may cause additive anticholinergic effects.
Dosage Forms[DSC] = Discontinued productCaplet: Acetaminophen 500 mg and diphenhydramine hydrochloride 25 mg Excedrin® P.M.: Acetaminophen 500 mg and diphenhydramine citrate 38 mg [contains benzoic acid] Legatrin PM®: Acetaminophen 500 mg and diphenhydramine hydrochloride 50 mg Percogesic® Extra Strength: Acetaminophen 500 mg and diphenhydramine hydrochloride 25 mg Tylenol® PM Extra Strength: Acetaminophen 500 mg and diphenhydramine hydrochloride 25 mg Tylenol® Severe Allergy: Acetaminophen 500 mg and diphenhydramine hydrochloride 12.5 mg Gelcap (Tylenol® PM Extra Strength): Acetaminophen 500 mg and diphenhydramine hydrochloride 25 mg [contains benzyl alcohol] Geltab: Acetaminophen 500 mg and diphenhydramine hydrochloride 25 mg Excedrin® P.M.: Acetaminophen 500 mg and diphenhydramine citrate 38 mg [contains benzoic acid] Tylenol® PM Extra Strength: Acetaminophen 500 mg and diphenhydramine hydrochloride 25 mg [contains benzyl alcohol] Powder for oral solution (Goody's PM® Powder): Acetaminophen 500 mg and diphenhydramine citrate 38 mg Tablet: Acetaminophen 500 mg and diphenhydramine hydrochloride 25 mg Anacin® PM Aspirin-Free [DSC], Tylenol® PM Extra Strength: Acetaminophen 500 mg and diphenhydramine hydrochloride 25 mg Excedrin® P.M.: Acetaminophen 500 mg and diphenhydramine citrate 38 mg [contains benzoic acid]
ReferencesBarker JD Jr, de Carle DJ, and Anuras S, "Chronic Excessive Acetaminophen Use in Liver Damage,"Ann Intern Med, 1977, 87(3):299-301. Dionne RA, Campbell RA, Cooper SA, et al, "Suppression of Postoperative Pain by Preoperative Administration of Ibuprofen in Comparison to Placebo, Acetaminophen, and Acetaminophen Plus Codeine,"J Clin Pharmacol, 1983, 23(1):37-43. Licht H, Seeff LB, and Zimmerman HJ, "Apparent Potentiation of Acetaminophen Hepatotoxicity by Alcohol,"Ann Intern Med, 1980, 92(4):511. Mokhlesi B, Leikin JB, Murray P, et al, "Adult Toxicology in Critical Care: Part II: Specific Poisonings,"Chest, 2003, 123(3):897-922.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997-
A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.  |
Disclaimer: The information contained in this website, and its associated websites, is provided as a benefit to the local community, and the Internet community in general; it does not constitute medical advice. We try to provide quality information, but we make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to this website and its associated sites. As medical advice must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each patient and healthcare is constantly changing, nothing provided herein should be used as a substitute for the advice of a competent physician. Furthermore, in providing this service, Adventist HealthCare does not condone or support all of the content covered in this site. As an Adventist health care organization, Adventist HealthCare acts in accordance with the ethical and religious directives for Adventist health care services.
Adventist HealthCare · 301-315-3030 · 1801 Research BLVD, Suite 400, Rockville, MD 20850
Get Care
Health & Wellness
Patient Information
Website Information
Ways of Giving
