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Acetaminophen and Diphenhydramine

Table of Contents > Drugs > Acetaminophen and Diphenhydramine     Print

Pronunciation
U.S. Brand Names
Synonyms
Generic Available
Use
Adverse Reactions
Drug Interactions
Ethanol/Nutrition/Herb Interactions
Pharmacodynamics/Kinetics
 
Dosage
Patient Education
Dental Health: Effects on Dental Treatment
Dental Health: Vasoconstrictor/Local Anesthetic Precautions
Mental Health: Effects on Mental Status
Mental Health: Effects on Psychiatric Treatment
Dosage Forms
References

Pronunciation

(a seet a MIN oh fen & dye fen HYE dra meen)

U.S. Brand Names

Anacin 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]

Synonyms

Diphenhydramine and Acetaminophen

Generic Available

Yes: Excludes powder

Use

Aid in the relief of insomnia accompanied by minor pain

Adverse Reactions

See individual agents.

Drug Interactions

Acetaminophen: Substrate (minor) of CYP1A2, 2A6, 2C8/9, 2D6, 2E1, 3A4; Inhibits CYP3A4 (weak)

Diphenhydramine: Inhibits CYP2D6 (moderate)

Also see individual agents.

Ethanol/Nutrition/Herb Interactions

Ethanol: Excessive intake of ethanol may increase the risk of acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity. Avoid ethanol or limit to <3 drinks/day.

Pharmacodynamics/Kinetics

See individual agents.

Dosage

Oral: 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 Education

If 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 Treatment

Key adverse event(s) related to dental treatment: Xerostomia (normal salivary flow resumes upon discontinuation).

Dental Health: Vasoconstrictor/Local Anesthetic Precautions

No information available to require special precautions

Mental Health: Effects on Mental Status

Drowsiness is common

Mental Health: Effects on Psychiatric Treatment

Concurrent use with CNS depressant may result in additive CNS depression. MAO inhibitor may cause additive anticholinergic effects.

Dosage Forms

[DSC] = Discontinued product

Caplet: 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]

References

Barker 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.

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