What is this medication?
ACETAMINOPHEN; GUAIFENESIN; PHENYLEPHRINE (a set a MEE noe fen; gwye FEN e sin; fen il EF rin) is a combination of a pain reliever, expectorant and decongestant. It is used to treat fever, aches and pains, and congestion from a cold or the flu. It is also used to treat a dry cough. This medicine will not treat an infection.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Duratuss A, Mucinex Fast-Max, Mucinex Fast-Max Congestion & Headache, Mucinex Sinus-Max, Sudafed PE Head Congestion + Mucus, Sudafed PE Pressure + Pain + Mucus, Sudafed PE Triple Action, Tylenol Cold Head Congestion Severe, Tylenol Sinus, Tylenol Sinus Congestions & Pain Severe Daytime, Tylenol Sinus Severe Congestion
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What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
- diabetes
- glaucoma
- heart disease
- high blood pressure
- if you often drink alcohol
- peripheral vascular disease
- prostate disease
- taken a MAOI like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, or Parnate within the last 14 days
- thyroid disease
- an unusual or allergic reaction to acetaminophen, guaifenesin, phenylephrine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
- pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- breast-feeding
How should I use this medication?
Take this medicine by mouth with a full glass of water. Follow the directions on the label. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take it more often than directed.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 12 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
Patients over 65 years old may have a stronger reaction and need a smaller dose.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
What may interact with this medication?
Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:
- ergot alkaloids like dihydroergotamine, ergonovine, ergotamine, methylergonovine
- MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate
- other drugs containing acetaminophen (prescription or nonprescription)
This medicine may also interact with the following medications:
- alcohol
- certain medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances
- certain medicines for blood pressure, heart disease, irregular heart beat
- furazolidone
- imatinib
- isoniazid
- linezolid
- mecamylamine
- other medicines for congestion or colds
- procarbazine
- reserpine
- St. John's Wort
- stimulant medicines for attention disorders, weight loss, or to stay awake
- theophylline
- warfarin
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
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What should I watch for while using this medication?
Tell your doctor or health care professional if your pain symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.
Drink several glasses of water each day. This will help loosen mucus.
Do not take other medicines that contain acetaminophen with this medicine. Always read labels carefully. If you have questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Do not take more than the recommended dose as listed on the package label. If you take too much acetaminophen get medical help right away. Too much acetaminophen can be very dangerous and cause liver damage. Even if you do not have symptoms, it is important to get help right away.
The risk for liver problems is increased if you drink 3 or more drinks containing alcohol daily while using this product.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
- allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
- anxious
- chest pain
- confusion
- dizziness
- fast, irregular heartbeat
- feeling lightheaded, falls
- irritable
- high blood pressure
- redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
- seizures
- tremors
- trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine
- trouble sleeping
- unusual bleeding or bruising
- unusually weak or tired
- yellowing of the eyes or skin
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
- headache
- loss of appetite
- nausea
- upset stomach
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Where should I keep my medication?
Keep out of the reach of children.
This medicine may cause accidental overdose and death if taken by other adults, children, or pets. Mix any unused medicine with a substance like cat littler or coffee grounds. Then throw the medicine away in a sealed container like a sealed bag or a coffee can with a lid. Do not use the medicine after the expiration date.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from light and moisture.
NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.
