Acetaminophen (paracetamol) + Phenylephrine

Indications

Acetaminophen (paracetamol) + Phenylephrine is used for: Relief of Mild to Moderate Pain & Congestion, Flu Symptoms, Common Cold

Adult Dose

Relief of Mild to Moderate Pain & Congestion, Flu Symptoms, Common Cold 650 mg/10 mg PO q4hr PRN; not to exceed 6 doses/24hr 1000 mg/10 mg PO q6hr PRN; not to exceet 4 doses/24hr

Child Dose

Relief of Mild to Moderate Pain & Congestion, Flu Symptoms, Common Cold <12 years: Ask a pediatrician >12 years 650mg/10mg PO q4hr PRN; not to exceed 6 doses/24hr 1000mg/10mg PO q6hr PRN; not to exceet 4 doses/24hr

Renal Dose

Administration

Contra Indications

Both drugs contraindicated in documented hypersensitivity to either drug or components; known G-6-PD deficiency

Precautions

Caution in elderly patients, hyperthyroidism, myocardial disease, bradycardia, partial heart block or severe arteriosclerosis when administering phenylephrine; in hypovolemia, phenylephrine use is not a substitute for replacement of blood, fluids and electrolytes, and plasma (promptly restore with loss); dilute IV and administer via large vein; extravasation precautions required Acetaminophen hepatotoxicity possible in chronic alcoholics following various dose levels; severe or recurrent pain or high or continued fever may indicate a serious illness; contained in many OTC products and combined use with these products may result in toxicity due to cumulative doses exceeding recommended maximum dose Acetaminophen: Risk for rare, but serious skin reactions that can be fatal; these reactions include Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), and acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP); symptoms may include skin redness, blisters and rash

Pregnancy-Lactation

Interactions

Adverse Effects

Side effects of Acetaminophen (paracetamol) + Phenylephrine : Hypertension Reflex tachycardia Severe peripheral and visceral vasoconstriction Dizziness Excitability Headache Restlessness Tremor Dermatologic rash Anemia blood dyscrasias (neutropenia, pancytopenia, leukopenia) Bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase

Mechanism of Action

Acetaminophen blocks pain impulse generation peripherally and may inhibit the generation of prostaglandin in the CNS. Reduces fever by inhibiting the hypothalamic heat-regulating center. Phenylephrine is a vasoconstrictor and a decongestant that relieves symptoms resulting from irritation of upper respiratory tract tissue. It shrinks swollen mucous membranes, reduces nasal congestion and tissue hyperemia.