Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, and Pseudoephedrine

Interactions with herbs

Milk Thistle

Interactions with supplements

S-Adenosylmethionine (SAMe)

Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)

Home > Drugs > Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, and Pseudoephedrine

Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, and Pseudoephedrine

	Pronunciation
	U.S. Brand Names
	Generic Available
	Pharmacological Index
	Use
	Pregnancy Risk Factor
	Adverse Reactions

	Usual Dosage
	Mental Health: Effects on Mental Status
	Mental Health: Effects on Psychiatric Treatment
	Dental Health: Local Anesthetic/Vasoconstrictor Precautions
	Dental Health: Effects on Dental Treatment
	Dosage Forms
	References

U.S. Brand Names

Alka-Seltzer® Plus Cold Liqui-Gels®[OTC]; Aspirin-Free Bayer® Select® Allergy Sinus Caplets [OTC]; Co-Hist®[OTC]; Sinutab® Tablets [OTC]

Generic Available

Yes

Pharmacological Index

Analgesic, Miscellaneous; Antihistamine

Use

Temporary relief of sinus symptoms

Pregnancy Risk Factor

Adverse Reactions

See individual agents

Usual Dosage

Adults: Oral: 2 tablets every 6 hours

Mental Health: Effects on Mental Status

Sedation with chlorpheniramine is countered by the excitability associated with pseudoephedrine; one effect may predominate in any particular patient

Mental Health: Effects on Psychiatric Treatment

Usually none; sedative effect of chlorpheniramine may be potentiated by other CNS depressants and MAOIs

Dental Health: Local Anesthetic/Vasoconstrictor Precautions

Use with caution since pseudoephedrine is a sympathomimetic amine which could interact with epinephrine to cause a pressor response

Dental Health: Effects on Dental Treatment

Chlorpheniramine: Prolonged use will cause significant xerostomia

Pseudoephedrine: Up to 10% of patients could experience tachycardia, palpitations, and dry mouth; use vasoconstrictor with caution

Dosage Forms

Caplet: Acetaminophen 500 mg, chlorpheniramine maleate 2 mg, and pseudoephedrine hydrochloride 30 mg

Capsule: Acetaminophen 250 mg, chlorpheniramine maleate 2 mg, and pseudoephedrine hydrochloride 30 mg

Tablet: Acetaminophen 325 mg, chlorpheniramine maleate 2 mg, and pseudoephedrine hydrochloride 30 mg

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.