Acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, and diphenhydramine

Generic name: acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, and diphenhydramine [ a-SEET-a-MIN-oh-fen, DEX-troe-me-THOR-fan, DYE-fen-HYE-dra-meen ]
Brand names: Diabetic Tussin Night Time Formula, Diabetic Tussin Night Time Cold and Flu
Dosage form: oral liquid (325 mg-10 mg-12.5 mg/5 mL)
Drug class: Upper respiratory combinations

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Sep 19, 2024. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, and diphenhydramine?

Acetaminophen is a pain reliever and fever reducer. Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant. Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine.

Acetaminophen, diphenhydramine, and dextromethorphan is a combination medicine used to treat headache, fever, body aches, cough, runny nose, sneezing, and sore throat caused by allergies, the common cold, or the flu.

acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, and diphenhydramine will not treat a cough that is caused by smoking, asthma, or emphysema.

Acetaminophen, diphenhydramine, and dextromethorphan may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Side Effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

In rare cases, acetaminophen may cause a severe skin reaction that can be fatal. This could occur even if you have taken acetaminophen in the past and had no reaction. Stop taking this medicine and call your doctor right away if you have skin redness or a rash that spreads and causes blistering and peeling. If you have this type of reaction, you should never again take any medicine that contains acetaminophen.

This medicine may cause serious side effects. Stop using this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have:

• fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeats;

• severe drowsiness;

• painful or difficult urination;

• severe headache, seizure; or

• liver problems--loss of appetite, stomach pain (upper right side), tiredness, itching, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Common side effects of acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, and diphenhydramine may include:

• drowsiness;

• headache, sleep problems (insomnia);

• upset stomach, diarrhea or constipation;

• dry eyes, blurred vision;

• dry mouth, nose, or throat; or

• feeling restless or excited (especially in children).

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

Do not use this medicine if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days, such as isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, or tranylcypromine.

Use this medicine exactly as directed. An overdose of acetaminophen can damage your liver or cause death. Taking too much diphenhydramine can lead to serious heart problems, seizures, coma, or death.

Do not use this medicine to make a child sleepy. Ask a doctor before giving the medicine to a child younger than 12 years old.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine that may contain acetaminophen or diphenhydramine. Taking too much of either medicine can lead to a fatal overdose.

Drinking alcohol may increase your risk of liver damage while taking acetaminophen.

Stop taking this medicine and call your doctor right away if you have skin redness or a rash that spreads and causes blistering and peeling.

Before taking this medicine

Ask a doctor before taking medicine that contains acetaminophen if you have ever had liver disease, or if you drink more than 3 alcoholic beverages per day.

Do not use this medicine if you have taken an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include furazolidone, isocarboxazid, linezolid, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, and tranylcypromine.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if this medicine is safe to use if you have ever had:

• a cough with mucus;

• liver disease;

• an enlarged prostate or urination problems;

• asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema, or other breathing disorder;

• glaucoma; or

• a condition for which you take warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven).

Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

How should I take acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, and diphenhydramine?

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Cold or cough medicine is only for short-term use until your symptoms clear up.

Do not take more of this medicine than is recommended. An overdose of acetaminophen can damage your liver or cause death. Taking too much diphenhydramine can lead to serious heart problems, seizures, coma, or death.

Always follow directions on the medicine label about giving this medicine to a child. Do not use the medicine only to make a child sleepy. Death can occur from the misuse of antihistamines in very young children.

Ask a doctor before giving the medicine to a child younger than 12 years old.

Measure liquid medicine carefully. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).

Call your doctor if you still have a sore throat after 2 days, or if you also have a fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, or rash.

Stop taking this medicine and talk with your doctor if you still have a fever after 3 days, or you still have pain or a cough after 7 days (5 days if treating a child). Also call your doctor if your symptoms get worse, or if you have any redness or swelling.

If you need surgery or medical tests, tell the surgeon or doctor ahead of time if you have taken this medicine within the past few days.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, and diphenhydramine dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Cold Symptoms:

Dextromethorphan 10 mg/ diphenhydramine 12.5 mg/ paracetamol 325 mg per 5 mL oral liquid: 10 mL every 4 to 6 hours
Maximum dose: 6 doses per 24 hours

Usual Adult Dose for Influenza:

Dextromethorphan 10 mg/ diphenhydramine 12.5 mg/ paracetamol 325 mg per 5 mL oral liquid: 10 mL every 4 to 6 hours
Maximum dose: 6 doses per 24 hours

Usual Pediatric Dose for Cold Symptoms:

Dextromethorphan 10 mg/ diphenhydramine 12.5 mg/ paracetamol 325 mg per 5 mL oral liquid:
12 years and older: 10 mL every 4 to 6 hours
Maximum dose: 6 doses per 24 hours

6 to under 12 years: 5 mL every 4 to 6 hours
Maximum dose: 5 doses per 24 hours

Usual Pediatric Dose for Influenza:

Dextromethorphan 10 mg/ diphenhydramine 12.5 mg/ paracetamol 325 mg per 5 mL oral liquid:
12 years and older: 10 mL every 4 to 6 hours
Maximum dose: 6 doses per 24 hours

6 to under 12 years: 5 mL every 4 to 6 hours
Maximum dose: 5 doses per 24 hours

Related/similar drugs

diphenhydramine, Benadryl, chlorpheniramine, amantadine, Tamiflu, oseltamivir, Promethazine DM, Banophen, echinacea, Xofluza

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, and diphenhydramine is used when needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. Skip any missed dose if it's almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose can be fatal or cause liver damage.

Overdose symptoms may include loss of appetite, vomiting, weakness, confusion, ringing in your ears, upper stomach pain, dark urine, no urination, very dry eyes and mouth, yellowing of your skin or eyes, dilated pupils, fast heartbeats, tremor, agitation, hallucinations, or seizure.

What should I avoid while taking acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, and diphenhydramine?

Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how this medicine will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine that may contain acetaminophen or diphenhydramine. This includes medicines for pain, fever, swelling, cold/flu symptoms, or anti-itch medicine used on the skin. Using too much acetaminophen or diphenhydramine can lead to a fatal overdose.

Avoid drinking alcohol. It may increase your risk of liver damage while taking acetaminophen.

What other drugs will affect acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, and diphenhydramine?

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, and diphenhydramine with any other medicines, especially drugs that can cause drowsiness (such as opioid medication, sleep medicine, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures). Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed here.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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