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Acetaminophen-DM

Pronounced

"dex-trow-meth- OR-fan/ah-seet-ah-MIN-oh-fan"

Common brand names:

Triaminic Cough & Sore throat

Uses

This combination product is used to temporarily treat cough, fever, and other symptoms (such as headache, sore throat, body aches) that are caused by the common cold, flu, or other breathing illnesses (such as bronchitis). Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant that affects a certain part of the brain (cough center), reducing the urge to cough. Acetaminophen is a non-aspirin pain reliever and fever reducer.

This product is not usually used for ongoing coughs from smoking, asthma, or other long-term breathing problems (such as emphysema), or for coughs with a lot of mucus, unless directed by your doctor.

Cough-and-cold products have not been shown to be safe or effective in children younger than 6 years. Do not use this product to treat cold symptoms in children younger than 6 years unless specifically directed by the doctor. Some products (such as long-acting tablets/capsules) are not recommended for use in children younger than 12 years. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details about using your product safely.

These products do not cure or shorten the length of the common cold and may cause serious side effects. To decrease the risk for serious side effects, carefully follow all dosage directions. Do not use this product to make a child sleepy. Do not give other cough-and-cold medication that might contain the same or similar ingredients (see also Drug Interactions section). Ask the doctor or pharmacist about other ways to relieve cough and cold symptoms (such as drinking enough fluids, using a humidifier or saline nose drops/spray).

How to Use This Medication

See also Warning section.

Read and follow all directions on the product package before taking this medication. If any of the information is unclear, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Take this medication by mouth, usually every 4 to 6 hours as needed, or as directed by your doctor. This medication can be taken with food or milk if stomach upset occurs.

If you are using the liquid form, carefully measure the dose using a medication-measuring device or spoon. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose. If your liquid is a suspension, shake the container well before measuring each dose.

If you are using the powder form, dissolve the contents of each packet in 8 ounces (240 milliliters) of water as directed on the product package. Drink within 10 to 15 minutes of mixing.

If you are using chewable tablets, chew each tablet thoroughly before swallowing.

Dosage is based on age and weight. Check the package label to find the correct dose.

Improper use of this medication (abuse) may result in serious harm (such as brain damage, seizure, death). Do not increase your dose or take it more often than directed.

If you are treating yourself or a child for fever, consult your doctor right away if the fever worsens or lasts more than 3 days. If the child has sore throat (especially with high fever, headache, rash, or nausea/vomiting), consult the doctor promptly.

If your condition lasts for more than 7 days, if it gets worse, if you develop new symptoms, or if you think you may have a serious medical problem, get medical help right away.

RxAnswers™ is a copyrighted combined product from TraceGains and First DataBank, Inc.

Drug information is selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First DataBank, Inc. This is a summary and does not contain all possible information about this product. For complete information about this product or your specific health needs, ask your healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your healthcare professional if you have any questions about this product or your medical condition. This information is not intended as individual medical advice and does not substitute for the knowledge and judgment of your healthcare professional. This information does not contain any assurances that this product is safe, effective or appropriate for you.

This information is intended only for residents of the United States. Products sold under the same brand names in other countries may contain different ingredients.

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Information expires December 2024.