Brand name:

Bayer PM

Pronounced: BAY-er

Generic ingredients: Aspirin, Diphenhydramine

Other brand name: Alka-Seltzer PM

What this drug is used for

These products combine aspirin, for relief of headaches and other minor pains, with an antihistamine to help you sleep.

How should you take this medication?

Take the Bayer caplets with a sip of water. Dissolve the Alka-Seltzer tablets in 4 ounces of water. The usual dose is 2 caplets or tablets at bedtime.

* STORAGE
Store at room temperature.

Do not take this medication if...

Avoid these products if you are allergic to aspirin or other pain relievers/fever reducers. Check with your doctor before taking these products if you have ulcers, bleeding problems, or stomach complaints such as heartburn, upset stomach, or stomach pain that fail to get better or keep coming back. Also avoid these products if you have high pressure within the eye (glaucoma), an enlarged prostate gland, or a breathing problem such as asthma, emphysema, or chronic bronchitis.

Not for children under 12.

Special warnings about this medication

The aspirin in these products has been known to trigger a serious illness called Reye's syndrome in children and teenagers who catch a virus. If your child gets chickenpox or flu, do not treat the symptoms with either of these remedies.

If you develop ringing in the ears or notice a loss of hearing, stop taking the product and call your doctor. If you have an allergic reaction, seek medical help immediately.

Stop taking the product and check with your doctor if pain gets worse or lasts for more than 10 days. Do likewise if your sleep problem lasts more than 2 weeks, if new symptoms develop, or if you notice any redness or swelling.

Do not take these products during the last 3 months of pregnancy. They could harm the baby or cause complications during delivery. Earlier during pregnancy, and while nursing a baby, check with your doctor before taking these products.

If you have 3 or more alcoholic drinks per day, ask you doctor about taking these products. The aspirin they contain may cause stomach bleeding.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking this medication

Aspirin-containing products such as these can interact with a number of prescription drugs. Check with your doctor before combining this product with any of the following:

Acetazolamide (Diamox)
ACE-inhibitor-type blood pressure medications such as Capoten
Anti-gout drugs such as Anturane, probenecid, and Zyloprim
Arthritis preparations such as Aleve, Anaprox, Ecotrin, Indocin, Motrin, Naprosyn, and Orudis
Blood-thinning drugs such as Coumadin
Certain diuretics (water pills), including Lasix
Diabetes medications, including DiaBeta, Diabinese, Micronase, and Glucotrol
Diltiazem (Cardizem)
Dipyridamole (Persantine)
Seizure medications such as Depakene
Steroids such as prednisone (Deltasone, Orasone)

Also, if you are taking a tranquilizer such as Valium or Xanax, or a sleep aid such as Halcion or Seconal, do not take Bayer PM or Alka-Seltzer PM without your doctor's approval; the antihistamine they contain can interact with such drugs and cause extreme drowsiness. For the same reason, avoid alcohol while taking these products.