Brand name:

Sinarest

Pronounced: SIGN-uh-rest

Generic ingredients: Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine maleate, Pseudoephedrine hydrochloride

What this drug is used for

Sinarest temporarily unclogs stuffy nose and relieves the sneezing, runny nose, itchy nose or throat, and itchy, watery eyes that accompany inflamed sinuses and allergies such as hay fever. The acetaminophen in the product relieves headache and minor aches and pains.

Sinarest is available in regular-strength tablets and extra-strength caplets.

How should you take this medication?

* ADULTS

For adults and children 12 years and over, the usual dose is 2 tablets. Regular-strength tablets can be taken every 4 to 6 hours; extra-strength caplets should be taken only every 6 hours. Do not take more than 8 pills each 24 hours.

* CHILDREN

For children 6 to 12, the usual dose is 1 regular-strength tablet every 4 to 6 hours. Do not use the extra-strength caplets; and do not give more than 4 tablets a day. For children under 6, consult your doctor.

* STORAGE

Store at room temperature.

Do not take this medication if...

Unless your doctor approves, do not take Sinarest if you have heart disease, high blood pressure, thyroid disease, diabetes, high pressure within the eye (glaucoma), an enlarged prostate gland, or a breathing problem such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis.

Special warnings about this medication

If you become dizzy or nervous, or have trouble sleeping, stop taking Sinarest and check with your doctor.

Sinarest may cause drowsiness. Be especially cautious when driving, and when operating machinery. This medication can also cause excitability, especially in children.

Do not take this product for more than 10 days (5-day limit for children). If your symptoms do not improve or include a fever that lasts more than 3 days--or if new symptoms appear--call your doctor.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking this medication

Do not use Sinarest within 2 weeks of taking a drug classified as an MAO inhibitor, such as the antidepressants Nardil and Parnate.

If you are taking a tranquilizer such as Valium or Xanax, or a sleep aid such as Halcion or Seconal, do not take Sinarest without your doctor's approval; the combination could cause extreme drowsiness. For the same reason, avoid alcohol while taking this product.