Brand name:

Sinulin

Pronounced: SIGN-you-lin

Generic ingredients: Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine maleate, Phenylpropanolamine hydrochloride

What this drug is used for

Sinulin gives temporary relief from many of the symptoms that accompany a cold, sinusitis, or an allergy such as hay fever. The product remedies headache, fever, stuffy nose and sinuses, runny nose, sneezing, itchy nose or throat, and itchy, watery eyes.

How should you take this medication?

* ADULTS

The usual dose for adults and children 12 years and over is 1 tablet every 4 to 6 hours. Do not take more than 6 tablets each 24 hours.

* CHILDREN

For children 6 to 12, the usual dose is half a tablet every 4 to 6 hours. Do not give a total of more than 3 tablets each 24 hours. For children under age 6, consult your doctor.

* STORAGE

Store at room temperature.

Do not take this medication if...

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

Special warnings about this medication

High doses of this product can cause nervousness, dizziness, sleeplessness, rapid heartbeat, or high blood pressure.

The product can also make you drowsy. Be especially cautious when driving, and when operating machinery. Sinulin sometimes causes excitability, too, especially in children.

Allergic reactions to Sinulin are rare, but possible. If you develop any sort of reaction, stop taking the product and call your doctor.

Adults should not take Sinulin for more than 7 days. For children 6 to 12, the limit is 5 days. If your symptoms do not improve or include a fever that lasts more than 3 days or comes back--or if new symptoms appear--call your doctor.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking this medication

Do not use Sinulin within 2 weeks of taking a drug classified as an MAO inhibitor, such as the antidepressants Nardil and Parnate. Check with your doctor before combining Sinulin with any other antidepressant, or with any medication for high blood pressure.

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

Overdosage

A massive overdose of the acetaminophen in Sinulin could conceivably cause liver damage. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention promptly.