Brand name:

Tylenol PM

Pronounced: TYE-luh-naul

Generic ingredients: Acetaminophen, Diphenhydramine hydrochloride

Other brand names: Legatrin PM, Unisom with Pain Relief

What this drug is used for

The acetaminophen in these products provides temporary relief of headache and minor aches and pains. They also contain an antihistamine to help fight sleeplessness. Of the three, Unisom contains the highest amount of both ingredients.

How should you take this medication?

* TYLENOL PM
The usual dosage is 2 pills at bedtime.

* UNISOM WITH PAIN RELIEF AND LEGATRIN PM
The usual dosage is 1 pill at bedtime.

Do not take this medication if...

Get your doctor's approval before taking these products if you have high pressure within the eye (glaucoma), an enlarged prostate gland, or a breathing problem such as emphysema or chronic bronchitis.

Do not take Unisom if you are pregnant or nursing a baby; check with your doctor before taking the others. Also, do not use Unisom for arthritis unless your doctor approves.

None of these products is for children under 12.

Special warnings about this medication

Do not take this product for more than 10 days for pain or 3 days for fever without your doctor's approval. If your pain or fever won't go away or gets worse, or if you develop new symptoms or notice any redness or swelling, stop taking the medication and check with your doctor; you might have a serious condition.

Also check with your doctor if you are troubled by sleeplessness for more than 2 weeks.

These products are designed to make you sleepy and should be used only at bedtime. Do not drive or operate machinery after taking them.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking this medication

Do not use these products while taking other medications containing acetaminophen, such as Excedrin, Percocet, and all other forms of Tylenol.

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

Combined with heavy drinking, the acetaminophen in these products could conceivably cause liver damage. Check with your doctor about taking any of them if you generally have 3 or more alcoholic beverages a day.

Overdosage

A massive overdose of acetaminophen can cause liver damage.

* Early signs of acetaminophen overdose include:
Feeling of general discomfort, perspiration, nausea, vomiting

If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.