Brand name:

Benadryl Allergy & Cold Caplets

Pronounced: BEH-na-drill

Generic ingredients: Acetaminophen, Diphenhydramine hydrochloride, Pseudoephedrine hydrochloride

Other brand names: Benadryl Allergy & Sinus Headache Caplets, Benadryl Severe Allergy & Sinus Headache Caplets, Sudafed Sinus Nighttime Plus Pain Relief

What this drug is used for

Despite their names, all of these products share the same ingredients. The acetaminophen they contain relieves symptoms such as minor aches and pains, muscle aches, headache, sore throat, and fever. Diphenhydramine relieves runny nose and sneezing, itchy nose or throat, and itchy, watery eyes. Pseudoephedrine helps unclog stuffy nose and sinuses.

How should you take this medication?

For adults and children 12 years and older, the usual dosage is 2 pills every 6 hours until you feel better. Do not take more than 8 pills each 24 hours. For children under 12, consult your doctor.

* STORAGE
Store at room temperature. Protect from moisture.

Do not take this medication if...

Avoid these products when taking other medications that contain acetaminophen or diphenhydramine, and when taking a prescription drug classified as an "MAOI" (see "Possible food and drug interactions..." below).

Check with your doctor before using these products 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

Do not take these products for more than 10 days. Stop using them and check with your doctor if:

• You become nervous or dizzy, or have trouble sleeping
• You develop a sore throat that is severe or lasts more than 3 days, accompanied or followed by fever, headache, rash, swelling, nausea, or vomiting
• Your symptoms do not improve, or you have a fever for more than 3 days
• You develop new symptoms

These products may make you drowsy. Be especially careful when driving or operating machinery. They can also cause excitability in some people, especially in children.

If you consume 3 or more alcoholic drinks a day, check with your doctor about taking these products. The acetaminophen they contain can cause liver damage.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking this medication

Do not take these products if you are using any other medications containing the active ingredient diphenhydramine, including Actifed Allergy or Sinus, Tylenol Flu NightTime, PM, or Severe Allergy Medication, and Unisom with Pain Relief. Avoid extra diphenhydramine even if only applied to the skin. Also avoid combining these products with other remedies containing acetaminophen, such as the Tylenol line of medications.

In addition, do not use these products 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 these products without your doctor's approval; the combination could cause extreme drowsiness. For the same reason, avoid alcohol while using these products.