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Acetaminophen and dextromethorphan

Generic name: acetaminophen and dextromethorphan [ a-SEET-a-MIN-oh-fen-and-DEX-troe-me-THOR-fan ]
Brand names: Children's Delsym Cough Plus Sore Throat, Children's Triacting, Children's Tylenol Cold + Cough + Sore Throat, Delsym Cough and Sore Throat, Robitussin CF Max Strength Honey Severe, ... show all 16 brands
Dosage forms: oral liquid (160 mg-5 mg/5 mL; 650 mg-20 mg/20 mL), oral solution (325 mg-10 mg/10 mL), ... show all 3 dosage forms
Drug class: Upper respiratory combinations

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Aug 3, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is acetaminophen and dextromethorphan?

Acetaminophen and dextromethorphan is a combination medicine used to treat cough, sore throat, headache, fever, and minor aches and pain or fever caused by throat irritation or the common cold.

acetaminophen and dextromethorphan will not treat a cough that is caused by smoking, asthma, or emphysema.

Acetaminophen and dextromethorphan may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Acetaminophen and dextromethorphan side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

In rare cases, acetaminophen may cause a severe skin reaction that can be fatal. This could occur even if you have taken acetaminophen in the past and had no reaction. Stop taking this medicine and call your doctor right away if you have skin redness or a rash that spreads and causes blistering and peeling. If you have this type of reaction, you should never again take any medicine that contains acetaminophen.

The medicine may cause serious side effects. Stop using the medicine and call your doctor at once if you have:

Common side effects of acetaminophen and dextromethorphan may include:

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

You should not use acetaminophen and dextromethorphan if you have severe liver disease.

Use this medicine exactly as directed. An overdose of acetaminophen can damage your liver or cause death.

Call your doctor at once if you have nausea, pain in your upper stomach, itching, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, or jaundice (yellowing of your skin or eyes).

Stop taking this medicine and call your doctor right away if you have skin redness or a rash that spreads and causes blistering and peeling.

Before taking this medicine

You should not take acetaminophen if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if this medicine is safe to use if you have:

Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Artificially sweetened liquid medicine may contain phenylalanine. Check the medication label if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).

How should I take acetaminophen and dextromethorphan?

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. An acetaminophen overdose can damage your liver or cause death. Cold or cough medicine is only for short-term use until your symptoms clear up.

If you are treating a child, use a pediatric form of acetaminophen and dextromethorphan. Use only the special dose-measuring dropper or oral syringe that comes with the specific pediatric form you are using. Carefully follow the dosing directions on the medicine label.

You must chew the chewable tablet before you swallow it.

Measure liquid medicine carefully. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).

Call your doctor if you have a fever for longer than 3 days, or if your pain or cough gets worse or lasts more than 5 days.

If you need surgery or medical tests, tell the surgeon or doctor ahead of time if you have taken acetaminophen and dextromethorphan within the past few days.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not allow liquid medicine to freeze.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since this medicine is used when needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. Skip any missed dose if it's almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose of acetaminophen can damage your liver or cause death.

Early signs of acetaminophen overdose include loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, sweating, or weakness. Later symptoms may include upper stomach pain, dark urine, and yellowing of your skin or eyes.

What should I avoid while taking acetaminophen and dextromethorphan?

Avoid drinking alcohol. It may increase your risk of liver damage.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine that may contain dextromethorphan or acetaminophen (sometimes abbreviated as APAP). Taking too much acetaminophen can lead to a fatal overdose.

Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how acetaminophen and dextromethorphan will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired.

What other drugs will affect acetaminophen and dextromethorphan?

Other drugs may affect acetaminophen and dextromethorphan, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use.

Does acetaminophen/dextromethorphan interact with my other drugs?

Enter medications to view a detailed interaction report using our Drug Interaction Checker.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

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