What is acetaminophen, dichloralphenazone, and isometheptene?
Acetaminophen is a pain reliever and a fever reducer.
Dichloralphenazone is a sedative that slows down your central nervous system (brain and nerve
impulses), causing relaxation and pain relief.
Isometheptene causes constriction (narrowing) of blood vessels (arteries and veins). This is
important in the treatment of headaches.
The combination, acetaminophen, dichloralphenazone, and isometheptene, is used to treat
tension (or muscle contraction) and vascular (migraine) headaches.
Acetaminophen, dichloralphenazone, and isometheptene may also be used for purposes other
than those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking acetaminophen, dichloralphenazone, and isometheptene?
Do not take acetaminophen, dichloralphenazone, and isometheptene without first talking to
your doctor if you drink more than three alcoholic beverages per day or if you have had alcoholic liver
disease. You may not be able to take acetaminophen, dichloralphenazone, and isometheptene, or you
may require a lower dose.
Do not take acetaminophen, dichloralphenazone, and isometheptene if you have taken a
monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or
tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days. Dangerous side effects could result.
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have
You may not be able to take acetaminophen, dichloralphenazone, and
isometheptene, or you may require a lower dose or special monitoring during treatment if you have any
of the conditions listed above.
It is not known whether acetaminophen, dichloralphenazone, and isometheptene will harm
an unborn baby.
Do not
take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you
are pregnant.
It is also not known whether acetaminophen, dichloralphenazone, and isometheptene will
harm a breast-feeding baby.
Do not
take this medication without first talking to your
doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take acetaminophen, dichloralphenazone, and isometheptene?
Take acetaminophen, dichloralphenazone, and isometheptene exactly as directed by your
doctor or follow the instructions on the package. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your
pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Take each dose with a full glass of water.
Never take more acetaminophen, dichloralphenazone, and isometheptene than is prescribed
for you. If your pain is not being adequately treated, talk to your doctor.
Do not share this medication with anyone else.
Store this medication at room temperature away from heat, moisture, and the reach of
children.
What happens if I miss a dose of acetaminophen, dichloralphenazone, and isometheptene?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember.
Do not
take a double dose
of this medication. Wait the prescribed amount of time before taking your next dose.
If you are taking acetaminophen, dichloralphenazone, and isometheptene on an as-needed
basis, missing a dose is not usually a problem. Take the missed dose as soon as you remember and do
not take another dose for the amount of time prescribed by your doctor.
Where can I get more information about acetaminophen, dichloralphenazone, and isometheptene?
Your pharmacist has information about acetaminophen, dichloralphenazone, and isometheptene written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of acetaminophen, dichloralphenazone, and isometheptene?
If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking acetaminophen,
dichloralphenazone, and isometheptene and seek emergency medical attention:
-
an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat;
swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
-
liver damage (yellowing of the skin or eyes, abdominal
pain); or
-
blood problems (easy or unusual bleeding or bruising).
These side effects are very rare and are not likely to occur during proper
treatment with acetaminophen, dichloralphenazone, and isometheptene.
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take acetaminophen,
dichloralphenazone, and isometheptene and talk to your doctor if you experience
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor
about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about acetaminophen, dichloralphenazone, and isometheptene?
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities.
Dichloralphenazone may cause drowsiness or dizziness. If you experience drowsiness or dizziness,
avoid these activities.
Avoid alcohol. Alcohol taken during therapy with acetaminophen, dichloralphenazone, and
isometheptene can be very damaging to your liver and can increase drowsiness and dizziness.
Never take more acetaminophen, dichloralphenazone, and isometheptene than is prescribed
for you. If your pain is not being adequately treated, talk to your doctor.
Avoid other over-the-counter and prescription products that contain acetaminophen. Too much
acetaminophen could be dangerous. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking any
over-the-counter preparations.
What should I avoid while taking acetaminophen, dichloralphenazone, and isometheptene?
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities.
Dichloralphenazone may cause drowsiness or dizziness. If you experience drowsiness or dizziness,
avoid these activities.
Avoid alcohol. Alcohol taken during therapy with acetaminophen, dichloralphenazone, and
isometheptene can be very damaging to your liver and can increase drowsiness and dizziness.
Avoid other over-the-counter and prescription products that contain acetaminophen. Too much
acetaminophen could be dangerous. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking any
over-the-counter preparations.
What other drugs will affect acetaminophen, dichloralphenazone, and isometheptene?
Do not take acetaminophen, dichloralphenazone, and isometheptene if you have taken a
monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or
tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days. Dangerous side effects could result.
Dichloralphenazone may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness, including
antidepressants, alcohol, antihistamines, sedatives (used to treat insomnia), pain relievers, anxiety
medicines, and muscle relaxants. Tell your doctor about all medicines that you are taking, and do not
take any medicine unless your doctor approves.
Many other medicines contain acetaminophen, especially over-the-counter pain, fever, cold,
and allergy medications. Too much acetaminophen can be very dangerous.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with acetaminophen, dichloralphenazone,
and isometheptene. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or
over-the-counter medicines.
What happens if I have an overdose of acetaminophen, dichloralphenazone, and isometheptene?