Do you sometimes suffer from body aches and can't sleep at night? Today we are talking about a medicine that can help reduce pain and help you fall asleep faster. It contains two compounds called acetaminophen and diphenhydramine. But there are some important things you need to know before using this medicine.
Simply put, this is a combination of two medications. Acetaminophen is a common medication for fever and pain (Paracetamol is also a type of medication). Diphenhydramine is a medication for allergies and a mild sedative. When these two are combined, they reduce pain and help you fall asleep faster. Medicines like Panadol Night in Sri Lanka contain this combination.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before you use this medicine, you should definitely inform your doctor if you have any of the following conditions, as using this medicine with these conditions can be dangerous.
| Disease or condition | Why is that important? |
|---|---|
| Asthma or lung disease | This medicine can aggravate some respiratory conditions. |
| Glaucoma condition | It can increase eye pressure and worsen glaucoma. |
| High blood pressure or heart disease | This can adversely affect some heart conditions. |
| Liver disease | Because acetaminophen affects the liver, it is dangerous for someone who already has liver disease. |
| If you drink alcohol regularly | The combination of alcohol and Acetaminophen can cause serious liver damage. |
| Difficulty urinating or prostate problems | This medicine may increase difficulty urinating. |
| Stomach ulcers or other gastrointestinal problems | This is not suitable for some gastrointestinal problems. |
| If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant | It is essential to seek medical advice before taking any medication during pregnancy. |
| If you are a breastfeeding mother | Since the ingredients in the medicine can pass to the baby through breast milk, you should definitely ask your doctor. |
How should I use this medicine?
This medicine should be taken by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the instructions on the medicine packet or the leaflet provided by your doctor. Never take more than the prescribed dose.
This medicine is not suitable for children under 12 years of age . Therefore, if you are giving it to children, be sure to consult a pediatrician.
What to do if you take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately . Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice. Even if there are no symptoms, it is important to act quickly as an overdose of Acetaminophen is very dangerous for the liver.
Remember, this medicine is for you only. Do not give this to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you.
Other things that may interact with this medicine (Interactions)
Some medications can interact with this medicine and cause adverse effects. So tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (including vitamins and herbal products).
| Never take this medicine with these! | |
|---|---|
| MAOIs (Monoamine oxidase inhibitors) | Medications such as Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate, which are used to treat conditions like depression. |
| You may also react with the following things - ask your doctor. | |
| Alcohol | The damage to the liver is very high, and drowsiness also increases significantly. |
| Other sleeping pills | Excessive drowsiness and confusion may occur. |
| Other medicines for colds, coughs, or allergies | They may also contain Diphenhydramine or Acetaminophen, which will increase the dosage. |
| Other medications containing acetaminophen | (Ex: Panadol, Piriton) - Taking these together can cause an overdose of Acetaminophen and damage the liver. |
| Other specific medications such as barbiturates (e.g. phenobarbital), Imatinib, Isoniazid | Inform your doctor as reactions may occur with these. |
Things to consider when taking the medicine
- Drowsiness and dizziness: This medicine may make you feel drowsy or dizzy. Therefore , do not drive or operate machinery while taking this medicine. Be careful when getting up from a sitting position or getting out of bed, especially if you are elderly. Otherwise, you may feel dizzy and fall.
- Dry mouth: You may feel like your mouth is dry. Chewing sugar-free gum, sucking on sugar-free candy, or drinking plenty of water can help.
- Dry eyes and blurred vision: You may experience dry eyes and a slight blurring of vision. If you wear contact lenses, you may experience discomfort. Lubricating drops can be used for this. If the problem persists, see an eye doctor.
- Avoid alcohol: Avoid drinking alcohol completely while taking this medication. It increases side effects and is also very harmful to the liver.
What are the possible side effects of the medication?
Like any medicine, this one can cause side effects in some people. Some are serious, some are common.
| Serious side effects that require immediate medical attention | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Symptoms of liver damage | Pain in the right upper abdomen, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stools, dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing of the skin or eyes, unusual tiredness. |
| Serious skin reactions | Skin redness, blistering, peeling (even inside the mouth). |
| Sudden changes in the eyes | Sudden eye pain, blurred vision, seeing rings around lights, loss of vision. |
| Difficulty urinating | Inability or difficulty urinating. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Drowsiness | This is to be expected, but if it is excessive, tell your doctor . |
| Constipation | It can occur when taking medication. |
| Headache, nausea, stomach upset | If these persist, inform your doctor. |
Take-Home Message
- This medicine is a combination that reduces pain and helps you sleep. However, it is not recommended to use it continuously without medical advice.
- Be sure to tell your doctor about any other medical conditions you have (especially liver disease, asthma, glaucoma) and any other medications you are taking.
- Never drink alcohol while taking this medicine.
- Do not take other painkillers containing acetaminophen (e.g. Panadol) with this medicine. Doing so may increase the dose and cause liver damage.
- Avoid driving while taking the medication as it may cause excessive drowsiness.
- Store the medicine at room temperature, out of the reach of children and pets.
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