Alka Seltzer Plus Night Time Effervescent
Generic Name: aspirin/diphenhydramine/phenylpropanolamine (AS pir in/dye fen HYE dra meen/fen ill proe pa NOLE a meen)
Brand Names: Alka Seltzer Plus Night Time Effervescent
What is Alka Seltzer Plus Night Time Effervescent (aspirin/diphenhydramine/phenylpropanolamine)?
Aspirin is in a class of drugs called salicylates. Aspirin is a pain reliever, an anti-inflammatory,
and a fever reducer. It is used to treat many conditions, such as headache, muscle aches, arthritis,
backache, toothaches, colds, and fevers.
Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine. It blocks the naturally occurring chemical histamine in the
body. Diphenhydramine prevents sneezing; itchy, watery eyes and nose; and other symptoms of
allergies and hay fever.
Phenylpropanolamine is a decongestant. It constricts (shrinks) blood vessels (veins and
arteries). This reduces blood flow to affected areas and allows nasal passages to open up.
The combination, aspirin/diphenhydramine/phenylpropanolamine, is used to treat nasal
congestion, sinusitis (inflammation of the sinuses), headache, fever, and aches and pains associated with
allergies, hay fever, and the common cold.
Phenylpropanolamine, an ingredient in this product, has been associated with an increased risk
of hemorrhagic stroke (bleeding into the brain or into tissue surrounding the brain) in women. Men may
also be at risk. Although the risk of hemorrhagic stroke is low, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration
(FDA) recommends that consumers not use any products that contain phenylpropanolamine.
Aspirin/diphenhydramine/phenylpropanolamine may also be used for purposes other than those
listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about
Alka Seltzer Plus Night Time Effervescent (aspirin/diphenhydramine/phenylpropanolamine)?
Phenylpropanolamine, an ingredient in this product, has been associated with an increased risk
of hemorrhagic stroke (bleeding into the brain or into tissue surrounding the brain) in women. Men may
also be at risk. Although the risk of hemorrhagic stroke is low, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration
(FDA) recommends that consumers not use any products that contain phenylpropanolamine.
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities.
Aspirin/diphenhydramine/phenylpropanolamine may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience
dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.
Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while taking
aspirin/diphenhydramine/phenylpropanolamine. Alcohol can be damaging to the stomach when it is
taken with aspirin.
Do not take more of this medication than is directed. Consult your doctor if you symptoms are
not being relieved.
Who should not take Alka Seltzer Plus Night Time Effervescent (aspirin/diphenhydramine/phenylpropanolamine)?
Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you drink more than three
alcoholic beverages per day. Alcohol can cause stomach bleeding when it is combined with any
medicine that contains aspirin.
Do not take aspirin/diphenhydramine/phenylpropanolamine if you have taken a monoamine
oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine
(Parnate) in the last 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur, leading to serious side effects.
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have
-
an ulcer or a bleeding or coagulation disorder,
-
kidney disease,
-
liver disease,
-
diabetes,
-
glaucoma,
-
any type of heart disease or high blood pressure,
-
thyroid disease,
-
emphysema or chronic bronchitis, or
-
difficulty urinating or an enlarged prostate.
You may not be able to take aspirin/diphenhydramine/phenylpropanolamine,
or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the
conditions listed above.
It is not known whether aspirin/diphenhydramine/phenylpropanolamine will harm an unborn
baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.
This medication passes into breast milk and can harm a nursing baby. Do not take this
medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
If you are over 60 years of age, you may be more likely to experience side effects from
aspirin/diphenhydramine/phenylpropanolamine. You may require a lower dose of this medication.
Do not use any medication that contains aspirin to treat a child or teenager who has a fever,
flu symptoms, or chicken pox without first talking to a doctor. In children younger than 20 years of age,
aspirin may increase the risk of Reye's syndrome, a rare but often fatal condition.
How should I take Alka Seltzer Plus Night Time Effervescent (aspirin/diphenhydramine/phenylpropanolamine)?
Take aspirin/diphenhydramine/phenylpropanolamine exactly as directed. If you do not
understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse or doctor to explain them to you.
Take each dose with a full glass of water.
Take this medication with food or milk if stomach upset occurs.
Do not take more of this medication than is recommended.
Do not take aspirin/diphenhydramine/phenylpropanolamine for longer than 7 days in a row. If
your symptoms do not improve, if they get worse, or if you have a fever, see your doctor.
Store aspirin/diphenhydramine/phenylpropanolamine at room temperature away from
moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose,
skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a
double dose of this medication.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention.
Symptoms of an aspirin/diphenhydramine/phenylpropanolamine overdose include a dry mouth,
large pupils, flushing, ringing in the ears, dizziness, hallucinations, seizures, rapid breathing, nausea, and
vomiting.
What should I avoid while taking
Alka Seltzer Plus Night Time Effervescent (aspirin/diphenhydramine/phenylpropanolamine)?
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities.
Aspirin/diphenhydramine/phenylpropanolamine may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience
dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.
Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while taking
aspirin/diphenhydramine/phenylpropanolamine. Also, alcohol can cause stomach bleeding when it is
combined with any medicine that contains aspirin.
Aspirin/diphenhydramine/dextromethorphan/phenylpropanolamine may increase the effects of
other drugs that cause drowsiness, including antidepressants, alcohol, other antihistamines, pain
relievers, anxiety medicines, seizure medicines, and muscle relaxants. Dangerous sedation, dizziness, or
drowsiness may occur if aspirin/diphenhydramine/phenylpropanolamine is taken with any of these
medications.
Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight. Aspirin/diphenhydramine/phenylpropanolamine may
increase the sensitivity of the skin to sunlight. Use a sun screen and wear protective clothing when sun
exposure is unavoidable.
Be aware of the aspirin content of other over-the-counter and prescription products. Any
aspirin content in these products counts toward your total daily dose.
What are the possible side effects of aspirin/diphenhydramine/
phenylpropanolamine?
If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking
aspirin/diphenhydramine/phenylpropanolamine and seek emergency medical attention or notify your
doctor immediately:
-
an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat;
swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
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black, bloody, or tarry stools;
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blood in vomit or urine;
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nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain;
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uncontrolled fever;
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seizures;
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an irregular heartbeat; or
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abnormal behavior, hallucinations, or paranoia.
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to
take aspirin/diphenhydramine/phenylpropanolamine and talk to your doctor, or try another similar
medication if you experience
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dryness of the eyes, nose, and mouth;
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drowsiness, lightheadedness, dizziness, or weakness;
-
headache;
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faint ringing in the ears;
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upset stomach or indigestion;
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blurred vision;
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restlessness, tremor, insomnia, or anxiety;
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sweating;
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difficulty urinating; or
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excitation in children.
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.
What other drugs will affect
Alka Seltzer Plus Night Time Effervescent (aspirin/diphenhydramine/phenylpropanolamine)?
Do not take aspirin/diphenhydramine/phenylpropanolamine if you have taken a monoamine
oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine
(Parnate) in the last 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur, leading to serious side effects.
Do not take other over-the-counter cough, cold, allergy, diet, fever, pain, or sleep aids while
taking aspirin/diphenhydramine/phenylpropanolamine unless your pharmacist or doctor approves. Other
medications may also contain aspirin, diphenhydramine, phenylpropanolamine, or other similar drugs,
and you may accidentally take too much and harm yourself.
Aspirin/diphenhydramine/phenylpropanolamine may increase the effects of other drugs that
cause drowsiness, including antidepressants, alcohol, other antihistamines, pain relievers, anxiety
medicines, seizure medicines, and muscle relaxants. Dangerous sedation, dizziness, or drowsiness may
occur if aspirin/diphenhydramine/phenylpropanolamine is taken with any of these medications.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with
aspirin/diphenhydramine/phenylpropanolamine. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any
prescription or over-the-counter medicines.
Where can I get more information?
-
Your pharmacist has additional information about aspirin/diphenhydramine/
phenylpropanolamine written for health professionals that you may read.
What does my medication look like?
Aspirin/diphenhydramine/phenylpropanolamine is available over the counter under the brand
name Night Time Effervescent Cold Tablets. Other brand or generic formulations may also be
available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to
you.
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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.
- Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is
accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be
time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the
United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless
specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend
therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners
in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for,
the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or
drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or
appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare
administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover
all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have
questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
Copyright 1996-2006 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 4.01. Revision Date: 8/10/04 3:14:28 PM.
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