Acetaminophen and phenylephrine

Generic name: acetaminophen and phenylephrine [ a-SEET-a-MIN-oh-fen-and-FEN-il-EFF-rin ]
Brand names: Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold and Sinus, Contac Cold+Flu Non-Drowsy, Excedrin Sinus Headache Caplet, Mapap Sinus Congestion and Pain, QlearQuil Daytime Sinus & Congestion, ... show all 26 brands Robitussin Nasal Relief, Sinus Congestion and Pain Daytime Cool Ice, Sinus Pain & Pressure, Sudafed PE Sinus Headache, Theraflu Daytime Severe Cold, Tylenol Sinus Congestion and Pain, Congespirin Aspirin Free, Neo Citran Extra Strength Cold and Sinus, Mapap Sinus PE, Tylenol Sinus Congestion Daytime, Excedrin Sinus Headache, Non-Pseudo Sinus Pain & Pressure, Robitussin Peak Cold Nasal Relief, Sinus Pain and Pressure, Sudafed PE Pressure Plus Pain, QlearQuil Daytime Sinus and Congestion, Contact Cold and Flu Day, Tylenol Sinus + Headache Day, Vicks Sinex Daytime, Mygrex, Acetaminophen Congestion and Pain
Dosage forms: oral capsule (325 mg-5 mg); oral powder for reconstitution (650 mg-10 mg); oral tablet (325 mg-5 mg; 500 mg-5 mg); oral tablet, effervescent (250 mg-5 mg)
Drug class:Upper respiratory combinations

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Aug 30, 2021. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is acetaminophen and phenylephrine?

Acetaminophen is a pain reliever and a fever reducer.

Phenylephrine is a decongestant that shrinks blood vessels in the nasal passages. Dilated blood vessels can cause nasal congestion (stuffy nose).

Acetaminophen and phenylephrine is a combination medicine used to treat headache, fever, body aches, stuffy nose, and sinus congestion caused by allergies, the common cold, or the flu.

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

Warnings

Do not use acetaminophen and phenylephrine if you have taken an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, and