Aspirin and Diphenhydramine Overview

(AS pir in & dye fen HYE dra meen)

Alka-Seltzer® P.M. [OTC]; Bayer® PM [OTC]

Analgesic, Miscellaneous

• Children and teenagers should not use aspirin for flu symptoms or chickenpox.

• This medicine does not mix well with some medicines. Serious reactions may occur. Check all medicines with healthcare provider.

• Do not give this medicine to a child younger than 12 years of age.

• If you have an allergy to aspirin, diphenhydramine, or any other part of this medicine.

• Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.

• If you are more than 24 weeks pregnant.

• If you are breast-feeding.

• Aspirin blocks production and release of chemicals that cause pain and inflammation.

• Diphenhydramine calms the brain.

• Take this medicine 30-60 minutes before bedtime if using for sleep. Do not take for more than 2 weeks in a row.

• Dissolve effervescent tablet in 1/2 cup of water. Do not swallow whole.

• Swallow caplets whole. Do not chew, break, or crush.

• Drink plenty of noncaffeine-containing liquid unless told to drink less liquid by healthcare provider.

• Take a missed dose as soon as possible.

• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.

• Do not take a double dose or extra doses.

• Many times this medicine is taken on an as needed basis.

• Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?

• Dry mouth may cause an increase in cavities. Take good care of your teeth. See a dentist regularly.

• Store at room temperature.

• Protect from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.

• If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.

• Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.

• Most medicines can be thrown away in household trash after mixing with coffee grounds or kitty litter and sealing in a plastic bag.

• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).

• Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or in Canada to Health Canada's Canada Vigilance Program at 1-866-234-2345.

• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.

Created: 2009-01-30 13:58:03.0

Modified: 2010-03-22 14:24:40.0

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