The Web Health

Subscribe

Legatrin PM

Generic name: acetaminophen and diphenhydramine [a-SEET-a-MIN-oh-fen-and-DYE-fen-HYE-dra-meen]
Brand names: Headache Relief PM, Legatrin PM, Midol PM, Percogesic Original Strength, Tylenol PM
Drug class: analgesic combinations

What is Legatrin PM?

Acetaminophen relieves pain and lowers the fever. Diphenhydramine acts as an antihistamine.Legatrin PM is a combination medication used to treat occasional insomnia that may be associated with minor aches or pains. Legatrin is not intended to treat insomnia with pain or frequent sleep problems.Legatrin PM can also be used to treat minor aches, such as headaches, backaches, joint pain, toothaches, or menstrual pain.Legatrin PM can also be used to treat a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, and itchy throat and nose caused by allergies, the common flu, or a cold.Legatrin PM can be used in other ways not mentioned in this guide.

Side effects of Legatrin PM

If you experience symptoms indicative of an allergic reaction, such as hives, difficulty breathing or swelling of lips, face, tongue or throat - seek medical assistance immediately!Acetaminophen can cause severe skin reactions that are fatal.Even if it has never caused problems before, an adverse reaction may arise even with repeated use.Call your doctor immediately if the skin becomes red or you develop a rash. If blisters form and you peel them off, stop taking this medication.

The medicine can cause serious side effects. If you experience:

  • Severe sleepiness
  • Urination that is painful or difficult
  • Liver problems: loss of appetite, pain in the upper right corner of the stomach, tiredness, itchiness, dark urine, clay-coloured stools, jaundice

Legatrin PM side effects may include:

  • Drowsiness;
  • Constipation
  • Reduced urination
  • Dry eyes and blurred vision
  • Dry throat, nose, or mouth.

There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. Contacting the FDA in regards to possible side effects can be done via telephone at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Similar/related drugs

Quviviq, Aspirin, Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen, Tramadol, Naproxen, and Oxycodone

Warnings

Follow the instructions on Legatrin PM. Overdosing on acetaminophen may cause liver damage or death. A diphenhydramine overdose can cause serious heart problems, seizures, or even death.Never use this medication to put a child to sleep.Before using any other medication that contains acetaminophen or diphenhydramine, consult your doctor or pharmacist. Overdosing on either medication can be fatal When taking acetaminophen, drinking alcohol can increase the risk of liver damage.If you notice skin redness, a rash, blistering, or peeling, stop taking the medicine immediately and contact your doctor.

Before you take this drug

If you've ever suffered from liver disease or drink more than three alcoholic drinks per day, you should consult a doctor prior to taking acetaminophen.

Have You experienced Any of These:

  • Liver disease
  • Urination or prostate problems;
  • Asthma; chronic obstructive lung disease; emphysema; or other breathing disorders.
  • Glaucoma;
  • A condition for which you are taking warfarin. (Coumadin or Jantoven).

Before using this medication, consult your doctor if you're pregnant or nursing. Diphenhydramine can slow down breast milk production.

How to take Legatrin PM?

Follow the directions on the label or those prescribed by your physician. Legatrin PM is intended for use only until symptoms are resolved.Do not exceed the recommended dosage of legatrin. Overdosing on acetaminophen may cause liver damage or death. A diphenhydramine overdose can cause serious heart problems, seizures, or even death.Legatrin is not recommended for children younger than 12 years of age. Do not use this medicine to put a child to sleep. Misuse of antihistamines can lead to death in very young children.Use this medication for no more than two weeks to treat sleep disorders or seven days to treat colds or allergy-related symptoms.If you have not seen improvement in your symptoms after three days or if the pain persists after ten days (or five days if you are 12–17 years old), call your doctor. Call your doctor as soon as your symptoms worsen or if there is any swelling or redness.Tell your doctor if you've taken this medication within the last few days if you are going to need surgery or medical testing.Store away from heat and moisture at room temperature.

What happens if I miss the dose?

Legatrin is taken as needed, and there may not be a schedule. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip any missed dose. Never take two doses in one go.

What happens if I overdose?

Call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222 or seek emergency medical care. Overdoses can cause liver damage or death.Overdose symptoms include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, confusion, ringing ears, upper abdominal pain, dry mouth and eyes, yellowing, rapid heartbeats, tremors, hallucinations, or seizures.

What should be avoided?

Legatrin PM can affect your reaction. Avoid driving and other hazardous activities until you are sure how they will affect you. You may be unable to react.Before using any other medication that contains acetaminophen or diphenhydramine, consult your doctor or pharmacist. Included are medicines used to treat pain, fevers, swellings, cold or flu symptoms, or anti-itch creams applied directly to the skin. An overdose of acetaminophen and diphenhydramine may be fatal.When taking acetaminophen, drinking alcohol can increase the risk of liver damage.

Interaction with other drug

Before using Legatrin PM, consult your doctor or pharmacist. This is especially important if you are taking any medications that may cause drowsiness, such as sleep medication, opioid medications, muscle relaxers, or medicines for anxiety or seizures. Inform your doctor of all the medicines you are currently taking and those that you have started or stopped using. You should tell your doctor about all the medicines you are taking, including prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal products. This list does not include all possible interactions.