Carbetapentane/diphenhydramine/phenylephrine (By mouth)

Carbetapentane (kar-BAY-ta-pen-tane), Diphenhydramine (dye-fen-HYE-dra-meen), Phenylephrine (fen-il-EF-rin)

Relieves cough and stuffy nose caused due to allergies and sinusitis.

Brand Name(s):

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to carbetapentane, diphenhydramine, or phenylephrine. This medicine should not be given to women who are breast feeding. Do not give any over-the-counter (OTC) cough and cold medicine to a baby or child under 4 years old. Using these medicines in very young children might cause serious or possibly life-threatening side effects.

How to Use This Medicine:

Liquid, Chewable Tablet, Tablet

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
  • Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.

If a dose is missed:

  • Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
  • Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are using an MAO inhibitor such as Eldepryl®, Marplan®, Nardil®, or Parnate®.
  • Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.
  • Tell your doctor if you use anything else that makes you sleepy. Some examples are allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, and alcohol.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding.
  • Make sure your doctor knows if you have asthma, glaucoma, high blood pressure, heart disease, or an overactive thyroid. Tell your doctor if you have an enlarged prostate, stomach ulcers, or trouble urinating.
  • This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving using machines or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
  • Change in how much or how often you urinate.
  • Chest tightness.
  • Fast or pounding heartbeat.
  • Lightheadedness.
  • Numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands, arms, legs, or feet.
  • Tremor or seizures.
  • Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness.

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

  • Blurred vision.
  • Headache.
  • Mild skin rash or itching.
  • Mild nausea, vomiting, or mild stomach pain.
  • Nervousness, restlessness, or trouble sleeping.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088


Last Updated: 9/6/2024

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