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Overview: Percogesic is used to reduce fever and help with mild pain or allergy symptoms. Drowsiness is a common side effect. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how Percogesic affects you. Some children may have excitability instead of drowsiness. Tell your health care provider about everything that you take because Percogesic contains acetaminophen and taking too much acetaminophen can damage your liver and even be life-threatening. Stop Percogesic and call your health care provider right away if you get a rash, blisters, flu-like symptoms, or nausea.

Uses

What is Percogesic used for?

Percogesic (acetaminophen/diphenhydramine) is commonly used for the following.

Percogesic may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does Percogesic work (mechanism of action)?

Percogesic has two different medicines in it, acetaminophen and diphenhydramine. Acetaminophen seems to reduce pain by blocking pain signals. It reduces fever by affecting your temperature regulation center to cool your body. Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine. It works by blocking the effect of a substance in your body called histamine.

How is Percogesic supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Percogesic Extra Strength
  • Percogesic Original Strength

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 325 mg/12.5 mg, 500 mg/12.5 mg oral tablets

How should I store Percogesic?

Percogesic should be stored at room temperature, between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C). Avoid exposing it to excessive heat.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Percogesic?

The most common side effects of Percogesic are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Drowsiness
  • Excitability (especially in children)
  • Dry mouth

There may be other side effects of Percogesic that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Percogesic?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Percogesic are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Percogesic may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking Percogesic and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Liver Damage. Liver damage, also called hepatotoxicity, can happen when taking Percogesic. Severe liver damage that may be life-threatening can happen if you take more than the recommended amount of Percogesic, drink alcohol while taking it, or take it with other medicines that contain acetaminophen. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of liver damage.

  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Stomach or belly pain
  • Fever
  • Weakness or unusual tiredness
  • Itching
  • Loss of appetite
  • Light-colored poop
  • Dark-colored urine (pee)
  • Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)

Severe Skin Reactions. Percogesic can cause severe skin reactions, such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), that can lead to death if not treated. If you get a rash, stop taking Percogesic and call your health care provider right away. Get emergency help if you have any of the following symptoms of SJS or TEN.

  • Painful red or purple skin that looks burned and peels off
  • Flat red rash or blisters on your skin, mouth, nose, and genitals
  • Red, painful, watery eyes
  • Flu-like symptoms, including fever, chills, and muscle aches

Decreased Alertness or Coordination. Percogesic can affect your alertness or coordination. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how Percogesic affects you.

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Percogesic?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take Percogesic.

  • Acetaminophen
  • Diphenhydramine
  • Percogesic
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Percogesic.

Drug Interactions. Percogesic should not be taken while you are using certain other medicines. Before taking Percogesic, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

What should I know about Percogesic before using it?

Read and follow the instructions for the product you are taking or take it as recommended by your health care provider. Do not take more than is recommended on the label or by your health care provider. Taking too much Percogesic can increase your risk of side effects. See the Side Effects section for details.

Keep Percogesic out of the reach of children.

Percogesic can affect your alertness or coordination. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how Percogesic affects you.

Acetaminophen is an ingredient in Percogesic and is one of the medicines in many other over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medicines. Read the labels of anything that you take or ask your pharmacist to see if the product contains acetaminophen. Ask your pharmacist or other health care provider to make sure that you do not take too much acetaminophen.

Stop taking Percogesic and contact your health care provider if you have any of the following.

  • Your pain lasts for more than 10 days
  • Your fever lasts for more than three days (unless directed by a doctor)
  • Your pain or fever are getting worse, not better, or if you have new symptoms
  • You also have redness or swelling

What should I tell my health care provider before using Percogesic?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if Percogesic is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Percogesic could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Your health care provider will let you know if you should take Percogesic while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Breastfeeding. Percogesic passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should take Percogesic while breastfeeding.

How can I get more information about Percogesic?

For more information about Percogesic, you can call the drugmaker at 800-443-4908.

Interactions

Does Percogesic interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Percogesic and foods or drinks.

Do not drink alcohol while you are taking Percogesic. The risk of drowsiness and liver damage may increase if you drink alcohol while taking this medicine.

Does Percogesic interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking Percogesic.

  • Any other medicine that causes dizziness and sleepiness, such as prescription pain medicines, sleep medicines, or medicines for anxiety
  • Any other medicine with acetaminophen (Tylenol) in it, which is a medicine used for pain or fever
  • Any other medicine with diphenhydramine (Benadryl) in it, including products you apply to the skin that are used to relieve itching from insect bites and other skin problems
  • Warfarin, which is a blood thinner
  • A monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) within the past two weeks, which is a medicine usually used for depression or Parkinson’s disease

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Percogesic. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Percogesic?

If you or someone else has used too much Percogesic, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Percogesic?

Percogesic is meant to be taken only when needed. Take it according to the product label or as recommended by your health care provider. Do not take double or extra doses.