Doans PM

Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine that is sometimes used to help with sleep. Magnesium salicylate is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that belongs to a group called salicylates (sa-LIS-il-ates).

Doans PM is a combination medicine used to relieve back pain that prevents you from sleeping normally.

Doans PM may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.

Taking too much diphenhydramine can lead to serious heart problems, seizures, coma, or death.

Take this medicine with a full glass of water before bedtime.

Take with food if this medicine upsets your stomach.

Do not use this medicine to make a child sleepy.

Stop taking this medicine and call your doctor if your pain does not improve, or if it gets worse after 10 days of using this medicine. Tell your doctor if you have a fever that lasts longer than 3 days, or if you have any redness or swelling.

If you need surgery or dental work, tell the surgeon or dentist ahead of time that you are using Doans PM. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.

This medicine can cause unusual results with certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using Doans PM.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Use this medicine exactly as directed. Taking too much diphenhydramine can cause serious heart problems, seizures, coma, or death.

Magnesium salicylate may lead to stomach or intestinal bleeding, which can be life-threatening. Call your doctor immediately if you have signs of stomach bleeding, such as dizziness, black or bloody stools, or coughing up blood.

Ask a doctor before giving this medicine to a child younger than 12 years old. Do not give this medicine to a child or teenager with a fever, flu symptoms, or chickenpox. Do not use this medicine to make a child sleepy.

You should not use Doans PM if you are allergic to aspirin or other salicylates.

Do not give this medicine to a child or teenager with a fever, flu symptoms, or chickenpox. Salicylates can cause Reye's syndrome, a serious and sometimes fatal condition in children. Ask a doctor before giving the medicine to a child younger than 12 years old.

Magnesium salicylate may cause stomach or intestinal bleeding, which can be fatal. These conditions can occur without warning while you are using magnesium salicylate, especially in older adults.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if this medicine is safe to use if you have ever had:

• bleeding problems;
• heartburn, stomach ulcer, or stomach bleeding;
• an enlarged prostate or urination problems;
• asthma or COPD, cough with mucus, or cough caused by smoking, emphysema, or chronic bronchitis;
• heart disease, high blood pressure;
• liver disease, cirrhosis, or if you drink more than 3 alcoholic beverages per day;
• kidney disease;
• arthritis, gout;
• diabetes;
• glaucoma; or
• a thyroid disorder.

Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Taking this medicine during the last 20 weeks of pregnancy may cause serious kidney problems in the unborn baby, or bleeding in the mother or the baby during delivery.

Get emergency medical help if you notice signs of an allergic reaction: hives; wheezing, difficulty breathing; feeling light-headed; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Doans PM may lead to serious side effects. Stop using Doans PM and contact your doctor immediately if you experience:

• severe drowsiness;
• painful or difficult urination;
• ringing in your ears, hearing loss;
• confusion; or
• signs of stomach bleeding--feeling light-headed, ongoing stomach pain, bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.

Common side effects of Doans PM may include:

• drowsiness;
• dry eyes, blurred vision;
• dry mouth, nose, or throat;
• decreased urination;
• heartburn, nausea, vomiting, gas;
• constipation;
• feeling restless or excited (especially in children); or
• daytime drowsiness or a "hangover" feeling after nighttime use.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You can report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Since Doans PM is taken as needed, you might not have a regular dosing schedule. If you miss a dose and it's almost time for your next dose, just skip the missed dose. Do not take two doses at the same time.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose of diphenhydramine can be fatal.

Overdose symptoms may include vomiting, confusion, severe drowsiness, ringing in your ears, no urination, very dry eyes and mouth, dilated pupils, fast heartbeats, tremor, agitation, hallucinations, or seizure.

Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how Doans PM will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired.

Also ask a doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine that may contain diphenhydramine or ingredients similar to magnesium salicylate (such as aspirin or other salicylates). This includes medicines for pain, fever, swelling, sleep, cold/allergy symptoms, or anti-itch medicine used on the skin. Using too much diphenhydramine may lead to a fatal overdose.

Avoid alcohol. Heavy drinking can increase your risk of stomach bleeding.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using this medicine with any other drugs that can cause drowsiness (such as opioid medication, sleep medicine, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures).

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to use Doans PM if you are also using:

• a blood thinner--warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven;
• other NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)--aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib, diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam, and others;

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect Doans PM, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.