Acetaminophen is a pain reliever and a fever reducer.

Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine. It blocks the effects of the naturally occurring chemical histamine in the body. Diphenhydramine prevents sneezing; itchy, watery eyes and nose; and other symptoms of allergies and hay fever.

The combination of acetaminophen and diphenhydramine is used to treat runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes, and pain or fever caused by allergies, the common cold, or the flu. This medication is also used to treat night time pain and help you sleep.

Excedrin PM may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Most important: There are many brands and forms of this medication available and not all brands are listed on this leaflet.

Always ask a doctor before giving a cough or cold medicine to a child. Death can occur from the misuse of cough and cold medicines in very young children. Do not take more of this medication than is recommended. An overdose of acetaminophen can cause damage to your liver. Do not use any other cough, cold, allergy, pain, or sleep medication without first asking your doctor or pharmacist. If you take certain products together you may accidentally take too much of one or more types of medicine. Read the label of any other medicine you are using to see if it contains acetaminophen (sometimes abbreviated as “APAP”) or diphenhydramine. Avoid drinking alcohol. It can increase the risk of liver damage while you are taking acetaminophen, and can add to drowsiness caused by an antihistamine. If you drink more than three alcoholic beverages per day, do not take acetaminophen without your doctor’s advice, and never take more than 2 grams (2000 mg) per day.