Mikayla asked
I have a questions pertaining the medication Sinutab II. I am about to start taking it to deal with a sinus infection however I'm unaware how many days I should take it. My pharmacist didn't really explain it well and studying biomedical sciences I am aware that paracetamol isn't a toy. I'm wondering if I should take this medications 2-3 times a day for ONLY 3 days. Thank you for your time.
Answer
Sinutab contains the following active ingredients:
- Pseudoephedrine
- Acetaminophen (also known as paracetamol)
Sinutab is considered to be safe to take for longer than just a few days for most individuals. The nasal decongestant contained in Sinutab, pseudoephedrine, is generally well tolerated and is not associated with the rebound congestion that can happen when using topical decongestant sprays (such as Afrin).
Acetaminophen (i.e. paracetamol) for most individuals is considered safer for long term use than other over the counter analgesics such as Advil (ibuprofen) and Aleve (naproxen). The important thing to remember with acetaminophen is to stay under the maximum daily dose (4,000 mg) to avoid possible liver damage. In some individuals, lower dosages are necessary for it to be considered safe and it would be prudent to speak with your doctor regrading the safety of the drug in your situation.
To reiterate, there isn't a set period of time that Sinutab (acetaminophen and pseudoephedrine) is considered to be "safe" to take. It can generally be used as long as needed at the indicated dosage. However, if you are having symptoms that last longer than a few days and aren't getting better, you should see your doctor.
