[Rick45]

I called McNeil the makers of Tylenol about Tylenol sinus congestion & pain sever, they said the old is gluten free, the new one with phenylephrine hcl has not been tested. Today I've had 2 coffee (less than usual)and my aciphex, was feeling fine, I took the above and now my gut is pulsating ,I'm real jittery. I looked up manufacturers of phenylephrine hcl and of course there are some in china. China, that's all I need to run to the hills. When they say they haven't tested it yet, I don't understand, I'm A contractor and there level of customer service sucks! I guess I'll just go to pirate mode and walk around growling, GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR. AH HELL I'm out of here , I'm going fishing. My thoughts are going wild now. Anyone else?

[psawyer]

You may be reacting to the Phenylephrine HCl itself. It is a vasoconstrictor which has an effect on the entire body when taken orally. As the blood vessels tighten up, your blood pressure rises, and a stimulant action also occurs.

[lisaemtp]

I just found this and wanted to add that any amount of caffeine (even though it is less than you usually drink) will increase the stimulant effects of phenylephrine. Some people are also just sensitive to the effects of the medication - increased heart rate, "jittery" feeling, increased blood pressure. I took it once and when I couldn't sit still I checked my pulse rate - 190 while sitting down relaxing! If you take this medication again take it without the caffeine and perhaps cut the dose in half. I know it can be rough to cut out the coffee and soda (especially if you drink them daily) but they are also bad for you when you're sick. The best thing you can do is drink LOTS of water, it'll keep you hydrated.

I'm sorry they've been so sketchy about the details of whether the medication contains gluten, but it sounds to me more like a reaction to the medication itself than to gluten. Let us know what you find!

Lisa

[2kids4me]

I would agree with a reaction to Phenylephrine HCl ....even more so caffiene + Phenylephrine HCl because they have an additive effect - the combination is more potent than either drug taken alone. Yes, caffiene is a drug - a CNS stimulant to be exact.
See the following - listed side effects from each:

Phenylephrine Hydrochloride :
May give rise to a wide range of effects :
Central nervous system ; anxiety, fear, restlessness, tremor, irritability, confusion and
weakness, headache, sedation varying from slight drowsiness to deep sleep.
Cardiovascular system ; tachycardia, cardiac arrhythmias, angina pectoris, palpitations,
hypertension, hypotension with dizziness, and dyspnoea.
Other side effects; altered metabolism including glucose metabolism, nausea and vomiting,
diarrhoea and constipation, anorexia or increased appetite, and difficulty with micturition.

Caffeine :
May cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, gastrointestinal bleeding, insomnia, headache,
anxiety, restlessness, vertigo and palpitations.

Note** many could cold meds contain caffeine too - so.... combine the meds plus coffee = more likely to have side effects

Sandy