Sinutab, made by McNEIL-PPC, Inc., is categorized as an over-the-counter decongestant. A decongestant relieves symptoms of headache, sneezing and sinus pressure.
Sinutab is a non-drowsy formula made for adults and children over 12 years of age and is designed to reduce cold and allergy symptoms. Sinutab doesn't contain aspirin or pseudoephedrine, an antihistamine medication that causes drowsiness.
An adult dosage of Sinutab is two tablets every four hours. McNEIL-PPC, Inc., suggests using Sinutab as recommended for best results and to reduce any potential side effects.
Consult with a physician before taking Sinutab or if symptoms persist longer than 7 days as symptoms may be due to something other than a cold or flu.
Acetaminophen
Allergies and cold symptoms cause sinus pressure and aches and pains. Sinutab contains 325 mg of acetaminophen in each tablet. According to Drugs.com, acetaminophen is an analgesic and anti-pyretic and treats minor pain and reduces fever.
Acetaminophen works by reducing the production of a key pain chemical in the brain and slows down nerve pain receptor signals. Sinus pressure is caused by inflammation of the blood vessels inside the sinus membrane. Acetaminophen reduces the pain by thinning the blood and relaxing the sinus membrane blood vessels.
Acetaminophen may cause increased potency of blood thinning medication or reactions with other medications. Consult with a physician if currently taking any blood thinning medications to determine any side effects while taking Sinutab.
Phenylephrine HCl
Phenylephrine HCI is non-drowsy medication used to relieve congestion. Phenylephrine HCI is a vasoconstrictor, a medication that reduces the size of blood vessels. Phenylephrine HCI shrinks blood vessels in the sinus passages to alleviate sinus pressure and pain.
According to Drugs.com, phenylephrine HCI is recommended for adults and children over 4 years of age. Sinutab recommends no child under the age of 12 years take the product.
Since phenylephrine HCI constricts blood vessels, it is best to consult with a physician about any side effects with current medications.
Inactive ingredients
Since there are two active ingredients in Sinutab, any other ingredients are inactive and are tableting agents. Tableting agents include the dilutants and lubricants that are used to make the pill. According to Medical-Dictionary.com, dilutant agents are added to reduce secretion viscosity in the respiratory tract for easier removal. Lubricants are added to the tablet to reduce the mixture from sticking in the machinery during manufacturing.
Some of the tableting agents in Sinutab are carnauba wax, hypromellose, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol and pregelatinized starch.
In addition to tableting agent, coloring agents are added to provide color to the pill distinguishing it from other decongestants. FD&C yellow #6 aluminum lake gives Sinutab its distinctive yellow-orange color.
References
- Sinutab
- "Handbook of Fillers, Extenders, and Dilutants"; Michael Ash, Irene Ash; 2007
- Medical-Dictionary.com: Diluting Agent
- Drugs.com: Acetaminophen
- Drugs.com: Phenylephrine
