Suggest Treatment For Neck Pain, Clogged Sinuses And TMJ Strain

Posted on Fri, 29 Dec 2017

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 29 Dec 2017 Answered on

Tue, 29 May 2018 Last reviewed on

Question : have cold/sinus infection & neck and back and tmj pain. Ears feel clogged. Its it ok to take prednisone, flexeril,allegra,phenyleprine & tylenol? Interactions?
My main complaint is neck and tmj strain and clogged sinus feels like ears are underwater whole back of head feels strained from over use snifflingand blowing nose etc. prednisone opens me up and flexeril relaxes muscles but wanted to know if ok to take all meds listed above together. Thanks

Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (52 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
No absolute contraindications.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,

I looked up the following medications on Lexicomp drug data base for interactions:
Prednisone
Flexeril
Allegra
Phenylephrine
Tylenol

There were no absolute contraindications but it was advised to "monitor" for side effects because of the following:

1. Flexaril and Allegra both have anticholinergic effects so together anticholinergic side effects can increase.
"Such effects may include, but are not limited to, dry mouth, dry eyes, blurred vision, urinary retention, and constipation. Concomitant use of two or more of these drugs may increase the risks associated with anticholinergic activity."

2. Flexaril and Allegra both have central nervous system depression effects.
"Such effects may include, but are not limited to, ataxia, confusion, drowsiness, respiratory depression, and weakness.1 Concomitant use of two or more of these drugs may increase the risks associated with CNS depression."

3. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) can increase the blood levels of Phenylephrine.
"Patients with underlying blood pressure issues or arrhythmias may need closer monitoring and may warrant consideration of alternative therapies."

So, while none of these interactions prohibit taking any of the other medications, be aware that they can increase side effects for the other medications as described. So if you can adjust the dosages, start with lower dosages until you see how the combinations affect you.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (3 minutes later)

Thank you

Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (9 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Your welcome!

Detailed Answer:
Your welcome, and I hope you are feeling better soon.

Best regards,
Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh,MD

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (23 hours later)

Sorry one last follow up can i take 875 mg amoxicillin with the previuos drugs listed? Interactions or side effects? Thanks

Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (8 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Amoxicillin ok

Detailed Answer:
Hi -

I ran the search on Lexicomp for:
Prednisone
Flexeril
Allegra
Phenylephrine
Tylenol
and Amoxicillin

The only reports were the ones I wrote about for Allegra with Flexeril and Tylenol with Phenylephrine as described previously. Amoxicillin did not cause interactions with any of the medications.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar