Acetaminophen-Codeine

 
Generic Name: acetaminophen and codeine

Brands: Capital with Codeine Suspension, Phenaphen with Codeine, Tylenol with Codeine

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What is the most important information I should know about Acetaminophen-Codeine?

· Do not stop taking Acetaminophen-Codeine suddenly if you have been taking it continuously for more than 5 to 7 days. Stopping suddenly could cause withdrawal symptoms and make you very uncomfortable. Your doctor may want to gradually reduce your dose.

· Codeine will cause drowsiness and fatigue. Avoid alcohol, sleeping pills, antihistamines, sedatives, and tranquilizers except under the supervision of your doctor. These may also make you drowsy.

· Acetaminophen-Codeine will also cause constipation. Drink plenty of water (six to eight full glasses a day) to lessen this side effect. Increasing the amount of fiber in your diet can also help to alleviate constipation.

· Never take more Acetaminophen-Codeine than is prescribed for you. If your pain is not being adequately treated, talk to your doctor.

· Watch the acetaminophen content of other over-the-counter and prescription products while taking this medication. Do not take more than a total of 4 grams (4000 mg) of acetaminophen per day.

· It is dangerous to drink alcohol while taking this medication.

 

What is Acetaminophen-Codeine?

· Codeine is in a class of drugs called narcotic analgesics. It relieves pain.

· Acetaminophen is a less potent pain reliever that increases the effects of codeine.

· Together, Acetaminophen-Codeine are used to relieve moderate-to-severe pain.

· Acetaminophen-Codeine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

 

Who should not take Acetaminophen-Codeine?

· Codeine is habit forming and should only be used under close supervision if you have an alcohol or drug addiction.

· Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have     ·kidney disease;     ·liver disease;     ·asthma;     ·urinary retention;     ·an enlarged prostate;     ·hypothyroidism;     ·seizures or epilepsy;     ·gallbladder disease;     ·a head injury; or     ·Addison's disease.

· You may not be able to take Acetaminophen-Codeine, or you may require a lower dose or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

· This drug combination is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that its effects on an unborn baby are not known. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.

· This drug combination passes into breast milk and may harm a nursing infant. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

· If you are younger than 18 years of age or older than 60 years of age, you may be more likely to experience side effects from Acetaminophen-Codeine therapy. Use extra caution.

· Acetaminophen with codeine has not been approved for use by children younger than 3 years of age.

 

How should I take Acetaminophen-Codeine?

· Take Acetaminophen-Codeine exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

· Take each dose with a full glass of water.

· Take Acetaminophen-Codeine with food or milk if it upsets your stomach.

· Never take more of this medication than is prescribed for you. Too much Acetaminophen-Codeine could be very harmful.

· To ensure that you get a correct dose, measure the liquid form of Acetaminophen-Codeine with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not with a regular tablespoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one.

· Do not stop taking Acetaminophen-Codeine suddenly if you have been taking it continuously for more than 5 to 7 days. Stopping suddenly could cause withdrawal symptoms and make you feel uncomfortable. Your doctor may want to gradually reduce your dose.

· Increase the amount of fiber and water (six to eight full glasses daily) in your diet to prevent constipation.

· Do not share this medication with anyone else.

· Store Acetaminophen-Codeine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

 

What happens if I miss a dose?

· Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Do not take a double dose of this medication. Wait the prescribed amount of time before taking your next dose.

 

What happens if I overdose?

· Seek emergency medical attention.

· Symptoms of an Acetaminophen-Codeine overdose include slow breathing, seizures, dizziness, weakness, loss of consciousness, coma, confusion, tiredness, cold and clammy skin, small pupils, nausea, vomiting, and sweating.

 

What should I avoid while taking Acetaminophen-Codeine?

· Avoid alcohol while taking Acetaminophen-Codeine. Alcohol will greatly increase the drowsiness and dizziness caused by Acetaminophen-Codeine. Also, acetaminophen can damage your liver if you drink three or more alcoholic beverages a day.

· Also avoid sleeping pills, tranquilizers, sedatives, and antihistamines except under the supervision of your doctor. These medications also may cause dangerous sedation.

· Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Codeine may cause drowsiness. If you experience drowsiness, avoid these activities.

 

What are the possible side effects of Acetaminophen-Codeine?

· If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Acetaminophen-Codeine and seek emergency medical attention:     ·an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);     ·slow, weak breathing;     ·seizures;     ·cold, clammy skin;     ·severe weakness or dizziness;     ·unconsciousness;     ·yellowing of the skin or eyes; or     ·unusual fatigue, bleeding, or bruising.

· Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Acetaminophen-Codeine and talk to your doctor if you experience     ·constipation;     ·dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, or decreased appetite;     ·dizziness, tiredness, or lightheadedness;     ·muscle twitches;     ·sweating;     ·itching;     ·decreased urination; or     ·decreased sex drive.

· Acetaminophen-Codeine is habit forming. Do not stop taking it suddenly.

· Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

 

What other drugs will affect Acetaminophen-Codeine?

· Do not take Acetaminophen-Codeine if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days. Dangerous side effects could result.

· The most serious interactions affecting Acetaminophen-Codeine are with those drugs that also cause sedation. The following drugs may lead to dangerous sedation if taken with Acetaminophen-Codeine:     ·antihistamines such as brompheniramine (Dimetane, Bromfed, others), diphenhydramine (Benadryl, Nytol, Compoz, others), chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton, Teldrin, others), and others;     ·tricyclic antidepressants, such as amitriptyline (Elavil) and doxepin (Sinequan), and serotonin reuptake inhibitors such as fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), and paroxetine (Paxil);     ·other commonly used antidepressants, including amoxapine (Asendin), clomipramine (Anafranil), desipramine (Norpramin), imipramine (Tofranil), nortriptyline (Pamelor), and protriptyline (Vivactil);     ·anticholinergics such as belladonna (Donnatal), clidinium (Quarzan), dicyclomine (Bentyl, Antispas), hyoscyamine (Levsin, Anaspaz), ipratropium (Atrovent), propantheline (Pro-Banthine), and scopolamine (Transderm-Scop);     ·phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine (Thorazine), fluphenazine (Prolixin), thioridazine (Mellaril), and prochlorperazine (Compazine); and     ·tranquilizers and sedatives such as phenobarbital (Solfoton, Luminal), amobarbital (Amytal), secobarbital (Seconal), alprazolam (Xanax), diazepam (Valium), lorazepam (Ativan), flurazepam (Prosom), and temazepam (Restoril).

· Do not take any of the drugs listed above without the approval of your doctor.

· Many other drugs contain acetaminophen, especially over-the-counter pain, fever, cold, and allergy medications.

· Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Acetaminophen-Codeine. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

 

Where can I get more information?

· Your pharmacist has additional information about Acetaminophen-Codeine written for health professionals that you may read.

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