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Acetaminophen/Codeine
#4
Brand
Name: Tylenol with Codeine
Most
Common Medical Uses
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 and codeine are used
to relieve moderate-to-severe pain. Acetaminophen and codeine may
also be used for purposes other than those listed here.
How
to Take This Medication
Take
acetaminophen and codeine exactly as directed by your doctor. Take
each dose with a full glass of water. Take acetaminophen and codeine
with food or milk if it upsets your stomach. Never take more of
this medication than is prescribed for you. Too much acetaminophen
and codeine could be very harmful. Do not stop taking acetaminophen
and 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.
Possible
Side Effects
Stop
taking acetaminophen and codeine and seek emergency medical attention
if you experience any of the following: 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 and codeine and talk to your doctor if you
experience constipation; dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, or decreased
appetite; dizziness, tiredness, or lightheadedness. Acetaminophen
and 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.
Precautions
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.
Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor
if you are pregnant or 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 and codeine
therapy. Use extra caution. Acetaminophen with codeine has not been
approved for use by children younger than 3 years of age.
Drug
Interactions
Do
not take acetaminophen and 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 and codeine are with those drugs that also cause sedation.
Many drugs may lead to dangerous sedation if taken with acetaminophen
and codeine. Do not take any drugs 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 and codeine. Talk
to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or
over-the-counter medicines.
Missed
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.
Storage
Store
at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep this and all
medications out of the reach of children.
Notes
Do
not stop taking acetaminophen and 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 and 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 and 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.
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