Acetaminophen/Codeine (By mouth)
a-seet-a-MIN-oh-fen, KOE-deen FOS-fate
Treats mild to moderately severe pain. This medicine contains a narcotic pain reliever.
Drug classes
Analgesic, Opioid/Acetaminophen Combination (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Acetaminophen and codeine oral suspension is used to relieve mild to moderate pain. The oral tablets are used to relieve mild to moderately severe pain.
Acetaminophen is used to relieve pain and reduce fever in patients. It does not become habit-forming when taken for a long time. But acetaminophen may cause other unwanted effects when taken in large doses, including serious liver damage. Although rare, use of acetaminophen has been reported to lead to liver transplantation and death, usually at high doses and when multiple acetaminophen-containing products have been used.
Codeine belongs to the group of medicines called narcotic analgesics (pain medicines). It acts on the central nervous system (CNS) to relieve pain.
When codeine is used for a long time, it may become habit-forming, causing mental or physical dependence when it is used for a long time or in large doses. Physical dependence may lead to withdrawal side effects when you stop taking the medicine. However, severe withdrawal side effects can usually be prevented by gradually reducing the dose over a period of time before treatment is stopped completely.
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Capsule, Liquid, Tablet
Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
You may take this medicine with food or milk if it upsets your stomach.
Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.
Drink plenty of liquids to help avoid constipation.
Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep the oral liquid in the refrigerator. Do not freeze.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Some medicines and foods can affect how this medicine works. Tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following:
Depression medicine, such as citalopram, fluoxetine, sertraline Phenothiazine medicine, such as prochlorperazine Tranquilizer medicine, such as chlordiazepoxideDo not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine. Acetaminophen can damage your liver, and alcohol can increase this risk. Do not take acetaminophen without asking your doctor if you have 3 or more drinks of alcohol every day.
When Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to acetaminophen or codeine, or to other narcotic medicines.
Warnings
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, adrenal problems (such as Addison disease), asthma, or breathing problems (such as respiratory depression, sleep apnea). Tell your doctor if you have an enlarged prostate, trouble urinating, stomach problems, an underactive thyroid, or a history of head injury or brain damage. Tell your doctor if you had an allergic reaction to sulfites or if you have a history of drug or alcohol abuse.
This medicine can be habit-forming. Do not use more than your prescribed dose. Call your doctor if you think your medicine is not working.
This medicine contains acetaminophen. Read the labels of all other medicines you are using to see if they also contain acetaminophen, or ask your doctor or pharmacist. Do not use more than 4 grams (4,000 milligrams) total of acetaminophen in one day.
If you take this medicine for more than a few weeks, do not stop taking it suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.
Get emergency help immediately if you think you may have taken too much of this medicine. Signs of an overdose include shallow breathing, fainting, confusion, nausea, vomiting, pinpoint pupils of the eyes, or pale or blue lips, fingernails, or skin.
This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or do anything that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.
Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.
This medicine may cause constipation, especially with long-term use. Ask your doctor if you should use a laxative to prevent and treat constipation.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes
Extreme drowsiness or confusion
Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting
Trouble breathing, shallow breathing, blue lips or nails
Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Mild dizziness or drowsiness
Mild nausea or vomiting, constipation
Rash or itching skin
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
APAP w/Codeine, Capital w/Codeine, Pyregesic-C, Tylenol With Codeine No. 4, Tylenol w/Codeine, Tylenol w/Codeine #3, Tylenol w/Codeine #4, Tylenol with Codeine No. 3, Vopac
There may be other brand names for this medicine.