Aspirin/Caffeine/Dihydrocodeine (By mouth)
AS-pir-in, KAF-een, dye-hye-droe-KOE-deen bye-TAR-trate
Treats pain. Dihydrocodeine is a narcotic pain reliever.
Drug classes
Analgesic, Opioid/Salicylate, Aspirin Combination (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Aspirin, caffeine, and dihydrocodeine combination is used to relieve moderate to moderately severe pain.
Aspirin is used to relieve pain and reduce fever in patients. Aspirin is a salicylate medicine and acts on the immune system to reduce inflammation. It is also known as an anti-inflammatory analgesic.
Caffeine is a CNS stimulant that is used with pain relievers to increase their effect. It has also been used for migraine headaches. Dihydrocodeine belongs to the group of medicines called narcotic analgesics (pain medicines). It acts on the central nervous system (CNS) to relieve pain.
When dihydrocodeine is used for a long time or in large doses, it may become habit-forming, causing mental or physical dependence. Physical dependence may lead to withdrawal side effects when you stop taking the medicine.
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Capsule
Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
This medicine is not for long-term use.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
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 can affect how aspirin/caffeine/dihydrocodeine works. Tell your doctor if you are using a blood thinner (such as warfarin).
Alcohol, allergy medicine, or sleeping pills may cause you to feel more lightheaded, dizzy, or faint when used with this medicine. Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol or use other medicine that makes you sleepy or lightheaded.
When Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to aspirin, caffeine, codeine, or dihydrocodeine. This medicine is not meant for use in children. Serious breathing problems and deaths have occurred when children have been given codeine.
Warnings
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, breathing problems (such as sleep apnea), blood clotting problems, or stomach ulcers.
Do not breastfeed while you are using this medicine, unless you have your doctor’s permission to do so.
This medicine may cause respiratory depression in some people, even when used as directed. Signs of respiratory depression or overdose include shallow breathing, confusion, and severe sleepiness.
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.
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 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
Extreme dizziness, drowsiness, or weakness
Trouble breathing, slow heartbeat or breathing, and cold, clammy skin
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Constipation, nausea, vomiting
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
Synalgos-DC
There may be other brand names for this medicine.