Acetaminophen/codeine (By mouth)

Introduction:

Acetaminophen (a-seet-a-MIN-oh-fen), Codeine Phosphate (KOE-deen FOS-fate)

Treats mild to moderately severe pain. This medicine contains a narcotic pain reliever.

Brand Name(s):

Tylenol w/Codeine #3, Tylenol w/Codeine #4, Capital w/Codeine, Tylenol w/Codeine No 4, Tylenol w/Codeine, Vopac

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to acetaminophen or codeine, or to other narcotic medicines (such as Percocet®, Percodan®, Darvon®, Vicodin®).

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet, Capsule, Liquid

  • Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to. It is not safe to use more than 4 grams (4,000 milligrams) of acetaminophen in one day (24 hours).
  • If this medicine upsets your stomach, you may take it with food or milk.
  • Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.
  • Drink plenty of fluids to help avoid constipation.

If a dose is missed:

  • If you are using this medicine on a regular schedule and you miss a dose or forget to take your medicine, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose.
  • Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

  • Store the medicine at room temperature in a closed container, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not freeze the oral liquid or keep it in the refrigerator.
  • Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
  • Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are using atropine, dicyclomine (Bentyl®), glycopyrrolate (Robinul®), scopolamine (Transderm Scop®), medicines to treat mental illness (such as Haldol®, Mellaril®, Serentil®), or any medicines that make you sleepy (such as sleeping pills, cold and allergy medicine, other narcotic pain relievers, or sedatives).
  • Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine. Acetaminophen can damage your liver and drinking alcohol can increase this risk. If you regularly drink 3 or more alcoholic drinks every day, do not take acetaminophen without asking your doctor.
  • Many combination medicines contain acetaminophen, including products with brand names such as Alka-Seltzer Plus®, Comtrex®, Drixoral®, Excedrin Migraine®, Midol®, Sinutab®, Sudafed®, Theraflu®, and Vanquish®. Carefully check the labels of all other medicines you are using to be sure they do not contain acetaminophen.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have asthma, liver disease, kidney disease, problems with urination, underactive thyroid, Addison's disease, prostate problems, a stomach disorder, or a history of head injury or brain tumor.
  • This medicine may be habit-forming. If you feel that the medicine is not working as well, do not take more than your prescribed dose. Call your doctor for instructions.
  • Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine. Acetaminophen may affect the results of certain medical tests.
  • This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.
  • This medicine may cause constipation. This is more common if you use it for a long time. Ask your doctor if you should also use a laxative to prevent and treat constipation.
  • When a mother is breastfeeding and takes codeine, there is a very small chance that this medicine could cause serious side effects in the baby. This is because codeine works differently in a few women, so their breastmilk contains too much medicine. If you take codeine, be alert for these signs of overdose in your nursing baby: sleeping more than usual, trouble breastfeeding, trouble breathing, or being limp and weak. Call the baby's doctor right away if you think there is a problem. If you cannot talk to the doctor, take the baby to the emergency room or call 911.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in face or hands, swelling or tingling in the mouth or throat, tightness in chest, trouble breathing
  • Dark-colored urine or pale stools
  • Extreme weakness, shallow breathing, slow heartbeat, sweating, cold or clammy skin
  • Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, pain in the upper stomach
  • Unusual bleeding or bruising
  • Yellow skin or eyes

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

  • Constipation
  • Feelings of extreme happiness or sadness
  • Mild skin rash or itching
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