Acetaminophen/muscle relaxer (By mouth)

Introduction:

Treats pain, decreases fever, and helps decrease certain allergy and hay fever symptoms.

Brand Name(s):

Flextra-650, ED-Flex, Vistra 650, Dologesic, Staflex, Acuflex, Hyflex-DS, Flextra-DS, Rhinoflex, Novagesic, Genecar, Dologen, Relagesic, Rhinoflex-650, Percogesic

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 to phenyltoloxamine. Do not give this medicine to children under the age of 6 years old for any reason, unless a doctor tells you to. Do not give this medicine to treat arthritis pain in children under the age of 12 years old unless a doctor tells you to.

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet, Capsule, Liquid Filled 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.
  • This combination medicine contains acetaminophen (Tylenol(R)). Carefully check the labels of all other medicines you are using because they may also contain acetaminophen. It is not safe to use more than 4 grams (4,000 milligrams) of acetaminophen in one day (24 hours).
  • Do not use this medicine for pain for more than 10 days in an adult, or for more than five days in a child. Do not take for fever for more than 3 days, unless your doctor tells you to.
  • Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.

If a dose is missed:

  • If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use 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 in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.
  • Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

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

  • Do not also take other medicines that contain acetaminophen. You may be getting more than a safe amount of this medicine.
  • Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine. Acetaminophen can damage your liver, and alcohol can increase this risk. If you regularly drink three or more alcoholic drinks every day, do not take any medicines that contain acetaminophen without asking your doctor.
  • Tell your doctor if you are using any medicines that make you sleepy. These include sleeping pills, cold and allergy medicine, narcotic pain relievers, and sedatives.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding, or if you have glaucoma, kidney problems, or liver problems. Tell your doctor if you have a history of breathing problems such as asthma or COPD (emphysema or chronic bronchitis). Make sure your doctor knows if you have trouble urinating due to an enlarged prostate gland. Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol on a regular basis. Make sure your doctor knows about any other health problems you may have.
  • This medicine may make you drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.
  • Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect the results of certain medical tests.

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 your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
  • Fever that continues for longer than 3 days after you started using this medicine.
  • Pain that continues for longer than 10 days after you started using this medicine.
  • Skin rash, redness, or swelling.
  • Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness.

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

  • Excitability or other bothersome mood or behavior changes, especially in children.
  • Nausea or vomiting.
  • New or worsening symptoms of any kind.
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