Acetaminophen, Codeine Phosphate Oral suspen... Health Article

Generic name(s):

Acetaminophen, Codeine Phosphate Oral suspension

Brand name(s):

Acetaminophen-Codeine Phosphate, Capital with Codeine Suspension, EZ III, Phenaphen with Codeine, Tylenol with Codeine, Tylenol with Codeine #2, Tylenol with Codeine #3, Tylenol with Codeine #4, Vopac

What is this medicine?

ACETAMINOPHEN; CODEINE (a set a MEE noe fen; KOE deen) is a pain reliever. It is used to treat mild to moderate pain.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• brain tumor
• drink more than 3 alcohol containing drinks per day
• drug abuse or addiction
• head injury
• kidney disease or problems going to the bathroom
• liver disease
• lung disease, asthma, or breathing problems
• an unusual or allergic reaction to acetaminophen, codeine, parabens, salicylates, other opioid analgesics, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a full glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Shake the medicine well before each dose. Use a specially marked spoon or dropper to measure your dose. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have one. Do not use a household spoon. If the medicine upsets your stomach, take it with food or milk.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 3 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Patients over 65 years old may have a stronger reaction and need a smaller dose.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

• alcohol or medicines that contain alcohol
• antihistamines
• barbiturates like amobarbital, butalbital, butabarbital, methohexital, pentobarbital, phenobarbital, thiopental, and secobarbital
• general anesthetics like etomidate, ketamine, nitrous oxide, propofol, desflurane, enflurane, halothane, isoflurane, and sevoflurane
• medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances
• medicines for pain like codeine, morphine, pentazocine, buprenorphine, butorphanol, nalbuphine, tramadol, and propoxyphene
• medicines for sleep
• muscle relaxants
• naltrexone

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.