acetaminophen and codeine

Brand name(s):

acetaminophen-codeine, Capital with Codeine Suspension, EZ III, Tylenol with Codeine #3, Tylenol with Codeine #4, Vopac

What is the most important information I should know about acetaminophen and codeine?

Tell your doctor if you drink more than three alcoholic beverages per day or if you have ever had alcoholic liver disease (cirrhosis). You may not be able to take medication that contains acetaminophen.

Codeine may be habit-forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for. Keep the medication in a secure place where others cannot get to it. This medication can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.

What is acetaminophen and codeine?

Codeine is in a group of drugs called narcotic pain relievers. Acetaminophen is a less potent pain reliever that increases the effects of codeine.

The combination of acetaminophen and codeine is used to relieve moderate to severe pain.

Acetaminophen and codeine may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking acetaminophen and codeine?

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to acetaminophen (Tylenol) or codeine. Codeine may be habit-forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for. Acetaminophen and codeine should never be given to another person, especially someone who has a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medication in a secure place where others cannot get to it.

Before using acetaminophen and codeine, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

asthma, COPD, sleep apnea, or other breathing disorders;
liver or kidney disease;
a history of head injury or brain tumor;
epilepsy or other seizure disorder;
low blood pressure;
a stomach or intestinal disorder;
underactive thyroid;
Addison's disease or other adrenal gland disorder;
enlarged prostate, urination problems;
curvature of the spine;
mental illness; or
a history of drug or alcohol addiction.

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take this medication.

FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby, and could cause breathing problems or addiction/withdrawal symptoms in a newborn. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Acetaminophen and codeine can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. The use of codeine by some nursing mothers may lead to life-threatening side effects in the baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

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