Acetaminophen; Codeine
Brand names: Capital® and Codeine, Capital® with Codeine, Phenco-Care™, TY-PAP with Codeine, Tylagesic™, Tylenol® with Codeine, Vopac™
Chemical formula:
- Drug Forms:
- Acetaminophen; Codeine tablets or capsules (below)
- Acetaminophen; Codeine oral solution
Acetaminophen; Codeine tablets or capsules
What are acetaminophen-codeine tablets or capsules?
ACETAMINOPHEN-CODEINE (Tylenol® #3, Pyregesic-C™ and others) is a combination of two different types of pain medicine and is used to treat mild to moderate pain. Federal law prohibits the transfer of acetaminophen-codeine to any person other than the patient for whom it was prescribed. Generic acetaminophen-codeine tablets and capsules are available.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
• drink more than 3 alcohol-containing drinks per day
• anemia
• infection
• heart or circulation problems
• lung disease or breathing difficulties
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• problems urinating
• seizures or other neurologic disorders
• hepatitis
• constipation
• an unusual or allergic reaction to acetaminophen, codeine, other opiate analgesics, foods, dyes or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding
How should I take this medicine?
Take acetaminophen-codeine tablets or capsules by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets whole with a full glass of water. You can take acetaminophen-codeine with food to prevent stomach upset. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
Do not share this medicine with anyone.
What drug(s) may interact with acetaminophen-codeine?
• medicines for seizures
• medicines for high blood pressure
• alcohol
• warfarin
• cimetidine
• antacids
Because acetaminophen-codeine can cause drowsiness, other medicines that also cause drowsiness may increase this effect of acetaminophen-codeine. Some other medicines that cause drowsiness are:
• alcohol-containing medicines
• barbiturates such as phenobarbital
• certain antidepressants or tranquilizers
• muscle relaxants
• certain antihistamines used in cold medicines
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What should I watch for while taking acetaminophen-codeine?
Tell your prescriber or health care professional if your pain does not go away, if it gets worse, or if you have new or different type of pain. Do not take other pain medicines with acetaminophen-codeine without advice.
Use exactly as directed by your prescriber or health care professional. Do not take more than the recommended dose due to the possibility of liver damage or effects on your breathing.
If you get flu-like symptoms (fever, chills, muscle aches and pains), call your prescriber or health care professional; do not treat yourself.
If you are receiving cancer chemotherapy or other immunosuppression medicine, do not take acetaminophen-containing products with out checking with your prescriber or health care professional. Acetaminophen may hide the signs of an infection such as fever or pain.
To reduce unpleasant effects on your throat and stomach, take acetaminophen-codeine with a full glass of water and never just before lying down. You may also take it with food or milk.
Acetaminophen-codeine may make you drowsy when you first start taking it or change doses. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how acetaminophen-codeine affects you. Do not sit or stand up quickly. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. These effects may be worse if you are an older patient. The drowsiness should decrease after taking acetaminophen-codeine for a couple of days. If you have not slept because of your pain, you may sleep more the first few days your pain is controlled to catch-up on missed sleep.
Be careful taking other medicines that may also make you tired. This effect may be worse when taking these medicines with acetaminophen-codeine. Alcohol can increase possible drowsiness, dizziness, confusion and affect your breathing. Alcohol can increase possible damage to your liver. Avoid alcohol while taking acetaminophen-codeine.
Acetaminophen-codeine can cause constipation. Make sure to take a laxative and/or a stool softener. Try to have a bowel movement at least every 2—3 days. If you do not have a bowel movement for 3 days or more call your prescriber or health care professional. They may recommend using an enema or suppository to help you move your bowels.
Many non-prescription medicines contain acetaminophen as an ingredient. Always read the labels carefully to avoid taking an accidental overdose, which can be dangerous.
Acetaminophen can affect the results from some blood sugar tests used by diabetic patients. Check with your prescriber or health care professional before you change your diet or the dose of your diabetic medicine.
If you are going to have surgery tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking acetaminophen-codeine.
Immediately call your physician or get emergency help if you are breast-feeding and your baby is sleepier than usual, is limp, or has difficulty breastfeeding or breathing.
What side effects may I notice from taking acetaminophen-codeine?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
• chest pain or irregular heartbeat
• difficulty breathing, wheezing
• severe rash
• cold, clammy skin
• unusual weakness
• fever, chills, muscle aches and pains
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• constipation
• dizziness, drowsiness
• confusion
• gas or heartburn
• nausea, vomiting
• dry mouth
• itching
• pinpoint pupils
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open. Do not share or give this medicine to anyone else. Avoid accidental swallowing of acetaminophen-codeine by someone (especially children) other than for whom it was prescribed as this may result in severe side effects and possibly death.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from light. Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
Last updated: 7/1/2002
Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.
