Information About Acetaminophen-Codeine #3

Common uses
Acetaminophen-Codeine #3 is a combination of a narcotic and acetaminophen used to relieve mild to moderate pain. Narcotic pain-relievers work by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord, and acetaminophen decreases the formation of prostaglandins, therefore reducing pain. Acetaminophen-Codeine #3 may also be used to treat other conditions (e.g., cough) as determined by your physician.

Prior to Use
Be aware that pre-existing medical conditions, or taking additional medications could interfere with the effectiveness of this one. Let your physician or pharmacist know about any other medications -- prescription or over-the-counter -- that you are using. If you are taking any of the following, do not use Acetaminophen-Codeine #3: naltrexone. If you are taking any of the following, your dose or condition may need regular supervision: other medicines for pain, cimetidine, isoniazid, mao inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, linezolid, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, selegiline, isocarboxazid, tranylcypromine), anti-seizure medicines (carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin), anticholinergic medicines or antihistamines (e.g., hydroxyzine, oxybutynin, scopolamine), or quinidine. If you are taking any of the following, your dose or condition may need regular supervision: other medicines which cause drowsiness including medicine for sleep (e.g., sedatives), tranquilizers, anti-anxiety medicines (e.g., diazepam), psychiatric medicines (e.g., phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine, or tricyclics such as amitriptyline), muscle relaxants, or antihistamines that cause drowsiness (e.g., diphenhydramine). Do not start or stop any medicine without physician or pharmacist approval. Inform your physician of any other medical conditions including liver or kidney disease, difficulty urinating, alcohol use, drug dependency, heart problems (e.g., slow/irregular heartbeat, very low blood pressure), abdominal/stomach problems (e.g., gallbladder problems), lung disease (e.g., asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), seizure disorders, serious head injury or brain disease, spinal problems, low thyroid disease, adrenal gland problems, psychiatric problems, any allergies (especially to sulfites), pregnancy, or breast-feeding. You should not take Acetaminophen-Codeine #3 if you have a history of severe breathing problems, or severe diarrhea. If you have questions or concerns about Acetaminophen-Codeine #3, be sure to let your physician or pharmacist know.

Instructions for Use
Follow your physician's instructions for taking Acetaminophen-Codeine #3. Take Acetaminophen-Codeine #3 by mouth. Acetaminophen-Codeine #3 may be taken with food if it upsets your stomach, although doing so may decrease its effectiveness. Consult your physician or pharmacist about alternatives for decreasing nausea (such as antihistamines, or lying down for 1-2 hours with minimal head movement). Store Acetaminophen-Codeine #3 at room temperature in a tightly-closed container, away from heat, and light. If you miss a dose of Acetaminophen-Codeine #3 and you are taking it regularly, begin using it immediately. If it is almost time for your next dose, omit the skipped dose and continue to follow your original dosing schedule. Never take more than one dose at the same time.

Warnings
Do not use Acetaminophen-Codeine #3 if you have had a severe allergic reaction to codeine, hydrocodone, dihydrocodeine, or oxycodone (such as Tylox, Tylenol with Codeine, Vicodin). A severe allergic reaction includes a severe rash, hives, breathing difficulties, or dizziness. If you have a question about whether you are allergic to Acetaminophen-Codeine #3 or if a certain medicine contains codeine, hydrocodone, dihydrocodeine, or oxycodone, contact your physician or pharmacist. Monitor your pain as directed by your physician. If pain is left untreated and becomes intense, Acetaminophen-Codeine #3 may not work as well to relieve it. Do not exceed the recommended dose, take Acetaminophen-Codeine #3 more often, or for longer than prescribed without checking with your physician. Exceeding the recommended dose or taking Acetaminophen-Codeine #3 for longer than prescribed may be habit-forming. If using Acetaminophen-Codeine #3 for an extended period of time, do not suddenly stop taking Acetaminophen-Codeine #3 without your physician's approval. When using for an extended period, Acetaminophen-Codeine #3 may not work as well and may require different dosing. Talk with your physician if Acetaminophen-Codeine #3 stops working well. Acetaminophen-Codeine #3 may cause drowsiness or dizziness. Using Acetaminophen-Codeine #3 alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. Avoid alcoholic beverages while taking Acetaminophen-Codeine #3. To minimize dizziness or lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a seated or lying position. Acetaminophen-Codeine #3 may cause constipation. To prevent constipation, maintain a diet adequate in fiber, drink plenty of water, and exercise. If you become constipated while using Acetaminophen-Codeine #3 talk with your physician or pharmacist. Acetaminophen-Codeine #3 contains acetaminophen. Adults should not take more than a total of 4 grams of acetaminophen per day (3 grams per day if you have liver disease). Consult your physician or pharmacist for more information. Maximum daily doses acceptable for children vary depending on the child's weight and should not be exceeded. Check with your physician or pharmacist for more specific information. Acetaminophen may cause liver damage. If you drink alcohol on a daily basis, do not take Acetaminophen-Codeine #3 without first discussing it with your physician. Alcohol use combined with acetaminophen may increase your risk for liver damage (symptoms include yellowing eyes or skin, stomach pain, dark urine). Before you begin taking any new medicine, either prescription or over-the-counter, consult your pharmacist or physician . This includes other pain relievers, cough-and-cold medicines, or allergy medicines. These medicines may contain additional acetaminophen. Taking too much acetaminophen can be harmful. Ask your pharmacist about the safe use of these products. Caution is advised when using Acetaminophen-Codeine #3 in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the medicine, especially the possible decreased breathing and drowsiness effects. Women, if you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss with your physician the benefits and risks of using Acetaminophen-Codeine #3 during pregnancy. Acetaminophen-Codeine #3 is excreted in breast milk if you are or will be breast-feeding while you are using Acetaminophen-Codeine #3, check with your physician to discuss the risks to your baby.

Potential Side Effects
Side effects, that may go away during treatment, include nausea, vomiting, constipation, lightheadedness, dizziness, drowsiness, flushing, vision changes, or mental/mood changes. Consult your physician if they do not go away or if they bring you difficulties. Contact your physician immediately if you experience slow/irregular breathing, slow/irregular heartbeat, or a change in the amount of urine. An allergic reaction to Acetaminophen-Codeine #3 is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing. Let your physician, pharmacist, or nurse know if you experience any side-effects not listed here.

Drug interactions
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job.

In Case of Overdose
Contact a poison control center or visit an emergency room immediately, if you think you have overdosed. Indications of an overdose are extreme drowsiness, weakness, fatigue, or loss of consciousness; slow, shallow or abnormal breathing; persistent nausea/vomiting, stomach pain; slow heartbeat; cold/clammy skin, unusual sweating; and yellowing of the eyes or skin.

Additional information
If your symptoms do not improve and consult your physician if they worsen. Do not let anyone else use Acetaminophen-Codeine #3. Do not take Acetaminophen-Codeine #3 to treat health conditions other than what it was prescribed for. Store this and all medication away from the reach of children and pets.