Acetaminophen+codeine
About Acetaminophen+codeine
Acetaminophen+codeine is used to treat aches and pains, including headaches, muscle pain, migraines, and toothache. Ache is a dull, steady, and often widespread pain, typically in a particular part of the body. Pain is an unpleasant sensation that is conveyed to the brain by sensory neurons.
Acetaminophen+codeine, a combination of Acetaminophen and Codeine. This medication works by blocking pain signals to the brain. Thus, it reduces pain and inflammation.
Acetaminophen+codeine to be taken as prescribed. The common side effects of Acetaminophen+codeine, which may occur in some individuals, are constipation, nausea, or drowsiness. These side effects do not affect everyone and are usually mild and temporary. However, if any of these side effects persist or worsen, inform your doctor immediately.
Avoid taking Acetaminophen+codeine if you are allergic to any of the contents of this medication. Before taking Acetaminophen+codeine, inform your doctor if you have a history of head injury, increased intracranial pressure, severe respiratory problems, liver or kidney disease, or a history of substance abuse. It is not recommended for children under 12, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers. It should be used with caution in elderly patients. Avoid consumption of alcohol as it may increase the risk of side effects. Acetaminophen+codeine may cause dizziness or drowsiness, so do not drive or operate heavy machinery if you are not fully alert.
Uses of Acetaminophen+codeine
Medicinal Benefits
Acetaminophen+codeine is used to treat aches and pains. It is a strong prescription painkillers that contain opioids (narcotics) are used to relieve mild to moderate pain when non-opioid painkillers or other painkillers are insufficiently effective or too strong for you to take.
Directions for Use
Swallow Acetaminophen+codeine as a whole with water; do not crush, break or chew it.
Side Effects of Acetaminophen+codeine
- Constipation
- Feeling sick (nausea)
- Feeling sleepy
- Difficulty urinating
Drug Warnings
Acetaminophen+codeine is not suitable for everyone, particularly those allergic to its ingredients or with certain medical conditions. These conditions include severe breathing problems, liver or kidney disease, and pregnancy or breastfeeding. Additionally, caution is necessary due to potential side effects like dizziness, liver damage, and interactions with other medications. Avoid alcohol consumption while taking Acetaminophen+codeine. It's crucial to only take Acetaminophen+codeine under the guidance of a healthcare professional, who will assess your individual needs and medical history before prescribing this medication.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Acetaminophen+codeine may interact with benzodiazepines (e.g., lorazepam, diazepam, alprazolam), skeletal muscle relaxants (e.g., cyclobenzaprine), anticonvulsants (e.g., pregabalin), and opioid medications (e.g., hydrocodone).
Drug-Food Interactions: Avoid the consumption of alcohol as it may increase dizziness and the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Acetaminophen+codeine should not be used in patients with alcoholism, liver disease, impaired GI motility, infectious diarrhoea, prematurity, acute alcohol intoxication, drug dependence, hypotension, intracranial pressure, respiratory depression and gastrointestinal obstruction.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeUsing prescription or over-the-counter medications that contain alcohol, or consuming alcohol while taking Acetaminophen+codeine might result in overdosing and death. Hence, alcohol consumption is not recommended.
Pregnancy
unsafeLong-term use of Acetaminophen+codeine during pregnancy might create withdrawal symptoms in your unborn child; if left untreated, it could be fatal.
Breast Feeding
unsafeAcetaminophen+codeine may pass into breast milk and may harm your baby. So, it is not prescribed in breastfeeding mothers.
Driving
cautionAcetaminophen+codeine may cause sleepiness and feeling sick. So, do not drive, ride a bike, or operate tools and machinery if you feel sleepy, dizzy, or affect your vision and concentration.
Liver
cautionIf you have any pre-existing liver conditions, inform your doctor and seek medical advice before taking Acetaminophen+codeine as this medicine may cause serious adverse reactions in liver patients.
Kidney
cautionProlonged use of Acetaminophen+codeine may lead to kidney damage. Hence, if you have pre-existing kidney conditions, inform your doctor before taking Acetaminophen+codeine.
Children
unsafeAcetaminophen+codeine is not recommended for children below 12 years of age.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
A well-balanced diet and healthy lifestyle can play a significant role in alleviating pain and aches. Here are some expert-recommended tips:
Nutritional Interventions
Hydrate adequately: Inadequate hydration can exacerbate pain.
Incorporate anti-inflammatory foods: Fatty fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which can help reduce inflammation.
Consume antioxidant-rich foods: Berries, leafy greens, and other fruits and vegetables can help mitigate oxidative stress and pain.
Spice up your meals: Turmeric and ginger possess anti-inflammatory properties that may help alleviate pain.
Ensure adequate vitamin D levels: Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to chronic pain.
Lifestyle Modifications
Engage in regular physical activity: Gentle exercises like yoga or swimming can help reduce pain and improve mobility.
Prioritize sleep: Aim for 7-8 hours per night to help your body repair and reduce pain.
Practice stress-reducing techniques: Meditation, deep breathing, and progressive muscle relaxation can help mitigate stress-induced pain.
Maintain a healthy weight: Excess weight can put a strain on joints and muscles, exacerbating pain.
Explore relaxation techniques: Visualization, mindfulness, and guided imagery can help reduce pain and promote relaxation.
Consider physical therapy: A physical therapist can help you develop a personalized exercise program to reduce pain and improve mobility.
Special Advise
Acetaminophen+codeine can be addictive, especially with long-term use. Stopping it abruptly can lead to withdrawal symptoms. Gradually reducing the dose under medical supervision can help minimize withdrawal symptoms.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Pain: Pain is a complex and unpleasant sensation transmitted to the brain by sensory neurons. These neurons detect injury, inflammation, or tissue damage and send signals to the brain, which interprets them as pain. This physiological response serves as a warning system, alerting the body to potential harm and prompting actions to prevent further injury or promote healing.
Ache: Ache refers to a dull, steady, and often widespread pain that typically affects a specific body part, such as the head, muscles, joints, or back.
Headache: The World Health Organization defines headache as a broad term that encompasses various types of pain in the head, face, or neck. This common condition can manifest in different forms, including migraines, tension headaches, and cluster headaches.
Muscle pain: Muscle pain, also known as myalgia, is a widespread condition characterized by pain, discomfort, or stiffness in the muscles. This pain can range from mild to severe and can affect any muscle group in the body, including the neck, back, arms, and legs. Myalgia can be acute, lasting only a few days, or chronic, persisting for several weeks or months. It can be caused by various factors, including muscle strain or overuse, injury, infection, inflammation, or underlying medical conditions. Symptoms may also include limited mobility, stiffness, and fatigue, making everyday activities challenging.
Migraines: Migraines are a type of headache disorder characterized by severe, throbbing pain, often accompanied by sensitivity to light, sound, and nausea.
Toothache: Toothache, also known as odontalgia, is a painful sensation in or around a tooth, ranging from mild discomfort to severe, debilitating pain. It can be caused by various factors, including tooth decay, gum disease, cracked teeth, abscesses, and grinding or clenching teeth. Symptoms may include sharp, throbbing, or dull pain, sensitivity to temperature, and swelling or tenderness in the gums or face. Consulting a dentist is essential to determine the cause and receive proper treatment.
FAQs
Acetaminophen+codeine is used in the treatment of aches and pains, including headaches, muscle pain, migraines and toothache.
Acetaminophen+codeine, a combination of Acetaminophen and Codeine. This medication works by blocking pain signals to the brain. Thus, it reduces pain and inflammation.
The common side effects of Acetaminophen+codeine, which may occur in some individuals, are constipation, nausea, or drowsiness. These side effects do not affect everyone and are usually mild and temporary. However, if any of these side effects persist or worsen, inform your doctor immediately.
Acetaminophen+codeine should not be taken by patients taking MAOIs (a class of antidepressants) or within 14 days of stopping MAOIs. MAOIs can increase the effect of codeine.
Taking too much Acetaminophen+codeine can be harmful. Do not increase the dose, even if your pain is very bad.
Acetaminophen+codeine is typically used to relieve mild to moderate pain, such as headaches, toothaches, and muscle aches. While it may help with some types of stomach pain, it's essential to consult your doctor, as they can determine the best treatment for your specific condition.
If you've been taking Acetaminophen+codeine for more than a few weeks, do not stop taking it without speaking to your doctor first.
Acetaminophen+codeine takes up to 1 hour to work. It keeps on working for about five hours.
It's possible to become addicted to the codeine in Acetaminophen+codeine, but your doctor will explain how to reduce the risks of becoming addicted.
No, it's not recommended. Acetaminophen+codeine contains acetaminophen and codeine, which may interact with cold medications like pain relievers, NSAIDs, or decongestants. This could lead to unwanted side effects and complications. Always consult your doctor before combining Acetaminophen+codeine with cold medications to ensure your safety.
When using Acetaminophen+codeine with other pain relievers, be cautious. Combining it with NSAIDs like aspirin and ibuprofen may increase the risk of stomach pain and bleeding. Also, avoid mixing with opioids or sedatives, as it may cause excessive drowsiness and breathing problems. Always consult your doctor before combining medications to ensure safety.
If you're addicted to the codeine in Acetaminophen+codeine, you may find it difficult to stop taking it or feel you need to take it more often than necessary.
Yes, stopping Acetaminophen+codeine suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms. These can include feeling agitated or anxious, panic attacks, palpitations, difficulty sleeping, shaking, sweating, body aches, and feeling restless.
Acetaminophen+codeine may cause sleepiness. So, do not drive, ride a bike, or operate tools and machinery if Co-codamol makes you feel sleepy or dizzy or affects your vision and concentration.
