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| Pronunciation |
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 (a
seet a MIN oh fen & KOE
deen) |
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| Brand Names |
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| Capital® and Codeine; Phenaphen®
With Codeine; Tylenol® With
Codeine |
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| Foreign Brand
Names |
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| Lenoltec® With Codeine (Canada);
Novo-Gesic-C8 (Canada); Novo-Gesic-C15 (Canada); Novo-Gesic-C30 (Canada); Tylex
CD (Mexico) |
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| Therapeutic
Categories |
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Analgesic, Narcotic |
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| Reasons not to take this
medicine |
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- If you have an allergy to acetaminophen, codeine, or any other part of
the medicine.
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| What is this medicine used
for? |
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- This medicine is used as a pain
reducer.
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| How does it work? |
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- Acetaminophen reduces pain by preventing production of chemicals
called prostaglandins. These chemicals make pain receptors more sensitive to
stimulation.
- Codeine binds to brain receptors, relieving pain. The feeling of pain
and a person's response to pain are also
decreased.
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| How is it best taken? |
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- Take with or without food. Take with food if this medicine causes an
upset stomach.
- A liquid (suspension) is available if you cannot swallow pills. Those
who have feeding tubes can also use the liquid. Flush the feeding tube before
and after medicine is given. Shake well first.
- Make sure you are drinking enough liquids unless told to drink less by
healthcare provider. Avoid products with caffeine.
- Do not suddenly stop using this medicine if you have been taking it
for a long time. Medicine should be slowly decreased.
- Do not take more than prescribed amount. Liver damage can
occur.
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| What do I do if I miss a
dose? |
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- Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
- If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Return to
your regular schedule.
- Since this medicine is frequently taken on an as needed basis, do not
take more frequently than every 4-6 hours or as prescribed by healthcare
provider.
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| What are the precautions when
taking this
medicine? |
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- This medicine may be habit-forming with long-term use.
- If you are 65 or older, you may have more side effects. You could feel
sleepy and shaky.
- You may not be alert. Avoid driving, doing other tasks or activities
until you see how this medicine affects you.
- Avoid alcohol (includes wine, beer, and liquor) and other medicines
and herbs that slow your actions and reactions. This includes sedatives,
tranquilizers, mood stabilizers, or pain medicine. Talk with healthcare
provider.
- If you are taking quinidine, talk to healthcare provider. Codeine may
not work well.
- Tell healthcare provider if you have lung disease. You may be
sensitive to this medicine.
- Tell healthcare provider if you are heavy drinker. This medicine and
frequent alcohol use can damage the liver.
- Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine,
especially pain medicines. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it
affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of
breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other
symptoms involved.
- Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting
pregnant.
- Tell healthcare provider if you are
breast-feeding.
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| What are the common side effects
of this
medicine? |
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- Feeling sleepy, lightheaded, or dizzy. Avoid driving, doing other
tasks or activities that require you to be alert until you see how this medicine
affects you.
- Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking
hard candy, or chewing gum may help.
- Constipation. More liquids, regular exercise, or a fiber-containing
diet may help. Talk to healthcare provider about a stool softener or
laxative.
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| What should I monitor? |
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- Keep a diary of how well your pain is controlled. If not well
controlled, talk with healthcare provider.
- If no bowel movements in 3 days, talk with healthcare
provider.
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| Reasons to call healthcare
provider
immediately |
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- Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing;
tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits;
swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Too tired or sleepy.
- Changes in thinking clearly and logically.
- Passing out, fainting, dizziness, or lightheadedness.
- Difficulty breathing.
- Severe nausea or vomiting.
- Any rash.
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| How should I store this
medicine? |
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- Store in a tight, light-resistant container at room
temperature.
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| General statements |
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- Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's
medicine.
- Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
- Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements,
vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider
(doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant).
- Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new
medicines.
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