ACETAMINOPHEN,CODEINE PHOSPHATE
Background and Date of Approval
Acetaminophen and codeine phosphate belong to the therapeutic class of pain analgesics.
Uses
Acetaminophen + Codeine phosphate is used to treat various conditions, such as muscle aches, back pain, joint pain, menstrual cramps, and toothache.
How is it administered?
Acetaminophen + Codeine phosphate is primarily administered orally. The dose and duration will depend on what you take it for and how well it helps your symptoms.
Side Effects
Serious side effects of Acetaminophen + Codeine phosphate include breathing trouble, chest pain, fast heartbeat, swelling, agitation, high body temperature, trouble walking, stiff muscles, and mental changes such as confusion. Common side effects of this medication are nausea, vomiting, constipation, dizziness, and sleepiness.
Warnings
In malnourishment cases, the medicine is poorly absorbed, accumulating unused medicine in your blood. This medication may cause severe gastrointestinal (stomach and intestines) bleeding and perforation (holes) after prolonged usage.
Precautions
Acetaminophen + Codeine phosphate should be used with extreme caution if you have malnourishment. Your doctor may adjust the dose of this medicine or prescribe a suitable alternative based on your condition.
Word of Advice
Acetaminophen + Codeine phosphate may be taken with or without food. Consume adequate water to minimise stomach irritation. Do not break, crush, or chew the tablets. Do not exceed the dose prescribed by your doctor. Avoid alcohol whilst taking this medicine, as it may increase dizziness. Store this medicine out of reach of children and pets. If your condition does not improve within one week, or if fever, rash, or breathing difficulty develops, contact your doctor. Avoid foods and beverages containing caffeine, including tea, chocolate, and coffee, as these may cause excessive dizziness and sleepiness.
References
Par Pharmaceutical, Inc., [Revised on Sep 2019] [Accessed on 8th Nov 2023], https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/medguide.cfm?setid=a8ff3132-fd89-49ff-8623-971f01289df7 Ahmed A. Negm & Daniel E. Furst, Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs, Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs, Nonopioid Analgesics, & Drugs Used in Gout, Langeâs Basic & Clinical Pharmacology, 14th Edition, 2018, 642-666. Mark A. Schumacher, Allan I. Basbaum, Ramana K. Naidu, Opioid Agonists & Antagonists, Langeâs Basic & Clinical Pharmacology, 14th Edition, 2018, 553-574.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Acetaminophen + Codeine phosphate a habit-forming medicine?
No habit-forming tendencies were reported for Acetaminophen + Codeine phosphate.
How long does it take for Acetaminophen + Codeine phosphate to take effect?
Acetaminophen + Codeine phosphate relieves pain and cramps within 1 hour.
What are the most common side effects of receiving Acetaminophen + Codeine phosphate?
The most common side effects of Acetaminophen + Codeine phosphate is dizziness, excess sleepiness, stomach upset, nausea, abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, and/or peripheral edema (swelling in legs/arms). Consult your doctor if any of the symptoms worsen.
How long do the effects of Acetaminophen + Codeine phosphate last?
The duration of action of Acetaminophen + Codeine phosphate is about 6 hours.
What if you forget to take Acetaminophen + Codeine phosphate?
If you miss a dose of Acetaminophen + Codeine phosphate, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.