Acetaminophen and Codeine

(a seet a MIN oh fen & KOE deen)

Dosage Forms

• This medicine is available as a capsule, a liquid, and a tablet.

Pharmacologic Category

• Analgesic, Opioid

Is it safe for my child to take this medicine?

• Not if your child has an allergy to acetaminophen, codeine, or any other part of this medicine.
• Be sure to let healthcare provider know if your child has any allergies or reactions to medicine, food preservatives, or dyes. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected your child. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.

Why does my child need this medicine?

• This medicine is used to relieve pain.
• This medicine is used to stop coughing.

How does this medicine work?

• Acetaminophen blocks production and release of chemicals that cause pain.
• Codeine binds to brain receptors, relieving pain. It decreases the feeling of pain and a person's response to pain.
• Codeine affects the cough center in the brain.

How is this medicine given?

• Do not give more than prescribed amount. Liver damage can occur.
• Give this medicine with food to prevent upset stomach.
• A liquid (suspension) is available if your child cannot swallow pills. Shake well before use.
• Children who have feeding tubes can also use the liquid. Flush the feeding tube before and after medicine is given.
• Measure liquid doses carefully. Use measuring device that comes with the medicine. If none is available, get an oral syringe, a medicine dropper, a medicine spoon, or a medicine cup (only for older children) from your pharmacist.
• Encourage your child to drink plenty of noncaffeine-containing liquid every day unless told to drink less liquid by healthcare provider.

How long does this medicine take to work?

• Your child may start feeling better soon after starting this medicine.

What do I do if my child misses a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)

• Give a missed dose as soon as possible.
• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your child's regular schedule.
• Many times this medicine is given on an as needed basis.

What safety measures should I take while my child is using this medicine?

• Avoid giving your child other sources of acetaminophen. An overdose may cause dangerous problems.
• This medicine may be habit-forming with long-term use.
• Check your child's medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
• Avoid giving your child other medicines and natural products that slow actions and reactions.
• If your child has lung disease, talk with healthcare provider. He/she may be more sensitive to this medicine.
• This medicine may cause your child to be less alert. Have your child avoid tasks or activities that require alertness. These include playing (for example, riding a bicycle, rollerblading, contact sports) or using items that require concentration or coordination (for example, scissors, lawnmower, electric scooters, or toy cars). Your child's activities should be closely monitored until you see how this medicine affects him/her. School work may be more difficult for your child to focus on and complete.
• Be careful if your child has G6PD deficiency. Anemia may occur.

What are some possible side effects of this medicine?

• Feeling lightheaded, sleepy, having blurred vision, or a change in thinking clearly. Have your child avoid tasks or activities that require alertness or clear vision until you see how this medicine affects him/her.
• Feeling dizzy. Rising slowly over several minutes from sitting or lying position is recommended. Children should be extra careful climbing stairs.
• Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals and frequent mouth care may help. Older children may suck hard, sugar-free candy.
• Constipation. More liquids, regular exercise, or a fiber-containing diet may help. Talk with healthcare provider about a stool softener or laxative.
• Dry mouth.

What should I monitor?

• Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
• For the occurrence of side effects.
• Keep a diary of pain control.
• Bowel movements.
• Dry mouth may cause an increase in cavities. Take good care of your child's teeth. See a dentist regularly.
• Follow up with healthcare provider.

When should I call my child's healthcare provider?

• If any of this information causes you to be concerned, any of the common side effects occur, or if your child's symptoms do not improve after taking this medicine.
• If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center or emergency department immediately.
• If your child shows signs of a life-threatening reaction, call healthcare provider or emergency department immediately. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or if your child exhibits any other unusual behavior.
• If your child shows signs of severe dizziness or passes out.
• If your child has difficulty breathing.
• If your child has significant change in thinking clearly and logically.
• If your child is feeling extremely nervous and excitable.
• If your child is feeling extremely tired or weak.
• If your child has poor pain control.
• If your child has severe nausea or vomiting.
• If your child has severe constipation.
• If your child is not hungry.
• If your child has yellow skin or eyes.
• If your child develops a rash.
• No improvement in condition or if you believe your child's condition is worse.

How should I store and/or dispose of this medicine?

• Store at room temperature.
• Protect from light.
• Protect capsules and tablets from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.

General statements

• If your child has a life-threatening allergy, he/she should wear an allergy identification bracelet at all times.
• This medicine is available by prescription only. If there are refills, contact your pharmacy. If no refills remain, you may need to contact your child's healthcare provider.
• This medicine should be thrown out when your child no longer needs it or if the medicine becomes outdated.
• Do not share your child's medicine with others and do not give anyone else's medicine to your child.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
• Many medications interact with other medications. Keep a list of all your child's medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to your child's healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
• Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or in Canada to Health Canada's Canada Vigilance Program at 1-866-234-2345.
• Talk with your child's healthcare provider before giving him/her any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
• Medicine can be dangerous if used incorrectly. Follow directions given by healthcare provider.

Copyright © 1978- Lexi-Comp Inc., The Children's Hospital, Denver, CO., and Pediatric Pharmacy Advocacy Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. This information is protected under US and international copyright law. Unauthorized use or reproduction is prohibited.

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