Sometimes, there are times when ordinary painkillers do not relieve the aches and pains in the body. In such a case, your doctor may prescribe a painkiller containing Acetaminophen and Codeine. This is a slightly stronger medicine than ordinary painkillers. Therefore, we need to be careful about many things when using this. So today, let's talk about what you need to know about this medicine.
What really happens with this medicine?
Simply put, this is a combination of two types of medicine. One is the well-known Acetaminophen . This is the same one we see in medicines like Panadol. The other is Codeine . This is a slightly stronger medicine that belongs to the class of painkillers called `(Opioid)`.
When these two medications are combined, they block pain signals to our brain and control moderate pain. Doctors usually prescribe this medication when other painkillers have failed or are intolerable.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking medicine
Before using this medicine, it is very important to give your doctor a complete description of your health condition, especially if you have any of the conditions listed below.
| Your medical condition or habit | Why should you inform? |
|---|---|
| Liver or Kidney disease | Because this medicine is eliminated from the body through these organs, it can harm them. |
| Asthma or other breathing problems | Because codeine can slow breathing, these conditions can be severe. |
| Drug or alcohol addiction | This medication is also addictive, so the risk is high. |
| Head injury, Brain tumor | In such situations, the side effects of the medication may increase. |
| Use of MAOI medications | Taking this medicine with some antidepressants (MAOIs) is very dangerous. |
| Pregnancy or trying to conceive, breastfeeding | The medicine can affect the baby in the womb or the breastfed baby. |
| Allergies to other medicines, foods or substances | Find out if you are allergic to any of the ingredients in the medicine. |
How to use the medicine correctly?
- Take this medicine with a glass of water .
- Take the dose prescribed by your doctor, at the prescribed time. Never take more than one pill.
- If you experience stomach upset, take the medicine with or after a meal.
- You will receive a special instruction leaflet (`MedGuide`) about this medicine. Always read it carefully.
Be very careful when giving to children!
This medicine is not suitable for children under 12 years of age . Also, do not give this medicine to a child under 18 years of age who has had tonsils or adenoids surgically removed. It can cause severe breathing problems and even be life-threatening.
What if I accidentally take too much medicine?
This is an emergency! If you have any suspicion that you have taken more medicine than you think, immediately contact the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) without delay.
Most importantly: This medicine is prescribed for you only. Never give it to a friend or family member in retaliation for telling them you are in pain. Doing so is dangerous and illegal.
Things to be careful about when taking medicine
- Be careful with Acetaminophen: This is the most important thing. Since this medicine contains Acetaminophen, do not take any other medicine containing Acetaminophen like Panadol, Panadeine along with this. If you do, the Acetaminophen level can be very high and can cause serious liver damage. If you suspect that you have this condition, seek medical advice immediately, even if you do not have any symptoms.
- Tolerance: When you take this medication for a long time, the dose that used to work may no longer be enough to control your pain. This is called ``Tolerance.'' This is normal. However, this is not ``Addiction.'' Addiction is the use of a medication for psychological reasons, without a medical reason. Pain is a medical reason.
- Stopping the medication: Do not stop taking this medication suddenly without your doctor's advice. Doing so may cause discomfort to your body. If you do stop, you should reduce the dosage gradually according to your doctor's advice.
- Drowsiness and dizziness: This medicine may make you feel drowsy and dizzy . Therefore, do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything that requires alertness until you know exactly how this medicine affects you. Be careful when getting up from a sitting position, especially if you are elderly.
- Alcohol: Avoid drinking alcohol completely while taking this medication. It can increase side effects and cause dangerous consequences.
- Constipation: Constipation is a very common side effect of this medication. If you have difficulty having a bowel movement for more than 3 days, talk to your doctor.
Possible Side Effects
Like any medication, this one can have side effects. Some of them are serious, some of them are common.
| Classification of side effects | |
|---|---|
| 🚨 Serious side effects that require immediate medical attention | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Slow breathing (CNS depression) | Slow or shallow breathing, difficulty breathing, extreme drowsiness, loss of consciousness. |
| Symptoms of liver injury | Pain in the upper right side of the stomach, loss of appetite, yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark yellow/brown urine. |
| Low blood pressure | Dizziness, blue eyes, feeling faint. |
| 🙂 Common side effects that should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Constipation | Dizziness |
| Drowsiness | Dry mouth |
| Headache | Nausea |
How to keep medicine safe?
Since this is an ``Opioid'' type of medicine, it can be dangerous if it falls into the wrong hands. Therefore, keep this medicine in a safe place where children and pets can never get hold of it . It is also important to keep it in a place that can be protected from theft.
If you have any unused pills left over, don't just throw them in the trash. Mix them with used coffee grounds or cat litter, put them in a tightly sealed container, and throw them away. This will help prevent someone else from accidentally taking the pills.
Take-Home Message
- This is a strong painkiller. Always use it only under the advice of a doctor .
- Tell your doctor about all other medications you are taking (including vitamins).
- When taking this medicine, do not take any other medicine containing Acetaminophen, such as Panadol .
- If you feel dizzy or drowsy after taking the medicine, do not drive or do dangerous work.
- If you accidentally take more than the prescribed dose, go to a hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately.
- Always keep medicine in a safe place out of the reach of children .
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