Sometimes the pain we experience is not relieved by one or two common painkillers. After surgery, after a serious accident, or with certain medical conditions, the pain can be unbearable. At times like these, when other medications fail to control the pain, we are talking about a special, powerful type of painkiller that doctors recommend.
What is this medicine called Benzhydrocodone and Acetaminophen?
Simply put, this is a powerful painkiller. It has two main ingredients. One is Benzhydrocodone . This belongs to the opioid class of painkillers. These go directly to the brain and block the transmission of pain signals. The other ingredient is Acetaminophen . Paracetamol, which we all know, also belongs to this class. The combination of these two provides great ability to control severe pain.
The most important thing is that this is a medicine that should only be used if prescribed by a doctor, as directed, and for the duration prescribed. It is not a good medicine to buy from the store, drink, or give to someone else.
Things you should definitely tell your doctor before taking medication
These things are very important for your safety. Before giving you this medicine, it is essential that your doctor knows your complete health history. Therefore, if you have any of the following conditions, be sure to tell your doctor without hiding anything .
| Status/habit | Description |
|---|---|
| Brain and nervous system | Conditions such as a brain tumor, head injury, and seizures. |
| Liver and kidneys | If you have liver disease or kidney disease. |
| Respiratory system | Lung or breathing problems, such as asthma. |
| Lifestyle and habits | If you are a heavy drinker or have a history of substance use disorder. |
| Other medical conditions | Heart disease, stomach or intestine problems. |
| Allergies | If you are allergic to this medicine, paracetamol, other opioids, or any other medicine, food, or dye. |
| Special occasions | If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding. |
The correct way to use the medicine
- Drink with a glass of water: Always drink plenty of water.
- Take it on time: Take only the prescribed dose as prescribed by your doctor. Never increase the dose at will.
- With or without food: This medicine can be taken before or after food. However, if you experience stomach upset or nausea, it is best to take the medicine with some food.
- Do not stop taking the medicine suddenly: Do not stop taking the medicine suddenly without consulting your doctor. Doing so may cause discomfort to your body. If you do stop, do so gradually, as your doctor tells you to.
What if there is an emergency? (Overdose)
If you accidentally take too much of this medicine, it can be very dangerous. If you think you have, don't delay . Don't wait for symptoms to appear, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately . Or, call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital .
Be careful of these things when taking medicine.
1. Addiction and Tolerance:
When you take this medicine for a long time, the dose you used to take to relieve pain may no longer be enough. This is called tolerance . This is normal. It is not addiction. Addiction is the use of a medicine for psychological pleasure without a medical reason. If you are taking medicine for pain, it is a medical necessity.
2. Do not use other types of paracetamol (Acetaminophen)!
This is very important. This medicine already contains Acetaminophen/Paracetamol. Therefore, it is strictly forbidden to take Panadol or Paracetamol tablets separately while taking this medicine. Doing so may cause excessive absorption of Acetaminophen and serious damage to your liver .
3. Never with alcohol:
Do not use alcohol or products containing alcohol while taking this medication. Doing so greatly increases the risk of dangerous side effects such as excessive drowsiness, dizziness, and difficulty breathing.
4. Sleepiness and attention:
This medicine may make you feel sleepy, dizzy, or have trouble concentrating. Therefore, do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine affects you.
5. Constipation:
Constipation is a common side effect of opioid painkillers like these. So drink plenty of water, eat fiber-rich foods (fruits, vegetables), and talk to your doctor if you haven't had a bowel movement in 2-3 days.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, this one can cause side effects in some people. Some of them are serious, some of them are common.
| Serious side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Respiratory distress (CNS depression) | Slow or shallow breathing, excessive sleepiness, confusion, and difficulty waking up. |
| Symptoms of liver injury | Pain in the upper right side of the stomach, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stools, dark yellow or brown urine, and yellowing of the skin or eyes. |
| Low blood pressure | Dizziness, fainting, blurred vision. |
| Serious skin reactions | Skin redness, blistering, peeling (even inside the mouth). |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Common problems | Constipation, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, headache, nausea, vomiting, stomach upset, insomnia. |
Take-Home Message
- This medicine should only be used for severe pain, on the recommendation of a doctor.
- Before taking the medicine, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all other medications you are taking (including herbal and vitamins).
- Do not drink alcohol for any reason while taking this medicine. Do not take other medicines containing paracetamol (Acetaminophen).
- If you experience any serious side effects such as excessive drowsiness, difficulty breathing, or yellowing of the skin, seek medical advice immediately.
- Because this is a powerful medicine, keep it in a safe, locked place out of the reach of children and pets . Never share this medicine with others.
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