acetaminophen / codeine

Even at recommended doses, taking Tylenol with Codeine can put a person at risk for addiction, abuse, or misuse. Taking Tylenol with Codeine for reasons other than prescribed (misuse) or at higher doses than prescribed can lead to overdose and death. Your healthcare professional (HCP) will prescribe the lowest amount of Tylenol with Codeine that's necessary for the shortest period of time possible.

Tylenol with Codeine can cause dangerously slow breathing, which can be life-threatening. This can happen at any time, but you're at higher risk 1 to 3 days right after you start Tylenol with Codeine or right after your HCP raises your dose. Drinking alcohol and taking other medications, like benzodiazepines, can also raise your risk for this dangerous side effect. You're recommended to ask your prescriber about getting naloxone (Narcan) before you start Tylenol with Codeine so that you can have it available in case of an accidental overdose. If you or your loved one notice you have trouble breathing or have bluish-colored lips, fingers, or toes, call 911 to get medical help right away.

Take Tylenol with Codeine exactly as prescribed. Taking too much Tylenol with Codeine or taking it more often than prescribed can lead to an overdose. If you're taking the liquid version of this medication, make sure to use a medication dosing cup or oral syringe to measure out your dose. Don't use a household spoon because the dose might not be accurate and you might accidentally take too much medication. Be sure you and your loved ones know how to recognize symptoms of an overdose, such as not responding to sound or touch, extremely slowed breathing, extreme sleepiness, slow heartbeat, and cold or clammy skin.

If you take Tylenol with Codeine during pregnancy, you can pass the medication to your unborn baby. Long-term use during pregnancy can cause your unborn baby to become dependent on opioids. Once your baby is born, they can experience withdrawal symptoms, such as high-pitched crying, poor feeding and sucking behavior, trembling, irritability, abnormal sleep patterns, and seizures. This condition is called neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome and can be life-threatening if not recognized and treated in time. Let your healthcare provider know if you've used Tylenol with Codeine during pregnancy or if you notice these symptoms in your baby.

Tylenol with Codeine can interact with many medications. For example, taking certain medications, like erythromycin (Ery-tab) and ritonavir (Norvir), can raise the level of codeine and put you at higher risk for breathing problems. And starting certain medications, like rifampin (Rifadin) or carbamazepine (Tegretol), while you're already taking Tylenol with Codeine might lower the level of codeine and put you at risk for withdrawal symptoms.

Tylenol with Codeine can cause extreme sleepiness and lower your ability to think, react, and focus. Your risk is higher if you're taking other medications that can make you sleepy, such as benzodiazepines, muscle relaxants, and sleep medications. Make sure you know how this medication affects you before driving a car or doing activities that require your concentration. Talk to your HCP right away if you feel too sleepy from taking Tylenol with Codeine.

Taking too much acetaminophen can cause liver damage that can be permanent and life-threatening. For adults, the maximum amount of acetaminophen is 3,000 mg or 4,000 mg, depending on your health condition, in a 24-hour period, depending on your prescriber's instructions. For children, ask your child's pediatrician.

Severe allergic reactions to Tylenol with Codeine are possible, including life-threatening reactions like facial swelling, shock, and anaphylaxis (e.g., closing of the throat). If you notice hives, rash, red skin, swelling of the lips or tongue, or difficulty breathing after taking Tylenol with Codeine, get medical attention right away.

Opioids can cause people with a history of seizures to have seizures more often. Tylenol with Codeine can also raise your risk of seizures in certain situations. Let your HCP know if you have seizures more often while taking Tylenol with Codeine.

Tylenol with Codeine can cause extremely low blood pressure, including a drop in blood pressure when you stand from a sitting or lying down position. This can lead to dizziness and fainting. To avoid falling, get up slowly if you've been sitting or lying down. If dizziness or lightheadedness doesn't go away, talk to your HCP.

Though rare, opioids like Tylenol with Codeine can cause your adrenal hormone levels to drop. This is more likely to happen after taking opioids for longer than 1 month. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, not feeling hungry, tiredness, dizziness, and weakness. Let your provider know right away if you experience these symptoms because you might need to stop Tylenol with Codeine and be treated with corticosteroids.

People with certain medical conditions shouldn't take Tylenol with Codeine.