Aspirin and Codeine

This combination of drugs is used to relieve mild to moderately severe pain. This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

The combination of aspirin and codeine comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It usually is taken every 4 hours as needed. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take aspirin and codeine exactly as directed. Codeine can be habit-forming. Do not take a larger dose, take it more often, or for a longer period than your doctor tells you to.

<p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>Aspirin and codeine may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

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dizziness</li>
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lightheadedness</li>
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drowsiness</li>
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upset stomach</li>
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vomiting</li>
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constipation</li>
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stomach pain</li>
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difficulty urinating</li></ul></p> <p></p> <p>If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

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difficulty breathing</li>
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rash or itching</li>
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ringing in the ears or decreased hearing</li>
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abnormal bruising or bleeding</li></ul>If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at <a href='http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch'>http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch</a>] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].</p>

Before taking aspirin and codeine, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to aspirin, codeine, sulfite, or any other drugs. tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially other pain relievers; anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin); antidepressants; corticosteroids; MAO inhibitors [phenelzine (Nardil) or tranylcypromine (Parnate)]; medications for cough, cold, or allergies; medications for diabetes, arthritis, or gout; sedatives; sleeping pills; tranquilizers; and vitamins. tell your doctor if you have or have ever had a bleeding disorder (hemophilia, von Willebrand's disease), ulcer disease, liver or kidney disease, a history of alcoholism, anemia, lung or thyroid disease, prostatic hypertrophy, or urinary problems. if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking aspirin and codeine. you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you. remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug.

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.