Zerlor Oral
In Depth
- Uses and How to Use
- Dosage and Storage
- Precautions and Side Effects
- Drug Interactions
- Drug Images
Pronounced: (dye-HI-dro-KO-deen/ah-seet-ah-MIN-oh-fen/KAF-een)
Zerlor Oral Uses
This medication is used to treat moderate-to-severe pain. It acts on certain centers in the brain to give you pain relief. This medication is a combination of a narcotic pain reliever (dihydrocodeine), a non-aspirin pain reliever/fever reducer (acetaminophen), and caffeine. Caffeine is used to increase pain relief, especially in certain types of headaches.
How To Use Zerlor Oral
Take this medication by mouth with or without food, usually every 4 hours as needed or as directed by your doctor. If you have nausea, you may take this drug with food, although this may cause your body to absorb less of the drug and get less benefit from it. Consult your doctor or pharmacist about other ways to decrease nausea (e.g., antihistamines, lying down for 1-2 hours with as little head movement as possible).
The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. If you are taking this drug "as needed" (not on a regular schedule), remember that pain medications work best if they are used as the first signs of pain occur. If you wait until the symptoms have worsened, the medication may not work as well.
This medication may cause dependence, especially if it has been used regularly for an extended time or if it has been used in high doses. In such cases, withdrawal reactions (e.g., runny nose, watery eyes, anxiety, restlessness, sweating, irritability) may occur if you suddenly stop this drug. To prevent withdrawal reactions when stopping extended, regular treatment with this drug, gradually reduce the dosage as directed. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details, and report any withdrawal reactions immediately.
Though very unlikely, abnormal drug-seeking behavior (addiction) is possible with this medication. Do not increase your dose, take it more frequently, or take it for a longer time than prescribed. Properly stop the medication when so directed.
When used for an extended period, this medication may not work as well and may require different dosing. Talk with your doctor if this medication stops working well.
This medication contains acetaminophen. Do not take more acetaminophen than recommended. (See also Side Effects, Drug Interactions sections.) Inform your doctor if your pain persists or worsens.
