Empirin with Codeine

Pronounced: EM-pir-in with KOE-deen
Generic ingredients: Aspirin, Codeine phosphate

Why is this drug prescribed?

Empirin with Codeine is a narcotic pain reliever and anti-inflammatory medication. It is prescribed for mild, moderate, and moderate to severe pain.

Most important fact about this drug

Codeine can be habit-forming when taken over a long period of time or in high doses. Do not take more of the drug, or use it for a longer period of time than your doctor has indicated.

How should you take this medication?

Take Empirin with Codeine with food or a full glass of milk or water to reduce stomach irritation. Take it exactly as prescribed.

--If you miss a dose...

Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never take 2 doses at once.

--Storage instructions...

Store at room temperature in a dry place; protect from light.

What side effects may occur?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue using Empirin with Codeine.

• More common side effects may include:
  Constipation, dizziness, drowsiness, light-headedness, nausea, shallow breathing, vomiting

• Less common side effects may include:
  Abdominal pain, aggravation of peptic ulcer, anaphylactic shock (severe allergic reaction), asthma, bruising or bleeding, confusion, dizziness, drowsiness, exaggerated sense of well-being or depression, excessive bleeding following injury or surgery, fatigue, headache, hearing problems, heartburn, hives, indigestion, itching, nausea, rapid heartbeat, ringing in ears, runny nose, skin rashes, sweating, thirst, vision problems, vomiting, weakness

Why should this drug not be prescribed?

Empirin with Codeine should not be used if you: are sensitive or allergic to aspirin or codeine, experience severe bleeding, have a blood clotting disorder or severe vitamin K deficiency, are taking blood-thinning medications, have a peptic ulcer or have liver damage. Children or teenagers with symptoms of chickenpox or the flu should not take Empirin with Codeine because of the danger of contracting Reye's Syndrome, a condition characterized by nausea, vomiting, and lethargy and disorientation deepening to coma.

Special warnings about this medication

Aspirin can cause severe allergic reactions including anaphylactic shock (difficulty breathing, bluish skin color caused by lack of oxygen, fever, rash or hives, irregular pulse, convulsions, or collapse).

Aspirin can cause bleeding if you have a peptic ulcer, open sores in the stomach or intestines, or a bleeding disorder. It may also prolong bleeding time after an injury or surgery.

Codeine can hide symptoms of serious abdominal conditions.

Use codeine with care if you have a head or brain injury. It can slow your breathing, make you drowsy, and increase pressure in your head.

Be careful taking Empirin with Codeine if you are elderly or in a weakened condition or have severe kidney or liver disease, gallstones or gallbladder disease, a breathing disorder, an irregular heartbeat, an inflamed stomach or intestines, an underactive thyroid gland, Addison's disease (a disorder of the adrenal glands), or an enlarged prostate or narrowing of the urethra.

Use aspirin with care if you have ever had any allergies. Sensitivity reactions are relatively common in people with asthma and nasal polyps (swollen growths in the nose).

Empirin with Codeine may make you drowsy or less alert. Be careful driving, operating machinery, or using appliances that require full mental alertness until you know how you react to this medication.

Remember, this medication can be habit-forming and should be taken exactly as prescribed. Do not take more of the medication, or use it more often, than your doctor has indicated.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking this medication

The effects of alcohol may be increased if taken with Empirin with Codeine. Avoid using alcohol while taking this medication.

If Empirin with Codeine is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Empirin with Codeine with the following:

Blood thinners such as Coumadin
Furosemide (Lasix)
Insulin
MAO inhibitors such as the antidepressants Parnate and Nardil
Methotrexate (Rheumatrex)
Mercaptopurine
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Advil, Motrin, and Indocin
Oral diabetes medications such as Diabinese and Tolinase
Other narcotic analgesics such as Percodan and Tylox
Para-amino salicylic acid
Penicillin
Probenecid (Benemid)
Sedatives such as phenobarbital and Nembutal
Steroids such as Medrol and prednisone
Sulfa drugs such as Azo Gantrisin and Septra
Sulfinpyrazone (Anturane)
Tranquilizers such as Xanax and Valium
Vitamin C

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

The effects of Empirin with Codeine during pregnancy have not been adequately studied. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. Aspirin and codeine appear in small amounts in breast milk and may affect a nursing infant. If this medication is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you to stop breastfeeding until your treatment with this medication is finished.

Recommended dosage

Dosage is determined by the severity of your pain and your response to this medication. Your doctor may prescribe more than the usual recommended dose if your pain is severe or if you are no longer getting enough pain relief from the dose you have been taking.

The usual adult dose for Empirin with Codeine No. 3 is 1 or 2 tablets every 4 hours as needed. The usual adult dose for Empirin with Codeine No. 4 is 1 tablet every 4 hours as required.

Overdosage

• In adults, symptoms of Empirin with Codeine overdose may include:
  Bluish skin color due to lack of oxygen, circulatory collapse, clammy skin, coma, constricted pupils, delirium, delusions, difficult or labored breathing, double vision, excitability, flabby muscles, garbled speech, hallucinations, restlessness, skin eruptions, slow and shallow breathing, stupor, vertigo

• In children, symptoms of Empirin with Codeine overdose may include:
  Confusion, convulsions, dehydration, difficulty hearing, dim vision, dizziness, drowsiness, extremely high body temperature, headache, nausea, rapid breathing, ringing in ears, sweating, thirst, vomiting

If you suspect an overdose, seek medical treatment immediately.