Why is this medication
prescribed?
This
combination of drugs is used to relieve moderate to moderately severe
pain.
This
medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or
pharmacist for more information.
How should this medicine be
used?
The
combination of acetaminophen and oxycodone comes as a tablet, capsule,
and liquid to take by mouth. It usually is taken every 6 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 acetaminophen and oxycodone exactly as directed.
Oxycodone
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.
What special precautions
should I follow?
Before
taking acetaminophen and oxycodone,
- tell your doctor and
pharmacist if you are allergic to acetaminophen, codeine, oxycodone,
sulfite, or any other drugs.
- tell your doctor and
pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are
taking, especially acetaminophen (Tylenol); antidepressants;
medications for cough; cold, or allergies; other pain relievers;
sedatives; sleeping pills; tranquilizers; and vitamins.
- tell your doctor if you have
or have ever had liver or kidney disease, a history of alcoholism, lung
or thyroid disease, prostatic hypertrophy, or urinary retention.
- tell your doctor if you are
pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become
pregnant while taking acetaminophen and oxycodone, call your doctor.
- if you are having surgery,
including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are
taking acetaminophen and oxycodone.
- 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.
What should I do if I forget a
dose?
This
medication usually is taken as needed. If your doctor has told you to
take acetaminophen and oxycodone regularly, take the missed dose as
soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next
dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule.
Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
What side effects can this
medication cause?
Although
side effects from acetaminophen and oxycodone are not common, they can
occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not
go away:
- dizziness
- lightheadedness
- drowsiness
- upset stomach
- vomiting
- constipation
- stomach pain
- rash
- difficulty urinating
If you
experience either of the following symptoms, call your doctor
immediately:
- difficulty breathing
- mood changes
What storage conditions are
needed for this medicine?
Keep
this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of
reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess
heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that
is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the
proper disposal of your medication.
In case of emergency/overdose
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.
What other information should
I know?
Keep
all appointments with your doctor.
Too
much acetaminophen may cause liver damage; do not take more than 4000
mg of acetaminophen per day.
Do not
let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions
you have about refilling your prescription.
