Acetaminophen and codeine: Drug information

Copyright 1978-2006 Lexi-Comp, Inc. All rights reserved.

(For additional information see "Acetaminophen and codeine: Patient drug information" and see "Acetaminophen and codeine: Pediatric drug information")
U.S. BRAND NAMES — Capital® and Codeine; Tylenol® With Codeine
PHARMACOLOGIC CATEGORY Analgesic, Opioid
DOSING: ADULTS — Doses should be adjusted according to severity of pain and response of the patient. Adult doses 60 mg codeine fail to give commensurate relief of pain but merely prolong analgesia and are associated with an appreciably increased incidence of side effects.
Cough (Antitussive): Oral: Based on codeine (15-30 mg/dose) every 4-6 hours (maximum: 360 mg/24 hours based on codeine component)
Pain (Analgesic): Oral: Based on codeine (30-60 mg/dose) every 4-6 hours (maximum: 4000 mg/24 hours based on acetaminophen component) 1-2 tablets every 4 hours to a maximum of 12 tablets/24 hours
DOSING: PEDIATRIC
(For additional information see "Acetaminophen and codeine: Pediatric drug information")Analgesic: Oral: Codeine: 0.5-1 mg codeine/kg/dose every 4-6 hours Acetaminophen: 10-15 mg/kg/dose every 4 hours up to a maximum of 2.6 g/24 hours for children <12>12 years: 15 mL every 4 hours as needed of elixir
DOSING: ELDERLY — Doses should be titrated to appropriate analgesic effect.
1 Tylenol® [#3] or 2 Tylenol® [#2] tablets every 4 hours; do not exceed 4 g/day acetaminophen.
DOSING: RENAL IMPAIRMENT — See individual agents.
DOSING: HEPATIC IMPAIRMENT — Use with caution. Limited, low-dose therapy is usually well tolerated in hepatic disease/cirrhosis; however, cases of hepatotoxicity at daily acetaminophen dosages <4 g/day have been reported. Avoid chronic use in hepatic impairment.
DOSAGE FORMS — Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling. [DSC] = Discontinued product; [CAN] = Canadian brand name
Caplet: ratio-Lenoltec No. 1 [CAN], Tylenol No. 1 [CAN]: Acetaminophen 300 mg, codeine phosphate 8 mg, and caffeine 15 mg [not available in the U.S.] Tylenol No. 1 Forte [CAN]: Acetaminophen 500 mg, codeine phosphate 8 mg, and caffeine 15 mg [not available in the U.S.]
Elixir, oral [C-V]: Acetaminophen 120 mg and codeine phosphate 12 mg per 5 mL (5 mL, 10 mL, 12.5 mL, 15 mL, 120 mL, 480 mL) [contains alcohol 7%] Tylenol® with Codeine [DSC]: Acetaminophen 120 mg and codeine phosphate 12 mg per 5 mL (480 mL) [contains alcohol 7%; cherry flavor] Tylenol Elixir with Codeine [CAN]: Acetaminophen 160 mg and codeine phosphate 8 mg per 5 mL (500 mL) [contains alcohol 7%, sucrose 31%; cherry flavor; not available in the U.S.]
Suspension, oral [C-V] (Capital® and Codeine): Acetaminophen 120 mg and codeine phosphate 12 mg per 5 mL (480 mL) [alcohol free; fruit punch flavor]
Tablet [C-III]: Acetaminophen 300 mg and codeine phosphate 15 mg; acetaminophen 300 mg and codeine phosphate 30 mg; acetaminophen 300 mg and codeine phosphate 60 mg ratio-Emtec [CAN], Triatec-30 [CAN]: Acetaminophen 300 mg and codeine phosphate 30 mg [not available in the U.S.] ratio-Lenoltec No. 1 [CAN]: Acetaminophen 300 mg, codeine phosphate 8 mg, and caffeine 15 mg [not available in the U.S.] ratio-Lenoltec No. 2 [CAN], Tylenol No. 2 with Codeine [CAN]: Acetaminophen 300 mg, codeine phosphate 15 mg, and caffeine 15 mg [not available in the U.S.] ratio-Lenoltec No. 3 [CAN], Tylenol No. 3 with Codeine [CAN]: Acetaminophen 300 mg, codeine phosphate 30 mg, and caffeine 15 mg [not available in the U.S.] ratio-Lenoltec No. 4 [CAN], Tylenol No. 4 with Codeine [CAN]: Acetaminophen 300 mg and codeine phosphate 60 mg [not available in the U.S.] Triatec-8 [CAN]: Acetaminophen 325 mg, codeine phosphate 8 mg, and caffeine 30 mg [not available in the U.S.] Triatec-8 Strong [CAN]: Acetaminophen 500 mg, codeine phosphate 8 mg, and caffeine 30 mg [not available in the U.S.] Tylenol® with Codeine No. 3: Acetaminophen 300 mg and codeine phosphate 30 mg [contains sodium metabisulfite] Tylenol® with Codeine No. 4: Acetaminophen 300 mg and codeine phosphate 60 mg [contains sodium metabisulfite]
DOSAGE FORMS: CONCISE — [CAN] = Canadian brand name
Caplet: ratio-Lenoltec No. 1 [CAN], Tylenol No. 1 [CAN]: Acetaminophen 300 mg, codeine 8 mg, and caffeine 15 mg [not available in the U.S.] Tylenol No. 1 Forte [CAN]: Acetaminophen 500 mg, codeine 8 mg, and caffeine 15 mg [not available in the U.S.]
Elixir, oral [C-V]: Acetaminophen 120 mg and codeine 12 mg per 5 mL Tylenol Elixir with Codeine [CAN]: Acetaminophen 160 mg and codeine 8 mg per 5 mL [not available in the U.S.]
Suspension, oral [C-V]: Acetaminophen 120 mg and codeine 12 mg per 5 mL Capital® and Codeine [C-V]: Acetaminophen 120 mg and codeine 12 mg per 5 mL
Tablet [C-III]: Acetaminophen 300 mg and codeine 15 mg; acetaminophen 300 mg and codeine 30 mg; acetaminophen 300 mg and codeine 60 mg ratio-Emtec [CAN], Triatec-30 [CAN]: Acetaminophen 300 mg and codeine 30 mg [not available in the U.S.] ratio-Lenoltec No. 1 [CAN]: Acetaminophen 300 mg, codeine 8 mg, and caffeine 15 mg [not available in the U.S.] ratio-Lenoltec No. 2 [CAN], Tylenol No. 2 with Codeine [CAN]: Acetaminophen 300 mg, codeine 15 mg, and caffeine 15 mg [not available in the U.S.] ratio-Lenoltec No. 3 [CAN], Tylenol No. 3 with Codeine [CAN]: Acetaminophen 300 mg, codeine 30 mg, and caffeine 15 mg [not available in the U.S.] ratio-Lenoltec No. 4 [CAN], Tylenol No. 4 with Codeine [CAN]: Acetaminophen 300 mg and codeine 60 mg [not available in the U.S.] Triatec-8 [CAN]: Acetaminophen 325 mg, codeine 8 mg, and caffeine 30 mg [not available in the U.S.] Triatec-8 Strong [CAN]: Acetaminophen 500 mg, codeine 8 mg, and caffeine 30 mg [not available in the U.S.] Tylenol® with Codeine No. 3: Acetaminophen 300 mg and codeine 30 mg Tylenol® with Codeine No. 4: Acetaminophen 300 mg and codeine 60 mg
GENERIC EQUIVALENT AVAILABLE — Yes
USE — Relief of mild-to-moderate pain
ADVERSE REACTIONS SIGNIFICANT >10%: Central nervous system: Lightheadedness, dizziness, sedation Gastrointestinal: Nausea, vomiting Respiratory: Dyspnea
1% to 10%: Central nervous system: Euphoria, dysphoria Dermatologic: Pruritus Gastrointestinal: Constipation, abdominal pain Miscellaneous: Histamine release
<1% (Limited to important or life-threatening): Antidiuretic hormone release, biliary tract spasm, bradycardia, hypotension, intracranial pressure increased, physical and psychological dependence, respiratory depression, urinary retention
CONTRAINDICATIONS — Hypersensitivity to acetaminophen, codeine, or any component of the formulation; significant respiratory depression (in unmonitored settings); acute or severe bronchial asthma; hypercapnia; paralytic ileus
WARNINGS / PRECAUTIONS Concerns related to adverse effects: CNS depression: May cause CNS depression, which may impair physical or mental abilities; patients must be cautioned about performing tasks which require mental alertness (eg, operating machinery or driving). Hepatotoxicity: May cause severe hepatic toxicity on acute overdose; in addition, chronic daily dosing in adults has resulted in liver damage in some patients. Hypotension: May cause hypotension; use with caution in patients with hypovolemia, cardiovascular disease (including acute MI), or drugs which may exaggerate hypotensive effects (including phenothiazines or general anesthetics). Phenanthrene hypersensitivity: Use with caution in patients with hypersensitivity reactions to other phenanthrene-derivative opioid agonists (hydrocodone, hydromorphone, levorphanol, oxycodone, oxymorphone).
Disease-related concerns: Abdominal conditions: May obscure diagnosis or clinical course of patients with acute abdominal conditions. Adrenal insufficiency: Use with caution in patients with adrenal insufficiency, including Addison's disease. CNS depression/coma: Use with caution in patients with CNS depression or coma. Drug abuse: Use with caution in patients with a history of drug abuse or acute alcoholism; potential for drug dependency exists. Tolerance, psychological and physical dependence may occur with prolonged use. Ethanol use: Use with caution in patients with alcoholic liver disease; consuming 3 alcoholic drinks/day may increase the risk of liver damage. G6PD deficiency: Use with caution in patients with known G6PD deficiency. Head trauma: Use with extreme caution in patients with head injury, intracranial lesions, or elevated intracranial pressure; exaggerated elevation of ICP may occur. Hepatic impairment: Use with caution in patients with severe hepatic impairment. Prostatic hyperplasia/urinary stricture: Use with caution in patients with prostatic hyperplasia and/or urinary stricture. Renal impairment: Use with caution in patients with renal impairment. Respiratory disease: Use with caution in patients with pre-existing respiratory compromise (hypoxia and/or hypercapnia), COPD or other obstructive pulmonary disease, and kyphoscoliosis or other skeletal disorder which may alter respiratory function; critical respiratory depression may occur, even at therapeutic dosages. Seizure disorder: Use with caution in patients with a history of seizure disorder. Thyroid dysfunction: Use with caution in patients with thyroid dysfunction.
Concurrent drug therapy issues: Sedatives: Effects may be potentiated when used with other sedative drugs or ethanol.
Special populations: Debilitated patients: Use with caution in debilitated patients; there is a greater potential for critical respiratory depression, even at therapeutic dosages. Elderly: Use with caution in the elderly; may be more sensitive to adverse effects. Decrease initial dose.
Dosage form specific issues: Metabisulfite: Tablets contain metabisulfite which may cause allergic reactions. Non-U.S. formulations: Some non-U.S. formulations (including most Canadian formulations) may contain caffeine as an additional ingredient. Caffeine may cause CNS and cardiovascular stimulation, as well as GI irritation in high doses. Use with caution in patients with a history of peptic ulcer or GERD; avoid in patients with symptomatic cardiac arrhythmias.
Other warnings/precautions: Dosage limit: Limit total acetaminophen dose to <4 g/day. Withdrawal: Concurrent use of agonist/antagonist analgesics may precipitate withdrawal symptoms and/or reduced analgesic efficacy in patients following prolonged therapy with mu opioid agonists. Abrupt discontinuation following prolonged use may also lead to withdrawal symptoms.
RESTRICTIONS — C-III; C-V
Note: In countries outside of the U.S., some formulations of Tylenol® with Codeine (eg, Tylenol® No. 3) include caffeine.
DRUG INTERACTIONS — Acetaminophen: Substrate (minor) of CYP1A2, 2A6, 2C9, 2D6, 2E1, 3A4; Inhibits CYP3A4 (weak)
Increased toxicity: CNS depressants, phenothiazines, tricyclic antidepressants, guanabenz, MAO inhibitors (may also decrease blood pressure); effect of warfarin may be enhanced.
ETHANOL / NUTRITION / HERB INTERACTIONS — Ethanol: Excessive intake of ethanol may increase the risk of acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity. Avoid ethanol or limit to <3 drinks/day.
PREGNANCY RISK FACTOR — C (show table)
LACTATION — Enters breast milk/use caution
DIETARY CONSIDERATIONS — May be taken with food.
PRICING — (data from drugstore.com)Solution (Acetaminophen-Codeine) 120-12 mg/5 mL (118): $8.99 120-12 mg/5 mL (240): $8.98
Tablets (Acetaminophen-Codeine #2) 300-15 mg (30): $7.99
Tablets (Acetaminophen-Codeine #3) 300-30 mg (30): $7.99
Tablets (Acetaminophen-Codeine #4) 300-60 mg (30): $11.99
Tablets (Tylenol/Codeine #3) 300-30 mg (30): $17.69
Tablets (Tylenol/Codeine #4) 300-60 mg (30): $30.54
MONITORING PARAMETERS — Relief of pain, respiratory and mental status, blood pressure, bowel function
TOXICOLOGY / OVERDOSE COMPREHENSIVE Symptoms include hepatic necrosis, blood dyscrasias, respiratory depression.
Acetylcysteine 140 mg/kg orally (loading) followed by 70 mg/kg every 4 hours for 17 doses; therapy should be initiated based upon laboratory analysis suggesting high probability of hepatotoxic potential.
Naloxone 2 mg I.V. (0.01 mg/kg for children) with repeat administration as necessary up to a total of 10 mg; can also be used to reverse the toxic effects of the opiate.
Activated charcoal is effective at binding certain chemicals, and this is especially true for acetaminophen (use within 2 hours of ingestion).
CANADIAN BRAND NAMES — ratio-Emtec; ratio-Lenoltec; Triatec-30; Triatec-8 Strong; Triatec-8; Tylenol Elixir with Codeine; Tylenol No. 1 Forte; Tylenol No. 1; Tylenol No. 2 with Codeine; Tylenol No. 3 with Codeine; Tylenol No. 4 with Codeine
INTERNATIONAL BRAND NAMES — Algesidal (FR); Algimide (CO); Algimide F (CO); Chemists Own Dolased Day Pain Relief (AU); Claradol Codeine (FR); Co-Cadamol (SG); Cod-Acamol Forte (IL); Codabrol (IL); Codalgin (AU, NZ); Codapane (AU); Codeidol (CO); Codeidol F (CO); Codeipar (CL); Codicet (TH); Codilprane Enfant (FR); Codipar (GB, IE); Coditam (ID); Codoliprane (FR); Codoliprane Enfant (FR); Codral Pain Relief (AU); Dafalgan Codeine (FR); Dolorol Forte (ZA); Dymadon Co (AU, NZ); Dymadon Forte (AU); Efferalgan Codeine (PY); Febricod (AU); Liquigesic Co (AU); Maxadol (ZA); Nasa w/codeine (TH); Paceco (MY, SG); Panadeine (AN, AU, BB, BM, BS, BZ, CZ, GY, HK, HU, JM, MY, NZ, SR, TT); Panadeine Co (AE, BH, CY, EG, IQ, IR, JO, KW, LB, LY, OM, QA, SA, SY, YE); Panadeine Forte (AU); Panadiene (AN, AU, BB, BM, BS, BZ, CZ, GY, HK, HU, JM, JP, MY, NZ, SR, TT); Panado-Co Caplets (ZA); Panadol Ultra (HK); Panamax (AU); Paracodol (ZA); Paradine (MY); Paramax (EE); Parcono (TH); Parcoten (HK); Perdolan codeine (BE); Prodeine Forte (AU); Prodeine-15 (AU); ratio-Emtec (CA); ratio-Lenoltec (CA); Rokamol Plus (IL); Solpadeine (AE, BH, CY, EG, IQ, IR, JO, KW, LB, LY, OM, QA, SA, SY, YE); Solpadol (GB, IE); Triatec-30 (CA); Triatec-8 (CA); Triatec-8 Strong (CA); TWC 30 (IN); Tylenol Elixir with Codeine (CA); Tylenol No. 1 (CA); Tylenol No. 1 Forte (CA); Tylenol No. 2 with Codeine (CA); Tylenol No. 3 with Codeine (CA); Tylenol No. 4 with Codeine (CA); Tylex CD (CR, DO, GT, HN, MX, NI, PA, SV); Winadol Forte (CO); Zapain (GB, IE)
MECHANISM OF ACTION — Inhibits the synthesis of prostaglandins in the central nervous system and peripherally blocks pain impulse generation; produces antipyresis from inhibition of hypothalamic heat-regulating center; binds to opiate receptors in the CNS, causing inhibition of ascending pain pathways, altering the perception of and response to pain; causes cough supression by direct central action in the medulla; produces generalized CNS depression. Caffeine (contained in some non-U.S. formulations) is a CNS stimulant; use with acetaminophen and codeine increases the level of analgesia provided by each agent.
PHARMACODYNAMICS / KINETICS — See individual agents.