Always be sure to tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:
- Alcohol and/or other drug abuse, or history of,
- Brain disease or head injury
- Colitis
- Convulsions (seizures), history of,
- Emotional problems or mental illness
- Emphysema, asthma, or other chronic lung disease
- Hepatitis or other liver disease
- Kidney disease
- Underactive thyroid
- Enlarged prostate or problems with urination
- Gallbladder disease or gallstones
Proper Use of This Medication
Take this medication only as directed by your medical doctor. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your medical doctorordered. If too much of this medication is taken, it may become habit-forming (causing mental or physical dependence) or lead to medical problems because of an overdose. Taking too much acetaminophen may cause liver damage or failure.
Missed Dose
If your medical doctor has ordered you to take this medication according to a regular schedule and you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.
Precautions
If you will be taking this medication for an extended period or in high doses, your doctor should check your progress at regular visits.
Check the labels of all nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) and prescription medications you now take. If any contain acetaminophen or a narcotic be especially careful, since taking them while taking this medication may lead to overdose. If you have any questions about this, check with your doctor or pharmacist.
The oxycodone in this medication will add to the effects of alcohol and other CNS depressants (medications that slow down the nervous system, possibly causing drowsiness). Some examples of CNS depressants are antihistamines or medication for hay fever, other allergies, or colds; sedatives, tranquilizers, or sleeping medication; other prescription pain medication or narcotics; barbiturates; medication for seizures; muscle relaxants; or anesthetics, including some dental anesthetics. Also, there may be a greater risk of liver damage if you drink three or more alcoholic beverages while you are taking acetaminophen. Do not drink alcoholic beverages, and check with your medical doctor before taking any of the medications listed above, while you are using this medication.
This medication may cause some people to become drowsy, dizzy, or lightheaded, or to feel a false sense of well-being. Make sure you know how you react to this medication before you drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are dizzy or are not alert and clearheaded.
Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting may occur, especially when you get up suddenly from a lying or sitting position. Getting up slowly may help lessen this problem.
Nausea or vomiting may occur, especially after the first couple of doses. This effect may go away if you lie down for a while. However, if nausea or vomiting continues, check with your medical doctor or dentist. Lying down for a while may also help relieve some other side effects, such as dizziness or lightheadedness, that may occur.
Before having any kind of surgery (including dental surgery) or emergency treatment, tell the medical doctor or dentist in charge that you are taking this medication.
Narcotic analgesics may cause dryness of the mouth. For temporary relief, use sugarless candy or gum, melt bits of ice in your mouth, or use a saliva substitute. However, if dry mouth continues for more than 2 weeks, check with your dentist. Continuing dryness of the mouth may increase the chance of dental disease, including tooth decay, gum disease, and fungus infections.
If you have been taking this medication regularly for several weeks or more, do not suddenly stop taking it without first checking with your doctor. Your doctor may want you to reduce gradually the amount you are taking before stopping completely, to lessen the chance of withdrawal side effects. This will depend on which of these medications you have been taking, and the amount you have been taking every day.
If you think you or someone else may have taken an overdose of this medication, get emergency help at once. Taking an overdose of this medication or taking alcohol or CNS depressants with this medication may lead to unconsciousness or death. Signs of overdose of narcotics include convulsions (seizures), confusion, severe nervousness or restlessness, severe dizziness, severe drowsiness, shortness of breath or troubled breathing, and severe weakness. Signs of severe acetaminophen overdose may not occur until several days after the overdose is taken.
