Empirin With Codeine Side Effects
Generic name: aspirin / codeine
Note: This document provides detailed information about Empirin with Codeine Side Effects associated with aspirin / codeine. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Empirin with Codeine.
Applies to aspirin / codeine: oral tablet.
Important warnings
This medicine can cause some serious health issues
Codeine can slow or stop your breathing.
Never use this medicine in larger amounts, or for longer than prescribed. Codeine may also be habit-forming, even at regular doses. Never share this medicine with another person, especially someone with a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medication in a place where others cannot get to it.
Medicines that contain codeine should not be given to a child just after surgery to remove the tonsils or adenoids.
Get emergency medical help if a child taking this medicine has breathing problems, blue lips, or severe drowsiness, or if you cannot wake the child up from sleep.
Aspirin may cause stomach or intestinal bleeding, which can be fatal.
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction while taking aspirin / codeine: hives; runny nose, wheezing, difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Seek emergency medical attention if a child taking this medicine has any of the following life-threatening side effects: noisy breathing, sighing, slow breathing with long pauses between breaths; being unusually sleepy or hard to wake up; blue colored lips.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
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severe stomach pain or constipation, vomiting;
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easy bruising, unusual bleeding, bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds;
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weak or shallow breathing, fast or slow heartbeat;
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confusion, hallucinations, unusual thoughts or behavior, feeling like you might pass out;
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seizure (convulsions); or
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decreased hearing or ringing in the ears.
Common side effects may include:
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mild constipation, nausea;
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heartburn, upset stomach, bloating, gas, diarrhea;
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headache, dizziness, tired feeling; or
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mild itching or rash.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
For healthcare professionals
Applies to aspirin / codeine: oral tablet.
General adverse events
The more commonly reported adverse reactions have included nausea, dyspepsia, constipation, drowsiness, dizziness, and tinnitus.[Ref]
Gastrointestinal
- Frequency not reported: Nausea, dyspepsia, vomiting, constipation, dry mouth, gastrointestinal bleeding or ulceration, biliary spasm, loss of appetite, paralytic ileus or toxic megacolon[Ref]
Nervous system
- Frequency not reported: Drowsiness, confusion, headache, tinnitus[Ref]
Hypersensitivity
Aspirin:
- Frequency not reported: Bronchospasm and asthma attacks or other hypersensitivity reactions including urticaria, rhinitis and angioneurotic edema in susceptible individuals[Ref]
Other
Aspirin:
- Frequency not reported: Reye's syndrome
Codeine:
- Frequency not reported: Vertigo[Ref]
Cardiovascular
- Frequency not reported: Hypotension, bradycardia, tachycardia, palpitations[Ref]
Dermatologic
- Frequency not reported: Sweating, pruritus, angioedema, urticaria and other skin eruptions[Ref]
Renal
Aspirin:
- Frequency not reported: Deterioration in renal function[Ref]
Hematologic
Aspirin:
- Frequency not reported: Increased bleeding time, anemia, hemolytic anemia, hypoprothrombinemia, thrombocytopenia, aplastic anemia, pancytopenia[Ref]
Hepatic
- Frequency not reported: Hepatitis, hepatotoxicity[Ref]
Metabolic
- Frequency not reported: Dehydration, hyperkalemia, respiratory alkalosis and metabolic acidosis, (particularly during salicylate toxicity), hypoglycemia[Ref]
Musculoskeletal
Aspirin:
- Frequency not reported: Rhabdomyolysis[Ref]
Respiratory
Aspirin:
- Frequency not reported: Hyperpnea, pulmonary edema, tachypnea, bronchospasm
Codeine:
- Frequency not reported: Respiratory depression[Ref]
Ocular
- Frequency not reported: Miosis, blurred or double vision[Ref]
Psychiatric
Codeine:
- Frequency not reported: Confusion, mood changes, depression, trouble sleeping, withdrawal symptoms following regular prolonged use (restlessness irritability)[Ref]
Genitourinary
Codeine:
- Frequency not reported: Ureteral spasm
References
1. "Multum Information Services, Inc. Expert Review Panel"
2. Lanas A, Serrano P, Bajador E, Esteva F, Benito R, Sainz R (1997) "Evidence of aspirin use in both upper and lower gastrointestinal perforation." Gastroenterology, 112, p. 683-9
3. Petty GW, Brown RD, Whisnant JP, Sicks JD, O'Fallon WM, Wiebers DO (1999) "Frequency of major complications of aspirin, warfarin, and intravenous heparin for secondary stroke prevention: a population study." Ann Intern Med, 130, p. 14-22
4. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics."
5. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information."
6. (2002) "Product Information. Calcidrine (codeine)." Abbott Pharmaceutical
7. Gonzalogarijo MA, Revengaarranz F (1996) "Fixed drug eruption due to codeine." Br J Dermatol, 135, p. 498-9
8. Hill SA, Quinn K, Shelly MP, Park GR (1991) "Reversible renal failure following opioid administration." Anaesthesia, 46, p. 938-9
More about Empirin with Codeine (aspirin / codeine)
- Check interactions
- Compare alternatives
- Drug images
- Dosage information
- During pregnancy
- Drug class: narcotic analgesic combinations
Related treatment guides
Further information
Empirin with Codeine side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.