Narcotic Analgesics and Aspirin (Systemic)

Proper Use of This Medicine

Take this medicine with food or a full glass (8 ounces) of water to lessen stomach irritation.

Do not take this medicine if it has a strong vinegar-like odor . This odor means the aspirin in it is breaking down. If you have any questions about this, check with your health care professional.

Take this medicine only as directed by your medical doctor or dentist . Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your medical doctor or dentist ordered. This is especially important for children and elderly patients, who are usually more sensitive to the effects of these medicines. If too much of a narcotic analgesic is taken, it may become habit-forming (causing mental or physical dependence) or lead to medical problems because of an overdose. Also, taking too much aspirin may cause stomach problems or lead to medical problems because of an overdose.

If you think that this medicine is not working as well after you have been taking it for a few weeks, do not increase the dose . Instead, check with your medical doctor or dentist.

Dosing - The dose of these medicines will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label . The following information includes only the average doses of these medicines. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The number of capsules or tablets that you take depends on the strength of the medicine and on the amount of pain you are having.

For aspirin, caffeine, and dihydrocodeine
• For oral dosage form (capsules):
  • For pain:
    • Adults - 2 capsules every four hours as needed.
    • Children - Dose must be determined by your doctor.

For aspirin and codeine
• For oral dosage form (tablets):
  • For pain:
    • Adults - 1 or 2 tablets every four hours as needed.
    • Children - Dose must be determined by your doctor.

For aspirin, codeine, and caffeine
• For oral dosage form (tablets):
  • For pain:
    • Adults - 1 or 2 tablets every four hours as needed.
    • Children - Dose must be determined by your doctor.

For buffered aspirin, codeine, and caffeine
• For oral dosage form (tablets):
  • For pain:
    • Adults - 1 or 2 tablets every four hours as needed.
    • Children - Dose must be determined by your doctor.

For hydrocodone and aspirin
• For oral dosage form (tablets):
  • For pain:
    • Adults - 1 or 2 tablets every four to six hours as needed.
    • Children - Dose must be determined by your doctor.

For oxycodone and aspirin
• For oral dosage form (tablets):
  • For pain:
    • Adults - 1 or 2 half-strength tablets, or 1 full-strength tablet, every four to six hours as needed.
    • Children up to 6 years of age - Use is not recommended.
    • Children 6 to 12 years of age - One-quarter of a half-strength tablet every six hours as needed.
    • Children 12 years of age and older - One-half of a half-strength tablet every six hours as needed.

For pentazocine and aspirin
• For oral dosage form (tablets):
  • For pain:
    • Adults - 2 tablets three or four times a day as needed.
    • Children - Dose must be determined by your doctor.

For propoxyphene and aspirin
• For oral dosage form (capsules):
  • For pain:
    • Adults - 1 capsule every four hours as needed.
    • Children - Dose must be determined by your doctor.

For propoxyphene, aspirin, and caffeine
• For oral dosage form (capsules or tablets):
  • For pain:
    • Adults - 1 capsule or tablet every four hours as needed.
    • Children - Dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed dose - If your medical doctor or dentist has ordered you to take this medicine 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 .

Storage - To store this medicine:

• Keep out of the reach of children. Overdose is very dangerous in young children.
• Store away from heat and direct light.
• Do not store this medicine in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down.
• Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.