ASA/caffeine/dihydrocodeine

Generic Name: ASA/caffeine/dihydrocodeine
Other Brand Names: Synalgos-DC

What is aspirin/caffeine/dihydrocodeine?

Dihydrocodeine (related to codeine) is in a class of drugs called narcotic analgesics. It relieves pain.

Aspirin is a less potent pain reliever, as well as an anti-inflammatory and a fever reducer. Aspirin increases the effects of dihydrocodeine.

Caffeine is believed to constrict dilated blood vessels that may contribute to tension headaches.

Aspirin/caffeine/dihydrocodeine is used to treat moderate-to-severe pain.

Aspirin/caffeine/dihydrocodeine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Uses Side Effects Precautions Interactions Overdose
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking aspirin/caffeine/dihydrocodeine?

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have

  • kidney disease;

  • liver disease;

  • a bleeding or blood clotting disorder;

  • a stomach ulcer;

  • asthma;

  • urinary retention;

  • an enlarged prostate;

  • hypothyroidism;

  • seizures or epilepsy;

  • gallbladder disease;

  • a head injury;

  • Addison’s disease; or

  • a history of drug or alcohol addiction.

You may not be able to take aspirin/caffeine/dihydrocodeine, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Dihydrocodeine may cause addiction and withdrawal symptoms as well as other harmful effects in an unborn baby. Do not take aspirin/caffeine/dihydrocodeine without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.

Dihydrocodeine may also cause addiction and withdrawal symptoms in a nursing baby. Do not take aspirin/caffeine/dihydrocodeine without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

If you are older than 60 years of age, you may be more likely to experience side effects from this therapy. Your doctor may prescribe a lower dose of the medication.

Do not use any product that contains aspirin to treat a child or teenager who has a fever, flu symptoms, or chicken pox without first talking to a doctor. In children younger than 20 years of age, aspirin may increase the risk of Reye"s syndrome, a rare but often fatal condition.

How should I take aspirin/caffeine/dihydrocodeine?

Take aspirin/caffeine/dihydrocodeine exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse or doctor to explain them to you.

Take each dose with a full glass of water.

Aspirin/caffeine/dihydrocodeine can be taken with food or milk if it causes stomach upset.

Do not take more of this medication than is prescribed. If the pain is not being adequately treated, talk to your doctor.

Do not stop taking aspirin/caffeine/dihydrocodeine suddenly if you have been taking it continuously for more than 5 to 7 days. Stopping suddenly could cause withdrawal symptoms and make you feel uncomfortable. Your doctor may want to gradually reduce the dose.

Constipation may be a side effect of treatment with aspirin/caffeine/dihydrocodeine. Increasing the amount of fiber and water (six to eight full glasses) in the diet may reduce constipation.

Do not share this medication with anyone else.

Store aspirin/caffeine/dihydrocodeine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose of aspirin/caffeine/dihydrocodeine?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Do not take a double dose of this medication. Wait the prescribed amount of time before taking the next dose.

Where can I get more information about aspirin/caffeine/dihydrocodeine?
Your pharmacist has information about aspirin/caffeine/dihydrocodeine written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of aspirin/caffeine/dihydrocodeine?

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking aspirin/caffeine/dihydrocodeine and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:

  • an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);

  • slow, weak breathing;

  • seizures;

  • cold, clammy skin;

  • severe weakness or dizziness;

  • unconsciousness; or

  • black, bloody, or tarry stools or blood in the urine or vomit.

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take aspirin/caffeine/dihydrocodeine and talk to your doctor if you experience

  • constipation;

  • dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, or decreased appetite;

  • dizziness, tiredness, or lightheadedness;

  • muscle twitches;

  • sweating;

  • itching or rash;

  • decreased urination;

  • decreased sex drive; or

  • ringing in your ears.

Aspirin/caffeine/dihydrocodeine is habit forming. Do not stop taking it suddenly.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What is the most important information I should know about aspirin/caffeine/dihydrocodeine?

Do not stop taking aspirin/caffeine/dihydrocodeine suddenly if you have been taking it continuously for more than 5 to 7 days. Stopping suddenly could cause withdrawal symptoms and make you very uncomfortable. Your doctor may want to gradually reduce the dose.

Avoid alcohol while taking aspirin/caffeine/dihydrocodeine. Alcohol can greatly increase drowsiness and dizziness caused by the medication which could be dangerous. Also, alcohol increases the risk of stomach bleeding when taking aspirin.

Do not take more of this medication than is prescribed. If the pain is not being adequately treated, talk to your doctor.

Do not take other over-the-counter and prescription products that contain aspirin. Too much aspirin could be dangerous. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking any over-the-counter preparations.

Drowsiness or dizziness caused by aspirin/caffeine/dihydrocodeine may be increased by other drugs such as antidepressants, alcohol, antihistamines, sedatives (used to treat insomnia), other pain relievers, anxiety medicines, and muscle relaxants. Together, these medicines may cause dangerous sedation, possibly resulting in unconsciousness or death. Tell your doctor about all medicines that you are taking, and do not take any medicine without first talking to your doctor.

What should I avoid while taking aspirin/caffeine/dihydrocodeine?

Avoid alcohol while taking aspirin/caffeine/dihydrocodeine. Alcohol can greatly increase drowsiness and dizziness caused by the medication which could be dangerous. Also, alcohol increases the risk of stomach bleeding when taking aspirin.

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Dihydrocodeine may cause drowsiness. If you experience drowsiness, avoid these activities.

Do not take other over-the-counter and prescription products that contain aspirin. Too much aspirin could be dangerous. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking any over-the-counter preparations.

Drowsiness or dizziness caused by aspirin/caffeine/dihydrocodeine may be increased by other drugs such as antidepressants, alcohol, antihistamines, sedatives (used to treat insomnia), other pain relievers, anxiety medicines, and muscle relaxants. Together, these medicines may cause dangerous sedation, possibly resulting in unconsciousness or death. Tell your doctor about all medicines that you are taking, and do not take any medicine without first talking to your doctor.

What other drugs will affect aspirin/caffeine/dihydrocodeine?

Do not take aspirin/caffeine/dihydrocodeine if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days. Dangerous side effects could result.

Drowsiness or dizziness caused by aspirin/caffeine/dihydrocodeine may be increased by other drugs such as antidepressants, alcohol, antihistamines, sedatives (used to treat insomnia), other pain relievers, anxiety medicines, and muscle relaxants. Together, these medicines may cause dangerous sedation, possibly resulting in unconsciousness or death. Tell your doctor about all medicines that you are taking, and do not take any medicine without first talking to your doctor.

Do not take other over-the-counter and prescription products that contain aspirin. Too much aspirin could be dangerous. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking any over-the-counter preparations.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with aspirin/caffeine/dihydrocodeine. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products.

What happens if I have an overdose of aspirin/caffeine/dihydrocodeine?

Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.

Symptoms of an aspirin/caffeine/dihydrocodeine overdose include slow breathing, seizures, dizziness, weakness, loss of consciousness, coma, confusion, tiredness, cold and clammy skin, small pupils, nausea, vomiting, ringing in the ears, and sweating.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
Content provided by Multum - Last Updated 2/11/2008