Precautions
See also Warning section. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to any of its ingredients; or to narcotic pain relievers (e.g., morphine); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: abdominal problems (e.g., chronic constipation, ileus, pancreatitis), adrenal gland problem (e.g., Addison's disease), blood/immune system problems (e.g., bone marrow depression), brain disorders (e.g., seizures, head injury, tumor, increased intracranial pressure), breathing problems (e.g., asthma, emphysema), diabetes, glaucoma, heart problems (e.g., angina, irregular heartbeat), high blood pressure, liver disease, mental/mood problems (e.g., depression, psychosis), a certain spinal problem (kyphoscoliosis), stomach/intestinal problems (e.g., ulcers, blockage), thyroid disease, trouble urinating (e.g., due to enlarged prostate or urethral stricture), use/abuse of drugs/alcohol. This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit the use of alcohol and certain other medications that cause drowsiness. (See also Drug Interactions.) To reduce dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position. This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun. Avoid prolonged sun exposure, tanning booths, and sunlamps. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. This medication may contain sugar and/or alcohol. Caution is advised if you have diabetes, alcohol dependence, or liver disease. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about using this product safely. The elderly may be more sensitive to the effects of this drug, especially dizziness, drowsiness, mental/mood changes, and low blood pressure. During pregnancy, this medication should be used only if clearly needed. It is not recommended for use in high doses or for long periods during the last 3 months of pregnancy due to increased risk for serious side effects in a newborn baby (e.g., withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, abnormal/persistent crying, diarrhea, seizures). Tell your doctor immediately if you notice any of these symptoms in your newborn. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This product passes into breast milk and may rarely have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Tell your doctor immediately if your infant develops increased sleepiness, difficulty feeding, or trouble breathing. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor before breast-feeding.