Aspirin / Caffeine / Dihydrocodeine Side Effects
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 3, 2024.
Applies to aspirin / caffeine / dihydrocodeine: oral capsule.
Important warnings
This medicine can cause some serious health issues
Oral route (capsule)
Respiratory depression and death have been reported in children following tonsillectomy or adenoidectomy.
These children had evidence of being ultra-rapid metabolizers due to a CYP2D6 polymorphism.
Other side effects
Some side effects of aspirin / caffeine / dihydrocodeine may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.
Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
More common side effects
- difficulty having a bowel movement (stool)
- dizziness
- drowsiness
- itching skin
- lightheadedness
- nausea
- relaxed and calm feeling
- sleepiness
- vomiting
Serious side effects
Along with its needed effects, aspirin/caffeine/dihydrocodeine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking aspirin/caffeine/dihydrocodeine:
Incidence not known
- abdominal pain, cramping, or tenderness
- bleeding gums
- blood in the urine or stools
- bloody, black, or tarry stools
- burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings
- constipation
- convulsions
- coughing or vomiting blood
- dark-colored urine
- heartburn
- hives or itching
- increased menstrual flow or vaginal bleeding
- indigestion
- large, flat, blue or purplish patches in the skin
- nausea or vomiting
- nosebleeds
- pains in the stomach, side, or abdomen, possibly radiating to the back
- pinpoint red or purple spots on the skin
- prolonged bleeding from cuts
- red or black, tarry stools or dark urine
- unusual bleeding or bruising
- unusual tiredness or weakness
- vomiting of material that looks like coffee grounds, severe and continuing
For healthcare professionals
Applies to aspirin / caffeine / dihydrocodeine: oral capsule.
General adverse events
The most frequently expected adverse reactions based on the individual components include lightheadedness, dizziness, drowsiness, sedation, nausea, vomiting, constipation, pruritus and skin reactions.[Ref]
Gastrointestinal
Dihydrocodeine:
- Frequency not reported: Nausea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain, diarrhea, dry mouth, indigestion, spasm of biliary tract
Caffeine:
- Frequency not reported: Diarrhea, nausea, stomach pain, vomiting[Ref]
Hypersensitivity
Dihydrocodeine:
- Frequency not reported: Anaphylactoid reactions, hypersensitivity reactions[Ref]
Respiratory
Dihydrocodeine:
- Frequency not reported: Respiratory depression, cough suppression[Ref]
Psychiatric
Dihydrocodeine:
- Frequency not reported: Confusion, physical and psychological dependence, hallucinations vivid dreams
Caffeine:
- Frequency not reported: Anxiety, anxiety neurosis, excitement, insomnia, irritability, restlessness, tenseness[Ref]
Dermatologic
Dihydrocodeine:
- Frequency not reported: Sweating, pruritus, skin reactions
Caffeine:
Cardiovascular
Dihydrocodeine:
- Frequency not reported: Orthostatic hypotension
Caffeine:
- Frequency not reported: Extrasystoles, palpitations, tachycardia[Ref]
Endocrine
Opioids:
- Frequency not reported: Adrenal insufficiency, androgen deficiency[Ref]
Chronic opioid use may influence the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis and lead to androgen deficiency; however, the causal role of opioids is unknown due to the lack of studies into the many medical, physical, lifestyle, and psychological stressors that influence gonadal hormone levels.[Ref]
Genitourinary
Dihydrocodeine:
- Frequency not reported: Urinary retention[Ref]
Metabolic
Dihydrocodeine:
Nervous system
Dihydrocodeine:
- Rare (less than 0.1%): Narcosis
- Frequency not reported: Lightheadedness, dizziness, drowsiness, sedation, headache
Caffeine:
- Frequency not reported: Headaches, lightheadedness, tremor
Opioids:
- Frequency not reported: Serotonin syndrome[Ref]
Ocular
Dihydrocodeine:
- Frequency not reported: Miosis
Caffeine:
- Frequency not reported: Scintillating scotoma[Ref]
Other
Dihydrocodeine:
- Frequency not reported: Fatigue
Caffeine:
Renal
Dihydrocodeine:
- Rare (less than 0.1%): Acute renal failure
- Frequency not reported: Granulomatous interstitial nephritis
Caffeine:
- Frequency not reported: Diuresis[Ref]
References
1. (2016) "Product Information. Trezix (acetaminophen/caffeine/dihydrocodeine)." WraSer Pharmaceuticals
2. (2022) "Product Information. Synalgos-DC (aspirin / caffeine / dihydrocodeine)." Sun Pharmaceutical Industries
3. US Food and Drug Administration (2016) Opioid Pain Medicines: Drug Safety Communication - New Safety Warnings Added to Prescription Opioid Medications. http://www.fda.gov/safety/medwatch/safetyinformation/safetyalertsforhumanmedicalproducts/ucm491715.htm
More about aspirin / caffeine / dihydrocodeine
- Check interactions
- Compare alternatives
- Reviews (2)
- Imprints, shape & color data
- Dosage information
- During pregnancy
- Drug class: narcotic analgesic combinations
Patient resources
Other brands
Related treatment guides
Further information
Aspirin/caffeine/dihydrocodeine 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.
Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.