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Aspirin / Codeine Side Effects

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:

Common side effects may include:

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

The more commonly reported adverse reactions have included nausea, dyspepsia, constipation, drowsiness, dizziness, and tinnitus.[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

Nervous system

Hypersensitivity

Aspirin:

Other

Aspirin:

Codeine:

Cardiovascular

Dermatologic

Renal

Aspirin:

Hematologic

Aspirin:

Hepatic

Metabolic

Musculoskeletal

Aspirin:

Respiratory

Aspirin:

Codeine:

Ocular

Psychiatric

Codeine:

Genitourinary

Codeine:

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

Further information

Aspirin/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.