Biology Disease
Drugs and Medicines

Drug Name Meperidine HCl and Acetaminophen oral

Meperidine HCl and Acetaminophen oral Drug Category NARCOTIC ANALGESICS WITH ACETAMINOPHEN - ORAL

Meperidine HCl and Acetaminophen oral Drug Information

IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug. NARCOTIC ANALGESICS WITH ACETAMINOPHEN - ORAL USES: This medication is used to relieve moderate to severe pain. HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth, exactly as prescribed. To prevent upset stomach, take with food or milk. Pain medications work best in preventing pain before it occurs. Once the pain becomes intense, the medication is not as effective in relieving it. Use this medication exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not increase your dose, take it more frequently or use it for a longer period of time than prescribed because this drug can be habit-forming. Also, if used for an extended period of time, do not suddenly stop using this drug without your doctor's approval. When used for extended periods, this drug may not work as well and may require different dosing. Talk with your doctor if this medication stops working well. This medication contains acetaminophen. Do not take more acetaminophen than recommended (see Side Effects section). SIDE EFFECTS: This medication may cause constipation, stomach upset, lightheadedness, dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, or flushing. If any of these effects persist or worsen, contact your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if you have any of these unlikely but serious side effects: loss of coordination, confusion, irregular heartbeat, slow/irregular breathing, anxiety, tremors. If you do not have liver problems, the adult maximum dose of acetaminophen is 4 grams per day (4000 milligrams). If you take more than the maximum daily amount, it may cause serious (possibly fatal) liver disease. Tell your doctor immediately if you have any of the following symptoms of liver damage: severe nausea, yellowing eyes or skin, dark urine, stomach pain, extreme fatigue. An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. PRECAUTIONS: Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver disease, kidney disease, history of alcohol use, heart problems (e.g., slow/irregular heartbeat, very low blood pressure), abdominal/stomach problems, breathing problems, seizure disorders, drug dependency, severe diarrhea, drug allergies. Avoid alcoholic beverages, because they may increase certain side effects of this drug. Use caution when performing tasks requiring alertness such as driving or using heavy machinery. Acetaminophen may cause liver damage. Daily use of alcohol, especially when combined with acetaminophen, may increase your risk for liver damage. Check with your doctor or pharmacist for more information. Caution is advised when prescribing or using this drug in the elderly or very young since they may be more sensitive to the effects of this medication. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This drug (or drugs closely related to it) pass into breast milk. Because of the potential risk to the infant, consult your doctor before breast-feeding. DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription drugs you use, including: MAO inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, linezolid, phenelzine, selegiline, tranylcypromine), psychiatric drugs, tranquilizers, sleep medications, rifampin, other narcotic pain relievers, barbiturates, anti-seizure drugs, drowsiness-causing antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine), isoniazid, zidovudine, sulfinpyrazone, cimetidine. Acetaminophen is an ingredient in many nonprescription products and in some combination prescription medications. Read the labels carefully before taking other pain relievers, fever reducers, or cold products to see if they also contain acetaminophen. Consult your pharmacist if you are uncertain if your other prescription or nonprescription products contain acetaminophen. (Also see adult maximum daily dose information in Side Effects section). Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval. OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include vomiting, slow breathing, slow heart rate, severe nausea, yellowing eyes or skin, dark urine, stomach pain, extreme fatigue. NOTES: To prevent constipation, increase your intake of fiber, drink plenty of water and exercise. This medication has been prescribed for your current condition only. Do not use it later for another condition unless told to do so by your doctor. A different medication may be necessary in those cases. Do not share this medication with others. MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up. STORAGE: Store at room temperature away from light and moisture.