(In Canada) Anacin with Codeine, C2 Buffered with Codeine, C2 with Codeine, Darvon-N Compound, Darvon-N with A.S.A., Endodan, Novo-AC and C, Oxycodan, Percodan, Percodan-Demi, 692, 222, 282, 292

Other commonly used names are A.C.&C., AC and C, Co-codaprin, dihydrocodeine compound, drocode and aspirin, propoxyphene hydrochloride compound

Description:
Combination medicines containing narcotic analgesics and aspirin are used to relieve pain. A narcotic analgesic and aspirin used together may provide better pain relief than either medicine used alone. In some cases, relief of pain may come at lower doses of each medicine.

Narcotic analgesics act in the central nervous system (CNS) to relieve pain. Many of their side effects are also caused by actions in the CNS. When narcotics are used for a long time your body may get used to them so that larger amounts are needed to relieve pain. This is called tolerance to the medicine. Also, when narcotics are used for a long time or in large doses, they may become habit-forming (causing mental or physical dependence). Physical dependence may lead to withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking the medicine.

Aspirin does not become habit-forming when taken for a long time or in large doses, but it may cause other unwanted effects if too much is taken.

In the U.S., these medicines are available only with your medical doctor’s or dentist’s prescription. In Canada, some strengths of aspirin, codeine, and caffeine combination are available without a prescription.

Precautions:
If you will be taking this medicine for a long time (for example, for several months at a time), your doctor should check your progress at regular visits.

Check the labels of all nonprescription (over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medicines you now take. If any contain a narcotic, aspirin, or other salicylates, check with your health care professional. Taking them together with this medicine may cause and overdose.

This medicine will add to the effects of alcohol and other CNS depressants (medicines that slow down the nervous system, possibly causing drowsiness). Some examples of CNS depressants are antihistamines or medicine for hay fever, other allergies, or colds; seatives, tranquilizers, or sleeping medicine; other prescription pain medicine or narcotics; barbiturates; medicine for seizures; muscle relaxants; or anesthetics, including some dental anesthetics. Also stomach problems may be more likely to occur if you drink alcoholic beverages while you are taking aspirin. Do not drink alcoholic beverages, and check with you medical doctor or dentist before taking any of the medicines listed above, while you are using this medicine.

Taking acetaminophen or certain other medicines together with the aspirin in this combination medicine may increase the chance of unwanted effects. The risk will depend on how much of each medicine you take every day, and on how long you take the medicines together. If your medical doctor or dentist directs you to take these medicines together on a regular basis, follow his or her directions carefully. However medicines together with this combination medicine for more than a few days, unless your medical doctor or dentist has directed you to do so and is following your progress: Diclofenac, Diflunisal, Teodolac, Fenoprofen, Floctafenine, Flurbiprofen, Ibuprofen, Indomethacin, Ketoprofen, Ketorolac, Meclofenamate, Mefanamic acid, Nabumetone, Naproxen, Oxaprozin, Phenylbutazone, Piroxicam, Sulindac, Tenoxicam, Tiaprofenic acid, Tolmetin.

This medicine may cause some people to become drowsy, dizzy or lightheaded, or to feel a false sense of well-being. Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before you drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are dizzy or are not alert and clearheaded.

Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting may occur, especially when you get up suddenly from a lying or sitting position. Getting up slowly may help lessen this problem.

Nausea or vomiting may occur, especially after the first couple of doses. This effect may go away if you lie down for a while. However, if nausea or vomiting continues, check with your medical doctor or dentist. Lying down for a while may also help relieve some other side effects, such as dizziness or lightheadedness, that may occur.

Before having any kind of surgery (including dental surgery) or emergency treatment, tell the medical doctor or dentist in charge that your are taking this medicine.

Do not take this medicine for 5 days before any surgery, including dental surgery, unless otherwise directed by your medical doctor or dentist. Taking aspirin during this time may cause bleeding problems.

Narcotic analgesics may cause dryness of the mouth. For temporary relief, use sugerless candy or gum, melt bits of ice in your mouth, or use a saliva substitute. However, if dry mouth continues for more than 2 weeks, check with your dentist. Continuing dryness of the mouth may increase the chance of a dental disease, including tooth decay, gum disease, and fungus infections.

If you have been taking this medicine regularly for several weeks or more, do not suddenly stop using it without first checking with your doctor. Your doctor may want you to reduce gradually the amount you are taking before stopping completely, in order to lessen the chance of withdrawal side effects.

If you think you or someone else may have taken an overdose, get emergency help at once. Taking an overdose of this medicine or taking alcohol or CNS depressants with this medicine may lead to unconsciousness or death. Signs of overdose include convulsions (seizures), ringing or buzzing in ears, hearing loss; confusion; severe excitement, nervousness or restlessness; severe dizziness, severe drowsiness, shortness of breath or troubled breathing, and severe weakness.