You may, as a result of your injury, have pain for which you will be prescribed an analgesic. Analgesics should be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not increase the prescribed dosage. If your pain is not adequately relieved, contact your doctor.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol, Atasol)
Dosage
Dosage is from 325 to 650 mg every 4 hours. Do not exceed this dosage.
Side effects
Side effects are nausea, stomach upset.
Precautions
Do not mix with alcohol as this combination may cause liver damage.
Acetaminophen/Caffeine/Codeine combinations
Preparations / Trade Names
| Tylenol #1 and Atasol 8 contain: |
| Acetaminophen |
300 to 325 mg |
| Caffeine |
15 mg |
| Codeine |
8 mg |
| Tylenol #2 and Atasol 15 contain: |
| Acetaminophen |
300 to 325 mg |
| Caffeine |
15 mg |
| Codeine |
15 mg |
| Tylenol #3 and Atasol 30 contain: |
| Acetaminophen |
300 to 325 mg |
| Caffeine |
15 mg |
| Codeine |
30 mg |
Indications
Relief of moderate to severe pain when acetaminophen is not sufficient.
Dosage
1 to 2 tablets every 4 hours. Do not exceed prescribed dosage.
Side effects
Light-headedness, drowsiness, nausea, upset stomach, constipation
Precautions
Do not mix with alcohol. Can be habit forming with long-term use.
NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatories)
NSAIDS include drugs such as: ASA (Aspirin),
Diclofenac (Voltaren), Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), Indomethacin (Indocid), Ketoprofen (Rudis), Naproxen (Naprosyn), Celecoxib (Celebrex).
Indications
NSAIDS are effective for many types of pain, including muscular and arthritic pain and headache.
Dosage
Varies.
Side effects
Nausea, stomach pain, heartburn, vomiting, possible stomach ulceration, possible kidney damage with long-term use.
Precautions
Do not give to children under 15. Persons with a history of asthma should check with a physician before using. Take with food, antacids, or milk to protect the stomach.
NARCOTICS (Codeine, Morphine, Hydro-morphine, Oxycodone)
Indications
These are narcotics that are used for moderate to severe pain.
Dosage
The dosage varies. Do not exceed prescribed dose.
Side effects
Drowsiness, dizziness, constipation, nausea and vomiting.
Precautions
Do not mix with alcohol or other depressant drugs.