Type of medicine: analgesic (painkiller)
Generic and brand names: dihydrocodeine and aspirin with caffeine, oral; Synalgos-DC
This medicine is a combination of a narcotic analgesic and aspirin. It is taken by mouth to treat moderate to severe pain.
Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines (including nonprescription products) you are taking, to avoid an overdose of narcotics or aspirin.
Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. This medicine is not usually given to pregnant women because it can harm the baby, especially during the last 3 months of pregnancy. Do not become pregnant during treatment with this medicine. If you become pregnant, contact your healthcare provider right away. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.
Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. Take this medicine exactly as your healthcare provider prescribes. Take it only for the condition for which it was prescribed. Do not take more of it or take it longer than prescribed. Taking too much of this medicine may be habit-forming or lead to an overdose.
You may take this medicine with or without food. Taking it with meals or milk may lessen the chance the drug will upset your stomach.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your healthcare provider.
If you or anyone else has intentionally taken too much of this medicine, call 911 or go to the emergency room right away. If you pass out, have seizures, weakness or confusion, or have trouble breathing, call 911. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning. The poison control center number is 800-222-1222.
Symptoms of an acute overdose may include: slow or shallow breathing, pinpoint pupils, ringing in the ears, headache, dizziness, confusion, restlessness, trouble sleeping, hallucinations, nausea, vomiting, fever, sweating, seizures, coma, slurred speech, fast heartbeat, trouble walking, tremors.
You may need to take this medicine for a long time. Do not stop taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval. You may have to reduce your dosage gradually to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
Do not give this medicine to children and teenagers with symptoms of chicken pox or influenza without your healthcare provider's approval.
This medicine increases the effects of alcohol and other drugs that slow down your nervous system. Do not drink alcohol or take other medicines unless your healthcare provider approves.
Do not take other pain medicines that contain ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), naproxen (Aleve) or aspirin (Anacin, Bufferin, Ecotrin, and Ascriptin), while you are taking this medicine. This medicine also contains aspirin and it may increase your risk of bleeding. Taking an overdose can cause serious problems. If you think you have taken an overdose or notice any unusual bruising or bleeding, get medical care right away.
This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are fully alert.
You may feel dizzy or faint when you get up quickly after sitting or lying down. Getting up slowly may lessen this effect. Also, drinking alcohol may increase this effect.
Contact your healthcare provider if your condition does not improve in a few days or if it gets worse.
This medicine may make you constipated. You may need to take a laxative or stool softener while taking this medicine. Talk with healthcare provider or pharmacist about this.
Adults over the age of 65 may be at greater risk for side effects. Talk with your healthcare provider about this.
Smoking may decrease the effectiveness of this medicine. Talk with your provider about this.
This medicine is a controlled substance. It is illegal for you to give it to anyone else.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are taking this medicine.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away. If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Black tarry stools; unusual bruising or bleeding; bloody or dark urine; ringing in your ears; depression; hallucinations; mood changes; trembling; severe stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting; severe headache; severe diarrhea; pounding heartbeat; trouble urinating; yellowish eyes or skin; slow or shallow breathing.
Other: Stomach upset, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, blurred vision, decreased appetite, constipation, minor itching, nausea, dry mouth.
When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods, may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:
Do not drink alcohol while taking this medicine.
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
