Co-Gesic

Co-Gesic is a combination of the drugs Hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen. This drug is being given for the relief of moderate to moderately severe pain.

Co-Gesic is available as a tablet containing acetaminophen 500 milligrams and hydrocodone bitartrate 5 milligrams.

Instructions:

You should read the product information leaflet before using this medication. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

This medication should be taken by mouth as instructed by your doctor. Do not crush or chew the drug because it may diminish its effects. This medication should be taken with a full glass of water unless your doctor tells you otherwise. You should swallow the drug whole.

Your dosage is based on your medical condition and the way you will respond to treatment. Take this drug regularly to experience the most benefits. You should also take this drug at the same time each day.

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. Continue to use it as prescribed by your doctor or as stated on the package label.

Interactions:

Co-Gesic may interact with medications such as:

• Certain pain medications (mixed narcotic agonist/antagonists such as pentazocine, nalbuphine, butorphanol)
• Narcotic antagonists (such as naltrexone)
• MAO inhibitors (isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine)
• Alcohol
• Allergy or cough-and-cold products
• Anti-seizure drugs (such as phenobarbital)
• Medicine for sleep or anxiety (such as alprazolam, diazepam, zolpidem)
• Muscle relaxants
• Other narcotic pain relievers (such as morphine)
• Psychiatric medicines (such as risperidone, amitriptyline, trazodone)

Side Effects:

There are no side effects known aside from a possible allergic reaction in people who have previous or unknown hypersensitivity to the drug.

Watch out for signs of allergic reactions such as:

• Rash
• Itching
• Swelling

Warnings:

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have the following:

• Allergy to Hydrocodone bitartrate or to Acetaminophen, or to other narcotics (such as morphine, codeine)
• Brain disorders (such as head injury, tumor, seizures)
• Breathing problems (such as asthma, sleep apnea, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-COPD)
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Mental/mood disorders (such as confusion, depression)
• Personal or family history of regular use/abuse of drugs/alcohol
• Stomach/intestinal problems (such as blockage, constipation, diarrhea due to infection, paralytic ileus)
• Difficulty urinating (such as due to enlarged prostate)
• Pregnancy or lactation