Side Effects of acetaminophen and codeine: A Synthesis of Findings from 26 Studies

  1. Home
  2. Side Effects of acetaminophen and codeine
This information is not medical advice and is not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment by a physician.Data sources and disclaimers (data limitations, copyright, etc.)The analysis on "Side Effects of acetaminophen and codeine: A Synthesis of Findings from 26 Studies" on this page is based on PubMed data provided by the U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM). However, NLM does not endorse or verify these analyses.

This analysis is based on research papers included in PubMed, but medical research is constantly evolving and may not fully reflect the latest findings. There may also be biases towards certain research areas.

This information is not medical advice and is not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment by a physician. If you have concerns about "Side Effects of acetaminophen and codeine: A Synthesis of Findings from 26 Studies", please consult your doctor.

For NLM copyright information, please see Link to NLM Copyright Page
PubMed data is obtained via Hugging Face Datasets: Link to DatasetPlease check the disclaimer.
This page's analysis is based on PubMed data provided by the U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM).
Original Abstract of the Article

Major Research Findings

Acetaminophen-codeine combinations are widely used medications for postoperative pain relief. Numerous studies have demonstrated their effectiveness in reducing pain after surgery, but the potential for side effects is a crucial consideration.

A study published in 13 found that acetaminophen-codeine suppositories resulted in significantly less nausea and vomiting compared to tramadol suppositories. However, another study in 12 reported that while acetaminophen-codeine combinations showed enhanced pain relief when combined with diclofenac, they also led to an increased frequency of side effects.

These findings highlight that while acetaminophen-codeine combinations offer pain relief benefits, careful monitoring for side effects is essential.

Reasons for Side Effects

Acetaminophen-codeine combinations exert their analgesic effects by codeine binding to opioid receptors in the brain, inhibiting pain signals. However, codeine can have effects on various organs, including the digestive system, central nervous system, and respiratory system, potentially leading to side effects.

Common Side Effects

Nausea and Vomiting

One of the most frequently reported side effects associated with acetaminophen-codeine combinations, particularly highlighted in 13 where acetaminophen-codeine suppositories were found to have a lower incidence of nausea and vomiting compared to tramadol suppositories.

Constipation

Codeine can suppress intestinal motility, increasing the risk of constipation.

Drowsiness

Codeine can affect the central nervous system, leading to drowsiness.

Dizziness

Codeine may cause dizziness.

Respiratory Depression

Codeine can suppress breathing.

Dependence

Codeine has the potential to cause dependence.

Countermeasures for Side Effects

Nausea and Vomiting

To minimize nausea and vomiting, consider taking the medication before meals and consume smaller, more frequent meals.

Constipation

To manage constipation, focus on a diet rich in fiber, drink plenty of fluids, and consider using laxatives if necessary.

Drowsiness

If drowsiness is a concern, refrain from driving or operating machinery.

Dizziness

If you experience dizziness, exercise caution when standing up or moving abruptly.

Respiratory Depression

If you are concerned about respiratory depression, seek medical advice from your doctor.

Dependence

If dependence is a concern, consult your doctor for guidance.

Comparison Between Studies

Common Points

A consistent finding across multiple studies is that acetaminophen-codeine combinations provide effective pain relief after surgery. However, the potential for side effects is also recognized.

Differences

The frequency and type of side effects, along with the intensity of pain relief, vary among studies. These variations could be attributed to differences in the patient populations, surgical procedures, drug administration methods, and dosages used in each research investigation.

Points to Note About Application to Real Life

While acetaminophen-codeine combinations can effectively reduce postoperative pain, it's crucial to remember the potential side effects. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking these medications and adhere strictly to their instructions.

Particular attention should be paid to high-risk individuals, including the elderly, those with compromised liver or kidney function, and those with respiratory illnesses, as they may experience a higher risk of side effects. Additionally, pregnant or breastfeeding women should seek medical advice from their doctor before taking these medications.

Limitations of Current Research

The body of research on the side effects of acetaminophen-codeine combinations remains relatively limited. More research is needed, especially concerning long-term side effects.

Future Research Directions

Continuing research on the side effects of acetaminophen-codeine combinations is crucial to gather comprehensive information about long-term effects. Additionally, exploring strategies to minimize side effects is a critical area for future research.

Conclusion

Acetaminophen-codeine combinations effectively manage postoperative pain, but it's essential to be aware of the associated side effects. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for guidance before taking these medications and strictly follow their instructions.

Literature analysis of 26 papers
Positive Content
23
Neutral Content
1
Negative Content
2
Article Type
9
0
0
3
26
2.

Patterning poly(maleic anhydride-co-3,9-divinyl-2,4,8,10-tetraoxaspiro (5.5) undecane) copolymer bioconjugates for controlled release of drugs.

Author: NitaLoredana E, ChiriacAurica P, Mititelu-TartauLiliana, StoleruElena, DorofteiFlorica, DiaconuAlina

Drug delivery system

This study prepared new polymeric compounds based on maleic anhydride and 3,9-divinyl-2,4,8,10-tetraoxaspiro (5.5) undecane copolymer (PMAU) for bioconjugation and drug delivery. The new polymeric matrices loaded with acetaminophen, codeine, and their fixed dose combinations showed potential as drug carrier systems.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

3.

Randomized clinical trial of hydrocodone/acetaminophen versus codeine/acetaminophen in the treatment of acute extremity pain after emergency department discharge.

Author: ChangAndrew K, BijurPolly E, MunjalKevin G, John GallagherE

Analgesia

Hydrocodone/acetaminophen (Vicodin) was compared to codeine/acetaminophen (Tylenol #3) for analgesia in patients discharged from the emergency department. Both are Schedule III narcotics.

Comparative StudyResearch that compares multiple groups/interventions to determine differences/similarities in outcomes/characteristics.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.

Language : English

4.

Pre emptive analgesia for reducing pain after cholecystectomy: Oral tramadol vs. acetaminophen codeine.

Author: ZavarehSayyed Morteza Heidari Tabaei, KashefiParviz, SaghaeiMahmmoud, EmamiHale

Pain management

Tramadol and acetaminophen-codeine were equally effective in managing postoperative pain, but further research is needed to understand their long-term effects.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

5.

Safety and efficacy of the combination acetaminophen-codeine in the treatment of pain of different origin.

Author: FranceschiF, IacominiP, MarsilianiD, CordischiC, AntoniniE Forte S, AlesiA, GiacobelliD, ZuccalàG

Acetaminophen/codeine is a commonly used opioid analgesic for pain, but its safety and efficacy are not fully understood.

Comparative StudyResearch that compares multiple groups/interventions to determine differences/similarities in outcomes/characteristics.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

6.

Postoperative pain control after supracondylar humerus fracture fixation.

Author: SwansonChristopher E, ChangKit, SchleyerEdward, PizzutilloPeter D, HermanMartin J

This study compared the efficacy of acetaminophen with narcotic analgesics, specifically acetaminophen/codeine and morphine, for pain management after closed reduction and percutaneous pinning of displaced supracondylar humerus fractures in children.

Comparative StudyResearch that compares multiple groups/interventions to determine differences/similarities in outcomes/characteristics.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

7.

Comparison of ibuprofen and acetaminophen with codeine following cosmetic facial surgery.

Author: ChenTheodore, AdamsonPeter A

Facial surgery pain relief

Ibuprofen 400 mg is as effective as acetaminophen/codeine 600/60 mg for pain relief following cosmetic facial surgery. Ibuprofen is better tolerated, with fewer side effects, than acetaminophen with codeine. Ibuprofen does not result in increased bruising or increased incidence of hematoma.

Comparative StudyResearch that compares multiple groups/interventions to determine differences/similarities in outcomes/characteristics.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.

Language : English

8.

A randomized controlled trial comparing acetaminophen plus ibuprofen versus acetaminophen plus codeine plus caffeine after outpatient general surgery.

Author: MitchellAlex, van ZantenSander Veldhuyzen, InglisKaren, PorterGeoffrey

Pain management

Acetaminophen and ibuprofen may be as effective as acetaminophen, codeine, and caffeine in relieving pain after outpatient general surgery. While opioids, like codeine, are often used to manage pain after surgery, this study suggests that a combination of acetaminophen and ibuprofen may be a good alternative.

Comparative StudyResearch that compares multiple groups/interventions to determine differences/similarities in outcomes/characteristics.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

9.

Opioid analgesics for cancer pain: symptom control for the living or comfort for the dying? A qualitative study to investigate the factors influencing the decision to accept morphine for pain caused by cancer.

Author: ReidC M, Gooberman-HillR, HanksG W

cancer pain management
opioid fear

This study explored factors influencing patients with cancer's decision to accept or reject morphine when first offered for pain management.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

10.

[Problem forte--is paracetamol-codeine combination rational?].

Author: HellandArne, SpigsetOlav, SlørdalLars

Analgesic effect
Abuse potential
Side effects
Tolerance development
Unpredictable effects

Codeine is an opiate with uncertain and unpredictable effects. The therapeutic benefit of codeine combined with paracetamol is small, and its chronic use is likely to be outweighed by side effects.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : Norwegian

11.

A study of the comparative efficacy of three common analgesics in the control of pain after third molar surgery under local anaesthesia.

Author: ComfortM B, TseA S K, TsangA C C, McGrathC

Reduced postoperative pain

Diflunisal is superior to Panadeine and Etodolac in controlling pain following third molar surgery under local anaesthesia.

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Comparative StudyResearch that compares multiple groups/interventions to determine differences/similarities in outcomes/characteristics.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Multicenter StudyResearch conducted in collaboration with multiple research institutions. It aims to collect a wide range of data and obtain more generalizable results.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.

Language : English

12.

Combining diclofenac with acetaminophen or acetaminophen-codeine after oral surgery: a randomized, double-blind single-dose study.

Author: BreivikE K, BarkvollP, SkovlundE

Pain relief
Side effects

This randomized double-blind study compared the analgesic effects of diclofenac, acetaminophen, codeine, and combinations of these drugs in patients with pain after wisdom teeth removal. The study found that diclofenac plus acetaminophen provided superior analgesia with fewer side effects than acetaminophen plus codeine.

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

13.

Tramadol suppositories are less suitable for post-operative pain relief than rectal acetaminophen/codeine.

Author: PluimM A, WegenerJ T, RuprehtJ, VultoA G

Postoperative pain relief
Nausea
Vomiting

Tramadol suppositories were less effective than acetaminophen/codeine suppositories for post-operative pain due to a significantly higher incidence of nausea and vomiting (84% vs. 31%).

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Comparative StudyResearch that compares multiple groups/interventions to determine differences/similarities in outcomes/characteristics.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.

Language : English

14.

Pain management in dental practice: tramadol vs. codeine combinations.

Author: MooreP A

Pain relief

Tramadol hydrochloride, a novel analgesic with opioid and aminergic mechanisms of action, is frequently prescribed for chronic pain. The article evaluates its pharmacology and limited clinical utility in dentistry.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

15.

A dose-response study of intravenous regional anesthesia with meperidine.

Author: ReubenS S, SteinbergR B, LurieS D, GibsonC S

Effective for analgesia
Improved duration of analgesia
Opioid-related side effects
Sedation
Side effects with high doses

Doses of meperidine large enough to produce the most effective postoperative analgesia with IVRA lidocaine causes a significant incidence of side effects.

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

16.

Patient-controlled intranasal analgesia (PCINA) for the management of postoperative pain: a pilot study.

Author: StriebelH W, OlmannT, SpiesC, BrummerG

Increased patient satisfaction
Reduced pain

Patient-controlled intranasal analgesia (PCINA) was significantly more effective than ward-provided analgesia for postoperative pain management in orthopedic patients. PCINA was easy to use and resulted in higher patient satisfaction.

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Comparative StudyResearch that compares multiple groups/interventions to determine differences/similarities in outcomes/characteristics.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.

Language : English

17.

Pain control after third molar surgery--a comparative study of ibuprofen (Ibumetin) and a paracetamol/codeine combination (Citodon).

Author: LysellL, AnzénB

Pain relief
Reduced swelling
Reduced trismus
Side effects

Ibuprofen was more effective than paracetamol/codeine in relieving pain after third molar surgery. It was also associated with fewer side effects.

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Comparative StudyResearch that compares multiple groups/interventions to determine differences/similarities in outcomes/characteristics.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Multicenter StudyResearch conducted in collaboration with multiple research institutions. It aims to collect a wide range of data and obtain more generalizable results.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.

Language : English

18.

Analgesic efficacy of paracetamol/codeine and paracetamol/dextropropoxyphene in pain after episiotomy and ruptures in connection with childbirth.

Author: JacobsonJ, BertilsonS O

Pain relief

This trial compared two pain relief medicines for pain after childbirth. Paracetamol/codeine was more effective and faster-acting than paracetamol/dextropropoxyphene and did not cause constipation.

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Controlled Clinical TrialA clinical trial that evaluates the effectiveness of a treatment by comparing a group that receives the intervention with a group that receives a placebo or standard treatment.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

19.

Analgesic efficacy and side-effect profile of paracetamol/codeine and paracetamol/dextropropoxyphene after surgical removal of a lower wisdom tooth.

Author: SagneS, HenriksonP A, KahnbergK E, ThilanderH, BertilsonS O

Pain relief
Side effects

This trial compared the pain-relieving effects of paracetamol/codeine and paracetamol/dextropropoxyphene in patients undergoing wisdom tooth removal. Paracetamol/codeine provided better pain relief and lasted longer. Side effects were more common in women taking paracetamol/codeine.

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Comparative StudyResearch that compares multiple groups/interventions to determine differences/similarities in outcomes/characteristics.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.

Language : English

20.

Efficacy of low dose combination analgesics: acetaminophen/codeine, aspirin/butalbital/caffeine/codeine, and placebo in oral surgery pain.

Author: DesjardinsP J, CooperS A, FinizioT

Anxiety reduction
Pain relief
Drowsiness

Aspirin/butalbital/caffeine/codeine was significantly more effective than placebo in relieving pain after oral surgery. It was also slightly better than acetaminophen/codeine, although the difference was not statistically significant.

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Controlled Clinical TrialA clinical trial that evaluates the effectiveness of a treatment by comparing a group that receives the intervention with a group that receives a placebo or standard treatment.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

21.

Postoperative pain relief with pentazocine and acetaminophen: comparison with other analgesic combinations and placebo.

Author: PettiA

Effective for postoperative pain

Acetaminophen/pentazocine proved to be significantly superior to placebo and equivalent to other commonly used analgesics in controlling moderate postoperative pain. It was well tolerated with no reported side effects.

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Comparative StudyResearch that compares multiple groups/interventions to determine differences/similarities in outcomes/characteristics.
Controlled Clinical TrialA clinical trial that evaluates the effectiveness of a treatment by comparing a group that receives the intervention with a group that receives a placebo or standard treatment.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

22.

Diflunisal. A new oral analgesic with an unusually long duration of action.

Author: ForbesJ A, BeaverW T, WhiteE H, WhiteR W, NeilsonG B, ShacklefordR W

Long duration
Pain relief

Diflunisal was more effective than acetaminophen alone and comparable to the acetaminophen-codeine combination in relieving oral surgery pain. It had a longer duration of analgesic action and was well tolerated.

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Comparative StudyResearch that compares multiple groups/interventions to determine differences/similarities in outcomes/characteristics.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

23.

[Assessment of quality in day-case hand surgery].

Author: SaminJ, CollangeO, PourtalèsM-C, RavazT, CalonB, PottecherT

Pain relief
Postoperative comfort
Side effects

For hand surgery on day case, quality of late postoperative analgesia (day 2-day 7) is strongly related to patient’s satisfaction on day 7.

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Comparative StudyResearch that compares multiple groups/interventions to determine differences/similarities in outcomes/characteristics.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : French

25.

Efficacy and toxicity of a high-dose G-CSF schedule for peripheral blood progenitor cell mobilization in healthy donors.

Author: MartínezC, Urbano-IspizuaA, MarínP, MerinoA, RoviraM, CarrerasE, MontserratE

Progenitor cell mobilization
Bone pain
Fatigue
Headache

The schedule of 10 microg/kg/12 h G-CSF was well tolerated and resulted in the collection of a higher number of progenitor cells than 10 microg/kg/24 h without increasing the T cell content.

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

26.

[Assessment of quality in day-case hand surgery].

Author: SaminJ, CollangeO, PourtalèsM-C, RavazT, CalonB, PottecherT

Pain relief
Postoperative comfort
Side effects

For hand surgery on day case, quality of late postoperative analgesia (day 2-day 7) is strongly related to patient’s satisfaction on day 7.

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Comparative StudyResearch that compares multiple groups/interventions to determine differences/similarities in outcomes/characteristics.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : French

This site uses cookies. Visit our privacy policy page or click the link in any footer for more information and to change your preferences.