The combination of acetaminophen, caffeine and codeine may be used to relieve tension headaches or to treat other painful conditions. These drugs are used together to increase the effectiveness of the medication. Speak to your doctor before taking any combination of these drugs.
Acetaminophen
Acetaminophen relieves pain and reduces fever. It's used to treat headaches, muscle aches, arthritis, cramps, backaches and toothaches due to colds, influenza or fevers. It's available as an over-the-counter medication. Taking large amounts of acetaminophen -- more than 4,000 mg per day -- can cause liver damage. You should not drink alcohol when you take acetaminophen.
Codeine
Codeine is a type of pain medication called a narcotic that is used to treat mild to moderately severe pain. It may be habit-forming and is only available as a prescription. You should not drink alcohol with codeine, or take it in larger amounts, or for a period of time that is longer than your prescription calls for. Do not take codeine with any other pain relief medication unless prescribed by your doctor.
Caffeine
Caffeine is a nervous system stimulant, and it also increases metabolism and affects lung function. It's found naturally in coffee, tea and chocolate and may be added to soft drinks or energy drinks. It is present in certain medications to increase their effectiveness. Caffeine may be used to treat drowsiness. Too much caffeine can cause nervousness, irritiablity, sleeplessness and increased heart rate.
Combination Drugs
Caffeine may be added to a combination of acetaminophen and codeine, which is used to relieve tension headaches or other painful conditions. Caffeine constricts blood vessels, which may help to reduce some types of headache pain. This combination of drugs may interact with other prescription medications and may increase your risk of liver disease. Do not take these medications with alcohol or take larger doses than those prescribed by your doctor.
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