A.C. & C.

Brand Name

A.C. & C.

Common Name

ASA - caffeine - codeine

In this drug factsheet:

• How does this medication work? What will it do for me?
• How should I use this medication?
• What form(s) does this medication come in?
• Who should NOT take this medication?
• What side effects are possible with this medication?
• Are there any other precautions or warnings for this medication?
• What other drugs could interact with this medication?

How does this medication work? What will it do for me?

This combination product contains three medications: acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), codeine, and caffeine.

ASA belongs to the group of medications called analgesics (pain relievers), anti-inflammatories, and antipyretics (fever reducers).

Codeine belongs to the group of medications called narcotic analgesics.

Caffeine belongs to the group of medications called stimulants.

ASA - caffeine - codeine is used for the relief of mild-to-severe pain, fever, and inflammation. It may be used to treat conditions such as headaches, pain due to cold symptoms, toothache, pain of menstrual cramps, arthritis pain, and the pain caused by muscle strains and sprains.

This medication may be available under multiple brand names and/or in several different forms. Any specific brand name of this medication may not be available in all of the forms or approved for all of the conditions discussed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here.

Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.

Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.

How should I use this medication?

The recommended adult dose varies according to need, but it is usually 1 or 2 tablets taken one to three times daily (every 4 to 8 hours) as required. No more than 4 g of ASA (10 tablets) should be taken in any 24-hour period.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

This medication may be habit-forming if taken for long periods of time. It has the potential to be abused and should be taken only as needed for pain unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

It is important that this medication be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If your doctor has told you to take this medication on a regular basis and you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

What form(s) does this medication come in?

Who should NOT take this medication?

Do not use this medication if you:

• are allergic or sensitive to ASA, codeine, caffeine, or any ingredients of the medication
• are in the last three months of pregnancy or are nursing
• are taking blood thinners such as warfarin
• are 18 years of age or under
• have a history of blood clotting problems
• have a history of breathing problems after taking ASA or other anti-inflammatory medications
• have an allergy or sensitivity to other anti-inflammatory medications
• are experiencing respiratory depression
• have severe anemia
• have stomach ulcers or duodenal ulcers

What side effects are possible with this medication?

Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.

The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking this medication. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

• abdominal pain (mild)
• constipation
• diarrhea
• dizziness
• drowsiness
• headache
• heartburn
• nausea
• trouble sleeping
• vomiting

Although most of these side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• blurred or double-vision or other changes in vision
• confusion
• difficulty hearing
• false sense of well-being
• feeling faint
• increased sweating
• increased thirst
• pounding, rapid heartbeat
• redness or flushing of face
• ringing or buzzing in the ears
• signs of anemia (low red blood cells; e.g., dizziness, pale skin, unusual tiredness or weakness, shortness of breath)
• signs of decreased kidney function (e.g., difficulty or pain urinating, frequent urge to urinate, decrease in amount of urine)
• signs of liver problems (e.g., nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, pale stools)
• signs of unusual bleeding (e.g., bloody or black, tarry stools; vomiting of blood or material that looks like coffee grounds; unusual bruising or bleeding; nosebleeds)
• skin rash, hives, or itching
• trembling or uncontrolled muscle movements
• unusual infections (symptoms may include fever or chills, severe diarrhea, shortness of breath, prolonged dizziness, headache, stiff neck, weight loss, or listlessness)

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

• signs of a serious allergic reaction (e.g., abdominal cramps, difficulty breathing, nausea and vomiting, or swelling of the face and throat)
• signs of breathing problems such as shallow, irregular breathing, or slow or troubled breathing
• symptoms of overdose of codeine, such as:
• abnormally slow or weak breathing
• cold, clammy skin
• confusion
• extreme drowsiness
• severe dizziness
• slow heartbeat

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.

Are there any other precautions or warnings for this medication?

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use this medication.

Abdominal conditions: Codeine may make the diagnosis of abdominal conditions more difficult or it may worsen these conditions. If you have an abdominal condition such as inflammatory or obstructive bowel disease, acute cholecystitis, or pancreatitis, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Bleeding disorders: ASA may increase bruising and bleeding from cuts that may take longer to stop. If you have a bleeding disorder or a history of bleeding problems, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Breathing: Codeine can suppress breathing. If you are at risk for breathing difficulties, such as asthma, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Constipation: Codeine can be very constipating. Eating a high-fibre diet and following good bowel habits will help to minimize this effect. If you develop constipation easily, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Dependence and withdrawal: This medication contains codeine. Physical dependence, psychological dependence, and abuse have occurred with the use of codeine. People with a history of past or current substance use problems may be at greater risk of developing abuse or addiction while taking this medication. Abuse is not a problem with people who require this medication for pain relief.

If you suddenly stop taking this medication, you may experience withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, sweating, trouble sleeping, shaking, pain, nausea, tremors, diarrhea, and hallucinations. If you have been taking this medication for a while, it should be stopped gradually as directed by your doctor.

Drowsiness/reduced alertness: This medication may cause drowsiness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or perform other potentially hazardous tasks until you have determined how this medication affects you.

Gout: ASA may cause or worsen attacks of gout. Symptoms of an acute gout attack include sudden pain, swelling, and stiffness in the affected joint, often the big toe. You may also experience a fever. If this is your first attack, seek medical attention as soon as possible. If you have had gout attacks before, follow your doctor's instructions for dealing with the attack.

Head injury: If you have a head injury or increased pressure in the head, you may have a higher risk of experiencing side effects (breathing problems) or worsening of your condition while taking this medication. Discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Kidney function: Taking ASA - caffeine - codeine over a long period of time may increase the risk of developing kidney disease. If you have kidney disease or reduced kidney function, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Liver function: If you have liver disease or reduced liver function, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Other medical conditions: If you are about to undergo surgery of the biliary tract, taking codeine may worsen your condition. It will also worsen the effects of acute alcohol intoxication and delirium tremens.

As well, if you have low thyroid (hypothyroidism), Addison's disease, benign prostatic hypertrophy (enlarged prostate), gallbladder disease, urethral stricture, decreased function of the adrenal glands, or porphyria, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Stomach problems: ASA may cause stomach problems such as ulcers or bleeding. If you have a stomach problem, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed. Call your doctor immediately if you notice signs such as stomach or abdominal pain, black tarry stools, or vomiting blood. Using ASA at the same time as other anti-inflammatory medications increases the risk of stomach ulcers and bleeding.

Surgery: ASA may cause increased bleeding during surgery. Do not take ASA - caffeine - codeine for 5 to 7 days before any surgery, including dental surgery, unless otherwise directed by your doctor or dentist. If you are scheduled for surgery, let your doctor know that you are taking this medication.

Pregnancy: This medication is not recommended for use by pregnant women unless the anticipated benefits outweigh the possible risks.

ASA taken near the end of pregnancy increases the risk of bleeding during delivery. Regular use of codeine by pregnant women may cause withdrawal symptoms in the newborn.

Breast-feeding: This medication passes into breast milk. Some of the codeine dose is converted into morphine by the body, once it has been taken. For some people, this change happens much faster than for others. If this happens to a nursing mother, the baby is a risk of receiving a morphine overdose through the breast milk.

If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking ASA - caffeine - codeine, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children: The use of ASA may be associated with the development of Reye's syndrome in children and teenagers who have illnesses accompanied by fever, especially influenza and chickenpox. ASA should not be given to, or used by, children or teenagers who have chickenpox or flu symptoms unless a doctor is consulted.

Children are especially susceptible to an overdose of caffeine and its side effects on the central nervous system. ASA is one of the most frequent causes of accidental poisoning in toddlers and infants. Medications that contain ASA should be kept out of the reach of all children. This medication is not recommended for children less than 12 years of age.

Non-prescription products containing codeine should not be used by people under 18 years old. Recent evidence shows that young people who use opioids, including codeine, may be more likely to have problems with the misuse of medications and other substances later in life.

Seniors: Seniors may be at greater risk of side effects from this medication.

What other drugs could interact with this medication?

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There may be an interaction between ASA - caffeine - codeine and any of the following:

• abiraterone
• acetazolamide
• aclidinium
• alcohol
• alendronate
• amphetamines (e.g., dextroamphetamine, lisdexamfetamine)
• anesthetics
• angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs; e.g., captopril, ramipril)
• antihistamines (e.g,. cetirizine, doxylamine, diphenhydramine, hydroxyzine, loratadine)
• antipsychotics (e.g., chlorpromazine, clozapine, haloperidol, olanzapine, quetiapine, risperidone)
• apixaban
• atomoxetine
• atropine
• azelastine
• barbiturates (e.g., butalbital, pentobarbital, phenobarbital)
• belladonna
• benzodiazepines (e.g., alprazolam, diazepam, lorazepam)
• benztropine
• brimonidine
• buprenorphine
• buspirone
• butorphanol
• calcium channel blockers (e.g., amlodipine, diltiazem, nifedipine, verapamil)
• celecoxib
• chloral hydrate
• chloroquine
• cilostazol
• clopidogrel
• oral corticosteroids (e.g., dexamethasone, hydrocortisone, prednisone)
• cyclobenzaprine
• dasatinib
• decongestant cold medications (e.g., phenylephrine, pseudoephedrine)
• decongestant eye drops and nose sprays (e.g., naphazoline, oxymetazoline, xylometazoline)
• deferasirox
• delaviridine
• diabetes medications (e.g., chlorpropamide, glipizide, glyburide, insulin, metformin, nateglinide, rosiglitazone)
• dipivefrin
• dipyridamole
• disopyramide
• disulfiram
• diuretics (water pills; e.g., furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide, triamterene)
• dobutamine
• dopamine
• dronabinol
• efavirenz
• epinephrine
• ethinyl estradiol
• fast-acting bronchodilators (e.g., salbutamol, terbutaline)
• flavoxate
• gemfibrozil
• general anesthetics (medications used to put people to sleep before surgery)
• glucosamine
• glycopyrrolate
• herbal products that affect blood clotting (e.g., cat's claw, chamomile, fenugreek, evening primrose, feverfew, garlic, ginger, ginseng, turmeric)
• imatinib
• influenza vaccine
• ipratropium
• isoniazid
• ketoconazole
• ketotifen
• linezolid
• lithium
• long-acting bronchodilators (e.g., formoterol, salmeterol)
• lopinavir
• low-molecular-weight heparins (e.g., dalteparin, enoxaparin, tinzaparin)
• magnesium sulphate
• methotrexate
• methylphenidate
• minocycline
• mirabegron
• mirtazapine
• multivitamin/mineral supplements
• muscle relaxants (e.g., baclofen, cyclobenzaprine, methocarbamol, orphenadrine)
• nabilone
• naltrexone
• nilotinib
• non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs; e.g., diclofenac, ibuprofen, naproxen)
• norepinephrine
• octreotide
• olopatadine
• omega-3 fatty acids
• orphenadrine
• other narcotic pain relievers (e.g., fentanyl, morphine, oxycodone)
• oxybutynin
• peginterferon alfa-2b
• pegvisomant
• pentazocine
• perampanel
• pramipexole
• primaquine
• probenecid
• quinidine
• quinine
• quinolone antibiotics (e.g., ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin, ofloxacin)
• ritonavir
• rivaroxaban
• ropinirole
• rotigotine
• rufinamide
• scopolamine
• seizure medications (e.g., clobazam, ethosuximide, felbamate, levetiracetam, phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone, topiramate, valproic acid, zonisamide)
• selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs; e.g., citalopram, fluoxetine, paroxetine, sertraline)
• serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs; desvenlafaxine, duloxetine, venlafaxine)
• tapentadol
• teriflunomide
• theophyllines (e.g., aminophylline, oxtriphylline, theophylline)
• ticagrelor
• ticlopidine
• tiotropium
• tipranivir
• tizanidine
• thalidomide
• tolterodine
• tramadol
• tranylcypromine
• tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline, clomipramine, desipramine, trimipramine)
• varicella virus vaccines
• vitamin E
• warfarin
• zolpidem
• zopiclone

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. In many cases, interactions are intended or are managed by close monitoring. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with this medication. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications that you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2024. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/drug/getdrug/AC-C