Acetaminophen and Codeine Oral Solution

Acetaminophen and codeine phosphate oral solution is indicated for the management of mild to moderate pain where treatment with an opioid is appropriate and for which alternative treatments are inadequate.

Limitations of Use

Because of the risks of addiction, abuse, and misuse, with opioids, even at recommended doses [see WARNINGS], reserve acetaminophen and codeine phosphate oral solution for use in patients for whom alternative treatment options [e.g., non-opioid analgesics]:

• Have not been tolerated, or are not expected to be tolerated,

Have not provided adequate analgesia, or are not expected to provide adequate analgesia

Risks of Driving and Operating Machinery

Acetaminophen and codeine phosphate oral solution may impair the mental or physical abilities needed to perform potentially hazardous activities such as driving a car or operating machinery. Warn patients not to drive or operate dangerous machinery unless they are tolerant to the effects of acetaminophen and codeine phosphate oral solution and know how they will react to the medication [see PRECAUTIONS; Information for Patients/Caregivers].

Information for Patients/Caregivers

Advise the patient to read the FDA-approved patient labeling (Medication Guide).

Medication Errors

Instruct patients how to measure and take the correct dose of acetaminophen and codeine phosphate oral solution, and ensure that the dose is communicated clearly and dispensed accurately. A household teaspoon is not an adequate measuring device. Given the inexactitude of the household spoon measure and the risk of using a tablespoon instead of a teaspoon, which could lead to overdosage, it is strongly recommended that caregivers obtain and use a calibrated measuring device. Healthcare providers should recommend a calibrated device that can measure and deliver the prescribed dose accurately, and instruct caregivers to use extreme caution in measuring the dosage and when administering acetaminophen and codeine phosphate oral solution to ensure the dose is measured and administered accurately [see WARNINGS].

If the prescribed concentration is changed, instruct patients on how to correctly measure the new dose to avoid errors which could result in accidental overdose and death.

Addiction, Abuse, and Misuse

Inform patients that the use of acetaminophen and codeine phosphate oral solution, even when taken as recommended, can result in addiction, abuse, and misuse, which can lead to overdose and death [see WARNINGS]. Instruct patients not to share acetaminophen and codeine phosphate oral solution with others and to take steps to protect acetaminophen and codeine phosphate oral solution from theft or misuse.

Life-Threatening Respiratory Depression

Inform patients of the risk of life-threatening respiratory depression, including information that the risk is greatest when starting acetaminophen and codeine phosphate oral solution or when the dosage is increased, and that it can occur even at recommended dosages [see WARNINGS]. Advise patients how to recognize respiratory depression and to seek medical attention if breathing difficulties develop.

Accidental Ingestion

Inform patients that accidental ingestion, especially by children, may result in respiratory depression or death [see WARNINGS]. Instruct patients to take steps to store acetaminophen and codeine phosphate oral solution securely. Advise patients to properly dispose of the acetaminophen and codeine phosphate oral solution in accordance with local state guidelines and/or regulations.

Ultra-Rapid Metabolism of Codeine and Other Risk Factors for Life-threatening Respiratory Depression in Children

Advise patients that acetaminophen and codeine phosphate oral solution should not be used in children younger than 12 years of age or in a child of any age for pain treatment after tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy. Advise caregivers of children ages 12 to 18 receiving codeine to monitor for signs of respiratory depression [see WARNINGS].

Interactions with Benzodiazepines and Other CNS Depressants

Inform patients and caregivers that potentially fatal additive effects may occur if acetaminophen and codeine phosphate oral solution is used with benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants, including alcohol, and not to use these concomitantly unless supervised by a healthcare provider [see WARNINGS, PRECAUTIONS; Drug Interactions].

Serotonin Syndrome

Inform patients that opioids could cause a rare but potentially life-threatening condition resulting from c of serotonin syndrome and to seek medical attention right away if symptoms develop. Instruct patients to inform their healthcare providers if they are taking, or plan to take serotonergic medications [see PRECAUTIONS; Drug Interactions].

MAOI Interaction

Inform patients not to take acetaminophen and codeine phosphate oral solution while using any drugs that inhibit monoamine oxidase. Patients should not start MAOIs while taking acetaminophen and codeine phosphate oral solution [see WARNINGS, PRECAUTIONS; Drug Interactions].

Adrenal Insufficiency

Inform patients that opioids could cause adrenal insufficiency, a potentially life-threatening condition. Adrenal insufficiency may present with non-specific symptoms and signs such as nausea, vomiting, anorexia, fatigue, weakness, dizziness, and low blood pressure. Advise patients to seek medical attention if they experience a constellation of these symptoms [see WARNINGS].

Important Administration Instructions

Instruct patients how to properly take acetaminophen and codeine phosphate oral solution [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].

• Advise patients to always use a calibrated oral syringe/dosing cup when administering acetaminophen and codeine phosphate oral solution to ensure the dose is measured and administered accurately [see WARNINGS]. • Advise patients never to use household teaspoons or tablespoons to measure acetaminophen and codeine phosphate oral solution. • Advise patients not to adjust the dose of acetaminophen and codeine phosphate oral solution without consulting with a physician or other healthcare professional. • If patients have been receiving treatment with acetaminophen and codeine phosphate oral solution for more than a few weeks and cessation of therapy is indicated, counsel them on the importance of safely tapering the dose as abrupt discontinuation of the medication could precipitate withdrawal symptoms. Provide a dose schedule to accomplish a gradual discontinuation of the medication [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].

Maximum Daily Dose of Acetaminophen

Inform patients not to take more than 4,000 milligrams of acetaminophen per day. Advise patients to call their healthcare provider if they have taken more than the recommended dose.

Hypotension

Inform patients that acetaminophen and codeine phosphate oral solution may cause orthostatic hypotension and syncope. Instruct patients how to recognize symptoms of low blood pressure and how to reduce the risk of serious consequences should hypotension occur (e.g., sit or lie down, carefully rise from a sitting or lying position) [see WARNINGS; Severe Hypotension].

Anaphylaxis

Inform patients that anaphylaxis has been reported with ingredients contained in acetaminophen and codeine phosphate oral solution. Advise patients how to recognize such a reaction and to seek medical attention [see Contraindications, Adverse Reactions].

Pregnancy

  Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome   Inform female patients of reproductive potential that prolonged use of acetaminophen and codeine phosphate oral solution during pregnancy can result in neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome, which may be life-threatening if not recognized and treated [see WARNINGS, PRECAUTIONS; Pregnancy].   Embryo-Fetal Toxicity   Inform female patients of reproductive potential that acetaminophen and codeine phosphate oral solution can cause fetal harm and to inform the prescriber of a known or suspected pregnancy [see PRECAUTIONS; Pregnancy].

Lactation

Advise women that breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment with acetaminophen and codeine phosphate oral solution [see PRECAUTIONS; Nursing Mothers].

Infertility

Inform patients that chronic use of opioids may cause reduced fertility. It is not known whether these effects on fertility are reversible [see ADVERSE REACTIONS].

Driving or Operating Heavy Machinery

Inform patients that acetaminophen and codeine phosphate oral solution may impair the mental and/or physical abilities required for the performance of potentially hazardous tasks such as driving a car or operating machinery and to avoid such tasks while taking this product, until they know how they will react to the medication.

Disposal of Unused Acetaminophen and Codeine Phosphate Oral Solution

Advise patients to properly dispose of the acetaminophen and codeine phosphate oral solution. Advise patients to throw the drug in the household trash following these steps.

1. Remove them from their original containers and mix them with an undesirable substance, such a used coffee grounds or kitty litter (this makes the drug less appealing to children and pets, and unrecognizable to people who may intentionally go through the trash seeking drugs). 1. Place the mixture in a sealable bag, empty can, or other container to prevent the drug from leaking or breaking out of a garbage bag, or to dispose of in accordance with local state guidelines and/or regulations

Drug Interactions

CYP2D6 Inhibitors

Codeine is metabolized by CYP2D6 to form morphine. The concomitant use of acetaminophen and codeine phosphate oral solution and CYP2D6 inhibitors (e.g., paroxetine, fluoxetine, bupropion, quinidine) can increase the plasma concentration of codeine, but decrease the plasma concentration of active metabolite morphine, particularly when an inhibitor is added after a stable dose of acetaminophen and codeine phosphate oral solution is achieved.

If concomitant use is necessary, consider dosage adjustment of acetaminophen and codeine phosphate oral solution until stable drug effects are achieved.

After stopping a CYP2D6 inhibitor, as the effects of the inhibitor decline, the codeine plasma concentration will decrease but the morphine plasma concentration will increase. If a CYP2D6 inhibitor is discontinued, consider adjusting the acetaminophen and codeine phosphate oral solution dosage until stable drug achieved.

If concomitant use is necessary or if a CYP2D6 inhibitor is discontinued after concomitant use, monitor patients closely at frequent intervals. If signs and symptoms of respiratory depression or sedation occur, consider reducing the acetaminophen and codeine phosphate oral solution dosage until stable drug effects are achieved.

CYP3A4 Inhibitors

The concomitant use of acetaminophen and codeine phosphate oral solution and CYP3A4 inhibitors such as macrolide antibiotics (e.g., erythromycin), azole-antifungal agents (e.g. ketoconazole), and protease inhibitors (e.g., ritonavir), can increase the plasma concentration of codeine, resulting in increased or prolonged opioid effects, particularly when an inhibitor is added after a stable dose of acetaminophen and codeine phosphate oral solution is achieved. If concomitant use is necessary, consider dosage reduction of acetaminophen and codeine phosphate oral solution until stable drug effects are achieved. Monitor patients for respiratory depression and sedation at frequent intervals.

After stopping a CYP3A4 inhibitor, as the effects of the inhibitor decline, the codeine plasma concentration will decrease resulting in decreased opioid efficacy or a withdrawal syndrome in patients who had developed physical dependence to codeine. If a CYP3A4 inhibitor is discontinued, consider increasing the acetaminophen and codeine phosphate oral solution dosage until stable drug effects are achieved. Monitor for signs of opioid withdrawal.

CYP3A4 Inducers

The concomitant use of acetaminophen and codeine phosphate oral solution and CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., rifampin, carbamazepine, phenytoin) can decrease the plasma concentration of codeine, resulting in decreased efficacy or onset of a withdrawal syndrome in patients who have developed physical dependence to codeine. If concomitant use is necessary, consider increasing the acetaminophen and codeine phosphate oral solution dosage until stable drug effects are achieved. Monitor for signs of opioid withdrawal.

After stopping a CYP3A4 inducer, as the effects of the inducer decline, the codeine plasma concentration will increase, which could increase or prolong both the therapeutic effects and adverse reactions, and may cause serious respiratory depression. If a CYP3A4 inducer is discontinued, consider acetaminophen and codeine phosphate oral solution dosage reduction and monitor for signs of respiratory depression.

Benzodiazepines and Other Central Nervous System (CNS) Depressants

Due to additive pharmacologic effect, the concomitant use of benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants, including alcohol, and other sedatives/hypnotics, anxiolytics, tranquilizers, muscle relaxants, general anesthetics, antipsychotics and other opioids, can increase the risk of hypotension, respiratory depression, profound sedation, coma, and death.

Reserve concomitant prescribing of these drugs for use in patients for whom alternative treatment options are inadequate. Limit dosages and durations to the minimum required. Follow patients closely for signs of respiratory depression and sedation [see WARNINGS].

Serotonergic Drugs

The concomitant use of opioids with other drugs that affect the serotonergic neurotransmitter system, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), triptans, 5-HT3 receptor antagonists, drugs that effect the serotonin neurotransmitter system (e.g., mirtazapine, trazodone, tramadol), and monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors (those intended to treat psychiatric disorders and also others, such as linezolid and intravenous methylene blue), has resulted in serotonin syndrome [see PRECAUTIONS; Information for Patients].

If concomitant use is warranted, carefully observe the patient, particularly during treatment initiation and dose adjustment. Discontinue acetaminophen and codeine phosphate oral solution if serotonin syndrome is suspected.

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)

The concomitant use of opioids and MAOIs, such as phenelzine, tranylcypromine, linezolid, may manifest as serotonin syndrome or opioid toxicity

Advise patients taking acetaminophen and codeine phosphate oral solution not to use MAOIs or within 14 days of stopping such treatment. If urgent use of an opioid is necessary, use test doses and frequent titration of small doses of other opioids (such as oxycodone, oxymorphone, hydrocodone, or buprenorphine) to treat pain while closely monitoring blood pressure and signs and symptoms of CNS and respiratory depression.

Mixed Agonist/Antagonist and Partial Agonist Opioid Analgesics

The concomitant use of opioids with other opioid analgesics, such as butorphanol, nalbuphine, pentazocine, may reduce the analgesic effect of acetaminophen and codeine phosphate oral solution and/or precipitate withdrawal symptoms.

Advise patient to avoid concomitant use of these drugs.

Muscle Relaxants

Acetaminophen and codeine phosphate oral solution may enhance the neuromuscular blocking action of skeletal muscle relaxants and produce an increased degree of respiratory depression.

If concomitant use is warranted, monitor patients for signs of respiratory depression that may be greater than otherwise expected and decrease the dosage of acetaminophen and codeine phosphate oral solution and/or the muscle relaxant as necessary.

Diuretics

Opioids can reduce the efficacy of diuretics by inducing the release of antidiuretic hormone.

If concomitant use is warranted, monitor patients for signs of diminished diuresis and/or effects on blood pressure and increase the dosage of the diuretic as needed.

Anticholinergic Drugs

The concomitant use of anticholinergic drugs may increase risk of urinary retention and/or severe constipation, which may lead to paralytic ileus.

If concomitant use is warranted, monitor patients for signs of urinary retention or reduced gastric motility with anticholinergic drugs.

Drug/Laboratory Test Interactions

Codeine may increase serum amylase levels.

Acetaminophen may produce false-positive test results for urinary 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid.

Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

Carcinogenesis

Long-term studies to evaluate the carcinogenic potential of the combination of codeine and acetaminophen have not been conducted.

Two-year carcinogenicity studies have been conducted in F344/N rats and B6C3F1 mice. There was no evidence of carcinogenicity in male and female rats, respectively, at dietary doses up to 70 and 80 mg/kg/day of codeine sulfate (approximately 2 times the maximum recommended daily dose of 360 mg/day for adults on a mg/m2 basis) for two years. Similarly there was no evidence of carcinogenicity activity in male and female mice at dietary doses up to 400 mg/kg/day of codeine sulfate (approximately 5 times the maximum recommended daily dose of 360 mg/day for adults on a mg/m2 basis) for two years.

Long-term studies in mice and rats have been completed by the National Toxicology Program to evaluate the carcinogenic potential of acetaminophen. In 2-year feeding studies, F344/N rats and B6C3F1 mice were fed a diet containing acetaminophen up to 6000 ppm. Female rats demonstrated equivocal evidence of carcinogenic activity based on increased incidences of mononuclear cell leukemia at 0.8 times the maximum human daily dose (MHDD) of 4 grams/day, based on a body surface area comparison. In contrast, there was no evidence of carcinogenic activity in male rats that received up to 0.7 times or mice at up to 1.2 to 1.4 times the MHDD, based on a body surface area comparison.

Mutagenesis

Codeine sulfate was not mutagenic in the in vitro bacterial reverse mutation assay or clastogenic in the invitro Chinese hamster ovary cell chromosome aberration assay.

In the published literature, acetaminophen has been reported to be clastogenic when administered at 1500 mg/kg/day to the rat model (3.6-times the MHDD, based on a body surface area comparison). In contrast, no clastogenicity was noted at a dose of 750 mg/kg/day (1.8-times the MHDD, based on a body surface area comparison), suggesting a threshold effect.

Impairment of Fertility

No nonclinical fertility studies have been conducted with codeine or the combination of codeine and acetaminophen.

In studies conducted by the National Toxicology Program, fertility assessments with acetaminophen have been completed in Swiss CD-1 mice via a continuous breeding study. There were no effects on fertility parameters in mice consuming up to 1.7 times the MHDD of acetaminophen, based on a body surface area comparison. Although there was no effect on sperm motility or sperm density in the epididymis, there was a significant increase in the percentage of abnormal sperm in mice consuming 1.78 times the MHDD (based on a body surface comparison) and there was a reduction in the number of mating pairs producing a fifth litter at this dose, suggesting the potential for cumulative toxicity with chronic administration of acetaminophen near the upper limit of daily dosing.

Published studies in rodents report that oral acetaminophen treatment of male animals at doses that are 1.2 times the MHDD and greater (based on a body surface comparison) result in decreased testicular weights, reduced spermatogenesis, reduced fertility, and reduced implantation sites in females given the same doses. These effects appear to increase with the duration of treatment. The clinical significance of these findings is not known.

Infertility

Chronic use of opioids may cause reduced fertility in females and males of reproductive potential. It is not known whether these effects on fertility are reversible [see ADVERSE REACTIONS].

Pregnancy

Teratogenic Effects: Pregnancy Category C

Codeine

A study in rats and rabbits reported no teratogenic effect of codeine administered during the period of organogenesis in doses ranging from 5 to 120 mg/kg. In the rat, doses at the 120 mg/kg level, in the toxic range for the adult animal, were associated with an increase in embryo resorption at the time of implantation. In another study a single 100 mg/kg subcutaneous dose of codeine administered to pregnant mice reportedly resulted in delayed ossification in the offspring.

There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Acetaminophen and codeine phosphate oral solution should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

Nonteratogenic Effects

Fetal/Neonatal Adverse Reactions

Prolonged use of opioid analgesics during pregnancy for medical or nonmedical purposes can result in physical dependence in the neonate and neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome shortly after birth.

Neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome presents as irritability, hyperactivity and abnormal sleep pattern, high pitched cry, tremor, vomiting, diarrhea and failure to gain weight. The onset, duration, and severity of neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome vary based on the specific opioid used, duration of use, timing and amount of last maternal use, and rate of elimination of the drug by the newborn. Observe newborns for symptoms of neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome and manage accordingly [see WARNINGS].

Labor and Delivery

Opioids cross the placenta and may produce respiratory depression and psycho-physiologic effects in neonates. An opioid antagonist, such as naloxone, must be available for reversal of opioid-induced respiratory depression in the neonate. Acetaminophen and codeine phosphate oral solution is not recommended for use in pregnant women during or immediately prior to labor, when other analgesic techniques are more appropriate. Opioid analgesics, including acetaminophen and codeine phosphate oral solution, and can prolong labor through actions which temporarily reduce the strength, duration, and frequency of uterine contractions. However, this effect is not consistent and may be offset by an increased rate of cervical dilation, which tends to shorten labor. Monitor neonates exposed to opioid analgesics during labor for signs of excess sedation and respiratory depression.

Narcotic analgesics should be avoided during labor if delivery of a premature infant is anticipated. If the mother has received narcotic analgesics during labor, newborn infants should be observed closely for signs of respiratory depression. Resuscitation may be required [see OVERDOSAGE]. The effect of codeine, if any, on the later growth, development, and functional maturation of the child is unknown.

Lactation

Risk Summary

Codeine and its active metabolite, morphine, are present in human milk. There are published studies and cases that have reported excessive sedation, respiratory depression, and death (one case) in infants exposed to codeine via breast milk. Women who are ultra-rapid metabolizers of codeine achieve higher to higher levels of morphine in breast milk that can be dangerous in their breastfed infants. In women with normal codeine metabolism (normal CYP2D6 activity), the amount of codeine secreted into human milk is low and dose-dependent. There is no information on the effects of the codeine on milk production. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions, including excess sedation, respiratory depression, and death in a breastfed infant, advise patients that breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment with acetaminophen and codeine phosphate oral solution (see WARNINGS).

Clinical Considerations

If infants are exposed to acetaminophen and codeine phosphate oral solution through breast milk, they should be monitored for excess sedation and respiratory depression. Withdrawal symptoms can occur in breastfed infants when maternal administration of an opioid analgesic is stopped, or when breast-feeding is stopped.

Pediatric Use

The safety and effectiveness and the pharmacokinetics of acetaminophen and codeine phosphate oral solution in pediatric patients below the age of 18 have not been established. Life- threatening respiratory depression and death have occurred in children who received codeine [see WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS]. In most of the reported cases, these events followed tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy, and many of the children had evidence of being ultra-rapid metabolizers of codeine (i.e., multiple copies of the gene for cytochrome P450 isoenzyme 2D6 or high morphine concentrations). Children with sleep apnea may be particularly sensitive to the respiratory depressant effects of codeine.

Because of the risk of life-threatening respiratory depression and death:

• Acetaminophen and codeine phosphate oral solution is contraindicated for all children younger than 12 years of age [see CONTRAINDICATIONS]. • Acetaminophen and codeine phosphate oral solution is contraindicated for postoperative pain management in pediatric patients of any age undergoing tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy [see CONTRAINDICATIONS].

Avoid the use of acetaminophen and codeine phosphate oral solution in adolescents 12 to 18 years of age who have other risk factors that may increase their sensitivity to the respiratory depressant effects of codeine unless the benefits outweigh the risks. Risk factors include postoperative status, obstructive sleep apnea, obesity and other conditions associated with hypoventilation syndromes (e.g. neuromuscular disease), concomitant use of other medications that cause respiratory depression, and severe pulmonary disease [see WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS].

Geriatric Use

Elderly patients (aged 65 years or older) may have increased sensitivity to acetaminophen and codeine phosphate oral solution. In general, use caution when selecting a dosage for an elderly patient, usually starting at the low end of the dosing range, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy.

Respiratory depression is the chief risk for elderly patients treated with opioids, and has occurred after large initial doses were administered to patients who were not opioid-tolerant or when opioids were co-administered with other agents that depress respiration. Titrate the dosage of acetaminophen and codeine phosphate oral solution slowly in geriatric patients and monitor closely for signs of central nervous system and central nervous system depression [see WARNINGS].

These drugs are known to be substantially excreted by the kidney, and the risk of adverse reactions to this drug may be greater in patients with impaired renal function. Because elderly patients are more likely to have decreased renal function, care should be taken in dose selection, and it may be useful to monitor renal function.