It is very rare for a child to become addicted to pain relief medicine.
Use the lowest amount of medicine that works well.
Long-term use of opioid medicines can be addictive. This may happen after becoming tolerant or dependent. Those who take opioids for a long period of time and suddenly stop taking these medicines may have withdrawal symptoms. This means they may need more opioid for the same pain relief. Those who take opioids for a long period of time can develop a tolerance to them.
If a drug drop off site is not readily available, flush the unused opioid medicine down the toilet.
Call your local pharmacy to see if they have a drug drop off site.
Visit for exact disposal of the medicine your child is taking.
This avoids possible misuse, abuse and intake by accident.
Keep the medicine away from children and animals.ĭispose of unused opioid medicines right away.
Keep track of how much medicine you have.
Lock up opioid medicines in a safe place.
Safe Medicine Storage and Disposal Storage
The current medicine or amount of medicine does not reduce severe pain.Ĭall 911 if person who took the medicine becomes:Ĭall the Drug and Poison Information Center if the person who took the drug is still awake and alert at 51 or 1-80.
Your child has any unusual, long lasting, or serious side effects.
Slowed breathing – This is the most serious side effect it usually occurs right after taking the opioid medicine.
Hallucinations (not making sense when they talk).
Constipation (trouble pooping), trouble peeing.
Nausea (upset stomach), vomiting (throwing up).
Keep track of (count) how much medicine you have so you know if someone else is taking the medicine.
For opioids prescribed for long-term use, do not stop those medicines without talking to your provider.
Do not take other medicines that can cause sleepiness unless you have talked to the doctor and are told to do so.
Do not drink alcohol or use marijuana while taking this medicine.
Do not drive or operate any heavy machines, or make important decisions.
Do not give this medicine if your child is too sleepy or difficult to arouse (wake up).
Help them when going up and down the stairs. Your child is at risk to fall while taking this medicine. Acetaminophen with codeine may decrease how often and deeply your child takes a breath. Watch your child for serious side effects especially after the first dose. Things to know while taking this medicine:
Do not take these medicines while pregnant.
Do not use medicines after the expiration date on the bottle/package.
Do not share or give the medicine to anyone else.
Do not take the medicine unless it was prescribed for you.
Do not take over-the-counter (OTC) medicines without talking to your provider.
Tell your provider about other medicine your child is taking. More than the safe dose of acetaminophen could cause serious liver damage. When taking this medication, do not give any other medicines with acetaminophen (Tylenol). Read the insert that comes with the medicine to learn more about the how it works and any possible side effects. Your child should take this medication no more than five times in one day. Talk to your doctor before starting this medication if your child is included in one of the groups listed above.
Children between 12 and 18 years old who have had a surgery to remove their tonsils or adenoids.
Children between 12 and 18 years old who are very overweight or lung or breathing problems including sleep apnea or any lung disease.
Children under the age of 12 years old.
The following groups of children are more at risk for serious breathing problems: This medication can cause very serious breathing problems. General Safety Information Things to know before you begin taking this medicine: This plan may include other ways such as deep breaths to relax or distract to help keep your child’s mind off the pain. Ask the care team (providers and nurses) about your child’s plan. Acetaminophen and codeine (Tylenol® with Codeine Phosphate) is a combination medicine made up of codeine (an opioid medication) and acetaminophen (a non-opioid medication) and is used to relieve pain.