Tylenol 3 Side Effects: Constipation
Tylenol No. 3 is a medication available by prescription containing both acetaminophen and the narcotic codeine. Tylenol 3 is a pain reliever for ongoing moderate to severe pain. While Tylenol 3 has been a proven agent in the successful management of pain, it does have several unpleasant side effects, including headache, nausea, vomiting and constipation.
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About
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Because it contains both an analgesic and a narcotic, Tylenol 3 provides more effective pain management than a single medicine used alone. Tylenol 3 with codeine is commonly prescribed for pain management after surgery, or for chronic pain such as back or neck injury, and is most often taken in tablet form.
Side Effect: Constipation
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Many narcotics cause the uncomfortable side effect of constipation, and Tylenol 3 is no exception. Constipation is caused primarily by the slow digestion of food passing through the colon, and narcotics work against digestion by causing food to pass more slowly through the intestines. The two best ways to counteract the unpleasant side effect of constipation due to Tylenol 3 are to add more fiber to your diet and, when necessary, take a laxative. Over-the-counter fiber supplements such as Metamucil taken daily will help to bulk and loosen your stool, making it easier to pass.
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Other Side Effects
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Alert your doctor if you experience breathing difficulties as a result of taking this medication (children and the elderly are particularly susceptible to breathing difficulties). Be sure to tell your doctor if you experience dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, nausea or vomiting. Complications can occur if Tylenol 3 is taken by anyone with a history of alcohol abuse, a head injury, seizures or history of seizure, mental illness or depression, asthma or emphysema, kidney or thyroid problems, gallstones or heart disease.
Dosage
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Tylenol 3 is typically prescribed in tablet form for oral consumption and administered every four to six hours as needed for pain management. Tylenol 3 is also available in liquid form for IV injection or in liquid form to be swallowed. Tylenol 3 may be taken with meals or milk, but should never be taken with alcohol. If you forget to take this medicine, take the missed dose as soon as you remember (but do not double up on a dose). It is important that you take this medication exactly as prescribed.
Precautions
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If taken for a long period of time, your body may build a tolerance to this drug, which will require a stronger, more frequent dosage of this medication. Because a fetus may develop dependency to this drug, it is not recommended that it be administered to pregnant or breastfeeding women. Tylenol 3 may cause breathing problems in children under the age of 2, and should not be prescribed to children. Do not take this medication while consuming alcoholic beverages.
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