Patient was educated on precautions to be exercised while taking Tylenol # 3 as follows:
- Tylenol # 3 must be avoided in individuals allergic to Acetaminophen and/or Codeine.
- Tylenol # 3 slows down the bowel movements heavily and leads to constipation. Increase intake of daily fiber can help the situation and promote regular bowel movements. Any signs and symptoms of intestinal obstruction and ileus, such as, intense bloating, constipation, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting must be immediately reported. Any lack of bowel movement in 3 days must be reported to the physician.
- Drink plenty of water with Tylenol # 3 and keep up with your daily fluid requirements without fail. This can help prevent episodes of constipation. Also, maintain compliance with laxative intake, as recommended by your doctor.
- Tylenol # 3 produces an intense feeling of drowsiness and dizziness, as a side effect to modifying the pain perception of brain. Patients can also experience hallucinations and mood changes due to Tylenol # 3 use. Tylenol # 3 must be avoided or used with extreme caution in individuals taking antidepressants and other psychotropic medications that have the potential to induce hallucinations and mood changes. Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how Tylenol # 3 affects you.
- Tylenol # 3 has the potential to increase the intracranial pressure. Maintain a close watch for signs of elevated intracranial pressure, such as, headache, vomiting, double vision, and confusion. Individuals with history of head injury, curvature of the spine, and intracranial lesions are at increased risk for elevated intracranial pressures. Report any such findings to your physician immediately for a change in plan of care to be considered.
