Medications and Drugs

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Brand Names: Synalgos-DC

Generic Name: aspirin, caffeine, and dihydrocodeine (Pronunciation: AS pir in, KAF een, and dye HYE dro KOE deen)

What is aspirin, caffeine, and dihydrocodeine (Synalgos-DC)?

Aspirin is in a group of drugs called salicylates (sa-LIS-il-ates). It works by reducing substances in the body that cause pain, fever, and inflammation.

Caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant. It relaxes muscle contractions in blood vessels to improve blood flow.

Dihydrocodeine is related to codeine. It is in a group of drugs called narcotic pain relievers.

The combination of aspirin, caffeine, and dihydrocodeine is used to treat moderate to severe pain.

Aspirin, caffeine, and dihydrocodeine may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of aspirin, caffeine, and dihydrocodeine (Synalgos-DC)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

shallow breathing, slow heart rate;
fast or pounding heart rate, muscle twitching;
confusion, unusual thoughts or behavior;
black, bloody, or tarry stools; or
coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.

Less serious side effects may include:

feeling dizzy, shaky, anxious, or agitated;
heartburn, mild nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, constipation, diarrhea;
itching or rash;
mood changes, sleep problems (insomnia);
sweating, urinating more than usual;
ringing in your ears; or
dry mouth.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about aspirin, caffeine, and dihydrocodeine (Synalgos-DC)?

Do not use this medication if you have used an MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) within the past 14 days. Serious, life-threatening side effects can occur if you take aspirin, caffeine, and dihydrocodeine before the MAO inhibitor has cleared from your body.

Aspirin should not be given to a child or teenager who has a fever, especially if the child also has flu symptoms or chicken pox. Aspirin can cause a serious and sometimes fatal condition called Reye's syndrome in children.

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to aspirin, caffeine, or dihydrocodeine, or if you have porphyria, a stomach ulcer, a bleeding or blood clotting disorder; or if you are allergic to any NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug).

Do not use any other over-the-counter cold, flu, or pain medication without first asking your doctor or pharmacist. If you take certain products together you may accidentally take too much of a certain drug.

Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medication. Alcohol may increase your risk of stomach bleeding while you are taking aspirin.

Dihydrocodeine may be habit-forming and should be used only by the person this medicine was prescribed for. This medication should never be given to another person, especially someone who has a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medication in a secure place where others cannot get to it.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking aspirin, caffeine, and dihydrocodeine (Synalgos-DC)?»

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Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.