All medicines have side effects but how vulnerable a person is to them depends on several different factors such as age, genetics, kidney function and gender
Narcotic analgesic combinations have many side effects, although people with cancer or a terminal illness taking narcotic analgesic combinations for long periods of time may become tolerant to some of these side effects.
Drowsiness, sleepiness, or dizziness are common with most narcotic analgesic combinations. These side effects may affect driving or a person’s ability to operate machinery and perform other hazardous tasks. Alcohol may potentiate these effects
Combination analgesics containing NSAIDs may also cause side effects, especially when used at higher than recommended dosages for long periods of time. Gastrointestinal side effects that may occur include bloating, diarrhea, constipation, irritation of the lining of the stomach, nausea or vomiting. Combination products containing NSAIDs may also affect kidney function and reduce how quickly blood flows through the kidneys.
They may cause retention of sodium and water which can lead to edema and high potassium levels. Occasionally, they may cause more serious damage to the kidneys. NSAIDs have also been associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease.
Combination products that contain agents that enhance sleep such as diphenhydramine may also cause drowsiness and affect a person’s ability to drive, operate machinery, or perform other hazardous tasks.
Please refer to each combination product for a full list of side effects.