Read the Medication Guide and, if available, the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start taking this product and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Take this medication by mouth with or without food with a full glass of water (8 ounces or 240 milliliters) as directed by your doctor. This medication may be taken with food or milk if stomach upset occurs. Do not take the sustained-release products more often than every 12 hours.

If you are using the liquid form, use a medication measuring device or spoon to carefully measure the prescribed dose. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose. If your liquid form is a suspension, shake the bottle well before each dose.

If you are using the extended-release capsules, swallow them whole. Do not crush or chew extended-release capsules or tablets. Doing so can release all of the drug at once, increasing the risk of side effects. Swallow the whole tablet without crushing or chewing.

If you are using a sustained-release liquid that contains hydrocodone polistirex or codeine polistirex, do not mix the liquid with other liquids or medications. Doing so can destroy the long action of the drug and may increase side effects.

Do not increase your dose or use this product more often or for longer than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and your risk of side effects will increase.

If you suddenly stop using this medication, you may have withdrawal symptoms (such as restlessness, watering eyes, runny nose, nausea, sweating, muscle aches). To help prevent withdrawal, your doctor may lower your dose slowly. Withdrawal is more likely if you have used this medication for a long time (more than a few weeks) or in high doses. Tell your doctor or pharmacist right away if you have withdrawal.

Though it helps many people, this product has a risk for abuse and may sometimes cause addiction. This risk may be higher if you have a substance use disorder (such as overuse of or addiction to drugs/alcohol). Take this product exactly as prescribed to lower the risk of addiction. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

When used for an extended time, this medication may not work as well and may require different dosing. Talk with your doctor if this medication stops working well.

Tell your doctor if your cough does not get better in 5 days. Also, tell your doctor if your condition gets worse, or if you have a headache that doesn't go away, fever, or rash. These may be symptoms of a serious medical problem and should be checked by a doctor.