What the FDA labels say about taking them together
Acetaminophen/caffeine/dihydrocodeine and morphine
Acetaminophen/caffeine/dihydrocodeine's FDA label of May 2, 2022 names morphine in its boxed warning section; morphine's label does not name acetaminophen/caffeine/dihydrocodeine itself but warns about its class (Stimulants, Opioids (opioid agonists)). The acetaminophen/caffeine/dihydrocodeine label: “Death Related to Ultra-Rapid Metabolism of Codeine to Morphine: Respiratory depression and death have occurred in children who received codeine in the postoperative period following tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy …”
Check it at the source: the acetaminophen/caffeine/dihydrocodeine FDA label on DailyMed (effective May 2, 2022, Proficient Rx LP); the morphine FDA label on DailyMed (effective July 13, 2026, Bryant Ranch Prepack).
What does the acetaminophen/caffeine/dihydrocodeine label say about morphine?
Acetaminophen/caffeine/dihydrocodeine label, boxed warningDeath Related to Ultra-Rapid Metabolism of Codeine to Morphine Respiratory depression and death have occurred in children who received codeine following tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy and had evidence of being ultra-rapid metabolizers of codeine due to a CYP2D6 polymorphism.
Acetaminophen/caffeine/dihydrocodeine label, warningsDeath Related to Ultra-Rapid Metabolism of Codeine to Morphine: Respiratory depression and death have occurred in children who received codeine in the postoperative period following tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy and had evidence of being ultra-rapid metabolizers of codeine (i.e., multiple copies of the gene for cytochrome P450 isoenzyme 2D6 or high morphine concentrations).
Source: FDA drug label (Trezix), ANDA204785 (Key Therap), as published by Proficient Rx LP, effective May 2, 2022 (SPL set 45c3c2a1-6a89-471e-b6d4-5a4cd73b987a), via openFDA; the full label on DailyMed
What does the morphine label say about acetaminophen/caffeine/dihydrocodeine?
Morphine's label does not name acetaminophen/caffeine/dihydrocodeine itself; it warns about its class (Stimulants, Opioids (opioid agonists)):
Morphine label, warnings and precautionsLife-Threatening Respiratory Depression Serious, life-threatening, or fatal respiratory depression has been reported with the use of opioids, even when used as recommended.
Morphine label, boxed warningInstruct patients to swallow MS CONTIN tablets whole to avoid exposure to a potentially fatal dose of morphine. ( 5.2 ) Accidental ingestion of MS CONTIN, especially by children, can result in a fatal overdose of morphine. ( 5.2 ) Concomitant use of opioids with benzodiazepines or other central nervous system (CNS) depressants, including alcohol, may result in profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death.
Source: FDA drug label (Morphine sulfate), ANDA078761 (Sun Pharm Inds Ltd), as published by Bryant Ranch Prepack, effective July 13, 2026 (SPL set 595243fe-a4b1-479a-99d6-a084a4181891), via openFDA; the full label on DailyMed
These are the labels' own sentences. PlainMeds does not grade interactions; a pharmacist or prescriber can say what they mean for one person's medicines.
Both medicines on the record
| Acetaminophen/caffeine/dihydrocodeine | Morphine | |
|---|---|---|
| Labeled for | Pain | Pain |
| Boxed warning | Yes | Yes |
| Pharmacy cost (NADAC) | n/a | $0.226 per tablet 15 mg tablet |
| Shortage now | No current entry | In shortage |
Source: FDA NDC Directory, CMS NADAC of October 7, 2026 and the FDA Drug Shortage Database (FDA files October 8, 2026)
What next?
- Check more medicines together
- up to five at once