Brand name:

Phenergan with Codeine

Why is Phenergan with Codeine prescribed?

Phenergan with Codeine is used to relieve coughs and other symptoms of allergies and the common cold. Promethazine, an antihistamine, helps reduce itching and swelling and dries up secretions from the nose, eyes, and throat. It also has sedative effects and helps control nausea and vomiting. Codeine, a narcotic analgesic, helps relieve pain and stops coughing.

Most important fact about Phenergan with Codeine

Phenergan with Codeine may cause considerable drowsiness. You should not drive or operate dangerous machinery or participate in any hazardous activity that requires full mental alertness until you know how you react to Phenergan with Codeine. Children should be carefully supervised while they are bike-riding, roller-skating, or playing until the drug's effect on them is established.

How should you take Phenergan with Codeine?

Take Phenergan with Codeine exactly as prescribed.

--If you miss a dose...

If you take Phenergan with Codeine on a regular schedule, take the forgotten dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never take 2 doses at once.

--Storage instructions...

Store at room temperature, away from light.

Phenergan with Codeine side effects

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Phenergan with Codeine.

• Side effects may include:
  Blurred vision, constipation, convulsions, decreased amount of urine, depressed feeling, difficulty breathing, disorientation, dizziness, dizziness on standing, dry mouth, exaggerated sense of well-being, fainting, faintness, fast, fluttery heartbeat, feeling of anxiety, restlessness, flushing, headache, hives, inability to urinate, increased/decreased blood pressure, itching, light-headedness, nausea, passing hallucinations, rapid heartbeat, rash, sedation (extreme calm), sleepiness, slow heartbeat, sweating, swelling due to fluid retention (including the throat), vision changes, vomiting, weakness, yellowed skin or whites of eyes

Why should Phenergan with Codeine not be prescribed?

Phenergan with Codeine should not be used if you have asthma or other breathing difficulties or if you are sensitive to or have ever had an allergic reaction to codeine, promethazine, or related medications, such as Thorazine, Mellaril, Stelazine, or Prolixin.

Special warnings about Phenergan with Codeine

It is possible to develop psychological and physical dependence on codeine. Although the likelihood of this is quite low with oral codeine, be cautious if you have a history of drug abuse or dependence.

Never take more cough syrup than has been prescribed. If your cough does not seem better within 5 days, check back with your doctor.

Codeine can cause or worsen constipation.

Phenergan with Codeine should be used with extreme caution in young children.

Use Phenergan with Codeine very carefully if you have a head injury, the eye condition called narrow-angle glaucoma, peptic ulcer or other abdominal obstruction, urinary bladder obstruction due to an enlarged prostate, heart disease, high blood pressure or circulatory problems, liver or kidney disease, fever, seizures, an underactive thyroid gland, intestinal inflammation, or Addison's disease (a disorder of the adrenal glands). Be cautious, too, if you have had recent stomach/intestinal or urinary tract surgery. The very young, the elderly, and people in a weakened condition may have problems taking Phenergan with Codeine.

This medication may make you dizzy when you first stand up. Getting up slowly can help prevent this problem.

If you are taking other medications with sedative effects, your doctor may reduce their dosage or eliminate them altogether while you are using Phenergan with Codeine.

If you have a seizure disorder, Phenergan with Codeine may cause your seizures to occur more often.

Avoid using Phenergan with Codeine if you have sleep apnea (periods during sleep when breathing stops).

Phenergan with Codeine may affect the results of pregnancy tests; and it can raise your blood sugar.

Tell your doctor if you have any involuntary muscle movements or seem to be unusually sensitive to sunlight.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Phenergan with Codeine

Phenergan with Codeine may increase the effects of alcohol. Do not drink alcohol, or at least substantially reduce the amount you drink, while taking Phenergan with Codeine.

If Phenergan with Codeine is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Phenergan with Codeine with the following:

All antidepressant drugs, including Marplan, Nardil, Elavil and Prozac
Narcotic pain relievers such as Demerol and Dilaudid
Sedatives such as Seconal, Halcion and Dalmane
Tranquilizers such as Xanax and Valium

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

The effects of Phenergan with Codeine during pregnancy have not been adequately studied. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. Phenergan with Codeine may appear in breast milk and may affect a nursing infant. If this medication is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding until your treatment is finished.

Recommended dosage for Phenergan with Codeine

ADULTS

Overdosage

Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. An overdose of codeine can be fatal. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical treatment immediately.

• Symptoms of an overdose of Phenergan with Codeine may include:
  Bluish skin, cold, clammy skin, coma, convulsions, difficulty breathing, dilated pupils, dry mouth, extreme sleepiness, flushing, low blood pressure, muscle softness, nightmares, overexcitability, slow heartbeat, small pupils, stomach and intestinal problems, stupor, unconsciousness