PROMETHAZINE/PHENYLEPHRINE/CODEINE - ORAL
PHONETIC PRONUNCIATION: (pro-METH-uh-zeen/fen-ill-EFF-rin AND KO-deen)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Phenergan VC w/Codeine
GENERIC NAME(S): promethazine/phenylephrine HCl/codeine
Uses
USES: This combination medication is used to treat symptoms caused by the common cold, flu, allergies, or other breathing illnesses (e.g., sinusitis, bronchitis). Promethazine is an antihistamine that relieves watery eyes, itchy eyes/nose/throat, runny nose, and sneezing. Phenylephrine is a decongestant that relieves stuffy nose symptoms. Codeine is an opioid cough suppressant (antitussive) that affects a certain part of the brain, reducing the urge to cough. Do not use this product in children younger than 18 years. There is a risk of serious (rarely fatal) side effects, such as breathing problems. Cough-and-cold products do not cure colds. Cough due to a common cold often does not need to be treated with medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about other ways to relieve cough and cold symptoms, such as drinking enough fluids, using a humidifier, or saline nose drops/spray.
How to use PROMETHAZINE/PHENYLEPHRINE/CODEINE - ORAL
HOW TO USE: Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start taking promethazine/phenylephrine/codeine 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, usually every 4 to 6 hours as needed with a full glass of water (8 ounces or 240 milliliters) or as directed by your doctor. This medication can be taken with food if stomach upset occurs. Drink plenty of fluids when you use this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor. Use a medication-measuring device to carefully measure the prescribed dose. Do not use a household spoon. 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. This medication may cause withdrawal reactions, especially if it has been used regularly for a long time (more than a few weeks) or in high doses. In such cases, withdrawal symptoms (such as anxiety, restlessness, sweating, shaking chills, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea) may occur if you suddenly stop using this medication. To prevent withdrawal reactions, your doctor may reduce your dose gradually. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details, and report any withdrawal reactions right away. Though it helps many people, this medication 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 medication 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 condition persists for more than 1 week, if it worsens, or if it occurs with fever, rash, or persistent headache. These may be symptoms of a serious medical problem and should be checked by a doctor.
Side Effects
Precautions
Interactions
Overdose
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Faq for PROMETHAZINE/PHENYLEPHRINE/CODEINE - ORAL
Promethazine/Phenylephrine/Codeine is a combination medication used to relieve symptoms of the common cold, sinus congestion, and cough.
Promethazine is an antihistamine that helps reduce symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, and watery eyes. Phenylephrine is a decongestant that shrinks blood vessels in the nasal passages to relieve congestion. Codeine is a narcotic cough suppressant that works by suppressing the cough reflex in the brain.
Common side effects may include drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, and difficulty urinating.
Follow the directions on your prescription label. Take the medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually every 4 to 6 hours as needed. Do not exceed the recommended dosage. It is important to drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication to prevent dehydration.
Promethazine/Phenylephrine/Codeine should not be used in children below the age of 12 years. It can cause serious side effects, including slowed or difficult breathing, in children below this age group.
There are many drugs that may interact with Promethazine/Phenylephrine/Codeine, including other medications that cause drowsiness, tranquilizers, sedatives, and certain antidepressants. It is important to inform your doctor about all the medications you are currently taking to prevent any potential interactions.
You should avoid alcohol while taking this medication as it can increase the side effects of drowsiness and dizziness. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery until you know how this medication affects you. This medication may also interact with certain medical conditions, so it is important to inform your doctor about any underlying health conditions.
Codeine, one of the components of this medication, has the potential for abuse and can be habit-forming. It should be used only as directed and for the prescribed duration. Do not stop using this medication suddenly without consulting your doctor.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Warning
WARNING: Taking promethazine/phenylephrine/codeine with other medications that may also cause drowsiness or breathing problems may increase your risk of very serious side effects, including death. To lower your risk, your doctor should have you take the smallest dose of promethazine/phenylephrine/codeine that works, and take it for the shortest possible time. See also Drug Interactions section. Get medical help right away if any of these very serious side effects occur: slow/shallow breathing, unusual lightheadedness, severe drowsiness/dizziness, difficulty waking up.
Disclaimer
IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.
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