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Chlorpheniramine; Codeine extended-release suspension

What is Chlorpheniramine; Codeine extended-release suspension?

CHLORPHENIRAMINE; CODEINE is a long-acting liquid medicine used to treat cough that may occur with throat irritation or the common cold, and symptoms of hay fever or allergies such as runny nose, sneezing, itching of the nose or throat, or itchy watery eyes.

NOTE: This drug is discontinued in the US.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • adrenal gland disease (i.e. Addison's disease)

  • bladder or kidney disease

  • constipation or frequent hard stools

  • diarrhea or frequent loose stools

  • drink alcohol-containing beverages

  • glaucoma

  • irregular heartbeat, such as too fast or slow

  • heart disease or heart failure

  • high or low blood pressure

  • liver disease

  • lung disease (for example: asthma, bronchitis, emphysema) or breathing difficulties

  • ulcers or other stomach problems

  • pain when you urinate or difficulty passing urine

  • prostate trouble

  • recent head injury

  • recent surgery

  • seizures or convulsions

  • thyroid disease

  • ulcerative colitis; irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or other bowel or intestinal disease

  • an unusual reaction to chlorpheniramine, codeine, morphine, methadone, medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

  • pregnant or trying to get pregnant

  • breast-feeding

How should this medicine be used?

Take Chlorpheniramine; Codeine oral suspension by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Use a specially marked spoon or container to measure your medicine. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have one; household spoons are not always accurate. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

Chlorpheniramine; Codeine may be taken with or without food. Do not mix with water or other liquids since it may change the way the medicine works. Shake well before using.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. Children less than 6 years of age should not receive Chlorpheniramine; Codeine.

Do not share this medicine with anyone. Keep out of reach of children.

What if I miss a dose?

If you are taking Chlorpheniramine; Codeine on a regular schedule and miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What drug(s) may interact with Chlorpheniramine; Codeine?

  • alcohol

  • barbiturate medicines for inducing sleep or treating seizures (convulsions)

  • buprenorphine

  • butorphanol

  • chloroquine

  • delavirdine

  • doxercalciferol

  • gefitinib

  • hyoscyamine

  • imatinib, STI-571

  • ipratropium

  • medicines for anxiety or sleeping problems, such as diazepam, temazepam, or zolpidem

  • medicines for diarrhea

  • medicines for hay fever or other allergies

  • medicines for inducing sleep for surgery (anesthetics)

  • medicines for mental depression

  • medicines for mental problems and psychotic disturbances

  • medicines for motion sickness (such as scopolamine)

  • certain medicines for pain (such as celecoxib, hydrocodone, meperidine, morphine, tramadol)

  • muscle relaxers

  • nalbuphine

  • nalmefene

  • naloxone or naltrexone

  • oxybutynin

  • pentazocine

  • phenytoin

  • procarbazine

  • propantheline

  • certain medicines to control the heart rhythm (amiodarone, disopyramide, propafenone, quinidine)

  • certain medicines for Parkinson's disease (amantadine, benztropine, entacapone, pramipexole, ropinirole, selegiline, tolcapone, trihexyphenidyl)

  • quinacrine

  • ritonavir

  • certain stimulants (i.e. amphetamine, dextroamphetamine)

  • tolterodine

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking Chlorpheniramine; Codeine?

Tell your prescriber or health care provider if your symptoms do not improve, or get worse.

Use exactly as directed by your prescriber or health care professional. If you are taking chlorpheniramine; codeine on a regular basis, do not suddenly stop taking it. Your body becomes used to the codeine and when you suddenly stop taking it, you may develop a severe reaction. This does not mean you are addicted to codeine. Addiction is a behavior related to getting and using a drug for a non-medical purpose.

You may get drowsy or dizzy when you first start taking chlorpheniramine; codeine. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Stand or sit up slowly, since this reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. These effects may be worse if you are an older patient. The drowsiness should decrease after taking chlorpheniramine; codeine for a couple of days.

Be careful taking other medicines which may also make you drowsy. This effect may be worse when taking these medicines with chlorpheniramine; codeine. Alcohol can increase possible drowsiness, dizziness, and confusion. It may also affect your breathing. Avoid alcohol while using chlorpheniramine; codeine.

Codeine may cause constipation. If your bowel movements decrease while taking chlorpheniramine; codeine, call your prescriber or health care professional. They may recommend using an enema or suppository to help you move your bowels.

Chlorpheniramine may cause dry eyes and blurred vision. If you wear contact lenses, you may feel some discomfort. Lubricating drops may help.

Your mouth may get dry. Drinking plenty of water, or chewing sugarless gum or ice may help relieve dry mouth symptoms.

If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking chlorpheniramine; codeine.

What side effects may I notice from receiving Chlorpheniramine; Codeine?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:

Rare or uncommon:

  • change in blood pressure

  • change in blood sugar

  • chest pain, palpitations, or irregular heartbeat

  • cold, clammy skin

  • depression

  • pain or difficulty passing urine

  • persistent or severe vomiting

  • severe constipation

  • severe rash, hives

  • seizures

  • wheezing, difficulty breathing

  • unusual bleeding, bruising, or fatigue

More common:

  • blurred vision

  • confusion

  • lightheadedness or fainting spells

  • nervousness, restlessness, or not able to sleep (more common in children)

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

  • constipation (mild to moderate)

  • diarrhea

  • dizziness

  • drowsiness

  • dry eyes, dry mouth

  • flushing

  • headache

  • increased or decreased appetite

  • nausea, vomiting (mild to moderate)

  • ringing in ears

  • stomach upset

  • sun sensitivity

  • sweating

  • tremor

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open. Do not share or give this medicine to anyone else. Avoid accidental swallowing of Chlorpheniramine; Codeine by someone (especially children) other than the person for whom it was prescribed as this may result in severe effects.

Protect from light. Store at room temperature not to exceed 25 degrees C (77 degrees F).