What is this medicine?
CHLORPHENIRAMINE; DIHYDROCODEINE; PHENYLEPHRINE (klor fen IR a meen; dye hye droe KOE deen; fen il EF rin) is an antihistamine, cough suppressant, decongestant combination. It is used to treat cough and congestion. This medicine will not treat an infection.
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What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
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They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
-diabetes
-drug abuse or addiction
-glaucoma
-heart disease
-high blood pressure
-if you have taken an MAOI like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, or Parnate in last 14 days
-intestinal problems
-kidney disease
-liver disease
-lung or breathing disease, like asthma
-stomach ulcer
-thyroid disease
-trouble passing urine
-an unusual or allergic reaction to chlorpheniramine, codeine, dihydrocodeine, phenylephrine, other medicines, foods, dyes or preservatives
-pregnant or trying to get pregnant
-breast-feeding
How should I use this medicine?
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Take this medicine by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. Use a specially marked spoon or container to measure each dose. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have one. Household spoons are not accurate. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take it more often than directed.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 2 years old for selected conditions, precautions do apply. Do not give this medicine to children under 2 years old.
Patients over 60 years old may have a stronger reaction and need a smaller dose.
What if I miss a dose?
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If you 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 may interact with this medicine?
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Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:
-alcohol
-MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate
-stimulant medicines for attention disorders, weight loss, or to stay awake
This medicine may also interact with the following medications:
-antihistamines for allergy, cough and cold
-barbiturates like phenobarbital
-certain heart medicines like methyldopa, mecamylamine, reserpine
-medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances
-medicines for sleep
-muscle relaxants
-naltrexone
-narcotic medicines (opiates) for pain
-phenothiazines like chlorpromazine, mesoridazine, prochlorperazine, thioridazine
-tramadol
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
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Use exactly as directed by your doctor or health care professional. Do not take more than the recommended dose. You may develop tolerance to this medicine if you take it for a long time. Tolerance means that you will get less cough relief with time. Tell your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.
Do not suddenly stop taking your medicine because you may develop a severe reaction. Your body becomes used to the medicine. This does NOT mean you are addicted. Addiction is a behavior related to getting and using a drug for a nonmedical reason. If your doctor wants you to stop the medicine, the dose will be slowly lowered over time to avoid any side effects.
You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medicine. Avoid alcoholic drinks.
This medicine will cause constipation. Try to have a bowel movement at least every 2 to 3 days. If you do not have a bowel movement for 3 days, call your doctor or health care professional.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
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Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
-allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
-breathing problems
-changes in emotions or moods
-changes in vision
-confusion
-fast, irregular heartbeat
-feeling faint or lightheaded, falls
-hallucinations
-high or low blood pressure
-seizures
-trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
-constipation
-dry mouth, nose, or throat
-headache
-loss of appetite
-nausea, vomiting
-unusual sweating
-trouble sleeping
Where should I keep my medicine?
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Keep out of the reach of children. This medicine can be abused. Keep your medicine in a safe place to protect it from theft. Do not share this medicine with anyone. Selling or giving away this medicine is dangerous and against the law.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from light.
Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date. Discard unused medicine and used packaging carefully. Pets and children can be harmed if they find used or lost packages.
Information on use before, during and after pregnancy.
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FIRST Trimester
Class C - Animal studies have shown an adverse effect and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. OR No animal studies have been conducted and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.
SECOND Trimester
Class C - Animal studies have shown an adverse effect and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. OR No animal studies have been conducted and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.
THIRD Trimester
Class C - Animal studies have shown an adverse effect and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. OR No animal studies have been conducted and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.
