$Unique_ID{BRK03287} $Pretitle{} $Title{phenylephrine, promethazine, and codeine combination} $Subject{Phenazine VC Codeine Halsey Phenergan Wyeth-Ayerst Prometh Adrenergic decongestant antihistamine cough suppressant phenylephrine promethazine codeine coughs colds minor upper respiratory tract infections allergy constrict blood vessels nasal passages swelling congestion histamine allergic reaction cough reflex center brain narcotic} $Volume{} $Log{} Copyright (C) 1993 Publications International, Ltd. phenylephrine, promethazine, and codeine combination ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ BRAND NAMES (Manufacturers) Phenazine VC with Codeine (Halsey) Phenergan VC with Codeine (Wyeth-Ayerst) Prometh VC with Codeine (various manufacturers) TYPE OF DRUG Adrenergic (decongestant), antihistamine, and cough suppressant combination INGREDIENTS phenylephrine, promethazine, and codeine DOSAGE FORM Oral syrup (5 mg phenylephrine, 6.25 mg promethazine, and 10 mg codeine per 5-ml spoonful, with 7% alcohol) STORAGE Phenylephrine, promethazine, and codeine combination should be stored at room temperature (never frozen) in a tightly closed, light-resistant container. USES This combination medication is used to provide symptomatic relief of coughs due to colds, minor upper respiratory tract infections, and allergy. Phenylephrine belongs to a group of drugs known as adrenergic agents (decongestants), which constrict blood vessels in the nasal passages to reduce swelling and congestion. Promethazine belongs to a group of drugs known as antihistamines, which block the actions of histamine, a chemical released by the body during an allergic reaction. It is used to relieve or prevent symptoms of allergy. Codeine is a narcotic cough suppressant that acts on the cough reflex center in the brain. TREATMENT To avoid stomach upset, take this medication with food, milk, or water (unless your doctor directs otherwise). The oral syrup should be shaken well just before measuring each dose. The contents tend to settle on the bottom of the bottle, so it is necessary to shake the container to distribute the ingredients evenly and equalize the doses. Each dose should then be measured carefully with a specially designed 5-ml measuring spoon. If you miss a dose of this medication, take the missed dose as soon as possible, unless it is almost time for your next dose. In that case, do not take the missed dose at all; just return to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the next dose. SIDE EFFECTS Minor. Blurred vision, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, dry mouth, heartburn, insomnia, loss of appetite, confusion, nasal congestion, nausea, nervousness, rash, restlessness, sweating, vomiting, or weakness. These side effects should disappear as your body adjusts to the medication. This medication can cause increased sensitivity to sunlight. It is, therefore, important to avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight and sunlamps. Wear protective clothing, and use an effective sunscreen. If you are constipated, increase the amount of fiber in your diet (fresh fruits and vegetables, salads, bran, and whole-grain breads), exercise, and drink more water (unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise). Chew sugarless gum or suck on ice chips or a piece of hard candy to reduce mouth dryness. If you feel dizzy or light-headed, sit or lie down for a while; get up slowly from a sitting or reclining position, and be careful on stairs. In order to avoid difficulty in falling asleep, check with your doctor to see if you can take the last dose of this medication several hours before bedtime each day. Major. Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or particularly bothersome. IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about convulsions, difficult or painful urination, difficulty in breathing, disturbed coordination, excitation, fainting, headaches, muscle spasms, nightmares, nosebleeds, severe abdominal pain, or sore throat or fever. INTERACTIONS This medication interacts with other types of drugs: 1. Concurrent use of this medication with central nervous system depressants (such as alcohol, barbiturates, benzodiazepine tranquilizers, muscle relaxants, narcotics, pain medications, and phenothiazine tranquilizers) or with tricyclic antidepressants can cause extreme drowsiness. 2. This medication can decrease the effectiveness of amphetamines, guanethidine, anticonvulsants, and levodopa. 3. The side effects of monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors (isocarboxazid, pargyline, phenelzine, or tranylcypromine and tricyclic antidepressants may also be increased. At least 14 days should separate the use of this drug and the use of an MAO inhibitor. BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any medications you are currently taking, especially those listed above. WARNINGS * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to any medications, especially to promethazine or other antihistamines (such as azatadine, brompheniramine, carbinoxamine, clemastine, cyproheptadine, chlorpheniramine, dexbrompheniramine, dimenhydrinate, diphenhydramine, diphenylpyraline, doxylamine, hydroxyzine, pyrilamine, trimeprazine, tripelennamine, and triprolidine); to phenothiazine tranquilizers, phenylephrine, or other adrenergic agents (such as albuterol, amphetamines, ephedrine, epinephrine, isoproterenol, metaproterenol, norepinephrine, pseudoephedrine, phenylpropanolamine, and terbutaline); or to codeine or any other narcotic cough suppressant or pain medication. * Tell your doctor if you now have or if you have ever had asthma, brain disease, blockage of the urinary or digestive tract, diabetes mellitus, colitis, gallbladder disease, glaucoma, heart or blood vessel disease, high blood pressure, kidney disease, liver disease, lung disease, peptic ulcers, enlarged prostate gland, or thyroid disease. * This medication can cause drowsiness. Your ability to perform tasks that require alertness, such as driving a car or operating potentially dangerous machinery, may be decreased. Appropriate caution should, therefore, be taken. * Because this product contains codeine, there is a potential for abuse, so it must be used with caution. This medication usually should not be taken for longer than ten days at a time since a tolerance may develop quickly. Do not increase the dosage unless you first consult your doctor. * Before having surgery or any other medical or dental treatment, be sure to tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medication. * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant. The effects of this medication during the early stages of pregnancy have not been thoroughly studied in humans. However, regular use of codeine during the later stages of pregnancy may lead to addiction of the fetus, resulting in withdrawal symptoms (irritability, excessive crying, tremors, fever, vomiting, diarrhea, sneezing, or excessive yawning) in the newborn infant. Also, tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding an infant. Small amounts of this medication pass into breast milk and may cause unusual excitement or irritability in nursing infants. ---------------- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical problem.