M-Phen
Generic Name: codeine, phenylephrine, and promethazine (KOE deen, phen ill EFF rin, and pro METH ah zeen)
Brand Names: M-Phen, Phenergan VC with Codeine
What is M-Phen (codeine, phenylephrine, and promethazine)?
Codeine is a narcotic. It is a pain reliever and a cough suppressant.
Phenylephrine is a decongestant. It works by constricting (shrinking) blood vessels (veins
and arteries) in your body. Constriction of blood vessels in your sinuses and nose decreases
congestion.
Promethazine is an antihistamine. It blocks the effects of the naturally occurring chemical
histamine in your body.
Codeine, phenylephrine, and promethazine is used to treat symptoms such as itching,
runny nose; sneezing; congestion; and coughing due to allergies or the common cold.
Codeine, phenylephrine, and promethazine may also be used for purposes other than those
listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about M-Phen (codeine, phenylephrine, and promethazine)?
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous
activities. Codeine, phenylephrine, and promethazine may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you
experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.
Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while taking
codeine, phenylephrine, and promethazine.
Who should not take M-Phen (codeine, phenylephrine, and promethazine)?
Do not take codeine, phenylephrine, and promethazine if you have taken a monoamine
oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or
tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days. A very dangerous drug interaction could occur,
leading to serious side effects.
Before taking codeine, phenylephrine, and promethazine, tell your doctor if you have
-
epilepsy or another seizure disorder;
-
been diagnosed with sleep apnea (periods of not breathing
during sleep);
-
thyroid problems;
-
asthma;
-
gallbladder disease;
-
a head injury;
-
Addison's disease;
-
diabetes;
-
glaucoma;
-
an ulcer or an obstruction in the stomach;
-
bladder problems or difficulty urinating;
-
an enlarged prostate;
-
high blood pressure, irregular heartbeats, or any type of
heart disease;
-
kidney problems; or
-
liver problems.
You may not be able to take codeine, phenylephrine, and
promethazine, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if
you have any of the conditions listed above.
Codeine, phenylephrine, and promethazine is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This
means that it is not known whether codeine, phenylephrine, and promethazine will harm an
unborn baby. Do not take codeine, phenylephrine, and promethazine without first talking to your
doctor if you are pregnant or if you are planning a pregnancy.
It is not known whether codeine, phenylephrine, and promethazine passes into breast
milk. Do not take codeine, phenylephrine, and promethazine without first talking to your doctor
if you are breast-feeding a baby.
If you are over 60 years of age, you may be more likely to experience side effects
from codeine, phenylephrine, and promethazine. You may require a lower dose of this
medication.
The safety of codeine, phenylephrine, and promethazine for children younger than 2
years of age has not been established.
How should I take M-Phen (codeine, phenylephrine, and promethazine)?
Take codeine, phenylephrine, and promethazine exactly as directed by your doctor. If you
do not understand the directions on your prescription bottle, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or
doctor to explain the instructions to you.
Codeine, phenylephrine, and promethazine can be taken with or without food.
To ensure that you get a correct dose, measure the liquid form of codeine, phenylephrine,
and promethazine with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not with a regular table spoon. If
you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one.
Store codeine, phenylephrine, and promethazine at room temperature away from
moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next
dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention.
Symptoms of a codeine, phenylephrine, and promethazine overdose include severe
drowsiness, dizziness, headache, seizures, dry mouth, cold and clammy skin, flushing, nausea,
vomiting, difficulty or decreased breathing, and unconsciousness.
What should I avoid while taking M-Phen (codeine, phenylephrine, and promethazine)?
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous
activities. Codeine, phenylephrine, and promethazine may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you
experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.
Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while taking
codeine, phenylephrine, and promethazine.
Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight. Codeine, phenylephrine, and promethazine
may increase the sensitivity of your skin to sunlight. Use a sunscreen and wear protective
clothing when exposure to the sun is unavoidable.
M-Phen (codeine, phenylephrine, and promethazine) side effects
If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking codeine,
phenylephrine, and promethazine and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor
immediately:
-
an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat;
swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
-
uncontrollable movements of your eyes, lips, tongue, face,
arms, or legs; or
-
confusion, hallucinations, or unusual behavior.
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue
to take codeine, phenylephrine, and promethazine and talk to your doctor if you experience
-
dizziness, drowsiness, or sleepiness;
-
restlessness or irritability;
-
blurred vision;
-
constipation;
-
dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, or decreased appetite;
-
muscle twitches;
-
sweating;
-
itching;
-
decreased urination;
-
increased sensitivity to sunlight.
Codeine may be habit forming.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any
side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
What other drugs will affect M-Phen (codeine, phenylephrine, and promethazine)?
Do not take codeine, phenylephrine, and promethazine if you have taken a monoamine
oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or
tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days. A very dangerous drug interaction could occur,
leading to serious side effects.
Codeine, phenylephrine, and promethazine may increase the effects of other drugs that
cause drowsiness, including antidepressants, alcohol, sedatives (used to treat insomnia), pain
relievers, anxiety medicines, and muscle relaxants. Tell your doctor about all medicines that you
are taking, and do not take any medicine unless your doctor approves.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with codeine, phenylephrine, and
promethazine. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or
over-the-counter medicines.
Where can I get more information?
-
Your pharmacist has more information about codeine, phenylephrine, and promethazine
written for health professionals that you may read.
What does my medicine look like?
Codeine, phenylephrine, and promethazine is available with a prescription generically and
under the brand names M-Phen and Phenergan VC with Codeine. Other brand or generic
formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this
medication, especially if it is new to you.
-
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share
your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed
- Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise.
Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides.
The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
Copyright 1996-2006 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 2.03. Revision Date: 2/13/04 4:04:24 PM.
Recent Drug Updates at Web Drug List
Acular Ophthalmic
All Clear AR Drops
Armour Thyroid
Candesartan/Hydrochlorothiazide
Delcort
Ferretts
Fleet Soflax Overnight Gelcaps
Guaifen-C
Myco Biotic II topical
Mycophenolate
|