chlorpheniramine and codeine
Generic Name: chlorpheniramine and codeine (klor fen near A mean and ko deen)
Brand Names: Codeprex
What is chlorpheniramine and codeine?
Chlorpheniramine is an antihistamine. It blocks the effects of the naturally occurring chemical
histamine in the body. Chlorpheniramine prevents sneezing; itchy, watery eyes and nose; and other
symptoms of allergies and colds.
Codeine is a pain reliever and a cough suppressant. It suppresses an area in the brain that
causes coughing.
Chlorpheniramine and codeine are used together to treat nasal congestion and coughs
associated with allergies and the common cold.
Chlorpheniramine and codeine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this
medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about
chlorpheniramine and codeine?
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities.
chlorpheniramine and codeine 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
chlorpheniramine and codeine.
Do not take more of this medication than is recommended. If your symptoms do not improve,
or if they worsen, talk to your doctor.
Codeine may be habit forming. Physical and/or psychological dependence can occur, and
withdrawal effects are possible if the medication is stopped suddenly after prolonged or high-dose
treatment. Do not stop taking chlorpheniramine and codeine suddenly without first talking to your
doctor if you have been taking it continuously for more than 5 to 7 days. Your doctor may want to
gradually reduce the dose.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking
chlorpheniramine and codeine?
Do not take chlorpheniramine and codeine without first talking to your doctor if you have
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an allergy to codeine, morphine, or other narcotic medications;
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kidney disease;
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liver disease;
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diabetes;
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glaucoma;
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a head injury;
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heart disease or high blood pressure;
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intestinal problems;
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Addison's disease;
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thyroid disease;
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asthma or lung disease; or
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difficulty urinating or have an enlarged prostate.
You may not be able to take chlorpheniramine and codeine, or you may
require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions
listed above.
Chlorpheniramine and codeine is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is
not known whether it will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take chlorpheniramine and codeine
without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether chlorpheniramine and codeine passes into breast milk. Do not take
this medication 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
chlorpheniramine and codeine. Your doctor may prescribe a lower dose of the medication.
How should I take chlorpheniramine and codeine?
Take chlorpheniramine and codeine exactly as directed. If you do not understand these
directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Shake the liquid form of chlorpheniramine and codeine well before measuring a dose. To
ensure that you get a correct dose, measure the suspension with a dose-measuring spoon, dropper, or
cup, not a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where
you can get one.
Do not mix the suspension with any other liquid before taking it. Mixing it with another
liquid may change the way the medication is absorbed in the body.
Chlorpheniramine and codeine can be taken with food if stomach upset occurs.
Do not take more of this medication than is recommended. An overdose of this medication
can cause serious harm.
Codeine may be habit forming. Physical and/or psychological dependence can occur, and
withdrawal effects are possible if the medication is stopped suddenly after prolonged or high-dose
treatment. Do not stop taking chlorpheniramine and codeine suddenly without first talking to your
doctor if you have been taking it continuously for more than 5 to 7 days. Your doctor may want to
gradually reduce the dose.
Store chlorpheniramine and codeine 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.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.
Symptoms of a chlorpheniramine and codeine overdose may include severe drowsiness,
dizziness, headache, seizures, dry mouth, cold and clammy skin, flushing, large pupils, nausea, vomiting,
difficulty or decreased breathing, blue colored skin, and unconsciousness.
What should I avoid while taking chlorpheniramine and codeine?
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities.
Chlorpheniramine and codeine 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
chlorpheniramine and codeine.
Chlorpheniramine and codeine side effects
If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking chlorpheniramine and
codeine and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:
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an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat;
swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives); or
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confusion, hallucinations, or unusual behavior.
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to
take chlorpheniramine and codeine and talk to your doctor if you experience
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dizziness, drowsiness, or sleepiness;
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restlessness or irritability;
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blurred vision;
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constipation;
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dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, or decreased appetite;
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muscle twitches;
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sweating; or
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itching.
Codeine may be habit forming. Physical and/or psychological
dependence can occur, and withdrawal effects are possible if the medication is stopped suddenly after
prolonged or high-dose treatment. Do not stop taking chlorpheniramine and codeine suddenly without
first talking to your doctor if you have been taking it continuously for more than 5 to 7 days. Your
doctor may want to gradually reduce the dose.
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 chlorpheniramine and codeine?
Do not take other over-the-counter cough, cold, allergy, diet, or sleep aids while taking
chlorpheniramine and codeine without first talking to your doctor or pharmacist. Other medications may
also contain chlorpheniramine, codeine, or other similar drugs. You may accidentally take too much of
these medicines.
Chlorpheniramine and codeine may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness,
including antidepressants, alcohol, other antihistamines, pain relievers, anxiety medicines, seizure
medicines, and muscle relaxants. Dangerous sedation, dizziness, or drowsiness may occur if
chlorpheniramine and codeine is taken with any of these medications.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with chlorpheniramine and codeine. Talk to
your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including
herbal products.
Where can I get more information?
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Your pharmacist has additional information about chlorpheniramine and codeine written for
health professionals that you may read.
What does my medication look like?
Chlorpheniramine and codeine is available with a prescription under the brand name Codeprex.
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.
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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: 1.01. Revision Date: 7/12/04 4:06:47 PM.
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