diphenhydramine, hydrocodone, and phenylephrine
Generic Name: diphenhydramine, hydrocodone, and phenylephrine (dye fen HYE dra meen, hye droe KOE dohn, feh nill EH frin)
Brand Names: Endal HD, Tussinate
What is diphenhydramine, hydrocodone, and phenylephrine?
Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine. It blocks the effects of the naturally occurring chemical
histamine in the body and reduces congestion.
Hydrocodone 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 the body. Constriction of blood vessels in the sinuses and nose decreases congestion.
Diphenhydramine, hydrocodone, and phenylephrine is used to treat cough and nasal congestion
associated with upper respiratory tract infections and allergies.
Diphenhydramine, hydrocodone, and phenylephrine may also be used for purposes other than
those listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about
diphenhydramine, hydrocodone, and phenylephrine?
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities.
Diphenhydramine, hydrocodone, and phenylephrine 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
diphenhydramine, hydrocodone, and phenylephrine.
Diphenhydramine, hydrocodone, and phenylephrine may increase the effects of other drugs that
cause drowsiness, including antidepressants, alcohol, antihistamines, sedatives (used to treat insomnia),
pain relievers, anxiety medicines, seizure medicines, and muscle relaxants. Tell your doctor about all
medicines that you are taking, and do not take any other medicine without first talking to your doctor.
Hydrocodone is habit forming. It is possible become physically and/or psychologically
dependent on the medication. Do not take more than the prescribed amount of medication or take it
for longer than is directed by your doctor. Withdrawal effects may occur if diphenhydramine,
hydrocodone, and phenylephrine is stopped suddenly after several weeks of continuous use. Your
doctor may recommend a gradual reduction in dose.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking
diphenhydramine, hydrocodone, and phenylephrine?
Do not take diphenhydramine, hydrocodone, and phenylephrine if you have taken a monoamine
oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine
(Parnate) in the last 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur, leading to serious side effects.
Before taking diphenhydramine, hydrocodone, and phenylephrine, 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 diphenhydramine, hydrocodone, and
phenylephrine, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you
have any of the conditions listed above.
Diphenhydramine, hydrocodone, and phenylephrine is in the FDA pregnancy category C.
This means that it is not known whether diphenhydramine, hydrocodone, and phenylephrine will be
harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take diphenhydramine, hydrocodone, and phenylephrine without
first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether diphenhydramine, hydrocodone, and phenylephrine passes into
breast milk. Do not take diphenhydramine, hydrocodone, and phenylephrine 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
diphenhydramine, hydrocodone, and phenylephrine. Your doctor may prescribe a lower dose of this
medication.
How should I take diphenhydramine, hydrocodone, and phenylephrine?
Take diphenhydramine, hydrocodone, and phenylephrine 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.
Diphenhydramine, hydrocodone, and phenylephrine can be taken with or without food.
To ensure that you get a correct dose, measure the liquid form of diphenhydramine,
hydrocodone, and phenylephrine 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 diphenhydramine, hydrocodone, and phenylephrine 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 if an overdose is suspected.
Symptoms of a diphenhydramine, hydrocodone, and phenylephrine overdose may 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 diphenhydramine, hydrocodone, and
phenylephrine?
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities.
Diphenhydramine, hydrocodone, and phenylephrine 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
diphenhydramine, hydrocodone, and phenylephrine.
Diphenhydramine, hydrocodone, and phenylephrine may increase the effects of other drugs that
cause drowsiness, including antidepressants, alcohol, antihistamines, sedatives (used to treat insomnia),
pain relievers, anxiety medicines, seizure medicines, and muscle relaxants. Tell your doctor about all
medicines that you are taking, and do not take any other medicine without first talking to your doctor.
What are the possible side effects of diphenhydramine, hydrocodone, and
phenylephrine?
If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking diphenhydramine,
hydrocodone, and phenylephrine and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor
immediately:
-
an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat;
swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives); or
-
confusion, hallucinations, or unusual behavior.
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to
take diphenhydramine, hydrocodone, and phenylephrine and talk to your doctor if you experience
-
dizziness, drowsiness, or sleepiness;
-
restlessness or irritability;
-
blurred vision;
-
constipation;
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dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, or decreased appetite;
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muscle twitches;
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sweating;
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itching;
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decreased urination;
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increased sensitivity to sunlight.
Hydrocodone is habit forming. It is possible become physically and/or
psychologically dependent on the medication. Do not take more than the prescribed amount of
medication or take it for longer than is directed by your doctor. Withdrawal effects may occur if
diphenhydramine, hydrocodone, and phenylephrine is stopped suddenly after several weeks of
continuous use. Your doctor may recommend a gradual reduction in 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 diphenhydramine, hydrocodone, and
phenylephrine?
Do not take diphenhydramine, hydrocodone, and phenylephrine if you have taken a monoamine
oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine
(Parnate) in the last 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur, leading to serious side effects.
Diphenhydramine, hydrocodone, and phenylephrine 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 without first talking to your doctor.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with diphenhydramine, hydrocodone, and
phenylephrine. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter
medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.
Where can I get more information?
-
Your pharmacist has more information about diphenhydramine, hydrocodone, and
phenylephrine written for health professionals that you may read.
What does my medicine look like?
Diphenhydramine, hydrocodone, and phenylephrine is available with a prescription under the
brand name Endal HD. 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: 2.01. Revision Date: 11/1/04 1:46:25 PM.
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