PROMETHAZINE CODEINE COUGH SYRUP

About promethazine / codeine

Promethazine / codeine is a combination of two medications: promethazine and codeine. Promethazine is a phenothiazine medication that blocks the signals in your brain and body causing you to experience cold and allergy symptoms like a runny nose and sneezing. Codeine is an opioid medication that works in your brain to lessen your urge to cough

Uses of  codeine syrup

• Respiratory symptoms caused by allergies or the common cold, including cough, runny nose, and sneezing

How to dose on codeine  

Adults over 18 years old: The typical dose is 5 mL (1 teaspoonful) by mouth every 4 to 6 hours as needed. Do not take more than 30 mL (6 teaspoonfuls) in a day.

Promethazine / codeine is not recommended for use in children under 18 years old

Things to know before taking codeine syrup

You should not use Promethazine with Codeine if you are allergic to codeine or promethazine, or if you have:

• asthma or severe breathing problems;
• a stomach or bowel obstruction (including paralytic ileus)
• narrow-angle glaucoma; or
• if you are unable to urinate.

Do not use this medicine if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine, and others.

Possible side effects of codeine and promethazine

Opioid medicine can slow or stop your breathing, and death may occur. A person caring for you should seek emergency medical attention if you have slow breathing with long pauses, blue colored lips, or if you are hard to wake up.

• noisy breathing, sighing, shallow breathing;
• extreme drowsiness, confusion, feeling weak or limp;
• uncontrolled muscle movements in your face, neck, arms, or legs;
• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
• a seizure;
• adrenal gland problems –nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, dizziness, worsening tiredness or weakness; or
• severe nervous system reaction –very stiff (rigid) muscles, high fever, sweating, confusion, fast or uneven heartbeats, tremors.

Common side effects may include:

• dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, constipation;
• confusion, dizziness, headache;
• drowsiness, lack of energy;
• tremors, coordination problems;
• feeling anxious, restless, nervous, or irritable;
• urination problems;
• sweating; or
• shortness of breath.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088