Type of medicine: antihistamine; antitussive (cough suppressant)
Generic and brand names: promethazine with codeine, oral; Prometh with Codeine
This medicine is taken by mouth to relieve coughs due to allergies or the common cold. This medicine contains codeine, a narcotic and promethazine, an antihistamine.
Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval. Note that this medicine may cause false readings of some pregnancy tests.
Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. Take this medicine exactly as your healthcare provider prescribes. Do not take more of it or take it longer than prescribed. Taking too much of this medicine can make you very drowsy and may be habit-forming.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your healthcare provider.
If you or anyone else has intentionally taken too much of this medicine, call 911 or go to the emergency room right away. If you pass out, have seizures, weakness or confusion, or have trouble breathing, call 911. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning. The poison control center number is 800-222-1222.
Symptoms of an acute overdose may include: drowsiness, slow breathing, fast heartbeat, seizures, dry mouth, large pupils, flushing, dizziness, weakness, fainting, lightheadedness, nausea, stomach pain, coma.
Do not give a child under age 6 any cough and cold medicines unless specifically instructed to do so by your healthcare provider. Talk with your healthcare provider about this.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are taking this medicine.
This medicine may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or blurred vision. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are fully alert and can see clearly.
You may feel dizzy or faint when you get up quickly after sitting or lying down. Getting up slowly may help.
This medicine increases the effects of alcohol and other drugs that slow down your nervous system. Do not drink alcohol or take other medicines unless your healthcare provider approves.
This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to the sun and may cause you to sunburn more easily. While you are taking this medicine, avoid long exposure to the sun. While you are in the sun, wear protective clothing and sunscreen lotion until you know how you will react to the sun. Do not use a sunlamp. If you get a severe sunburn, contact your healthcare provider right away.
Adult over the age of 65 may be at greater risk for side effects. Talk with your healthcare provider about this.
This medicine may make you constipated. You may need to use a laxative or stool softener while taking this medicine. Talk with your healthcare provider or pharmacist about this.
This medicine is a controlled substance. It is illegal for you to give it to anyone else.
Diabetics: This medicine may affect your blood sugar level and change the amount of insulin or other diabetes medicines you may need. Talk with your healthcare provider about this.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away. If you are unable to reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives, itching, rash, tightness in your chest, trouble breathing, swelling of your lips, tongue or throat).
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Involuntary tongue or facial movements, trouble breathing, muscle twitching, rapid or irregular heartbeat, fainting, trouble urinating, severe drowsiness, seizures.
Other: Drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, constipation, sensitivity to sunlight.
When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:
Do not drink alcohol while taking this medicine.
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
