Chlorpheniramine and codeine

What is Chlorpheniramine and codeine?

Chlorpheniramine acts as an antihistamine. Codeine is an opiate cough suppressant. A combination medicine that contains codeine and chlorpheniramine is used to treat allergies, colds, or coughs caused by runny noses and recurrent hives. This medication guide does not list all possible uses for chlorpheniramine or codeine.

Side effects of Chlorpheniramine and codeine

If you experience any of the following signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction: difficulty breathing, hives or any swelling on lips, face, tongue or throat - seek medical assistance immediately! Opioids medication may cause your breathing to slow or stop altogether. Death may result. If you have long pauses in your breathing, blue lips, or are unable to wake up, someone caring for you needs to seek immediate medical attention.

Chlorpheniramine can cause serious side effects. If you experience:

• Sighing, noisy breathing, shallow respiration or breathing that suddenly stops while sleeping are common indicators that you are suffering from chronic sinusitis or another respiratory disorder.
• Confusion, severe drowsiness,
• A feeling of lightheadedness, as if you could pass out.
• Constipation is severe.
• Adrenal gland problems: nausea, vomiting, weakness, fatigue, and feeling dizzy or weak.

If you experience symptoms of serotonin disorder, including agitation or hallucinations, a rapid heartbeat, muscle stiffness, and twitching, The risk of serious side effects is higher in elderly adults and debilitated individuals.

Some of the common side effects associated with chlorpheniramine or codeine include:

• Dizziness, drowsiness, feeling light-headed;
• Feeling short of breath
• Lack of energy and confusion are two common symptoms.
• Feeling nervous, irritable, or restless
• Sleep problems
• Headache and vision problems
• Tremors and coordination problems
• Dry mouth
• Sweating;
• Nausea, vomiting, constipation, stomach pain, and bloating.

There may be other side effects. Call your physician immediately if experiencing side effects; to report these events to the FDA directly call 1-800-FDA-1088 or submit a Form 1088 online.

Warnings

Misusing this medication may result in addiction, overdose and even death. Store the medicine in a safe place that others cannot reach. Do not give this medicine to anyone who is younger than 12 or has recently undergone surgery to remove tonsils or adenoids. You can experience fatal side effects if you combine this medication with alcohol or other drugs that make you drowsy or slow down your breathing.

Before you take this drug

If you have an allergy to codeine or chlorpheniramine, then you should avoid using chlorpheniramine. This medicine may not work for you if:

• Asthma or other breathing problems can be severe.
• Stomach or obstruction.

You should not take this medication if you've taken an MAO inhibitor in the last 14 days. Drug interactions can occur. MAO inhibitors are isocarboxazid linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, transylcypromine, and others. Anyone younger than 12 is not approved to use codeine. Do not give this medicine to anyone under 18 who has recently had surgery for the removal of tonsils or adenoids.

If you have had any of the following:

• Sleep apnea, breathing problems;
• If you have a cough that is mucus-related or if it's caused by smoking or chronic lung disease, then this phrase would be appropriate.
• A blockage of the intestines or stomach;
• Glaucoma;
• Urination problems, an enlarged prostate
• You may have problems with your adrenal glands, thyroid, or pancreas.
• A seizure or head injury;
• Liver or kidney disease
• Low blood pressure
• Alcoholism or drug abuse.

Your baby may develop withdrawal symptoms after birth if you use codeine while pregnant. Babies who are born addicted to habit-forming medicines may require medical treatment for a few weeks. Do not breastfeed. Codine can pass through breast milk, causing drowsiness or breathing problems in nursing babies.

How to take Chlorpheniramine and codeine?

Read all the instructions on the label of your medication and follow them. Do not use more than the prescribed dose or for longer. Cold and cough medicines should only be used for a short time until symptoms have cleared up. Do not share this medication with anyone, especially if they have a history of drug abuse. Misuse can lead to addiction, overdose, or death. Store the medicine away from others. It is illegal to sell or give away codeine and chlorpheniramine. Before measuring a dose, shake the suspension. Measuring liquid medicine is important. Use the provided dosing device or a dose-measuring tool (not a spoon). Tell your doctor or surgeon, if you've taken this medication within the last few days, if you are going to need medical testing or surgery. If your cough doesn't improve within 5 days or you experience a headache, fever, or rash, call your doctor. Store away from moisture or heat at room temperature. Track your medication. Be aware of anyone who is misusing your medicine or using it without a valid prescription. Keep leftover opioid medications out of the reach of children. One dose of this medication can be fatal for someone who uses it incorrectly or accidentally. You should ask your pharmacist about a drug disposal program. If there isn't a take-back programme available, place the remaining medicine in a plastic bag with coffee grounds or cat litter. Then throw it in the garbage.

Details on dosage

Adult dose for Allergic Rhinitis:

Immediate-release (suspension, liquid, tablets):
Take 1 dose every 4 to 6 hours as needed.
Chlorpheniramine: single dose can range between 4 mg to 24 mg every 24 hours; maximum daily dosage limit 24 mg.Codeine can be taken in doses up to 20 mg at one time; maximum daily dosage: 120 mg.The maximum dose should not exceed the maximum dose for either single-ingredient dose.
Extended-release suspension (codeine polistirex/chlorpheniramine maleate): 2.8 mg/14.7% of the chlorpheniramine in 5 ml.
Orally, 10 ml every 12 hours
Maximum dose: 20 ml/24 hours
Comments:
Liquid preparations must be accurately measured using a millilitre measuring tool.
Shake oral suspensions thoroughly before measuring the dose.
Uses: Temporary relief of cough caused by minor throat or bronchial irritations, such as those that may be associated with a common cold, or inhaled irritants. Also, it temporarily reduces runny or watery noses and reduces itching, sneezing, and sneezing of the nose, throat, or eyes due to allergies or hay fever.

Adult dose for nasal congestion and cough:

Immediate-release (suspension, liquid, tablets):
Take 1 dose every 4 to 6 hours as needed.
Chlorpheniramine: single dose: up to 4 mg; maximum dose: 24 mg/24 hours
Codeine: single dose: up to 20 mg; maximum dose: 120 mg/24 hours
The maximum dose of any single ingredient should not exceed the maximum dose.
Extended-release suspension: chlorpheniramine polistirex, 2.8 mg/codeine maleate, 4 mg/codeine, 20 mg per five ml.
Orally, 10 ml every 12 hours
Maximum dose: 20 ml/24 hours
Comments:
Liquid preparations must be accurately measured using a millilitre measuring tool.
Shake oral suspensions thoroughly before measuring the dose.
Uses: Temporary relief of cough caused by minor throat or bronchial irritations, such as those that may be associated with a common cold, or inhaled irritants. Also, it temporarily reduces sneezing and reduces itching, sneezing, and watery, itchy eyes from hay fever and other upper respiratory allergies.

What happens if I miss the dose?

You may not have a schedule for your dosage because codeine and chlorpheniramine are used as needed. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip any missed ones and wait.Never take two doses in one go. Take extended-release chlorpheniramine or codeine no more than twice in 24 hours.

What happens if I overdose?

Call the Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-1222 or seek emergency medical care. Codeine overdoses can be deadly, especially for children or others who use the drug without a prescription.

What should be avoided?

Don't drink alcohol. Side effects and death can occur. Do not drive or engage in any hazardous activities until you have experienced the effects of chlorpheniramine. You may feel dizzy if you get up quickly from a seated or lying position. Dizziness and fatigue may result in accidents that lead to serious injuries.

Interaction with other drug

If you stop or start taking certain medicines, you may experience breathing problems or withdrawal. You should tell your doctor if other medications, such as an antifungal, blood pressure or heart medication, seizure medicine, HIV/hepatitis C medication, or medication to treat HIV/hepatitis C, are also being taken.

Opioid medications can interact with other drugs, causing dangerous side effects and even death. Tell your doctor if you use:

• Cold or allergy medicine, bronchodilator asthma/COPD medications, or diuretic (water pill);
• Medicines for motion sickness or irritable intestinal syndrome
• Other narcotics—opioid prescription cough medicine or pain medication;
• A sedative such as Valium—diazepam (alprazolam), lorazepam (lorazepam), Xanax (Klonopin), Versed, and others.
• Sleeping pills, muscle relaxants, medications to treat mental or mood disorders or drugs which help relax breathing are among the many medicines and substances which may slow breathing down and may aid sleep.
• Drugs that increase serotonin in the body, such as stimulants, medicines for depression, Parkinson’s disease, or migraine headaches

This list is incomplete, and other drugs can also interact with chlorpheniramine or codeine. This list may include over-the-counter and prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal products that could interact. Please keep in mind this may not include all potential drug interactions.