What is codeine and promethazine?
Codeine is a narcotic. It is a pain reliever and a cough suppressant.
Promethazine is an antihistamine. It blocks the effects of the naturally occurring chemical histamine in your body.
The combination of codeine and promethazine is used to treat cold or allergy symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, and cough.
Codeine and promethazine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about codeine and promethazine?
Tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions before you start taking this medication.
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to codeine or promethazine, or if you have asthma or other lung disease.
Codeine and promethazine may be habit-forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for. Keep the medication in a secure place where others cannot get to it.
Do not give this medication to a child without medical advice.
There are many other medicines that can cause interact with promethazine. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor. Keep a list of all your medicines and show it to any healthcare provider who treats you.
What should I discuss with my doctor before taking codeine and promethazine?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to codeine or promethazine, or if you have high blood pressure, a blood vessel disorder, or asthma.
Do not give this medication to a child without medical advice. Always ask a doctor before giving a cough or cold medicine to a child. Death can occur from the misuse of cough and cold medicines in very young children.
To make sure you can safely take codeine and promethazine, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:
epilepsy or other seizure disorder;
asthma, COPD, sleep apnea, or other breathing disorders;
glaucoma;
a stomach ulcer or digestive obstruction;
a weak immune system;
Addison's disease;
enlarged prostate, urination problems;
high or low blood pressure or heart disease;
liver or kidney disease;
underactive thyroid;
gallbladder disease; or
a head injury or brain tumor.
Codeine and promethazine may be habit forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for. Never share codeine and promethazine with another person, especially someone with a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medication in a place where others cannot get to it.
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether codeine and promethazine will harm an unborn baby. Codeine and promethazine may cause addiction or withdrawal symptoms in a newborn if the mother takes the medication during pregnancy. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using codeine and promethazine.
Codeine can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. The use of codeine by some nursing mothers may lead to life-threatening side effects in the baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.