Chlorpheniramine Polistirex, Hydrocodone Polistirex Oral suspension

What is this medicine?

CHLORPHENIRAMINE; HYDROCODONE (klor fen IR a meen; hye droe KOE done) is a combination of an antihistamine and cough suppressant. It is used to treat the symptoms of allergies and colds.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• diabetes
• head injury
• intestine problems
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• other chronic illness
• trouble breathing
• an unusual or allergic reaction to chlorpheniramine, codeine, hydrocodone, other pain medicines, foods, dyes or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Shake well before using. Do not mix your dose with other fluids or medicines before you take it. Use a specially marked spoon or container to measure your medicine. Household spoons are not accurate. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. This medicine is not approved for use in children less than 6 years old.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• any product that contains alcohol

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• antihistamines for cold or allergy
• medicines for depression or other mental disturbances
• some medicines for anxiety or sleep
• some medicines for pain
• some medicines for Parkinson's disease
• some medicines for stomach problems

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Tell your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse. If you also have a high fever, skin rash, continuing headache, or sore throat, see your doctor. You may develop tolerance to this medicine if you take it for a long time. Tolerance means that you will get less cough relief with time.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medicine. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

The medicine will cause constipation. Try to have a bowel movement at least every 2 to 3 days. If you do not have a bowel movement for 3 days, call your doctor or health care professional.

This medicine may cause dry eyes and blurred vision. If you wear contact lenses you may feel some discomfort. Lubricating drops may help. See your eye doctor if the problem does not go away or is severe.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• breathing problems
• changes in vision
• chest tightness
• cold, clammy skin
• confusion, anxiety, fear
• trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine
• unusually slow heartbeat
• unusually weak or tired

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• constipation
• dry throat
• nausea, vomiting
• stomach upset

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children. This medicine can be abused. Keep this medicine in a safe place to protect it from theft. Do not share this medicine with anyone. Selling or giving away this medicine is dangerous and is against the law.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Do not freeze. Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

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.