• Basic Info
• Top Questions

What is this medicine?

CODEINE; PROMETHAZINE (KOE deen; proe METH a zeen) is a cough suppressant and an antihistamine. It helps to stop or reduce coughing due to colds or allergies. This medicine will not treat an infection.

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:

• asthma
• glaucoma
• head injury
• difficulty passing urine
• other chronic illness
• seizure disorder
• sleep apnea
• stomach ulcer
• an allergic or unusual reaction to codeine, promethazine, phenothiazines, other 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 full glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Use a specially marked spoon or container to measure your medicine. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have one. Household spoons are not accurate. Take this medicine with food or milk if it upsets your stomach. Take your doses at regular times. Do not take more medicine than directed.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for selected conditions, precautions do apply. This medicine is not approved for use in children less than 6 years old. Certain formulations of this medicine are also not approved for use in adolescents less than 16 years old.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

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:

• disopyramide
• risperidone

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• any alcohol containing product
• barbiturate medicines for inducing sleep or treating seizures
• medicines for colds or allergies
• MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate
• some medicines for depression, anxiety, or other mental disturbances
• some medicines for pain
• sleeping pills or tranquilizers

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 have a high fever, skin rash, or headache, see your health care professional.

If you are diabetic, check your blood sugar levels regularly.

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.

This medicine can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.

Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water may help. Contact your doctor if the problem does not go away or is severe.

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.