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How should I take codeine and promethazine?

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Measure liquid medicine with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

Contact your doctor if your symptoms do not improve within a few days of using codeine and promethazine.

Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep track of how much of this medicine has been used. Codeine is a drug of abuse and you should be aware if any person in the household is using this medicine improperly or without a prescription.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. An overdose of this medication may fatal.

Overdose symptoms include dizziness, extreme drowsiness, dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, cold and clammy skin, weak pulse, shallow breathing, fainting, seizure (convulsions), or breathing that stops.

What should I avoid while taking codeine and promethazine?

This medication can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert. Avoid drinking alcohol, which can increase some of the side effects of codeine and promethazine. Tell your doctor if you regularly use other medicines that make you sleepy (such as cold or allergy medicine, other pain medicine, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, and medicine for seizures, depression, or anxiety). They can add to sleepiness caused by codeine and promethazine. Avoid exposure to sunlight or artificial UV rays (sunlamps or tanning beds). This medication can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight and sunburn may result. Use a sunscreen (minimum SPF 15) and wear protective clothing if you must be out in the sun.

What are the possible side effects of codeine and promethazine?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop using this medication and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• restless muscle movements in your eyes, tongue, jaw, or neck, tremor (uncontrolled shaking);

• shallow breathing, slow heartbeat;

• feeling like you might pass out;

• jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);

• confusion, agitation, hallucinations, unusual thoughts or behavior;

• seizure (convulsions);

• urinating less than usual or not at all; or

• fever, stiff muscles, confusion, sweating, fast or uneven heartbeats, rapid breathing.

Less serious side effects may include:

• dizziness, drowsiness, sleepiness;

• feeling restless, nervous, or anxious;

• blurred vision, ringing in your ears;

• constipation, mild nausea or vomiting;

• warmth, redness, or tingly feeling under your skin;

• sleep problems (insomnia);

• increased sweating;

• dry mouth; or

• mild skin rash.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect.

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