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Codeine and chlorpheniramine (Oral route)

Pronunciation:

KOE-deen FOS-fate, klor-fen-IR-a-meen MAL-ee-ate

Brand Names:

  • Cotab A
  • Cotab AX
  • EndaCof-C
  • Zodryl AC 25
  • Zodryl AC 30
  • Zodryl AC 35
  • Zodryl AC 40
  • Zodryl AC 50
  • Zodryl AC 60
  • Zodryl AC 80
  • Z-Tuss AC

Dosage Forms:

  • Tablet, Extended Release
  • Solution

Warnings:

Oral route(Tablet, Extended Release)

Addiction, Abuse, and MisuseCodeine phosphate/chlorpheniramine maleate extended-release tablet exposes patients and other users to the risks of opioid addiction, abuse, and misuse, which can lead to overdose and death. Reserve codeine phosphate/chlorpheniramine maleate extended-release tablets for use in adult patients for whom the benefits of cough suppression are expected to outweigh the risks, and in whom an adequate assessment of the etiology of the cough has been made. Assess each patient’s risk prior to prescribing codeine phosphate/chlorpheniramine maleate extended-release tablets, prescribe codeine phosphate/chlorpheniramine maleate extended-release tablets for the shortest duration that is consistent with individual patient treatment goals, monitor all patients regularly for the development of addition or abuse, and refill only after reevaluation of the need for continued treatment.Life-Threatening Respiratory DepressionSerious, life-threatening, or fatal respiratory depression may occur with use of codeine phosphate/chlorpheniramine maleate extended-release tablets. Monitor for respiratory depression, especially during initiation of codeine phosphate/chlorpheniramine maleate extended-release tablet therapy or when used in patients at higher risk.Accidental IngestionAccidental ingestion of even one dose of codeine phosphate/chlorpheniramine maleate extended-release tablets, especially by children, can result in a fatal overdose of codeine.Ultra-Rapid Metabolism of Codeine and Other Risk Factors for Life-Threatening Respiratory Depression in ChildrenLife threatening respiratory depression and death have occurred in children who received codeine. Most of the reported cases occurred following tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy, and many of the children had evidence of being an ultra-rapid metabolizer of codeine due to a CYP2D6 polymorphism. Codeine phosphate/chlorpheniramine maleate extended-release tablets are contraindicated in children younger than 12 years of age and in children younger than 18 years of age following tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy. Avoid the use of codeine phosphate/chlorpheniramine maleate extended-release tablets in adolescents 12 to 18 years of age who have other risk factors that may increase their sensitivity to the respiratory depressant effects of codeine.Risk of Medication ErrorsEnsure accuracy when prescribing, dispensing, and administering codeine phosphate/chlorpheniramine maleate extended-release tablets. Dosing errors can result in accidental overdose and death.Interactions with Drugs Affecting Cytochrome P450 IsoenzymesThe effects of concomitant use or discontinuation of cytochrome P450 3A4 inducers, 3A4 inhibitors, or 2D6 inhibitors with codeine are complex, requiring careful consideration of the effects on the parent drug, codeine, and the active metabolite, morphine. Avoid the use of codeine phosphate/chlorpheniramine maleate extended-release tablets in patients who are taking a CYP3A4 inhibitor, CYP3A4 inducer, or 2D6 inhibitor.Risks from Concomitant Use with Benzodiazepines, CNS DepressantsConcomitant use of opioids with benzodiazepines or other central nervous system (CNS) depressants, including alcohol, may result in profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death. Avoid use of codeine phosphate/chlorpheniramine maleate extended-release tablets in patients taking benzodiazepines, other CNS depressants, or alcohol.Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal SyndromeCodeine phosphate/chlorpheniramine maleate extended-release tablets are not recommended for use in pregnant women. Prolonged use of codeine phosphate/chlorpheniramine maleate extended-release tablets during pregnancy can result in neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome, which may be life-threatening if not recognized and treated, and requires management according to protocols developed by neonatology experts. If codeine phosphate/chlorpheniramine maleate extended-release tablets are used for a prolonged period in a pregnant woman, advise the patient of the risk of neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome and ensure that appropriate treatment will be available .

Classifications:

Therapeutic—

Antitussive, Opioid/Antihistamine Combination

Pharmacologic—

Chlorpheniramine

Chemical—

Codeine

Uses of This Medicine:

Codeine and chlorpheniramine combination is used to relieve cough and respiratory symptoms associated with a cold or allergy.

Codeine is a narcotic cough suppressant. It acts directly on the cough center in the brain to prevent a cough. Chlorpheniramine is an antihistamine that treats or prevents the symptoms of an allergy.

When codeine is used for a long time or in large doses, it may become habit-forming, causing mental or physical dependence. However, people who have continuing pain should not let the fear of dependence keep them from using narcotics to relieve their pain. Mental dependence (addiction) is not likely to occur when narcotics or barbiturates are used for this purpose. Physical dependence may lead to withdrawal side effects when you suddenly stop taking the medicine. In patients who get headaches, the first symptom of withdrawal may be new (rebound) headaches.

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.

Before Using This Medicine:

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:

Allergies—

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Children—

Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of codeine and chlorpheniramine combination in the pediatric population. It should not be used in children younger than 12 years of age. Safety and efficacy have not been established.

This medicine should not be used to relieve pain after surgery removal of tonsils or adenoids in any children. Severe breathing problems and deaths have been reported in some children who received codeine after tonsil or adenoid surgery.

Older adults—

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of codeine and chlorpheniramine combination in the elderly. However, elderly patients are more likely to have age-related liver, kidney, heart, or lung problems, which may require caution and an adjustment in the dose for patients receiving this medicine.

Breast-feeding—

Studies in women breastfeeding have demonstrated harmful infant effects. An alternative to this medication should be prescribed or you should stop breastfeeding while using this medicine.

Other medicines—

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.

  • Furazolidone
  • Iproniazid
  • Isocarboxazid
  • Linezolid
  • Methylene Blue
  • Moclobemide
  • Nalmefene
  • Naltrexone
  • Nialamide
  • Ozanimod
  • Phenelzine
  • Potassium Citrate
  • Procarbazine
  • Rasagiline
  • Safinamide
  • Samidorphan
  • Selegiline
  • Toloxatone
  • Tranylcypromine

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

  • Abametapir
  • Abiraterone Acetate
  • Acepromazine
  • Aclidinium
  • Alfentanil
  • Almotriptan
  • Alosetron
  • Alprazolam
  • Amantadine
  • Amifampridine
  • Amiloride
  • Amineptine
  • Amiodarone
  • Amitriptyline
  • Amitriptylinoxide
  • Amobarbital
  • Amoxapine
  • Amphetamine
  • Amprenavir
  • Anileridine
  • Apalutamide
  • Aprepitant
  • Aripiprazole
  • Aripiprazole Lauroxil
  • Armodafinil
  • Asenapine
  • Atazanavir
  • Atropine
  • Baclofen
  • Belladonna
  • Bemetizide
  • Bendroflumethiazide
  • Benperidol
  • Bentazepam
  • Benzhydrocodone
  • Benzphetamine
  • Benzthiazide
  • Benztropine
  • Biperiden
  • Boceprevir
  • Bosentan
  • Bromazepam
  • Bromopride
  • Brompheniramine
  • Bumetanide
  • Buprenorphine
  • Bupropion
  • Buspirone
  • Butabarbital
  • Butorphanol
  • Calcium Oxybate
  • Cannabidiol
  • Cannabis
  • Canrenoate
  • Canrenone
  • Carbamazepine
  • Carbinoxamine
  • Carisoprodol
  • Carphenazine
  • Celecoxib
  • Cenobamate
  • Cetirizine
  • Chloral Hydrate
  • Chlordiazepoxide
  • Chlorothiazide
  • Chlorpheniramine
  • Chlorpromazine
  • Chlorthalidone
  • Chlorzoxazone
  • Cimetidine
  • Cinacalcet
  • Ciprofloxacin
  • Citalopram
  • Clarithromycin
  • Clemastine
  • Clidinium
  • Clobazam
  • Clomipramine
  • Clonazepam
  • Clopamide
  • Clopidogrel
  • Clorazepate
  • Cloxazolam
  • Clozapine
  • Cobicistat
  • Cocaine
  • Codeine
  • Conivaptan
  • Crizotinib
  • Cyclobenzaprine
  • Cyclopenthiazide
  • Cyclopentolate
  • Cyclosporine
  • Cyclothiazide
  • Cyproheptadine
  • Daridorexant
  • Darifenacin
  • Darunavir
  • Delavirdine
  • Delorazepam
  • Desipramine
  • Desmopressin
  • Desvenlafaxine
  • Dexamethasone
  • Dexmedetomidine
  • Dextroamphetamine
  • Dextromethorphan
  • Dezocine
  • Diacetylmorphine
  • Diazepam
  • Diazoxide
  • Dibenzepin
  • Dichloralphenazone
  • Dicyclomine
  • Difenoxin
  • Dihydrocodeine
  • Diltiazem
  • Dimenhydrinate
  • Diphenhydramine
  • Diphenoxylate
  • Dolasetron
  • Donepezil
  • Doxepin
  • Doxylamine
  • Dronedarone
  • Droperidol
  • Duloxetine
  • Efavirenz
  • Elagolix
  • Eletriptan
  • Enflurane
  • Enzalutamide
  • Eplerenone
  • Erythromycin
  • Escitalopram
  • Esketamine
  • Eslicarbazepine Acetate
  • Estazolam
  • Eszopiclone
  • Ethacrynic Acid
  • Ethchlorvynol
  • Ethopropazine
  • Ethylmorphine
  • Etozolin
  • Etravirine
  • Fedratinib
  • Fenfluramine
  • Fentanyl
  • Fesoterodine
  • Fexinidazole
  • Flavoxate
  • Flibanserin
  • Fluconazole
  • Flunitrazepam
  • Fluoxetine
  • Fluphenazine
  • Flurazepam
  • Fluspirilene
  • Fluvoxamine
  • Fosamprenavir
  • Fosaprepitant
  • Fosnetupitant
  • Fosphenytoin
  • Fospropofol
  • Frovatriptan
  • Furosemide
  • Gabapentin
  • Gabapentin Enacarbil
  • Gepirone
  • Glucagon
  • Glycopyrrolate
  • Glycopyrronium Tosylate
  • Granisetron
  • Halazepam
  • Haloperidol
  • Halothane
  • Hexobarbital
  • Homatropine
  • Hydrochlorothiazide
  • Hydrocodone
  • Hydroflumethiazide
  • Hydromorphone
  • Hydroxyamphetamine
  • Hydroxytryptophan
  • Hydroxyzine
  • Hyoscyamine
  • Idelalisib
  • Imatinib
  • Imipramine
  • Indapamide
  • Indinavir
  • Ipratropium
  • Isoflurane
  • Itraconazole
  • Ivacaftor
  • Ketamine
  • Ketazolam
  • Ketobemidone
  • Ketoconazole
  • Lacosamide
  • Larotrectinib
  • Lasmiditan
  • Lemborexant
  • Lenacapavir
  • Letermovir
  • LetibotulinumtoxinA-wlbg
  • Levocetirizine
  • Levomilnacipran
  • Levorphanol
  • Lisdexamfetamine
  • Lithium
  • Lofepramine
  • Lofexidine
  • Lomitapide
  • Lopinavir
  • Loprazolam
  • Lorazepam
  • Lorcaserin
  • Lorlatinib
  • Lormetazepam
  • Loxapine
  • Lumacaftor
  • Magnesium Oxybate
  • Mavacamten
  • Meclizine
  • Medazepam
  • Melitracen
  • Melperone
  • Mepenzolate
  • Meperidine
  • Mephobarbital
  • Meprobamate
  • Meptazinol
  • Mesoridazine
  • Metaclazepam
  • Metaxalone
  • Methacholine
  • Methadone
  • Methamphetamine
  • Methdilazine
  • Methocarbamol
  • Methohexital
  • Methotrimeprazine
  • Methyclothiazide
  • Methylene Blue
  • Metoclopramide
  • Metolazone
  • Mibefradil
  • Midazolam
  • Mifepristone
  • Milnacipran
  • Mirabegron
  • Mirtazapine
  • Mitotane
  • Modafinil
  • Molindone
  • Moricizine
  • Morphine
  • Morphine Sulfate Liposome
  • Nafcillin
  • Nalbuphine
  • Naratriptan
  • Nefazodone
  • Nelfinavir
  • Netupitant
  • Nevirapine
  • Nicomorphine
  • Nilotinib
  • Nitrazepam
  • Nitrous Oxide
  • Nordazepam
  • Nortriptyline
  • Olanzapine
  • Oliceridine
  • Omaveloxolone
  • Ondansetron
  • Opipramol
  • Opium
  • Opium Alkaloids
  • Orphenadrine
  • Oxazepam
  • Oxcarbazepine
  • Oxitropium Bromide
  • Oxybutynin
  • Oxycodone
  • Oxymorphone
  • Palbociclib
  • Palonosetron
  • Papaveretum
  • Paregoric
  • Paroxetine
  • Pentazocine
  • Pentobarbital
  • Perampanel
  • Perazine
  • Periciazine
  • Perphenazine
  • Phenobarbital
  • Phenytoin
  • Pinazepam
  • Pipenzolate Bromide
  • Piperacetazine
  • Pipotiazine
  • Pirenzepine
  • Piretanide
  • Piritramide
  • Pitolisant
  • Polythiazide
  • Posaconazole
  • Potassium Oxybate
  • Prazepam
  • Prednisone
  • Pregabalin
  • Primidone
  • Prochlorperazine
  • Procyclidine
  • Promazine
  • Promethazine
  • Propantheline
  • Propiverine
  • Propofol
  • Protriptyline
  • Quazepam
  • Quetiapine
  • Quinethazone
  • Quinidine
  • Quinine
  • Ramelteon
  • Ranitidine
  • Ranolazine
  • Remifentanil
  • Remimazolam
  • Remoxipride
  • Revefenacin
  • Rifabutin
  • Rifampin
  • Rifapentine
  • Ritonavir
  • Rizatriptan
  • Rolapitant
  • Ropeginterferon Alfa-2b-njft
  • Saquinavir
  • Scopolamine
  • Secobarbital
  • Secretin Human
  • Sertindole
  • Sertraline
  • Sibutramine
  • Sodium Oxybate
  • Solifenacin
  • Spironolactone
  • St John's Wort
  • Stramonium
  • Sufentanil
  • Sulpiride
  • Sumatriptan
  • Suvorexant
  • Tapentadol
  • Telaprevir
  • Telithromycin
  • Temazepam
  • Terbinafine
  • Terodiline
  • Tetrazepam
  • Thiethylperazine
  • Thiopental
  • Thiopropazate
  • Thioridazine
  • Thiothixene
  • Tianeptine
  • Tilidine
  • Tiotropium
  • Tizanidine
  • Tolonium Chloride
  • Tolterodine
  • Topiramate
  • Torsemide
  • Tramadol
  • Trazodone
  • Triamterene
  • Triazolam
  • Trichlormethiazide
  • Trifluoperazine
  • Trifluperidol
  • Triflupromazine
  • Trihexyphenidyl
  • Trimeprazine
  • Trimipramine
  • Tropicamide
  • Trospium
  • Tryptophan
  • Umeclidinium
  • Venlafaxine
  • Verapamil
  • Vilazodone
  • Voriconazole
  • Vortioxetine
  • Voxelotor
  • Xipamide
  • Zaleplon
  • Ziprasidone
  • Zolmitriptan
  • Zolpidem
  • Zopiclone
  • Zotepine
  • Zuranolone

Other interactions—

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

Using this medicine with any of the following may cause an increased risk of certain side effects but may be unavoidable in some cases. If used together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use this medicine, or give you special instructions about the use of food, alcohol, or tobacco.

  • Ethanol

Other medical problems—

The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this medicine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

  • Adrenal gland problem or
  • Alcohol or drug use disorder or dependence, or history of or
  • Brain tumor or
  • Breathing or lung problems (eg, COPD, hypercapnia, hypoxia) or
  • Cor pulmonale (serious heart condition) or
  • Enlarged prostate or
  • Head injury or
  • Increased pressure in the head or
  • Trouble urinating—Use with caution. May increase risk for more serious side effects.
  • Asthma, acute or severe or
  • Lung or breathing problems (eg, respiratory depression) or
  • Stomach or bowel blockage (eg, paralytic ileus)—Should not be used in patients with these conditions.
  • Diabetes or
  • Pancreatitis (swelling of the pancreas) or
  • Seizures—Use with caution. May make these conditions worse.
  • Kidney disease or
  • Liver disease—Use with caution. The effects may be increased because of slower removal of the medicine from the body.

Proper Use of This Medicine:

Take this medicine only as directed by your doctor. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. If too much of this medicine is taken for a long time, it may become habit-forming and cause mental or physical dependence.

This medicine should also come with a Medication Guide. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.

Dosing—

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

  • For oral dosage form (extended-release tablets):
    • For cough and symptoms of allergies and cold:
      • Adults—One tablet every 12 hours as needed. Do not take more than 2 tablets in 24 hours.
      • Children 12 years of age and older—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
      • Children younger than 12 years of age—Use is not recommended.

Missed dose—

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage—

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

Drop off any unused narcotic medicine at a drug take-back location right away. If you do not have a drug take-back location near you, flush any unused narcotic medicine down the toilet. Check your local drug store and clinics for take-back locations. You can also check the DEA web site for locations. Here is the link to the FDA safe disposal of medicines website: www.fda.gov/drugs/resourcesforyou/consumers/buyingusingmedicinesafely/ensuringsafeuseofmedicine/safedisposalofmedicines/ucm186187.htm .

Precautions While Using This Medicine:

It is very important that your doctor check your progress while you are using this medicine. This will allow your doctor to see if the medicine is working properly and to decide if you should continue to take it. If your cough does not improve or if it gets worse within 5 days, call your doctor.

Do not use this medicine if you are using or have used an MAO inhibitor (MAOI) including isocarboxazid [Marplan®], linezolid [Zyvox®], phenelzine [Nardil®], selegiline [Eldepryl®], tranylcypromine [Parnate®]) within the past 14 days.

If you are especially sensitive to the effects of this medicine, do not suddenly stop using it without first checking with your doctor. Your doctor may want you to gradually reduce the amount you are using before stopping it completely. This may help reduce the possibility of withdrawal symptoms, including stomach cramps, anxiety, fever, nausea, runny nose, sweating, tremors, or trouble sleeping.

If you think you or someone else may have taken an overdose of this medicine, get emergency help at once. Signs of an overdose include: change or loss of consciousness, cold, clammy skin, constricted pupils, difficulty or trouble breathing, irregular, fast or slow, or shallow breathing, pale or blue lips, fingernails, or skin, pinpoint pupils of the eyes, or sleepiness or drowsiness.

Codeine is changed to morphine in the body. Some people change codeine to morphine more quickly than others. These individuals are called "ultra-rapid metabolizers of codeine".Contact your doctor immediately if you experience extreme sleepiness, confusion, or shallow breathing. These symptoms may indicate that you are an "ultra-rapid metabolizer of codeine". As a result, there is too much morphine in the body and more side effects of morphine than usual. Children may be especially sensitive to this effect. Do not give this medicine to:

  • Children younger than 12 years of age.
  • Children younger than 18 years of age who have had surgery removal of tonsils or adenoids.
  • Children 12 to 18 years of age who have a high risk for breathing problems (eg, obstructive sleep apnea, obesity, lung disease).

If a nursing mother is an ultra-rapid metabolizer of codeine, it could lead to a morphine overdose in the nursing baby and cause very serious side effects.

For nursing mothers taking this medicine:

  • Talk to your doctor if you have any questions about taking codeine or about how this medicine may affect your baby.
  • Call your doctor if you become extremely tired and have difficulty caring for your baby.
  • Your baby should generally nurse every 2 to 3 hours and should not sleep for more than 4 hours at a time.
  • Check with your doctor or hospital emergency room right away if your baby shows signs of increased sleepiness (more than usual), difficulty breastfeeding, difficulty breathing, or limpness. These may be symptoms of an overdose and need immediate medical attention.

This medicine may make you dizzy, drowsy, confused, or disoriented. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.

This medicine will add to the effects of alcohol and other CNS depressants (medicines that can make you drowsy or less alert). Some examples of CNS depressants are antihistamines or medicine for allergies or colds, sedatives, tranquilizers, or sleeping medicine, other prescription pain medicine or narcotics, medicine for seizures or barbiturates, muscle relaxants, or anesthetics, including some dental anesthetics. Do not drink alcoholic beverages, and check with your doctor before taking any of these medicines while you are using this medicine.

Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting may occur when you get up suddenly from a lying or sitting position. Getting up slowly may help. Also, lying down for a while may relieve dizziness or lightheadedness. If this problem continues or gets worse, check with your doctor right away.

Using this medicine while you are pregnant may cause serious unwanted effects, including neonatal withdrawal syndrome in your newborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you think you are pregnant or if you plan to become pregnant while using this medicine.

This medicine may cause adrenal gland problems. Check with your doctor right away if you have darkening of the skin, diarrhea, dizziness, fainting, loss of appetite, mental depression, nausea, skin rash, unusual tiredness or weakness, or vomiting.

Before you have any medical tests, tell the medical doctor in charge that you are taking this medicine. The results of some tests may be affected by this medicine.

Check with your doctor right away if you have anxiety, restlessness, a fast heartbeat, fever, sweating, muscle spasms, twitching, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or see or hear things that are not there. These may be symptoms of a serious condition called serotonin syndrome. Your risk may be higher if you also take certain other medicines that affect serotonin levels in your body.

This medicine may cause serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention. Call your doctor right away if you have a cough, dizziness, fast heartbeat, hives, rash, itching, puffiness or swelling of the eyelids, or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue, tightness in the chest, trouble breathing or swallowing, or unusual tiredness or weakness while you are using this medicine.

Using too much of this medicine may cause infertility (unable to have children). Talk with your doctor before using this medicine if you plan to have children.

Using narcotics for a long time can cause severe constipation. To prevent this, your doctor may direct you to take laxatives, drink a lot of fluids, or increase the amount of fiber in your diet. Be sure to follow the directions carefully, because continuing constipation can lead to more serious problems.

Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements.

Side Effects of This Medicine:

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Incidence not known
Agitation
anxiety
black, tarry stools
bleeding gums
bloating or swelling of the face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet
blood in the urine or stools
blurred vision
change or loss of consciousness
chest pain or tightness
chills
cold sweats
coma
confusion
constipation
cool, pale skin
cough
darkened urine
darkening of the skin
decrease blood pressure
diarrhea
difficulty or trouble breathing
difficulty swallowing
dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
falling
fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse
feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings
fever
headache, sudden and throbbing
hives, itching, skin rash
increased blood pressure
increased hunger
indigestion
irregular, fast or slow, shallow breathing
loss of appetite
lower back or side pain
mental depression
nausea
nervousness
nightmares
overactive reflexes
painful or difficult urination
pains in stomach, side, or abdomen, possibly radiating to the back
pale or blue lips, fingernails, or skin
pinpoint red spots on the skin
poor coordination
puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
rapid weight gain
restlessness
seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there
seizures
sensation of spinning
shakiness and unsteady walk
shakiness in the legs, arms, hands, or feet
shivering
slurred speech
sore throat
sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth
stomach cramps or pain
sweating
swollen or painful glands
talking or acting with excitement you cannot control
tingling of the hands or feet
trouble getting pregnant
trouble sleeping
twitching
unsteadiness, trembling, or other problems with muscle control or coordination
unusual bleeding or bruising
unusual tiredness or weakness
unusual weight gain or loss
vomiting
yellow eyes or skin

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur:

Symptoms of overdose
Blurred vision
chest pain
cold, clammy skin
confusion
coughing that sometimes produces a pink frothy sputum
difficulty or trouble breathing
dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
increased sweating
irregular, fast or slow, or shallow breathing
pale or blue lips, fingernails, or skin
sweating
swelling in the legs and ankles
unusual tiredness or weakness

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Incidence not known
Body aches or pain
constricted, pinpoint, or small pupils
cough producing mucus
decrease in frequency of urination
decrease in urine volume
difficulty in moving
difficulty in passing urine (dribbling)
double vision
ear congestion
frequent urge to urinate
halos around lights
heartburn
indigestion
joint pain
loss of voice
muscle pain or stiffness
night blindness
overbright appearance of lights
seeing double
stuffy or runny nose
thickening of bronchial secretions
tunnel vision
unusual drowsiness, dullness, tiredness, weakness, or feeling of sluggishness

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.


Last Updated: 4/24/2024

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The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites.
All rights reserved.

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