Promethazine VC With Codeine

Promethazine VC with Codeine is used for the temporary relief of a cough or stuffy nose caused by allergies or the common cold. 

This combination works collectively by acting on the central nervous system for pain relief, narrowing the blood vessels and leads to clearing of the nasal congestion, and prevents the effects of histamine. 

Dependence may be developed in prolonged and increase in amounts of use. Withdrawal symptoms can happen when intake of this drug is suddenly stopped. This drug requires a prescription.

Before using Promethazine VC with Codeine, you must know all about the risks and complications associated with it. Inform your healthcare provider for any allergic reactions to these drugs or any other drugs, foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. 

This combination is not recommended for use in children younger than 6 years of age. This drug is contraindicated to relieve pain after tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy in children. Studies in the elderly have not reported any geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of codeine, phenylephrine, and promethazine combination. 

Adjustments to the dose in elderly may be required since they are more likely to have age-related liver, kidney, or heart problems. Adverse effects have been reported in the elderly but studies in pregnant women or animals are still inadequate. 

This drug may alter milk production or composition. You should monitor your infant for side effects and adequate milk intake if an alternative to this medication is not prescribed. Drugs should not be taken together to prevent any interactions but in necessary cases inquire your healthcare provider regarding the adjustments in dosage or any other necessary precautions to prevent any unwanted side effects. 

Inform your healthcare professional if you are taking any other drugs such as sleeping pills, other narcotic pain medicine, muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety, depression, or seizures. Other drugs may interact with codeine, including prescription and non-prescription drugs, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or non-prescription drugs. 

Intake of specific food or using alcohol or tobacco with magnesium is associated with an increased risk of certain side effects. Your healthcare professional can give you special instructions about the use of food, alcohol, or tobacco. 

Inform your healthcare provider for any other medical problems such as: 

• Addison's disease
• bone marrow problems
• depression
• diabetes
• enlarged prostate
• cardiovascular problems
• head injury
• hypotension
• kidney or liver problems
• narrow-angle glaucoma
• seizures
• stomach or bowel problems
• surgery
• thyroid problem
•  trouble urinating
• weakened physical condition
• alcohol abuse
• brain tumor
• breathing
• drug dependence
• increased pressure in the head
• asthma
• hypertension
• peripheral vascular insufficiency.

Proper usage of Promethazine VC with Codeine requires strict adherence to your doctor’s orders. To prevent any side effects, take this drug exactly as directed on the label or as prescribed by your healthcare professional. Excess intake of this drug may cause dependence or even an overdose. 

The dose of this drug will be variable for different patients. The directions on the label or the prescription by your healthcare professional should be followed. The dosage of this drug you take depends on the medical problem for which you are using this drug. 

Adults and children 12 years of age and older with symptoms of a cough or stuffy nose caused by allergies are given 5 milliliters or 1 teaspoonful every 4 to 6 hours. Children, 6 to 11 years of age are given 2.5 to 5 mL (half to 1 teaspoonful) every 4 to 6 hours. 

The dose must not exceed 30 mL in 24 hours. Use in children younger than 6 years of age is not recommended. A missed dose should be taken as soon as possible. However, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule if it is almost time for your next dose. 

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. Dispose any outdated or expired drugs and ask your healthcare professional for the proper disposal of the drugs.

Before using Promethazine VC with Codeine, there are some precautions you must take. Regular visits should be made to your healthcare provider to track your progress and to monitor the effectiveness of the drug. 

Seek medical attention immediately f your symptoms do not improve or become worse. Refrain from using this drug if you are also using a MAO inhibitor (such as EldeprylВ®, MarplanВ®, NardilВ®, or ParnateВ®). 

Contact your healthcare professional immediately if you experience symptoms of rapid metabolism such as extreme sleepiness, confusion, or shallow breathing. Consult with your healthcare before using this drug for the possible risks and benefits if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.  

Report any unusual symptoms of your baby such as not nursing every 2 to 3 hours and prolonged sleep of more than 4 hours at a time, increased sleepiness, difficulty breastfeeding, difficulty breathing, or limpness. 

Dark urine, difficult or troubled breathing, irregular, fast or slow, or shallow breathing, nausea or vomiting, pain in the upper stomach, pale or blue lips, fingernails, or skin, pinpoint pupils of the eyes, or yellow eyes or skin can be signs of overdose. 

This drug potentiates the effects of alcohol and other CNS depressants such as antihistamines or medicine for allergies or colds, sedatives, tranquilizers, or sleeping medicine, other prescription pain medicine or narcotics, medicine for seizure or barbiturates, muscle relaxants, or anesthetics, including some dental anesthetics. 

If you feel that the medicine is not working as well, do not use more than your prescribed dose. You may be advised to take laxatives, increase fluid intake, or increase the amount of fiber in your diet since severe constipation is associated with prolonged use of this drug. 

Be careful in taking this drug before you drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous. Contact emergency medical services immediately if you are having convulsions, difficulty in breathing, fast heartbeat, high fever, high or low blood pressure, increased sweating, loss of bladder control, severe muscle stiffness, unusually pale skin, or tiredness. 

Inform your healthcare professional that you are taking this drug before doing any medical test. You  may be advised to stop taking this drug for several days prior to surgery or medical tests. This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. 

Use a sunscreen when you are outdoors. Avoid sunlamps and tanning beds. Seek advice from your healthcare professional before taking any other prescription or nonprescription drugs, and herbal or vitamin supplements.

As with many medications, there are several potential side effects associated with Promethazine VC with Codeine. Side effects may vary for each individual and prompt medical attention should be given if they occur.

Inform you healthcare provider immediately if you experience any unusual symptoms such as: 

• bloating
• blurred vision
• chills
• cold
• clammy skin
• confusion
• constipation
• darkened urine
• difficult or troubled breathing
• dizziness
• faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position fainting fast
• irregular, pounding or racing heartbeat or pulse fast
• weak pulse,
• the feeling of warmth
• fever
• indigestion
• irregular, fast or slow, or shallow breathing
• lightheadedness,
• loss of appetite
• nausea
• no blood pressure or pulse
• no breathing
• pain in the stomach, side, or abdomen, possibly radiating to the back pale or blue lips, fingernails
• skin redness of the face, neck, arms, occasionally, upper chest
• shortness of breath
• stopping of the heart
• sweating
• unconsciousness
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• vomiting
• wheezing
• yellow eyes or skin
• bluish lips or skin
• change in consciousness
• chest pain or discomfort
• constricted pinpoint, or small pupils
• decreased awareness or responsiveness,
• extreme sleepiness or unusual drowsiness
• loss of consciousness
• severe sleepiness
• slow or irregular heartbeat

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. As your body adjusts to the drug, these side effects may eventually disappear. Ask your healthcare professional about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. 

If any of the following side effects persists or are inconvenient, or if you notice any other effects, or if you have any questions about them, consult with your health care professional. Report any side effects to the FDA hotline at 1-800-FDA-1088.