Chlorpheniramine+codeine
About
Chlorpheniramine+codeine belongs to a class of medication called ‘cough and cold preparations’ primarily used to treat dry cough associated with a common cold or upper respiratory allergies. Coughing (dry or productive) is the body’s way of clearing irritants (like allergens, mucus, or smoke) from airways and preventing infection. There are two types of coughs: Dry cough and chesty cough. A dry cough is tickly and doesn't produce any vicious or thick mucus, while a chesty cough (wet cough) means mucous or sputum is produced to help clear your airways.
Chlorpheniramine+codeine is a combination of two drugs: Chlorpheniramine (antihistamine) and Codeine (cough suppressant). Chlorpheniramine belongs to the class of antihistamines (anti-allergic drugs) that works by blocking the action of histamine, a substance responsible for causing allergic reactions. Codeine belongs to the class of cough suppressants that blocks the μ-opioid receptor in the brain that produces cough, thereby decreasing the urge to cough.
Take Chlorpheniramine+codeine as prescribed by your doctor. Take Chlorpheniramine+codeine for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you, depending on your medical condition. In some cases, you may experience certain side effects, including drowsiness, dry mouth, vomiting, blurred vision, constipation, dizziness, or tiredness. Most of these side effects of Chlorpheniramine+codeine do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
Please tell your doctor if you are allergic to Chlorpheniramine+codeine or any other medicines. Drink plenty of fluids while taking Chlorpheniramine+codeine to loosen mucus and protect yourself from being dehydrated or overheated during exercise. In hot weather, as Chlorpheniramine+codeine contains chlorpheniramine, it decreases sweating and increases heatstroke risk. Do not take Chlorpheniramine+codeine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, as it may cause adverse effects on the baby. Chlorpheniramine+codeine is not recommended for children below 18 years of age. Do not take Chlorpheniramine+codeine if you have taken an MAO inhibitor (anti-depressant medication like Isocarboxazid, Phenelzine, Selegiline, and Tranylcypromine) in the last 14 days, as it may cause life-threatening drug interaction. Chlorpheniramine+codeine is a habit-forming drug, and hence there is a risk of dependence on Chlorpheniramine+codeine. So, before stopping Chlorpheniramine+codeine, contact a doctor as it may cause withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, increased heart rate, tremors, or general unwell feelings.
Uses of Chlorpheniramine+codeine
Medicinal Benefits
Chlorpheniramine+codeine is a combination of two drugs: Chlorpheniramine and Codeine. Chlorpheniramine belongs to the class of antihistamines (anti-allergic drugs) that works by blocking the action of histamine, a substance responsible for causing allergic reactions. It helps to provide relief from allergy symptoms such as sneezing, running nose, watery eyes, itching, swelling, and congestion or stiffness. Codeine belongs to the class of narcotic cough suppressants that block the μ-opioid receptor in the brain that produces cough, thereby decreasing the urge to cough. Chlorpheniramine+codeine is used to treat cough associated with a common cold or upper respiratory allergies.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Chlorpheniramine+codeine
- Dizziness/Drowsiness
- Mood changes
- Tiredness/weakness
- Headache
- Blurred vision
- Dry mouth
- Constipation
- Coordination problems
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Please tell your doctor if you are allergic to Chlorpheniramine+codeine or any other medicines. Do not take Chlorpheniramine+codeine for a prolonged time; $ name contains codeine that may lead to mental or physical dependence on Chlorpheniramine+codeine. Do not take Chlorpheniramine+codeine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, as it may cause adverse effects on the baby. Chlorpheniramine+codeine is not recommended for children below 18 years of age. Do not use this medicine if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days, as a dangerous drug interaction could occur. Chlorpheniramine+codeine should be taken with extreme caution in patients who have a history of alcoholism or drug abuse. Drink plenty of fluids while taking Chlorpheniramine+codeine to loosen mucus and protect yourself from being dehydrated or overheated during exercise. In hot weather, as Chlorpheniramine+codeine contains chlorpheniramine, it decreases sweating and increases heatstroke risk. If you have high blood pressure, fits, glaucoma, hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), chronic bronchitis, asthma, cough with mucus, cough caused by smoking, chronic bronchitis or emphysema (a lung condition causing shortness of breath), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), blockage in stomach or intestines, kidney, liver, heart or urinary problems, inform your doctor before taking Chlorpheniramine+codeine.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Chlorpheniramine+codeine may have interaction with anti-allergic drugs (diphenhydramine, cetirizine, brompheniramine, diphenhydramine, fexofenadine), cough suppressants (dextromethorphan), antidepressants (duloxetine, sertraline, paroxetine, fluvoxamine, trazodone), narcotic analgesics (hydrocodone, bupropion, morphine, oxycodone) and antianxiety drug (alprazolam, diazepam, lorazepam, oxazepam, temazepam), fits related drugs (phenytoin, clonazepam, carbamazepine).
Drug-Food Interaction: Chlorpheniramine+codeine may interact with alcohol. Therefore, avoid alcohol consumption with Chlorpheniramine+codeine as it may increase the risk of fatal side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, slow breathing, or death.
Drug-Disease Interaction: If you have chronic bronchitis, asthma, cough with mucus, cough caused by smoking, chronic bronchitis or emphysema (a lung condition causing shortness of breath), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), drug dependence, high blood pressure, fits, glaucoma, hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), blockage in stomach or intestines, phenylketonuria (a birth defect that causes accumulation of amino acid, phenylalanine in the body), enlarged prostate, pheochromocytoma (tumour in the adrenal glands), kidney, liver, heart or urinary problems, inform your doctor before taking Chlorpheniramine+codeine.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAvoid consumption of alcohol with Chlorpheniramine+codeine as it may increase the risk of drowsiness and other adverse effects.
Pregnancy
unsafeChlorpheniramine+codeine is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Chlorpheniramine+codeine may cause harmful effects on the baby (foetus). Please consult your doctor. So your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing Chlorpheniramine+codeine for you.
Breast Feeding
unsafeChlorpheniramine+codeine may be excreted in breast milk and cause harm to the baby. Therefore, Chlorpheniramine+codeine should not be used by breastfeeding mothers without a doctor’s advice.
Driving
unsafeChlorpheniramine+codeine may cause dizziness, drowsiness, blurred vision, or impaired thinking in some people. Therefore, drive only if you are alert after taking Chlorpheniramine+codeine.
Liver
cautionTake Chlorpheniramine+codeine with caution, especially if you have a history of liver diseases/conditions. The dose may be adjusted by your doctor as required.
Kidney
cautionTake Chlorpheniramine+codeine with caution, especially if you have a history of kidney diseases/conditions. The dose may be adjusted by your doctor as required.
Children
unsafeChlorpheniramine+codeine is not recommended for children below 18 years of age.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Avoid dairy products such as milk, as it may increase mucus production. Also, avoid processed or refined foods to have relief from cough. Instead, replace baked foods, fried foods, white bread, white pasta, French fries, sugary desserts, and chips with green leafy vegetables.
- Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dry throat while you cough and loosen mucus.
- Avoid citrus fruits as they may worsen the cough. Eat fruits rich in water content such as pears, watermelon, peaches and pineapples.
Special Advise
- Do not take Chlorpheniramine+codeine for a prolonged time as it may lead to mental or physical dependence on Chlorpheniramine+codeine.
- To avoid getting addicted to this drug, take it only in prescribed quantities and as directed by your doctor. Do not self-medicate.
- Chlorpheniramine+codeine causes drowsiness. Avoid doing activities that require your complete focus and attention, like driving when on this drug.
- An abrupt stoppage of Chlorpheniramine+codeine can lead to significant withdrawal symptoms. Always discuss with your doctor about decreasing the dosage before completely stopping its usage.
- Avoid consuming alcohol while on this medication, as it can lead to dangerous side effects.
- Chlorpheniramine+codeine is unsafe for usage if you're pregnant or plan to get pregnant and breastfeed. Discuss with your doctor in such situations about changing/replacing the medicine with safer alternatives.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Cough: Coughing is the body’s way of clearing irritants (like allergens, mucus, or smoke) from airways and preventing infection. Coughs may be dry or productive. A productive cough (wet cough) brings sputum (phlegm, mucus, and other matter) from the lungs. Cough is commonly caused as a response to allergy or viral infection but coughing up mucus is possibly an indication of infection in the respiratory tract. If you are coughing thick, solid white mucus, it indicates you may have a bacterial infection in the airways. If the mucus is clear or light-coloured, it indicates you may have allergies or minor infections in the respiratory tract, and yellow or green mucus indicates a respiratory infection.
FAQs
Chlorpheniramine+codeine is a combination of two drugs, namely; Chlorpheniramine and Codeine, which relieves dry cough. Chlorpheniramine Maleate is an antihistaminic that blocks the action of a chemical messenger (histamine), which may trigger a cough due to allergy. Codeine is a cough suppressant. It suppresses cough by reducing the activity of the cough centre in the brain.
Do not take Chlorpheniramine+codeine with 'alprazolam' as co-administration of these two medicines may increase adverse effects such as sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death. However, please consult a doctor before taking Chlorpheniramine+codeine with other medicines.
Chlorpheniramine+codeine is excreted in breast milk and may cause drowsiness, breathing problems, or death in a nursing baby. Therefore, if breastfeeding, please inform your doctor before taking Chlorpheniramine+codeine. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing them.
Chlorpheniramine+codeine is not recommended for children below 18 years of age as a misuse of Chlorpheniramine+codeine in children may lead to serious adverse effects. Codeine in Chlorpheniramine+codeine may cause life-threatening respiratory depression and death in children who recently had surgery to remove the tonsils or adenoids.
Chlorpheniramine+codeine may be used to provide relief from allergic symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, throat irritation or watery eyes. Chlorpheniramine+codeine contains Chlorpheniramine, an anti-allergic drug that works by blocking the action of histamine, a substance responsible for causing allergic reactions.
Chlorpheniramine+codeine is unsafe to use in pregnancy. Chlorpheniramine+codeine contains codeine, If you use Chlorpheniramine+codeine while pregnant, your baby could become dependent on codeine. This can cause life-threatening withdrawal symptoms in the baby after it is born.
Yes, codeine in Chlorpheniramine+codeine may cause mental or physical dependence if used for prolonged periods. Therefore, take Chlorpheniramine+codeine only in dose and duration as advised by your doctor.
