Promethazine+pholcodiene
About
Promethazine+pholcodiene belongs to a group of medicines known as an 'antitussive agent (prevent or relieve a cough)', primarily taken for the treatment of dry cough and allergic symptoms. Dry cough, also known as a nonproductive cough, doesn’t produce phlegm or mucus. Cough can be caused by allergies or throat irritants, viral illnesses such as colds and flu. Allergy is the immune system response to foreign elements typically not harmful to the body. Foreign elements are known as 'allergens'.
Promethazine+pholcodiene contains two medicines namely: Promethazine and Pholcodine. Promethazine is an H1 antagonist that blocks the action of a chemical messenger (histamine) which is responsible to trigger cough due to allergy. On the other hand, Pholcodine is a cough suppressant that suppresses cough by reducing the activity of the cough center in the brain.
Take Promethazine+pholcodiene as prescribed by your doctor. You are advised to take Promethazine+pholcodiene for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you depending on your medical condition. In some cases, you may experience nausea, vomiting, constipation, sleepiness, dizziness, confusion, breathlessness. Most of these side effects of Promethazine+pholcodiene do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects are persistent, reach out to your doctor.
Before starting Promethazine+pholcodiene, please inform your doctor if you have any allergy (against any antibiotic), kidney or liver problems. Do not take Promethazine+pholcodiene on your own as self-medication may lead to more side effects. Promethazine+pholcodiene should be used with caution in pregnant and breastfeeding females. The dosage of Promethazine+pholcodiene should be reduced in elderly persons. Promethazine+pholcodiene is not allowed to use in children less than 6 years old.
Uses of Promethazine+pholcodiene
Medicinal Benefits
Promethazine+pholcodiene is a combination of two drugs, namely: Promethazine (antihistamine) and Pholcodine (cough suppressant). Promethazine belongs to the class of antihistamines or anti-allergic that works by blocking the action of histamine, a substance responsible for causing allergic reactions. It helps to provide relief from symptoms of allergy such as sneezing, running nose, watery eyes, itching, swelling and congestion or stiffness. On the other hand, Pholcodine belongs to the class of cough suppressants that works by blocking the transmission of nerve signals from the cough center in the brain to the muscles that produce cough. Thus, together Promethazine+pholcodiene helps to relieve overall cough, cold and allergic symptoms.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Promethazine+pholcodiene
- Dry mouth, throat or nose
- Drowsiness
- Blurred vision
- Constipation
- Dizziness
- Restlessness or excitation
- Severe difficulty in breathing
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Avoid using Promethazine+pholcodiene if you have taken medicines such as linezolid, phenelzine, selegiline, rasagiline, isocarboxazid, tranylcypromine and methylene blue injection in the past 14 days. Drink plenty of fluids while taking Promethazine+pholcodiene to loosen mucus. Persons who have a history of drug abuse should use Promethazine+pholcodiene with caution as it may cause unwanted side effects. It is advised to seek medical help if the cough does not go away or if it is followed by high fever, skin rash or persistent headache. Promethazine+pholcodiene may cause drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision in some patients that may affect the ability to drive. Promethazine+pholcodiene should not be used in elderly patients with confusion. Promethazine+pholcodiene contains sorbitol so it should be avoided in patients with problems of fructose intolerance.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Promethazine+pholcodiene may interact with antipsychotic (Haloperidol, Chlorpromazine, Clozapine), antibiotic (Ciprofloxacin), antidepressants (Amitriptyline) antianxiety (alprazolam).
Drug- Food Interaction: Avoid intake of alcohol with Promethazine+pholcodiene as it may cause increased dizziness, drowsiness, and lack of concentration.
Drug-Disease Interaction: If you have any breathing problems, a history of asthma, hypersensitivity, liver/kidney problem, inform your doctor before taking Promethazine+pholcodiene.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAvoid consumption of alcohol with Promethazine+pholcodiene as it may increase drowsiness. Please consult a doctor before consuming alcohol with Promethazine+pholcodiene.
Pregnancy
cautionPromethazine+pholcodiene is not recommended during pregnancy unless your doctor considers it essential. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you.
Breast Feeding
cautionPromethazine+pholcodiene is not recommended during breast-feeding. However, your doctor may prescribe it for you during breast-feeding if he/she feels that the benefit to you outweighs the risk. You should not take Promethazine+pholcodiene without your doctor's advice.
Driving
cautionPromethazine+pholcodiene may cause tiredness and drowsiness in some people. Therefore, drive only if you are alert after taking Promethazine+pholcodiene.
Liver
cautionPromethazine+pholcodiene is advised to be taken with caution, especially if you have or have had a history of liver disease. Your doctor will have to change the dosage depending on your medical condition and your reaction to treatment.
Kidney
cautionPromethazine+pholcodiene is not recommended in patients with chronic kidney disease (severe renal impairment). The safety and effectiveness in patients with severe renal impairment have not been established. Used with caution only when prescribed by a doctor.
Children
cautionPromethazine+pholcodiene is not recommended for children below 2 years of age. Promethazine+pholcodiene should not be used in children unless prescribed by a child specialist.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Some anti-inflammatory compounds in ginger can relax membranes in the airways, which could reduce coughing.
- Staying hydrated is vital for those with a cough or cold. Drinking liquids at room temperature can alleviate cough, runny nose and sneezing.
- The immune system is affected by stress and raises the risk of being sick. An individual can exercise regularly, meditate, do deep breathing and try progressive muscle relaxation techniques to relieve stress.
- Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.
- Gargle with salt water for relief from sore throat.
- Eat plenty of foods rich in good bacteria like yogurt to improve overall health.
- Avoid consumption of alcohol with Promethazine+pholcodiene as it may cause tiredness, drowsiness or lack of concentration.
Special Advise
- Do not use Promethazine+pholcodiene only to make a child sleepy.
- Contact a doctor if your symptoms do not improve even after 7 days.
- Contact a doctor immediately if you develop fever, rash or headaches after taking Promethazine+pholcodiene.
- If you are about to undergo any medical tests or surgery, please inform your doctor that you are taking Promethazine+pholcodiene.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Cough: Coughing is a 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 up 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 out thick, solid white mucus, it indicates that you may have a bacterial infection in the airways. Clear or light-coloured mucus indicates allergies or minor infection in the respiratory tract and a yellow or green mucus indicates a respiratory infection.
Allergy: It is an immune system response to foreign elements typically not harmful to the body. These foreign elements are known as 'allergens'. Allergic condition varies from person to person. Some might be allergic to certain foods and seasonal allergies like hay fever. At the same time, others might be allergic to pollen or pet dander. One of the symptoms of allergy is cough. Coughing occurs as a reflex action in the throat when there is mucus or any other foreign irritant in it.
FAQs
Promethazine+pholcodiene contains sucrose it should be used with caution in diabetic patients or persons who have fructose intolerance. Consult your doctor and explain him about your medical history, he may suggest a sugar free alternative.
If cough persists for longer duration after using of Promethazine+pholcodiene, please consult your doctor immediately, your doctor may examine and suggest other medication.
It is advised not to take Promethazine+pholcodiene if you have medical conditions like glaucoma, an enlarged prostate, urination problems, cough with mucus or cough caused by smoking. Consult with your doctor before taking Promethazine+pholcodiene in such conditions.
It is advised not to take Promethazine+pholcodiene if you have used MAO inhibitor (isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection,) in the past 14 days as it may cause changes in mental status and increase blood pressure.
Promethazine+pholcodiene may be used to provide relief from allergic symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, throat irritation or watery eyes. Promethazine+pholcodiene contains Pholcodiene, an anti-allergic drug that works by blocking the action of histamine, a substance responsible for causing allergic reactions.
It has been reported that Promethazine+pholcodiene may cause dry mouth as a temporary side effect in some people. It is not necessary for everyone taking Promethazine+pholcodiene to experience this side effect. However, to avoid such side effects, drink plenty of water, regularly rinse your mouth, practice good oral hygiene and suck on sugarless candy. However, if the condition persists or worsens, please consult a doctor.
You are recommended to take Promethazine+pholcodiene for as long as your doctor has prescribed it. However, if the symptoms persist or worsen with rash, fever or persistent headache after 1 week of using Promethazine+pholcodiene, please consult your doctor.
It is advised to you not to stop taking Promethazine+pholcodiene without consulting your doctor as it may worsen cough or cause recurring symptoms. Therefore, take Promethazine+pholcodiene for as long as your doctor has prescribed it and if you experience any difficulty while taking Promethazine+pholcodiene, please consult your doctor.