Promethazine+pholcodine
About
Promethazine+pholcodine belongs to the antitussive medication class, primarily used for treating dry cough and allergic symptoms. Dry cough, no mucus or phlegm (inflammation in the sinuses and the lungs) is produced with the cough. Cough can be caused by allergies, throat irritants, and viral illnesses such as colds and flu. Allergy is the immune system response to foreign elements typically not harmful to the body. It is caused by foreign elements known as 'allergens'.
Promethazine+pholcodine containing Promethazine and Pholcodine. Promethazine is an H1antagonist that blocks the action of a chemical messenger (histamine), responsible for triggering cough due to allergy. On the other hand, Pholcodine is a cough suppressant that suppresses cough by reducing the activity of the cough centre in the brain.
Promethazine+pholcodine should be taken as your doctor prescribes, preferably with a meal to avoid stomach upset and at fixed intervals every day for best results. The dose of Promethazine+pholcodine can vary depending upon your condition. Don't stop taking Promethazine+pholcodine without your doctor's advice. It is advised to drink plenty of fluids while taking this medicine to overcome dry mouth and extreme thirst. Sometimes, you may experience nausea, vomiting, constipation, sleepiness, dizziness, confusion, and breathlessness. Most of these side effects of Promethazine+pholcodine 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+pholcodine, please inform your doctor if you have any allergy (against any antibiotic) or kidney or liver problems. Do not take Promethazine+pholcodine on your own, as self-medication may lead to more side effects. And also, inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Keep your doctor informed about your health condition and all the medicines you take before taking Promethazine+pholcodine to rule out any side effects.
Uses of Promethazine+pholcodine
Medicinal Benefits
Promethazine+pholcodine is a combination drug containing Promethazine (H1 antihistamine) and Pholcodine (opioid antitussive), primarily used to treat dry cough and allergic symptoms. Promethazine is an antiallergic that blocks the action of a chemical messenger (histamine), responsible for triggering cough due to allergy. Pholcodine is a cough suppressant; it suppresses cough by reducing the activity of the cough centre in the brain. Collectively, both help to improve symptoms and treat cough and allergic symptoms.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Promethazine+pholcodine
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Sleepiness
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Breathlessness
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
If you are known to be allergic to Promethazine+pholcodine or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it is advised to inform your doctor before using Promethazine+pholcodine. Promethazine+pholcodine should be used with caution in children as prescribed by your doctor. If you have any breathing problems, a history of asthma, hypersensitivity, or liver/kidney problem, inform your doctor before taking Promethazine+pholcodine.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Promethazine+pholcodine may interact with antipsychotics (e.g. Haloperidol, Chlorpromazine, Clozapine), antibiotics (e.g. Ciprofloxacin), antidepressants (e.g. Amitriptyline) and antianxiety (e.g. Alprazolam).
Drug- Food Interactions: Avoid intake of alcohol with Promethazine+pholcodine as it may cause increased dizziness, drowsiness, and lack of concentration.
Drug-Disease Interactions: If you have any breathing problems, a history of asthma, hypersensitivity, or liver/kidney problem, inform your doctor before taking Promethazine+pholcodine.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAvoid consumption of alcohol with Promethazine+pholcodine as it may increase drowsiness. Please consult a doctor before consuming alcohol with Promethazine+pholcodine.
Pregnancy
cautionPromethazine+pholcodine 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+pholcodine is not recommended during breastfeeding. However, your doctor may prescribe it for you during breastfeeding if they feel the benefit outweighs the risk. You should not take Promethazine+pholcodine without your doctor's advice.
Driving
cautionPromethazine+pholcodine may cause tiredness and drowsiness in some people. Therefore, drive only if you are alert after taking Promethazine+pholcodine.
Liver
cautionPromethazine+pholcodine 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+pholcodine 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.
Children
cautionPromethazine+pholcodine is not recommended for children below 2 years of age. Please consult a doctor before giving Promethazine+pholcodine to children.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Some anti-inflammatory compounds in ginger can relax membranes in the airways, reducing 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 yoghurt, to improve overall health.
- Avoid consumption of alcohol with Promethazine+pholcodine as it may cause tiredness, drowsiness, or lack of concentration.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Dry Cough: A sudden, forceful hacking sound to release air and clear irritation in the throat or airway. In a dry cough, no mucus or phlegm (inflammation in the sinuses and the lungs) is produced with the cough. Dry coughs are often caused by allergies, throat irritants, and viral illnesses such as colds and flu.
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 mucus or any other foreign irritant is in it.
FAQs
No, it is a prescribed drug, given by a physician for preventing specific medical conditions. Taking it on your own can cause unwanted side-effects.
Yes, the use of Promethazine+pholcodine can cause dry mouths. If you experience dry mouth, drink plenty of water.
Promethazine+pholcodine is not recommended during breastfeeding unless your doctor considers it essential. Promethazine+pholcodine contains Promethazine, which can pass into the breast milk and harm the baby. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you.
Yes, Promethazine+pholcodine may cause drowsiness. It is not necessary for everyone taking Promethazine+pholcodine to experience this side effect. Therefore, avoid driving if you feel drowsy after taking Promethazine+pholcodine.
Promethazine+pholcodine is a combination drug containing Promethazine (H1 antihistamine) and Pholcodine (opioid antitussive), primarily used to treat dry cough and allergic symptoms. Promethazine is an antiallergic that blocks the action of a chemical messenger (histamine), responsible for triggering cough due to allergy. Pholcodine is a cough suppressant; it suppresses cough by reducing the activity of the cough centre in the brain. Collectively, both help to improve symptoms and treat cough and allergic symptoms.