Phenylhistine DH Expectorant

Name: Phenylhistine DH Expectorant

What is the most important information I should know about Phenylhistine DH Expectorant (chlorpheniramine, codeine, and pseudoephedrine)?

Codeine can slow or stop your breathing, and may be habit-forming. MISUSE OF THIS MEDICINE CAN CAUSE ADDICTION, OVERDOSE, OR DEATH, especially in a child or other person using the medicine without a prescription.

Ask a doctor before giving this medicine to a child younger than 12 years old. Do not give this medicine to anyone under 18 who recently had surgery to remove the tonsils or adenoids.

You should not use antihistamine medication to make a child sleepy.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Phenylhistine DH Expectorant (chlorpheniramine, codeine, and pseudoephedrine)?

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to codeine, pseudoephedrine, or chlorpheniramine.

Do not use this medicine if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine, and others.

In some people, codeine breaks down rapidly in the liver and reaches higher than normal levels in the body. This can cause dangerously slow breathing and may cause death, especially in a child.

Ask a doctor before giving this medicine to a child younger than 12 years old.

Medicines that contain codeine should not be used in anyone under 18 who recently had surgery to remove the tonsils or adenoids.

To make sure this medicine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

  • asthma, COPD, bronchitis, or other breathing disorders;

  • a cough with mucus;

  • heart disease, high blood pressure;

  • glaucoma;

  • diabetes;

  • a thyroid disorder; or

  • enlarged prostate and urination problems.

If you use codeine while you are pregnant, your baby could become dependent on the drug. This can cause life-threatening withdrawal symptoms in the baby after it is born. Babies born dependent on habit-forming medicine may need medical treatment for several weeks. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Do not breast-feed. Codeine can pass into breast milk and may cause drowsiness, breathing problems, or death in a nursing baby. Chlorpheniramine may slow breast milk production.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. A codeine overdose can be fatal, especially in a child or other person using the medicine without a prescription. Overdose symptoms may include slow breathing and heart rate, severe drowsiness, muscle weakness, cold and clammy skin, pinpoint pupils, and fainting.

What other drugs will affect Phenylhistine DH Expectorant (chlorpheniramine, codeine, and pseudoephedrine)?

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using this medicine if you are also using any other drugs, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Some medicines can cause unwanted or dangerous effects when used together. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.

Taking chlorpheniramine, codeine, and pseudoephedrine with other drugs that make you sleepy or slow your breathing can cause dangerous side effects or death. Ask your doctor before taking a sleeping pill, narcotic pain medicine, prescription cough medicine, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety, depression, or seizures.

For the Consumer

Applies to chlorpheniramine / codeine / pseudoephedrine: oral liquid

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

  • Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Very bad dizziness or passing out.
  • Chest pain or pressure or a fast heartbeat.
  • Trouble breathing, slow breathing, or shallow breathing.
  • Noisy breathing.
  • Feeling very sleepy.
  • Feeling confused.
  • A heartbeat that does not feel normal.
  • Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not there).
  • Mood changes.
  • Seizures.
  • Very bad belly pain.
  • Very bad headache.
  • Trouble passing urine.
  • Shakiness.
  • Change in eyesight.
  • Very upset stomach or throwing up.
  • Very hard stools (constipation).
  • Feeling very tired or weak.
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