Promethazine Phenylephrine and Codeine

Promethazine HCl, phenylephrine HCl and codeine phosphate syrup is contraindicated in pediatric patients less than 12 years of age. (See WARNINGS - Ultra-Rapid Metabolism of Codeine and Respiratory Depression).

Promethazine HCl, phenylephrine HCl and codeine phosphate syrup is contraindicated for post-operative management in children younger than 18 years of age following tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy. (See WARNINGS – Ultra-Rapid Metabolism of Codeine and Respiratory Depression).

Codeine is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to the drug.

Promethazine is contraindicated in comatose states, and in individuals known to be hypersensitive or to have had an idiosyncratic reaction to promethazine or to other phenothiazines.

Antihistamines and codeine are both contraindicated for use in the treatment of lower respiratory tract symptoms, including asthma.

Phenylephrine is contraindicated in patients with hypertension or with peripheral vascular insufficiency (ischemia may result with risk of gangrene or thrombosis of compromised vascular beds). Phenylephrine should not be used in patients known to be hypersensitive to the drug or in those receiving a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI).

General

Narcotic analgesics, including codeine, should be administered with caution and the initial dose reduced in patients with acute abdominal conditions, convulsive disorders, significant hepatic or renal impairment, fever, hypothyroidism, Addison’s disease, ulcerative colitis, prostatic hypertrophy, in patients with recent gastrointestinal or urinary tract surgery and in the very young or elderly or debilitated patients.

Drugs having anticholinergic properties should be used with caution in patients with narrow-angle glaucoma, prostatic hypertrophy, stenosing peptic ulcer, pyloroduodenal obstruction, and bladder-neck obstruction.

Promethazine should be used cautiously in persons with cardiovascular disease, or with impairment of liver function.

Phenylephrine should be used with caution in patients with cardiovascular disease.

Information for Patients

Patients should be advised to measure promethazine HCl, phenylephrine HCl and codeine phosphate syrup with an accurate measuring device. A household teaspoon is not an accurate measuring device and could lead to overdosage, especially when a half a teaspoon is measured. A pharmacist can recommend an appropriate measuring device and can provide instructions for measuring the correct dose.

Advise caregivers that promethazine HCl, phenylephrine HCl and codeine phosphate syrup is contraindicated in all children younger than 12 years of age and in children younger than 18 years of age following tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy. Advise caregivers of children 12 to 18 years of age receiving promethazine HCl, phenylephrine HCl and codeine phosphate syrup to monitor for signs of respiratory depression. (See WARNINGS - Ultra-Rapid Metabolism of Codeine and Respiratory Depression).

Advise patients that breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment with promethazine HCl, phenylephrine HCl and codeine phosphate syrup. (See WARNINGS - Ultra-Rapid Metabolism of Codeine and Respiratory Depression).

Promethazine, phenylephrine and codeine may cause marked drowsiness or may impair the mental and/or physical abilities required for the performance of potentially hazardous tasks, such as driving a vehicle or operating machinery. Ambulatory patients should be told to avoid engaging in such activities until it is known that they do not become drowsy or dizzy from promethazine, phenylephrine and codeine therapy. Pediatric patients should be supervised to avoid potential harm in bike riding or in other hazardous activities.

Inform patients and caregivers that potentially fatal additive effects may occur if promethazine HCl, phenylephrine HCl and codeine phosphate syrup is used with benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants, including alcohol. Because of this risk, patients should avoid concomitant use of promethazine HCl, phenylephrine HCl and codeine phosphate syrup with benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants, including alcohol. (See WARNINGS - Risks from Concomitant Use with Benzodiazepines or Other CNS Depressants).

Patients should be advised to report any involuntary muscle movements.

Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun.

Codeine, like other narcotic analgesics, may produce orthostatic hypotension in some ambulatory patients. Patients should be cautioned accordingly.

Nursing mothers taking codeine can also have higher morphine levels in their breast milk if they are ultra-rapid metabolizers. These higher levels of morphine in breast milk may lead to life-threatening or fatal side effects in nursing babies. Instruct nursing mothers to watch for signs of morphine toxicity in their infants including increased sleepiness (more than usual), difficulty breastfeeding, breathing difficulties, or limpness. Instruct nursing mothers to talk to the baby’s doctor immediately if they notice these signs and, if they can not reach the doctor right away, to take the baby to an emergency room or call 911 (or local emergency services).

Drug Interactions

Codeine

In patients receiving MAO inhibitors, an initial small test dose is advisable to allow observation of any excessive narcotic effects or MAOI interaction.

The use of benzodiazepines, opioids, antihistamines, antipsychotics, anti-anxiety agents, or other

CNS depressants (including alcohol) concomitantly with promethazine HCl, phenylephrine HCl and codeine phosphate syrup may cause an additive CNS depressant effect, profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death and should be avoided. (See WARNINGS - Risks from Concomitant Use with Benzodiazepines or Other CNS Depressants).

Promethazine

Epinephrine: Because of the potential for promethazine to reverse epinephrine’s vasopressor effect, epinephrine should NOT be used to treat hypotension associated with promethazine overdose.

Anticholinergics: Concomitant use of other agents with anticholinergic properties should be undertaken with caution.

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOI): Drug interactions, including an increased incidence of extrapyramidal effects, have been reported when some MAOI and phenothiazines are used concomitantly.

Phenylephrine

Drug/Laboratory Test Interactions

Because narcotic analgesics may increase biliary tract pressure, with resultant increase in plasma amylase or lipase levels, determination of these enzyme levels may be unreliable for 24 hours after a narcotic analgesic has been given.

The following laboratory tests may be affected in patients who are receiving therapy with promethazine hydrochloride.

Pregnancy Tests: Diagnostic pregnancy tests based on immunological reactions between HCG and anti-HCG may result in false-negative or false-positive interpretations.

Glucose Tolerance Test: An increase in blood glucose has been reported in patients receiving promethazine.

Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

Codeine and Promethazine: Long-term animal studies have not been performed to assess the carcinogenic potential of codeine or of promethazine, nor are there other animal or human data concerning carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, or impairment of fertility with these agents. Codeine has been reported to show no evidence of carcinogenicity or mutagenicity in a variety of test systems, including the micronucleus and sperm abnormality assays and the Salmonella assay. Promethazine was nonmutagenic in the Salmonella test system of Ames.

Phenylephrine: A study which followed the development of cancer in 143,574 patients over a four-year period indicated that in 11,981 patients who received phenylephrine (systemic or topical), there was no statistically significant association between the drug and cancer at any or all sites.

Long-term animal studies have not been performed to assess the carcinogenic potential of phenylephrine, nor are there other animal or human data concerning mutagenicity.

A study of the effects of adrenergic drugs on ovum transport in rabbits indicated that treatment with phenylephrine did not alter incidence of pregnancy; the number of implantations was significantly reduced when high doses of the drug were used.

Pregnancy

Teratogenic Effects

Pregnancy Category C:

Codeine: A study in rats and rabbits reported no teratogenic effect of codeine administered during the period of organogenesis in doses ranging from 5 to 120 mg/kg. In the rat, doses at the 120-mg/kg level, in the toxic range for the adult animal, were associated with an increase in embryo resorption at the time of implantation. In another study a single 100-mg/kg dose of codeine administered to pregnant mice reportedly resulted in delayed ossification in the offspring.

There are no studies in humans, and the significance of these findings to humans, if any, is not known.

Promethazine: Teratogenic effects have not been demonstrated in rat-feeding studies at doses of 6.25 and 12.5 mg/kg of promethazine HCl. These doses are from approximately 2.1 to 4.2 times the maximum recommended total daily dose of promethazine for a 50-kg subject, depending on the indication for which the drug is prescribed. Daily doses of 25 mg/kg intraperitoneally have been found to produce fetal mortality in rats.

Specific studies to test the action of the drug on parturition, lactation, and development of the animal neonate were not done, but a general preliminary study in rats indicated no effect on these parameters. Although antihistamines have been found to produce fetal mortality in rodents, the pharmacological effects of histamine in the rodent do not parallel those in man. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies of promethazine in pregnant women.

Phenylephrine: A study in rabbits indicated that continued moderate overexposure to phenylephrine (3 mg/day) during the second half of pregnancy (22nd day of gestation to delivery) may contribute to perinatal wastage, prematurity, premature labor, and possibly fetal anomalies; when phenylephrine (3 mg/day) was given to rabbits during the first half of pregnancy (3rd day after mating for seven days), a significant number gave birth to litters of low birth weight. Another study showed that phenylephrine was associated with anomalies of aortic arch and with ventricular septal defect in the chick embryo.

Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with the drug combination - promethazine, phenylephrine and codeine. It is not known whether this drug combination can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman or can affect reproduction capacity. Promethazine HCl, phenylephrine HCl and codeine phosphate syrup should be given to a pregnant woman only if clearly needed.

Promethazine HCl, phenylephrine HCl and codeine phosphate syrup should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

Nonteratogenic Effects

Dependence has been reported in newborns whose mothers took opiates regularly during pregnancy. Withdrawal signs include irritability, excessive crying, tremors, hyperreflexia, fever, vomiting and diarrhea. Signs usually appear during the first few days of life.

Promethazine administered to a pregnant woman within two weeks of delivery may inhibit platelet aggregation in the newborn.

Labor and Delivery

Narcotic analgesics cross the placental barrier. The closer to delivery and the larger the dose used, the greater the possibility of respiratory depression in the newborn. Narcotic analgesics should be avoided during labor if delivery of a premature infant is anticipated. If the mother has received narcotic analgesics during labor, newborn infants should be observed closely for signs of respiratory depression. Resuscitation may be required (see OVERDOSAGE).

Limited data suggest that use of promethazine hydrochloride during labor and delivery does not have an appreciable effect on the duration of labor or delivery and does not increase the risk of need for intervention in the newborn.

The effect of promethazine and/or codeine on later growth and development of the newborn is unknown.

Administration of phenylephrine to patients in late pregnancy or labor may cause fetal anoxia or bradycardia by increasing contractility of the uterus and decreasing uterine blood flow.

See also Nonteratogenic Effects.

Nursing Mothers

Codeine and its active metabolite, morphine, are present in human milk. There are published studies and cases that have reported excessive sedation, respiratory depression, and death in infants exposed to codeine via breast milk. Women who are ultra-rapid metabolizers of codeine achieve higher than expected serum levels of morphine, potentially leading to higher levels of morphine in breast milk that can be dangerous in their breastfed infants. In women with normal codeine metabolism (normal CYP2D6 activity), the amount of codeine secreted into human milk is low and dose-dependent. There is no information on the effects of the codeine on milk production. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions, including excess sedation, respiratory depression, and death in a breastfed infant, advise patients that breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment with promethazine HCl, phenylephrine HCl and codeine phosphate syrup. (See WARNINGS - Ultra-Rapid Metabolism of Codeine and Respiratory Depression).

If infants are exposed to promethazine HCl, phenylephrine HCl and codeine phosphate syrup through breast milk, they should be monitored for excess sedation and respiratory depression. Withdrawal symptoms can occur in breastfed infants when maternal administration of an opioid analgesic is stopped, or when breast-feeding is stopped.

It is not known whether phenylephrine or promethazine are excreted in human milk.

Pediatric Use

The safety and effectiveness of promethazine HCl, phenylephrine HCl and codeine phosphate syrup in pediatric patients below the age of 18 have not been established.

Life-threatening respiratory depression and death have occurred in children who received codeine. (See WARNINGS - Ultra-Rapid Metabolism of Codeine and Respiratory Depression). Postmarketing cases of respiratory depression, including fatalities have been reported with use of promethazine in pediatric patients. (See WARNINGS - Promethazine and Respiratory Depression in Children). Because of the risk of life-threatening respiratory depression and death:

• Promethazine HCl, phenylephrine HCl and codeine phosphate syrup is contraindicated in all children younger than 12 years of age. (See CONTRAINDICATIONS).

• Promethazine HCl, phenylephrine HCl and codeine phosphate syrup is contraindicated for post-operative management in pediatric patients younger than 18 years of age following tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy. (See CONTRAINDICATIONS).

• Avoid the use of promethazine HCl, phenylephrine HCl and codeine phosphate syrup in adolescents 12 to 18 years of age who have other risk factors that may increase their sensitivity to the respiratory depressant effects of codeine. Risk factors include conditions associated with hypoventilation, such as postoperative status, obstructive sleep apnea, obesity, severe pulmonary disease, neuromuscular disease, and concomitant use of other medications that cause respiratory depression. (See WARNINGS - Ultra-Rapid Metabolism of Codeine and Respiratory Depression).

• When prescribing codeine for adolescents, healthcare providers should choose the lowest effective dose for the shortest period of time and inform patients and caregivers about these risks and the signs of morphine overdose. (See OVERDOSAGE).

Geriatric Use

Clinical studies of promethazine HCl, phenylephrine HCl and codeine phosphate syrup did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects. Other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients. In general, dose selection for an elderly patient should be cautious, usually starting at the low end of the dosing range, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal or cardiac function, and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy.

Sedating drugs may cause confusion and over-sedation in the elderly; elderly patients generally should be started on low doses of promethazine HCl, phenylephrine HCl and codeine phosphate syrup and observed closely.

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.
• Signs of high or low blood pressure like very bad headache or dizziness, passing out, change in eyesight.
• Noisy breathing.
• Feeling very sleepy.
• Very hard stools (constipation).
• Not able to pass urine or change in how much urine is passed.
• Feeling very tired or weak.
• Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not there).
• Mood changes.
• Ringing in ears.
• Seizures.
• Any unexplained bruising or bleeding.
• Trouble controlling body movements, twitching, change in balance, trouble swallowing or speaking.
• Yellow skin or eyes.
• Chest pain or pressure or a fast heartbeat.
• Restlessness.
• Shakiness.
• Very bad belly pain.
• A very bad and sometimes deadly health problem called neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) may happen. Call your doctor right away if you have any fever, muscle cramps or stiffness, dizziness, very bad headache, confusion, change in thinking, fast heartbeat, heartbeat that does not feel normal, or are sweating a lot.
• Low white blood cell counts have rarely happened with this medicine. This may lead to a higher chance of getting an infection. Tell your doctor if you have ever had a low white blood cell count. Call your doctor right away if you have signs of infection like fever, chills, or sore throat.

• Store at room temperature.
• Protect from light.
• Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Check with your pharmacist about how to throw out unused drugs.

Cough and upper respiratory symptoms: Temporary relief of coughs and upper respiratory symptoms, including nasal congestion associated with allergy or the common cold

Refer to adult dosing. Use with caution; consider using decreased dose.

There are no dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer's labeling. Use with caution; reduce initial dose in significant renal impairment.

Codeine: Amylase and lipase plasma levels may by unreliable for 24 hours after codeine administration.

Promethazine: Pregnancy tests (hCG-based) may result in false-negatives or false-positives; increased serum glucose may be seen with glucose tolerance tests.

Promethazine/phenylephrine/codeine is contraindicated in pediatric patients younger than 6 years. Concomitant administration of promethazine products with other respiratory depressants has an association with respiratory depression, and sometimes death, in pediatric patients.

Postmarketing cases of respiratory depression, including fatalities, have been reported with use of promethazine in pediatric patients younger than 2 years. A wide range of weight-based doses of promethazine have resulted in respiratory depression in these patients.

Respiratory depression and death have occurred in children who received codeine following tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy and had evidence of being ultra-rapid metabolizers of codeine due to a cytochrome P450 (CYP-450) 2D6 polymorphism.

Concomitant use of opioids with benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants, including alcohol, may result in profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death. Avoid use of opioid cough medications in patients taking benzodiazepines, other CNS depressants, or alcohol.

• Discuss specific use of drug and side effects with patient as it relates to treatment. (HCAHPS: During this hospital stay, were you given any medicine that you had not taken before? Before giving you any new medicine, how often did hospital staff tell you what the medicine was for? How often did hospital staff describe possible side effects in a way you could understand?)

• Patient may experience anxiety, dry mouth, dry nose, nausea, vomiting, or insomnia. Have patient report immediately to prescriber severe dizziness, severe headache, passing out, vision changes, agitation, angina, tachycardia, signs of infection, difficulty breathing, slow breathing, shallow breathing, noisy breathing, severe fatigue, severe constipation, urinary retention, change in amount of urine passed, severe loss of strength and energy, hallucinations, mood changes, tinnitus, seizures, bruising, bleeding, abnormal movements, twitching, change in balance, difficulty swallowing, difficulty speaking, jaundice, tremors, severe abdominal pain, or signs of neuroleptic malignant syndrome (fever, muscle cramps or stiffness, dizziness, severe headache, confusion, change in thinking, tachycardia, abnormal heartbeat, or sweating a lot) (HCAHPS).

• Educate patient about signs of a significant reaction (eg, wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat). Note: This is not a comprehensive list of all side effects. Patient should consult prescriber for additional questions.

Intended Use and Disclaimer: Should not be printed and given to patients. This information is intended to serve as a concise initial reference for health care professionals to use when discussing medications with a patient. You must ultimately rely on your own discretion, experience and judgment in diagnosing, treating, and advising patients.