Important Note

The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

PROMETHAZINE W/DEXTROMETHORPHAN - ORAL

(pro-METH-uh-zeen WITH dex-trow-meth-OR-fan)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Phen-Tuss DM, Phenergan w/Dextromethorphan

Uses

Promethazine is an antihistamine which relieves runny nose, sneezing, itchy nose and throat and itchy, watery eyes. Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant. This combination medication is used to treat symptoms associated with the common cold, allergies, hay fever, sinusitis and other respiratory illnesses.

How To Use

Take this medication as prescribed. Be sure to follow instructions closely. Do not increase your dose or take this more often than directed. May be taken with or without food.

Side Effects

Dizziness, headache, loss of appetite, nausea or dry mouth may occur the first several days as your body adjusts to the medication. If any of these effects continue or become bothersome, inform your doctor. To relieve dry mouth, suck on (sugarless) hard candy or ice chips, chew (sugarless) gum, drink water or use saliva substitute. To avoid dizziness and lightheadedness when rising from a seated or lying position, get up slowly. Also limit your intake of alcoholic beverages which will aggravate these effects. Notify your doctor if you develop: chest pain, a rapid pulse, skin rash, high blood pressure, tremors, nervousness, hallucinations. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Tell your doctor if you: kidney problems, heart problems, lung disease, asthma, emphysema, high blood pressure, an overactive thyroid, diabetes, glaucoma, prostate trouble, depression, any allergies. Use caution performing tasks requiring alertness if this medication causes you to feel drowsy or dizzy. This medication should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Since small amounts of this medication are found in breast milk, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Drug Interactions

Tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription medication you may take, including: blood pressure drugs, sedatives, tranquilizers, sleeping pills, MAO inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, linezolid, phenelzine, selegiline, tranylcypromine), narcotic pain medications (e.g., codeine). Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include nausea; vomiting; blurred vision; drowsiness; slowed breathing; large, unchanging pupils; seizures; and deep sleep or loss of consciousness.

Notes

Drink plenty of fluids, especially water while taking this medication. It will help to break up mucus and clear congestion.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered; do not take it if it is near the time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

Storage

Store at room temperature (59 to 86 degrees F or 15 to 30 degrees C) away from sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom.