Generic Name: chlorpheniramine and codeine (KLOR fen IR a meed and KOE deen)Brand Names: Cotab A, Cotab AX, Notuss-AC, Z-Tuss AC, Zodryl AC 25, Zodryl AC 30, Zodryl AC 35, Zodryl AC 40, Zodryl AC 50, Zodryl AC 60, Zodryl AC 80
Chlorpheniramine is an antihistamine that reduces the natural chemical histamine in the body. Histamine can produce symptoms of sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and runny nose.
Codeine is a narcotic cough suppressant. It affects the signals in the brain that trigger cough reflex.
The combination of chlorpheniramine and codeine is used to treat runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, watery eyes, and cough caused by allergies or the common cold.
Chlorpheniramine and codeine will not treat a cough that is caused by smoking, asthma, or emphysema.
Chlorpheniramine and codeine may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have asthma or other breathing disorder, glaucoma, heart disease, high blood pressure, seizures, a thyroid disorder, diabetes, urination problems, stomach problems, liver or kidney disease, Addison's disease, mental illness, or a history of drug or alcohol addiction.
Codeine may be habit-forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for. This medication should never be shared with another person, especially someone who has a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medication in a secure place where others cannot get to it. Do not give this medicine to a child younger than 6 years old.severe or uncontrolled high blood pressure;
severe coronary artery disease;
ischemic heart disease;
a stomach ulcer;
narrow-angle glaucoma;
if you are having an asthma attack;
if you are unable to urinate; or
if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use this medication:
asthma, COPD, emphysema, or other breathing disorder;
glaucoma;
heart disease, high blood pressure;
a history of head injury or brain tumor;
epilepsy or other seizure disorder;
a thyroid disorder;
diabetes;
enlarged prostate or urination problems;
stomach or intestinal problems;
Addison's disease;
mental illness; or
a history of drug or alcohol addiction.
Older adults are more likely to have side effects from this medicine.
Do not give chlorpheniramine and codeine to a child younger than 6 years old. Codeine may be habit-forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for. This medication should never be shared with another person, especially someone who has a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medication in a secure place where others cannot get to it.Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Do not take this medication more often than you doctor has prescribed. An overdose of chlorpheniramine and codeine can cause life-threatening side effects. Take chlorpheniramine and codeine with a full glass of water.Measure liquid medicine with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.
Chlorpheniramine and codeine can be taken with food if it upsets your stomach.Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 7 days of treatment, or if you also have a fever, headache, or skin rash.
Store chlorpheniramine and codeine at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep track of how much of this medicine has been used from each new bottle. Codeine is a drug of abuse and you should be aware if any person in the household is using this medicine improperly or without a prescription.Cough or cold medicine is usually taken only as needed, so you may not be on a dosing schedule. If you are taking the medication regularly, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at your next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Overdose symptoms may include feeling restless or nervous, sleep problems, extreme drowsiness, weak or limp feeling, confusion, hallucinations, chest pain, shortness of breath, uneven heartbeats, pinpoint pupils, cold and clammy skin, fainting, seizure (convulsions), weak pulse, shallow breathing, or breathing that stops.
Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy. Get up slowly and steady yourself to prevent a fall.
Avoid drinking alcohol while using chlorpheniramine and codeine. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness.weak or shallow breathing;
chest tightness, fast heart rate;
painful urination;
urinating less than usual or not at all; or
confusion, hallucinations, or unusual behavior.
Less serious side effects may include:
feeling restless or excited (especially in children);
dizziness, drowsiness, loss of coordination;
ringing in your ears;
constipation or diarrhea;
nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite;
dry mouth, nose, or throat; or
mild itching or skin rash.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially:
atropine (Donnatal, and others), benztropine (Cogentin), dimenhydrinate (Dramamine), methscopolamine (Pamine), or scopolamine (Transderm-Scop);
bronchodilators such as ipratroprium (Atrovent) or tiotropium (Spiriva);
glycopyrrolate (Robinul);
mepenzolate (Cantil);
bladder or urinary medications such as darifenacin (Enablex), flavoxate (Urispas), oxybutynin (Ditropan, Oxytrol), tolterodine (Detrol), or solifenacin (Vesicare);
irritable bowel medications such as dicyclomine (Bentyl), hyoscyamine (Anaspaz, Cystospaz, Levsin, and others), or propantheline (Pro-Banthine); or
an MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam), or tranylcypromine (Parnate).
This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with chlorpheniramine and codeine. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.