Decohistine DH - Talk Medical

Generic Name: chlorpheniramine/codeine/pseudoephedrine

Brands: Co-Histine DH, Codahistine-DH Elixir, Codehist DH, Decohistine DH, Dihistine DH, Novadyne DH, Novahistine DH, Phenylhistine DH, Phenylhistine DH Expectorant, Ryna-C

What is the most important information I should know about chlorpheniramine, codeine, and pseudoephedrine?

· Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Chlorpheniramine, codeine, and pseudoephedrine may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.

· Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while taking chlorpheniramine, codeine, and pseudoephedrine.

What is chlorpheniramine, codeine, and pseudoephedrine?

· Chlorpheniramine is an antihistamine. It blocks the effects of the naturally occurring chemical histamine in the body.

· Codeine is a narcotic. It is a pain reliever and a cough suppressant.

· Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant. It works by constricting (shrinking) blood vessels (veins and arteries) in the body. Constriction of blood vessels in your sinuses and nose decreases congestion.

· Together, chlorpheniramine, codeine, and pseudoephedrine are used to treat symptoms such as itching, runny nose; sneezing; congestion; and coughing due to allergies or the common cold.

· Chlorpheniramine, codeine, and pseudoephedrine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Who should not take chlorpheniramine, codeine, and pseudoephedrine?

· Do not take chlorpheniramine, codeine, and pseudoephedrine if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur, leading to serious side effects.

· Before taking chlorpheniramine, codeine, and pseudoephedrine, tell your doctor if you have ·epilepsy or another seizure disorder; ·been diagnosed with sleep apnea (periods of not breathing during sleep); ·thyroid problems; ·asthma; ·gallbladder disease; ·a head injury; ·Addison's disease; ·diabetes; ·glaucoma; ·an ulcer or an obstruction in the stomach; ·bladder problems or difficulty urinating; ·an enlarged prostate; ·high blood pressure, irregular heartbeats, or any type of heart disease; ·kidney problems; or ·liver problems.

· You may not be able to take chlorpheniramine, codeine, and pseudoephedrine, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

· It is not known whether chlorpheniramine, codeine, and pseudoephedrine will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take chlorpheniramine, codeine, and pseudoephedrine without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.

· It is not known whether chlorpheniramine, codeine, and pseudoephedrine passes into breast milk. Do not take chlorpheniramine, codeine, and pseudoephedrine without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take chlorpheniramine, codeine, and pseudoephedrine?

· Take chlorpheniramine, codeine, and pseudoephedrine exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

· Chlorpheniramine, codeine, and pseudoephedrine can be taken with or without food.

· To ensure that you get a correct dose, measure the liquid form of chlorpheniramine, codeine, and pseudoephedrine with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one.

· Codeine may be habit forming. Physical and/or psychological dependence can occur, and withdrawal effects are possible if the medication is stopped suddenly after prolonged or high-dose treatment. Do not stop taking chlorpheniramine, codeine, and pseudoephedrine suddenly without first talking to your doctor if you have been taking it continuously for more than 5 to 7 days. Your doctor may want to gradually reduce the dose.

· Store chlorpheniramine, codeine, and pseudoephedrine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

· Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

What happens if I overdose?

· Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.

· Symptoms of a chlorpheniramine, codeine, and pseudoephedrine overdose include severe drowsiness, dizziness, headache, seizures, dry mouth, cold and clammy skin, flushing, nausea, vomiting, difficulty or decreased breathing, and unconsciousness.

What should I avoid while taking chlorpheniramine, codeine, and pseudoephedrine?

· Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while taking chlorpheniramine, codeine, and pseudoephedrine.

· Chlorpheniramine, codeine, and pseudoephedrine may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness or dizziness, including antidepressants, alcohol, sedatives (used to treat insomnia), pain relievers, anxiety medicines, muscle relaxants, and antihistamines. Do not drink alcohol and do not take any medicine without first talking to your doctor while taking chlorpheniramine, codeine, and pseudoephedrine.

What are the possible side effects of chlorpheniramine, codeine, and pseudoephedrine?

· If you experience a rare but serious allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives), stop taking chlorpheniramine, codeine, and pseudoephedrine and seek emergency medical attention.

· Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take chlorpheniramine, codeine, and pseudoephedrine and talk to your doctor if you experience ·dizziness, drowsiness, or sleepiness; ·restlessness or irritability; ·blurred vision; ·constipation; ·dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, or decreased appetite; or ·sweating.

· Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect chlorpheniramine, codeine, and pseudoephedrine?

· Chlorpheniramine, codeine, and pseudoephedrine may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness, including antidepressants, alcohol, sedatives (used to treat insomnia), pain relievers, anxiety medicines, and muscle relaxants. Do not drink alcohol and do not take any medicine without first talking to your doctor while taking chlorpheniramine, codeine, and pseudoephedrine.

· Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with chlorpheniramine, codeine, and pseudoephedrine. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.

Where can I get more information?

· Your pharmacist has more information about chlorpheniramine, codeine, and pseudoephedrine written for health professionals that you may read.

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