M-Phen - Talk Medical

Generic Name: codeine, phenylephrine, and promethazine

Brands: M-Phen, Phenergan VC with Codeine

What is the most important information I should know about M-Phen?

· Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. M-Phen 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 M-Phen.

What is M-Phen?

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

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

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

· M-Phen is used to treat symptoms such as itching, runny nose; sneezing; congestion; and coughing due to allergies or the common cold.

· M-Phen may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Who should not take M-Phen?

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

· Before taking M-Phen, 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 M-Phen, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

· M-Phen is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether M-Phen will harm an unborn baby. Do not take M-Phen without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or if you are planning a pregnancy.

· It is not known whether M-Phen passes into breast milk. Do not take M-Phen without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

· If you are over 60 years of age, you may be more likely to experience side effects from M-Phen. You may require a lower dose of this medication.

· The safety of M-Phen for children younger than 2 years of age has not been established.

How should I take M-Phen?

· Take M-Phen exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand the directions on your prescription bottle, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain the instructions to you.

· M-Phen can be taken with or without food.

· To ensure that you get a correct dose, measure the liquid form of M-Phen 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.

· Store M-Phen 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.

· Symptoms of a M-Phen 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 M-Phen?

· Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while taking M-Phen.

· Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight. M-Phen may increase the sensitivity of your skin to sunlight. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when exposure to the sun is unavoidable.

What are the possible side effects of M-Phen?

· If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking M-Phen and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately: ·an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives); ·uncontrollable movements of your eyes, lips, tongue, face, arms, or legs; or ·confusion, hallucinations, or unusual behavior.

· Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take M-Phen 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; ·muscle twitches; ·sweating; ·itching; ·decreased urination; ·increased sensitivity to sunlight.

· Codeine may be habit forming.

· 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 M-Phen?

· M-Phen 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. Tell your doctor about all medicines that you are taking, and do not take any medicine unless your doctor approves.

· Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with M-Phen. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

Where can I get more information?

· Your pharmacist has more information about M-Phen written for health professionals that you may read.

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