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Compare Pherazine DM vs. Phenergan with Codeine

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Promethazine DM (promethazine/dextromethorphan) and Promethazine with Codeine (promethazine/codeine) are both combination medications used to treat cough and upper respiratory symptoms caused by allergies or respiratory infections. They both contain promethazine, an antihistamine. However promethazine DM also contains dextromethorphan, an antitussive, while Promethazine with Codeine contains codeine, an opioid, which is why it is a controlled substance. Both medications are available as an oral liquid. Both medications are typically taken very 4 to 6 hours, but promethazine DM is not recommended for children under 2 years old whereas Promethazine with Codeine is not recommended for children under 12 years old. Common side effects of Promethazine DM include drowsiness and stomach upset, while Promethazine with Codeine can cause sleepiness, dizziness, and dry mouth. Both medications should not be taken with alcohol, but Promethazine with Codeine can cause dangerously slow breathing if mixed with alcohol or opioids.

  • Promethazine dm
    Promethazine with codeine
  • Promethazine dm
    Promethazine with codeine

  • Summary of Pherazine DM vs. Phenergan with Codeine

    Summary for Phenothiazine / Antitussive
    Prescription only

    Promethazine DM is a combination medication that contains promethazine and dextromethorphan. It temporarily relieves symptoms of allergies and the common cold and is only approved for adults and children age 2 years and older. Promethazine DM shouldn't be taken by children younger than 2 years old because it can cause serious harm in this age group. This medication is taken by mouth, typically every 4 to 6 hours. Some common side effects of promethazine DM include drowsiness and stomach upset.

    Summary for Phenothiazine / Opioid
    Prescription only

    Promethazine with codeine is a combination medication containing a phenothiazine and an opioid. It's used to treat cough and nasal symptoms caused by respiratory infections or allergies in adults. Promethazine with codeine comes as an oral solution that's taken by mouth every 4 to 6 hours. It's meant for short-term use only because it can be habit-forming. Possible side effects of this medication include sleepiness, dizziness, and dry mouth. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking promethazine with codeine because doing so can result in slowed breathing, a dangerous interaction.

  • Indications of Pherazine DM vs. Phenergan with Codeine

    Indications for
    •Short-term relief of cough and upper respiratory symptoms (e.g., itching or runny nose, sneezing) caused by allergies or the common cold
    Indications for
    •Respiratory symptoms caused by allergies or the common cold, including cough, runny nose, and sneezing

  • Pros and Cons of Pherazine DM vs. Phenergan with Codeine

    Pros and Const for Phenothiazine / Antitussive
    Pros
    •Combines two medications into one product for convenience
    •Available as a lower-cost generic medication
    •Starts working within 30 minutes for symptoms of allergies and common cold
    Cons
    •Shouldn't be taken with alcohol since it can cause extreme drowsiness
    •Not a safe option for children under 2 years old
    •Not meant to be used long-term
    Pros and Const for Phenothiazine / Opioid
    Pros
    •Starts to work within 20 minutes
    •Available as a lower-cost generic medication
    •Good option for people who don't want to take tablets
    Cons
    •Doesn't work as well as other medications
    •Not safe for children
    •Not the best choice to take while pregnant or breastfeeding
    •Contains alcohol

  • Common Side Effects of Pherazine DM vs. Phenergan with Codeine

    Common Side Effects for

    The following side effects are those reported with dextromethorphan:

    •Drowsiness
    •Dizziness
    •Stomach upset

    The following side effects are those reported with promethazine:

    •Feeling drowsy or tired
    •Dizziness
    •Blurry vision
    •Dry mouth
    •Nausea
    •Vomiting
    Common Side Effects for
    •Sleepiness
    •Trouble concentrating
    •Lightheadedness
    •Dizziness
    •Headache
    •Dry mouth
    •Nausea
    •Vomiting
    •Constipation
    •Trouble breathing
    •Sweating

  • Warnings of Pherazine DM vs. Phenergan with Codeine

    Common Side Effects for
    •Potentially life-threatening slow breathing (respiratory depression)
    •Excessive sleepiness
    •Risk of serious nerve problems (neuroleptic malignant syndrome)
    •Uncontrollable body movements
    •Seizures
    •Higher risk of infection (from low white blood cell count)
    •Overdose
    Common Side Effects for
    •Potential for dependence and misuse
    •Dangerously slow breathing (respiratory depression)
    •Difficulty concentrating and extreme sleepiness
    •Risk of accidental overdose
    •Serious medication interactions
    •Harm to newborn babies
    •Low blood pressure
    •Low adrenal hormone levels
    •Seizures
    •Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS)
    •Difficulty controlling body movements
    •Caution in certain medical conditions
    •Risk of inaccurate lab results

  • Prices with our coupons for Pherazine DM vs. Phenergan with Codeine

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