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Histex-Ac

codeine / phenylephrine / triprolidine
Used for Nasal Congestion, Allergic Rhinitis, Cold Symptoms, Cough
Used for Nasal Congestion, Allergic Rhinitis, Cold Symptoms, Cough

Histex-AC is a combination of three medications, codeine, phenylephrine, and triprolidine. It's used to treat symptoms of the common cold and allergies.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Robert Chad Hakim, PharmD, BCCCP
reviewer
Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD
Last reviewed on March 28, 2022
BasicsWarningsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsDosageCostContraindicationsAlternativesPricesMedicare
Histex-AC is a controlled substance, which means that it's more likely to be misused or cause dependence. There are federal and state laws that limit the amount of medication that can be prescribed or dispensed within a certain period of time.
basics-icon

What is Histex-AC?

What is Histex-AC used for?

Short-term relief of symptoms due to the common cold or allergies, including:

  • Runny nose

  • Sneezing

  • Itchy nose or throat

  • Itchy, watery eyes

  • Cough

  • Stuffy nose (nasal congestion)

  • Sinus congestion

How Histex-AC works

Histex-AC is a combination of three medications that work together to relieve symptoms caused by the common cold and allergies.

  • Codeine is an opioid that works in your brain to lower your urge to cough.

  • Phenylephrine is a decongestant that clears your sinuses to relieve sinus pressure.

  • Triprolidine is an antihistamine. It blocks a natural substance in your body called histamine that normally causes allergy symptoms. By blocking histamine, triprolidine relieves runny or itchy nose, sneezing, and watery eyes.

Are you looking for information on Histex-DM (dextromethorphan / phenylephrine / triprolidine), phenylephrine (Sudafed PE), or codeine instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsHistex-AC
Drug ClassOpioid / Decongestant / Antihistamine
Controlled Substance ClassificationSchedule V
Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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Avg retail price
$17.88(save 76.68%)
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$4.17
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What are the risks and warnings for Histex-AC?

Histex-AC can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

risk-warning

Accidental overdose

Histex-AC contains an opioid (codeine), decongestant (phenylephrine), and an antihistamine (triprolidine), which are ingredients found in many other prescription and over-the-counter products. Using more than one medication containing an opioid, a decongestant, or an antihistamine or taking more Histex-AC than prescribed can lead to an accidental overdose and cause serious side effects, including slowed breathing, seizures, hallucinations (seeing things that aren't real), or even death.

Tell your provider or pharmacist about the medications you take before starting Histex-AC to make sure it's safe for you. Don't start any new medications while taking Histex-AC without talking to your provider or pharmacist.

To prevent an accidental overdose, read package labels carefully. If you're not sure if a product has an opioid, a decongestant, or an antihistamine, ask your pharmacist. If you or your loved one experiences an accidental overdose, get medical help right away or contact a poison control center at 1-800-222-1222.

risk-warning

Drowsiness and decreased alertness

  • Risk factors: Drinking alcohol while taking Histex-AC | Taking other medications that cause drowsiness | Age 65 and older

    Histex-AC can make you very sleepy, which can affect your ability to focus, think, or react. This side effect is more likely to happen or be more intense if you're over 65 years old, drink alcohol while taking Histex-AC, or take other medications that cause sleepiness (e.g., other opioids, benzodiazepines, sleep medications). Don't drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you.

    risk-warning

    Worsening of medical conditions

    • Risk factors: Breathing problems (e.g., emphysema, chronic bronchitis, lung conditions) | Cough from smoking, asthma, or emphysema | Mucus-producing cough | Heart disease or high blood pressure | Diabetes | Thyroid problems | Glaucoma | Urinary conditions (e.g., enlarged prostate)

      Don't take Histex-AC if you have any of the risk factors listed above unless your provider said it's safe to do so. Taking Histex-AC can worsen your condition(s) and can cause serious side effects. Make sure your provider knows about all medical conditions you have or have had in the past before starting Histex-AC. Speak to your provider if you have concerns.

      basics-icon

      What are the side effects of Histex-AC?

      The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

      Common Side Effects

      Other Side Effects

      Serious Side Effects

      Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
      • Slowed breathing
      • Overdose: slowed breathing, seizures, hallucinations, not responding to sound or touch, pale or blue skin

      Source: DailyMed

      pros-and-cons

      Pros and cons of Histex-AC

      thumbs-up

      Pros

      Can treat a wide variety of common cold and allergy symptoms

      Combines three medications in one for convenience

      Available as a liquid

      Can take with or without food

      thumbs-down

      Cons

      Needs to be taken every 4 hours

      Has potential for abuse and misuse

      Can't be used in children under 6 years old

      Not for long-term use

      pharmacist-tips

      Pharmacist tips for Histex-AC

      pharmacist

      • When measuring your dose of Histex-AC liquid, use the medication dose cup or oral syringe provided by your pharmacy. Don't use household spoons because they aren't accurate and might cause you to take the wrong dose.

        • Histex-AC can make you sleepy or dizzy during the day, which can affect your ability to focus, think, or react. Don't drive or operate machinery until you know how the medication affects you.

          • While Histex-AC usually makes adults sleepy, it's possible for children who use this medication to become overly excited or energetic. If this happens to your child, speak to your child's provider.

            • Avoid drinking alcohol and taking any sedatives (e.g., benzodiazepines) while taking Histex-AC. Doing so raises your risk of sleepiness, dizziness, and slowed breathing.

              • Histex-AC can cause constipation. Make sure to get enough fiber in your diet and drink plenty of water. If you become constipated, there are several over-the-counter options available, such as stimulant laxatives and stool softeners, to help treat it. Ask your provider or pharmacist to help find the best treatment option for you. If you're having constipation that won't go away, contact your provider.

                • Stop using Histex-AC and contact your provider if your cough or stuffy nose gets worse or lasts more than 7 days. Also contact your provider if your symptoms come back or you develop a fever, rash, or headache with your cough that won't go away.

                  • If you feel nervous, dizzy, or have trouble sleeping, stop taking this medication and contact your provider. These might be signs of a different medical condition that Histex-AC can't treat properly.

                    • Tell your provider or pharmacist about all the medications you or your child is taking to make sure Histex-AC is safe to take. While you're using Histex-AC, talk to your provider or pharmacist first before starting any new medications, especially those containing opioids, decongestants, or antihistamines. Taking these medications with Histex-AC can raise your risk of overdose and severe side effects, including slowed breathing, dizziness, and sleepiness.

                      • If you believe you or your child has overdosed on Histex-AC, call for medical help right away. It contains codeine, which can cause life-threatening breathing problems if you take too much.

                        faqs

                        Frequently asked questions about Histex-AC

                        Why is Histex-AC a controlled medication?
                        Histex-AC is a schedule V controlled medication, because it contains codeine, which is an opioid. Opioids have potential for abuse. "Abuse" means using a medication for certain physical or psychological effects that aren't related to the treatment of a medical condition diagnosed by your provider. Make sure to store Histex-AC in a safe place away from children, since it can cause life-threatening breathing problems if accidentally taken by a child.
                        How do I know if Histex-AC is safe for me to take?
                        Histex-AC is generally safe to take, but it's not the best choice for everyone. Ask your provider before using Histex-AC if you have breathing problems (e.g., emphysema, chronic bronchitis, other lung conditions), a cough that occurs with smoking or asthma, glaucoma, trouble urinating due to a large prostate, thyroid problems, heart disease, high blood pressure, or diabetes. Histex-AC can make these conditions worse.
                        Can I use Histex-AC only when I need it?
                        Yes, you can use Histex-AC every 4 hours as needed when you're having cold or allergy symptoms. You don't need to take it if your symptoms are better, unless your provider tells you otherwise. You should use the lowest dose for the shortest amount of time to avoid side effects, such as drowsiness and constipation.
                        Can I use Histex-AC if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
                        If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, don't use Histex-AC until you've talked to your provider first to make sure it's safe for you to take. Taking products that contain codeine during breastfeeding can lead to drowsiness and breathing problems in your baby.
                        Why can't children younger than 6 years old use Histex-AC?
                        Children younger than 6 years old can't use Histex-AC because their risk for overdose and side effects is higher. The codeine component of Histex-AC can cause serious life-threatening breathing problems, especially in children younger than 12 years old. If your young child is having common cold or allergy symptoms, ask your child's provider or pharmacist about other treatment options.
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                        dosage

                        Histex-AC dosage forms

                        The average cost for 10 ml of 10mg/10mg/2.5mg/5ml of Histex-AC is $4.17 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 76.68% off the average retail price of $17.88.
                        ml of oral solution
                        Ml of oral solution
                        DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                        10mg/10mg/2.5mg/5ml10 ml$4.17$0.42

                        Typical dosing for Histex-AC

                        Each 5 mL teaspoonful contains 10 mg of codeine, 10 mg of phenylephrine, and 2.5 mg of triprolidine.

                        It's recommended to use the lowest dose possible for the shortest duration of time to manage your symptoms.

                        • Adults and children 12 years or older: The typical dose is 1 teaspoonful (5 mL) by mouth every 4 hours. Don't use more than 4 teaspoonfuls (20 mL) in a 24-hour period.

                        • Children 6 to 11 years old: The typical dose is one-half teaspoonful (2.5 mL) by mouth every 4 hours. Don't use more than 2 teaspoonfuls (10 mL) in a 24-hour period.

                        • Children 5 years or younger: Ask your child's provider.

                        drug-cost

                        How much does Histex-AC cost?

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                        Histex-Ac (brand)
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                        contraindications-icon

                        Histex-AC contraindications

                        Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Histex-AC will not be safe for you to take.

                        • Take or have taken an MAOI in the last 2 weeks

                        alternatives

                        What are alternatives to Histex-AC?

                        There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Histex-AC. Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                        Histex-AC
                        Used for:

                        Short-term relief of symptoms due to the common cold or allergies, including:

                        • Runny nose

                        • Sneezing

                        • Itchy nose or throat

                        • Itchy, watery eyes

                        • Cough

                        • Stuffy nose (nasal congestion)

                        • Sinus congestion

                        $4.17 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                        Histex-DM
                        Used for:

                        • Cough

                        • Runny nose

                        • Sneezing

                        • Itchy nose or throat

                        • Itchy or watery eyes

                        • Stuffy nose (nasal congestion)

                        • Sinus congestion

                        $11.71 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                        Rynex DM
                        Used for:

                        • Cough from throat and lung irritation

                        • Runny nose

                        • Sneezing

                        • Itchy or watery eyes

                        • Itching of the nose or throat

                        • Stuffy nose (nasal congestion)

                        $5.49 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices

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