promethazine / phenylephrine / codeine

The codeine in Promethazine VC with Codeine carries a risk of addiction or misuse, even at recommended doses. In serious cases, addiction and misuse of an opioid medication can lead to overdose and death. For these reasons, Promethazine VC with Codeine is a schedule V controlled substance. Your healthcare professional (HCP) will prescribe the lowest amount of Promethazine VC with Codeine for the shortest period of time needed to treat your symptoms. If you've taken Promethazine VC with Codeine for 5 days and your cough hasn't gotten better, then this medication isn't likely a good choice for you. In this case, contact your prescriber to discuss alternatives.

Promethazine VC with Codeine can cause dangerously slow breathing, which can be life-threatening. This can happen at any time, but you're at higher risk 1 to 3 days right after you start Promethazine VC with Codeine or if your HCP raises your dose. Drinking alcohol and taking other medications, like benzodiazepines, can also raise your risk for this dangerous side effect. You're recommended to ask your prescriber about getting naloxone (Narcan) before you start Promethazine VC with Codeine so that you can have it available in case of an accidental overdose. If you or your loved one notice you have trouble breathing or have bluish-colored lips, fingers, or toes, call 911 to get medical help right away.

Promethazine VC with Codeine can cause extreme sleepiness and lower your ability to think, react, and focus. Your risk is higher if you're taking other medications that can make you sleepy, such as benzodiazepines, muscle relaxants, and sleep medications. Make sure you know how this medication affects you before driving a car or doing activities that require your concentration. Talk to your HCP right away if you feel too sleepy from taking Promethazine VC with Codeine.

To prevent accidentally taking too much Promethazine VC with Codeine, only use an accurate measuring device, such as an oral medication syringe, to measure your dose. If you don't already have one at home, ask your pharmacist.

Promethazine VC with Codeine can interact with many medications. For example, taking certain medications, like erythromycin (Ery-tab) and ritonavir (Norvir), can raise the level of codeine and put you at higher risk for breathing problems. And starting certain medications, like rifampin (Rifadin) or carbamazepine (Tegretol), while you're already taking Promethazine VC with Codeine might lower the level of codeine and put you at risk for withdrawal symptoms.

If you take Promethazine VC with Codeine during pregnancy, you can pass the medication to your unborn baby. Long-term use during pregnancy can cause your unborn baby to become dependent on opioids. Once your baby is born, they can experience withdrawal symptoms, such as high-pitched crying, poor feeding and sucking behavior, trembling, irritability, abnormal sleep patterns, and seizures. This condition is called neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome and can be life-threatening if not recognized and treated in time. Let your healthcare professional know if you've used Promethazine VC with Codeine during pregnancy or if you notice these symptoms in your baby.

People with certain medical conditions shouldn't take Promethazine VC with Codeine.

The promethazine in Promethazine VC with Codeine can cause a rare, but life-threatening condition called neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS). Symptoms include fever, sweating, stiff muscles, confusion, not aware of your surroundings, and fast or irregular heartbeat. If you experience any of these symptoms while taking Promethazine VC with Codeine, seek medication attention as soon as possible. Your HCP will likely have you stop taking Promethazine VC with Codeine and switch you to something else.

Promethazine VC with Codeine contains phenylephrine, which can raise your heart rate and blood pressure, even at recommended doses. However, Promethazine VC with Codeine also contains codeine, which can have the opposite effect and cause your blood pressure to drop, especially when you stand from a sitting or lying down position. This can lead to dizziness and cause you to pass out or fall. People with certain heart conditions are more likely to experience this side effect. To avoid falling, get up slowly if you've been sitting or lying down. If dizziness or lightheadedness doesn't go away, talk to your healthcare professional. Depending on your medical conditions, your prescriber might recommend measuring your blood pressure at home to see how you react to the medication.

Codeine and promethazine can cause people with a history of seizures to have seizures more often. Promethazine VC with Codeine can also raise your risk of seizures in certain situations. Let your HCP know if you have seizures more often while taking Promethazine VC with Codeine.

Though not common, promethazine in Promethazine VC can lower your white blood cell counts, especially if they've been low previously from other conditions. This can raise your risk of serious infection. If you develop any signs of infection, such as fever, tiredness, chills, cough, or trouble breathing, and they don't go away, contact your prescriber right away.

The promethazine in Promethazine VC with Codeine can cause uncontrolled body movements (called tardive dyskinesia), such as eye-twitching or lip-smacking. The risk is higher for people who are dehydrated. If you experience any uncontrolled movements and aren't able to stop them, talk to your HCP right away.

Though rare, opioids like Promethazine VC with Codeine can cause your adrenal hormone levels to drop. This is more likely to happen after taking opioids for longer than 1 month. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, not feeling hungry, tiredness, dizziness, and weakness. Let your HCP know right away if you experience these symptoms because you might need to stop Promethazine VC with Codeine and be treated with corticosteroids.