Content provided by Cerner Multum, Inc.
What should I discuss with my doctor before taking codeine, phenylephrine, and promethazine?
 | You should not use this medication if you are allergic to codeine, phenylephrine, or promethazine, or if you have high blood pressure, a blood vessel disorder, or asthma. |
| Do not use if you have used an MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) within the past 14 days. Serious, life-threatening side effects can occur if you take cough or cold medicine before the MAO inhibitor has cleared from your body. |
Before taking codeine, phenylephrine, and promethazine, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:
- sleep apnea (breathing stops during sleep);
- chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD);
- glaucoma;
- epilepsy or other seizure disorder;
- stomach ulcer, intestinal disorder, or digestive obstruction;
- recent stomach or urinary tract surgery;
- a weak immune system;
- Addison's disease;
- diabetes;
- a thyroid disorder;
- enlarged prostate, problems with urination;
- heart disease, poor circulation;
- liver or kidney disease; or
- a head injury or brain tumor.
 | Codeine may be habit-forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for. Codeine, phenylephrine, and promethazine should never be given to another person, especially someone who has a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medication in a secure place where others cannot get to it. |
 | FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. It could also cause addiction or withdrawal symptoms in a newborn if the mother takes codeine, phenylephrine, and promethazine during pregnancy. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. |
 | Codeine can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. The use of codeine by some nursing mothers may lead to life-threatening side effects in the baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. |
 | Do not give this medication to a child younger than 16 years old without the advice of a doctor. |
| Last updated: | March 24, 2008 |
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