Narcotic-antitussive/decongestant (By mouth)

Introduction:

Treats cough and stuffy nose caused by flu, allergies, or the common cold. This medicine is a combination that contains a narcotic cough suppressant.

Brand Name(s):

SymTan, Phenylephrine HD, Nalex DH, Notuss-DC, EndaCof-DC, Alahist DHC, Ala-Hist AC, Coldcough HCM, Notuss-PE, Nucofed

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to any cold or cough medicine or to any narcotic pain medicine (such as codeine, hydrocodone, Darvocet®, Demerol®, Percocet®, Roxicodone®).

How to Use This Medicine:

Capsule, Long Acting Capsule, Liquid Filled Capsule, Tablet, Liquid, Long Acting Tablet

  • Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
  • Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.
  • Swallow the extended-release tablet whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.
  • Drink plenty of fluids to help avoid constipation.

If a dose is missed:

  • If you miss a dose or forget to take your medicine, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose.
  • Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

  • Store the medicine at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not freeze it.
  • Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
  • Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using diet pills, medicine for depression (such as amitriptyline, imipramine, Norpramin®, Vivactil®), narcotic medicine (such as naltrexone, Nubain®, Stadol®, Revia®), or an MAO Inhibitor (Eldepryl®, Marplan®, Nardil®, Parnate®).
  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are using any medicines that make you sleepy (such as sleeping pills, cold and allergy medicine, narcotic pain relievers, or sedatives). Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have Addison's disease, asthma or other breathing problems, diabetes, gallbladder disease, glaucoma, heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney disease, liver disease, problems with urination, stomach or intestinal problems, thyroid disorder, or if you will be having any surgery. Tell your doctor if you have a history of stroke, seizures, head injury, mental illness, alcohol abuse, or drug abuse.
  • This medicine may be habit-forming. If you feel that the medicine is not working as well, do not take more than your prescribed dose. Call your doctor for instructions. Symptoms of an overdose may include: Extreme dizziness or weakness, shortness of breath, slow heartbeat, seizures, and cold, clammy skin.
  • This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.
  • Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after using this medicine for a few days. Call your doctor if you also have a high fever or sore throat.
  • This medicine may cause constipation. This is more common if you use it for a long time. Ask your doctor if you should also use a laxative to prevent and treat constipation.
  • When a mother is breastfeeding and takes codeine, there is a very small chance that this medicine could cause serious side effects in the baby. This is because codeine works differently in a few women, so their breastmilk contains too much medicine. If you take codeine, be alert for these signs of overdose in your nursing baby: sleeping more than usual, trouble breastfeeding, trouble breathing, or being limp and weak. Call the baby's doctor right away if you think there is a problem. If you cannot talk to the doctor, take the baby to the emergency room or call 911.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, and trouble breathing
  • Blistering, peeling, red skin rash
  • Decrease in how much or how often you urinate
  • Fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat
  • Severe confusion or weakness, ongoing headache, or shallow breathing

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

  • Blurred vision
  • Feelings of extreme happiness or sadness
  • Mild skin rash or itching
  • Muscle weakness
  • Nausea, vomiting, constipation, or dry mouth
  • Trouble sleeping
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