Promethazine with codeine is a prescription medication used for certain cough symptoms and may cause significant drowsiness. Because it contains an opioid, it can also cause serious breathing problems, dependence, and other adverse effects when misused. Promethazine with codeine should only be used exactly as prescribed by a qualified healthcare professional. Avoid combining it with alcohol or other medicines that cause sleepiness unless your healthcare provider says it is safe. People should also understand possible side effects, precautions, and interactions before using it. If unusual sleepiness, slow breathing, or difficulty breathing occurs, seek emergency medical attention immediately.

Promethazine with codeine is a prescription medication commonly used to relieve coughs associated with allergies, colds, or other respiratory conditions. It combines two active ingredients that work together to reduce coughing and provide temporary symptom relief. Because it contains codeine, an opioid, this medication should only be used under the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider.

What Is Promethazine with Codeine?

Promethazine with codeine is a combination medication containing:

• Promethazine: An antihistamine that helps relieve allergy symptoms, nausea, and can reduce irritation that contributes to coughing.
• Codeine: An opioid cough suppressant that works by decreasing the brain’s urge to cough.

How Does Promethazine with Codeine Work?

This medication is intended for short-term treatment of specific types of cough and is available only with a prescription in many countries.

Common Medical Uses For Promethazine with Codeine?

Healthcare providers may prescribe promethazine with codeine for:

• Temporary relief of dry, persistent coughs.
• Coughs associated with upper respiratory infections.
• Allergy-related cough symptoms.

Side Effects For Promethazine with Codeine?

Like all medications, promethazine with codeine may cause side effects. Common side effects include:

• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Dry mouth
• Constipation
• Nausea

Safety Warning For Promethazine with Codeine?

Always take promethazine with codeine exactly as prescribed. Never increase the dose or take it more frequently than directed. Because codeine can cause drowsiness and slow breathing, avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how the medication affects you. Do not combine this medication with alcohol or other drugs that can cause drowsiness unless instructed by your healthcare provider.

Codeine

Codeine belongs to the opioid class of medicines. It can reduce coughing by acting on the central nervous system. It can also cause sedation and respiratory depression, meaning breathing may become slower or less effective.

Codeine can be habit-forming, and misuse or taking more than prescribed can increase the risk of overdose and other serious complications.

Promethazine

Promethazine is an antihistamine with sedating properties. It can help with certain allergy-related symptoms and can contribute to the sedative effects of the combination.

Because both components can cause central nervous system depression, taking this medicine with other substances that cause sleepiness can be particularly dangerous.

Can You Take Promethazine with Codeine and Alcohol?

Alcohol should be avoided unless a healthcare professional specifically tells you otherwise.

Alcohol can increase the sedative and respiratory-depressant effects associated with opioid medicines. The FDA-approved labeling warns that combining opioid-containing products with alcohol or other central nervous system depressants can result in profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, or death.

This is one reason it is important to tell your doctor or pharmacist about alcohol use and every medication or substance you are taking.

What Happens If You Miss a Dose?

Instructions can depend on why the medicine was prescribed and how frequently it was ordered.

If you forget a dose, do not automatically double the next dose. Follow the instructions on your prescription label or contact your pharmacist or healthcare professional for guidance.

What Happens in an Overdose?

An overdose involving codeine can be life-threatening because opioids can suppress breathing.

Possible warning signs include:

• Extreme sleepiness
• Difficulty waking
• Slow or shallow breathing
• Long pauses between breaths
• Weakness or loss of consciousness

If an overdose is suspected, treat it as an emergency and contact your local emergency medical service immediately. In the United States, Poison Help can be reached at 1-800-222-1222.