Codeprex

Codeprex is used to treat nasal congestion and coughs associated with allergies and the common cold. It contains chlorpheniramine and codeine. The brand name Codeprex has been discontinued, but generic chlorpheniramine and codeine tablets are still available.

Chlorpheniramine is an antihistamine. It blocks the effects of histamine in the body. Chlorpheniramine prevents sneezing; itchy, watery eyes and nose; and other symptoms of allergies and colds. Codeprex is a combination of chlorpheniramine and codeine.

Codeprex may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Take Codeprex exactly as directed. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Shake the liquid form of Codeprex well before measuring a dose. To ensure that you get a correct dose, measure the suspension with a dose-measuring spoon, dropper, or cup, not a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one. Do not mix the suspension with any other liquid before taking it. Mixing it with another liquid may change the way the medication is absorbed in the body. Codeprex can be taken with food if stomach upset occurs. Do not take more of this medication than is recommended. An overdose of this medication can cause serious harm. Codeine may be habit forming. Physical and/or psychological dependence can occur, and withdrawal effects are possible if the medication is stopped suddenly after prolonged or high-dose treatment. Do not stop taking Codeprex suddenly without first talking to your doctor if you have been taking it continuously for more than 5 to 7 days. Your doctor may want to gradually reduce the dose. Store Codeprex at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Codeprex may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities. Do not drink alcohol. Alcohol may cause severe drowsiness, breathing problems, coma, and death when taken with Codeprex.

Do not take more of this medication than is recommended. If your symptoms do not improve, or if they worsen, talk to your doctor.

This medication is not for use in children under 18 years of age. Children are at higher risk for life-threatening breathing problems.

Codeine may be habit-forming. Physical and/or psychological dependence can occur, and withdrawal effects are possible if the medication is stopped suddenly after prolonged or high-dose treatment. Do not stop taking Codeprex suddenly without first talking to your doctor if you have been taking it continuously for more than 5 to 7 days. Your doctor may want to gradually reduce the dose.

Do not take Codeprex without first talking to your doctor if you have

• an allergy to codeine, morphine, or other narcotic medications;
• kidney disease;
• liver disease;
• diabetes;
• glaucoma;
• a head injury;
• heart disease or high blood pressure;
• intestinal problems;
• Addison's disease;
• thyroid disease;
• asthma or lung disease; or
• difficulty urinating or an enlarged prostate.

You may not be able to take Codeprex, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.Use of this medication during pregnancy can cause withdrawal symptoms in your newborn baby that could be life-threatening. You should not take this medication if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor right away if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant. Codeine and chlorpheniramine pass into breast milk and can cause serious side effects in your baby, including increased sleepiness, breathing problems, and death. You and your doctor should decide if you will take this medication or breastfeed. You should not do both. If you are over 60 years of age, you may be more likely to experience side effects from Codeprex. Your doctor may prescribe a lower dose of the medication.

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Codeprex and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:

• an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives); or
• confusion, hallucinations, or unusual behavior.

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Codeprex and talk to your doctor if you experience

• dizziness, drowsiness, or sleepiness;
• restlessness or irritability;
• blurred vision;
• constipation;
• dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, or decreased appetite;
• muscle twitches;
• sweating; or
• itching.

Codeine may be habit-forming. Physical and/or psychological dependence can occur, and withdrawal effects are possible if the medication is stopped suddenly after prolonged or high-dose treatment. Do not stop taking Codeprex suddenly without first talking to your doctor if you have been taking it continuously for more than 5 to 7 days. Your doctor may want to gradually reduce the dose.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual, or that is especially bothersome.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.

Symptoms of a Codeprex overdose may include severe drowsiness, dizziness, headache, seizures, dry mouth, cold and clammy skin, flushing, large pupils, nausea, vomiting, difficulty or decreased breathing, blue colored skin, and unconsciousness.

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Codeprex may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities. Do not drink alcohol. Drinking alcohol with this medication can increase your chances of having serious side effects, including severe drowsiness, breathing problems, coma, and death.

Do not take other over-the-counter cough, cold, allergy, diet, or sleep aids while taking Codeprex without first talking to your doctor or pharmacist. Other medications may also contain chlorpheniramine, codeine, or other similar drugs. You may accidentally take too much of these medicines.

Codeprex may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness, including antidepressants, alcohol, other antihistamines, pain relievers, anxiety medicines, seizure medicines, and muscle relaxants. Severe drowsiness, breathing problems, coma, and death may occur if Codeprex is taken with benzodiazepines or other central nervous system depressants. Do not take a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) within 14 days of taking Codeprex.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Codeprex. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products.