Chlorpheniramine + Codeine

Dosage Forms Available

• Chlorpheniramine + Codeine is available as tablets, solution, or extended-release suspension for oral administration.

Age and Dose Restrictions

• This medicine is meant for use by adults and children above the age of 18 years.

Contraindications

• This medicine is contraindicated in individuals with hypersensitivity to its components and patients with severe respiratory depression, a bowel obstruction known as paralytic ileus, and severe liver impairment.

Other Medications to Avoid

• Chlorpheniramine + Codeine may interact with other opioid pain medications (such as morphine and fentanyl), benzodiazepines (like lorazepam and diazepam), sleeping pills (such as zolpidem), muscle relaxants (like cyclobenzaprine), antidepressants (such as fluoxetine and amitriptyline), and medicines for Parkinson's disease (like bromocriptine and pramipexole), for overactive bladder (like oxybutynin and tolterodine), and for motion sickness or vertigo (like meclizine and scopolamine).

Overdose and Missed Dose

• An overdose can lead to severe drowsiness, difficulty breathing, and confusion. If overdose symptoms occur, seek immediate medical attention.

• If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Management of Side Effects

Most side effects are temporary and generally harmless and resolve when discontinuing this medicine. However, if you experience severe side effects or worsening symptoms, please consult your doctor.

• To manage drowsiness, consider taking the medicine at bedtime.

• For dry mouth, drink plenty of fluids or use ice chips.

Use in Driving and Operating Machinery

• This medicine may cause marked drowsiness or dizziness. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how this medicine affects you.

Use in Pregnancy and Lactation

• This combination is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. It may harm the foetus and can pass into breast milk, affecting the nursing baby. Consult your doctor before using this medication if pregnant or breastfeeding.

Caution in Other Conditions

• Caution is advised in using this medicine if you have breathing problems such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or sleep apnoea, narrow-angle glaucoma, and kidney disease or urinary retention.

Special Dietary and Lifestyle Recommendations

• Drink plenty of fluids to help relieve congestion and keep hydrated.

• Eat balanced meals to support overall health; include fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains in your diet.

• Maintain a regular sleep schedule to help manage fatigue associated with colds and allergies.

• Avoid exposure to allergens like pollen, pet dander, and dust mites by keeping your living environment clean. Use air purifiers if necessary.

• Limit or avoid smoking and exposure to second-hand smoke as it can exacerbate respiratory symptoms.

• Manage stress through relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, or breathing exercises which can help alleviate symptoms triggered by stress.