Pholcodine + Promethazine

Dosage Forms Available

• Pholcodine + Promethazine is available in the form of oral syrup and tablets.

Age and Dose Restrictions

• This medicine is primarily meant for adults.

• It can be given to children as well, but the dose is typically calculated based on body weight.

Contraindications

• Pholcodine + Promethazine should not be used by patients with hypersensitivity to either pholcodine, promethazine or any other ingredients present in the medicine.

• The medicine is also contraindicated in individuals with certain medical conditions like respiratory depression, obstructive airway disease, acute asthma attack, liver impairment, closed-angle glaucoma and seizure disorders.

Other Medications to Avoid

• This combination can interact with CNS depressants (such as opioids, sedatives, hypnotics), anticholinergic medicines (such as Atropine, Scopolamine) and MAO inhibitors (like Isocarboxazid).

• You must inform your doctor about all the medicines, supplements and herbal products you are currently taking before starting this medication.

Overdose and Missed Dose

• In case of an overdose of Pholcodine + Promethazine, symptoms like dizziness, dry mouth, blurred vision and constipation might occur. If you experience these or other unusual symptoms, you need to seek immediate medical attention.

• If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double your dose to compensate for the missed one.

Management of Side Effects

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

• To manage dizziness, try getting up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position.

• To manage dry mouth, you may chew gum or suck on hard candy for relief.

Use in Driving and Operating Machinery

• Pholcodine + Promethazine can cause drowsiness and sedation which can affect your ability to drive or operate heavy machinery. It is advised to refrain from such activities when on this medication.

Use in Pregnancy and Lactation

• The safety of Pholcodine + Promethazine during pregnancy and lactation is not established. It is best to consult your doctor before taking this medicine if you are pregnant or nursing.

Caution in Other Conditions

• Patients with respiratory diseases like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) should use Pholcodine + Promethazine with caution as it may cause respiratory depression.

• Also, those with liver or kidney disease, increased intraocular pressure, or prostatic hypertrophy should exercise caution while using Pholcodine + Promethazine.

Special Dietary and Lifestyle Recommendations

• Maintain good hydration to help manage dry mouth caused by the anticholinergic effect of promethazine.

• A balanced diet can help strengthen your immune system, reducing the risk of infections that might lead to coughing.

• Regular sleep is important for overall health. Good sleep hygiene includes limiting daytime naps, establishing a regular sleep schedule, creating a sleep-friendly environment, avoiding large meals before bedtime, and engaging in regular physical activity.