chlorpheniramine, dihydrocodeine, and pseudoephedrine

Pronunciation:	klor feh NEER ah meen, dye hye droe KOE deen, sue do eh FEH drin
Brand:	Pancof

What is the most important information I should know about chlorpheniramine, dihydrocodeine, and pseudoephedrine?

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Chlorpheniramine, dihydrocodeine, and pseudoephedrine may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.

Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while taking chlorpheniramine, dihydrocodeine, and pseudoephedrine.

Chlorpheniramine, dihydrocodeine, and pseudoephedrine may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness, including antidepressants, alcohol, antihistamines, sedatives (used to treat insomnia), pain relievers, anxiety medicines, seizure medicines, and muscle relaxants. Tell your doctor about all medicines that you are taking, and do not take any other medicine without first talking to your doctor.

Dihydrocodeine is habit forming. It is possible become physically and/or psychologically dependent on the medication. Do not take more than the prescribed amount of medication or take it for longer than is directed by your doctor. Withdrawal effects may occur if chlorpheniramine, dihydrocodeine, and pseudoephedrine is stopped suddenly after several weeks of continuous use. Your doctor may recommend a gradual reduction in dose.

What is chlorpheniramine, dihydrocodeine, and pseudoephedrine?

Chlorpheniramine is an antihistamine. It blocks the effects of the naturally occurring chemical histamine in the body and reduces congestion.

Dihydrocodeine is a narcotic. It is a pain reliever and a cough suppressant.

Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant. It works by constricting (shrinking) blood vessels (veins and arteries) in the body. Constriction of blood vessels in the sinuses and nose decreases congestion.

Chlorpheniramine, dihydrocodeine, and pseudoephedrine is used to treat cough and nasal congestion associated with upper respiratory tract infections and allergies.

Chlorpheniramine, dihydrocodeine, and pseudoephedrine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking chlorpheniramine, dihydrocodeine, and pseudoephedrine?

Do not take chlorpheniramine, dihydrocodeine, and pseudoephedrine if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur, leading to serious side effects.

Before taking chlorpheniramine, dihydrocodeine, and pseudoephedrine, tell your doctor if you have

epilepsy or another seizure disorder;
been diagnosed with sleep apnea (periods of not breathing during sleep);
thyroid problems;
asthma;
gallbladder disease;
a head injury;
Addison's disease;
diabetes;
glaucoma;
an ulcer or an obstruction in the stomach;
bladder problems or difficulty urinating;
an enlarged prostate;
high blood pressure, irregular heartbeats, or any type of heart disease;
kidney problems; or
liver problems.

You may not be able to take chlorpheniramine, dihydrocodeine, and pseudoephedrine, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Chlorpheniramine, dihydrocodeine, and pseudoephedrine is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether chlorpheniramine, dihydrocodeine, and pseudoephedrine will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take chlorpheniramine, dihydrocodeine, and pseudoephedrine without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether chlorpheniramine, dihydrocodeine, and pseudoephedrine passes into breast milk. Do not take chlorpheniramine, dihydrocodeine, and pseudoephedrine without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

If you are over 60 years of age, you may be more likely to experience side effects from chlorpheniramine, dihydrocodeine, and pseudoephedrine. Your doctor may prescribe a lower dose of this medication.

The safety of chlorpheniramine, dihydrocodeine, and pseudoephedrine for children younger than 2 years of age has not been established.

How should I take chlorpheniramine, dihydrocodeine, and pseudoephedrine?

Take chlorpheniramine, dihydrocodeine, and pseudoephedrine exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand the directions on your prescription bottle, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain the instructions to you.

Chlorpheniramine, dihydrocodeine, and pseudoephedrine can be taken with or without food.

To ensure that you get a correct dose, measure the liquid form of chlorpheniramine, dihydrocodeine, and pseudoephedrine with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one.

Store chlorpheniramine, dihydrocodeine, and pseudoephedrine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

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 unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.

Symptoms of a chlorpheniramine, dihydrocodeine, and pseudoephedrine overdose include severe drowsiness, dizziness, headache, seizures, dry mouth, cold and clammy skin, flushing, nausea, vomiting, difficulty or decreased breathing, and unconsciousness.

What should I avoid while taking chlorpheniramine, dihydrocodeine, and pseudoephedrine?

Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while taking chlorpheniramine, dihydrocodeine, and pseudoephedrine.

What are the possible side effects of chlorpheniramine, dihydrocodeine, and pseudoephedrine?

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking chlorpheniramine, dihydrocodeine, and pseudoephedrine 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 chlorpheniramine, dihydrocodeine, and pseudoephedrine 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;
itching;
decreased urination;
increased sensitivity to sunlight.

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.

What other drugs will affect chlorpheniramine, dihydrocodeine, and pseudoephedrine?

Chlorpheniramine, dihydrocodeine, and pseudoephedrine may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness, including antidepressants, alcohol, sedatives (used to treat insomnia), pain relievers, anxiety medicines, and muscle relaxants. Tell your doctor about all medicines that you are taking, and do not take any medicine unless your doctor approves.

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

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist has more information about chlorpheniramine, dihydrocodeine, and pseudoephedrine written for health professionals that you may read.

What does my medicine look like?

Chlorpheniramine, dihydrocodeine, and pseudoephedrine is available with a prescription generically and under the brand names Pancof, and Hydro-Tussin DHC. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

Copyright 1996-2003 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 1.03. Revision date: 2/13/04.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.