Medications and Drugs

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Brand Names: Cotab A, Cotab AX, Notuss-AC, Zodryl AC 25, Zodryl AC 30, Zodryl AC 35, Zodryl AC 40, Zodryl AC 50, Zodryl AC 60, Zodryl AC 80, Z-Tuss AC

Generic Name: chlorpheniramine and codeine (Pronunciation: KLOR fen IR a meed and KOE deen)

• What is chlorpheniramine and codeine (Cotab A, Cotab AX, Notuss-AC, Zodryl AC 25, Zodryl AC 30, Zodryl AC 35, Zodryl AC 40, Zodryl AC 50, Zodryl AC 60, Zodryl AC 80, Z-Tuss AC)?
• What are the possible side effects of chlorpheniramine and codeine?
• What is the most important information I should know about chlorpheniramine and codeine?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking chlorpheniramine and codeine?
• How should I take chlorpheniramine and codeine?
• What happens if I miss a dose?
• What happens if I overdose?
• What should I avoid while taking chlorpheniramine and codeine?
• What other drugs will affect chlorpheniramine and codeine?
• Where can I get more information?

What is chlorpheniramine and codeine (Cotab A, Cotab AX, Notuss-AC, Zodryl AC 25, Zodryl AC 30, Zodryl AC 35, Zodryl AC 40, Zodryl AC 50, Zodryl AC 60, Zodryl AC 80, Z-Tuss AC)?

Chlorpheniramine is an antihistamine that reduces the natural chemical histamine in the body. Histamine can produce symptoms of sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and runny nose.

Codeine is a narcotic cough suppressant. It affects the signals in the brain that trigger cough reflex.

The combination of chlorpheniramine and codeine is used to treat runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, watery eyes, and cough caused by allergies or the common cold.

Chlorpheniramine and codeine will not treat a cough that is caused by smoking, asthma, or emphysema.

Chlorpheniramine and codeine may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of chlorpheniramine and codeine?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• weak or shallow breathing;
• chest tightness, fast heart rate;
• painful urination;
• urinating less than usual or not at all; or
• confusion, hallucinations, or unusual behavior.

Less serious side effects may include:

• feeling restless or excited (especially in children);
• dizziness, drowsiness, loss of coordination;
• ringing in your ears;
• constipation or diarrhea;
• nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite;
• dry mouth, nose, or throat; or
• mild itching or skin rash.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about chlorpheniramine and codeine?

Do not take a cough and cold if you have used an MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) within the past 14 days. Serious, life-threatening side effects can occur if you take a cough and cold medicine before the MAO inhibitor has cleared from your body.

You should not take this medication if you are allergic to chlorpheniramine or codeine, or if you have severe high blood pressure or coronary artery disease, ischemic heart disease, a stomach ulcer, narrow-angle glaucoma, if you are having an asthma attack, if you are pregnant or breast-feeding, or if you are unable to urinate.

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have asthma or other breathing disorder, glaucoma, heart disease, high blood pressure, seizures, a thyroid disorder, diabetes, urination problems, stomach problems, liver or kidney disease, Addison's disease, mental illness, or a history of drug or alcohol addiction.

Codeine may be habit-forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for. This medication should never be shared with another person, especially someone who has a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medication in a secure place where others cannot get to it.

Do not give this medicine to a child younger than 6 years old.

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