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What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking chlorpheniramine, hydrocodone, and phenylephrine?

Do not take this medication if you have used an MAO inhibitor such as furazolidone (Furoxone), isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days. Serious, life threatening side effects can occur if you use chlorpheniramine, hydrocodone, and phenylephrine before the MAO inhibitor has cleared from your body.

You should not use chlorpheniramine, hydrocodone, and phenylephrine if you are allergic to it.

To make sure you can safely take this medication, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

• asthma, COPD, sleep apnea, or other breathing disorder;
• liver or kidney disease;
• heart disease or high blood pressure;
• diabetes;
• a thyroid disorder;
• curvature of the spine;
• a history of head injury or brain tumor;
• epilepsy or other seizure disorder;
• low blood pressure;
• glaucoma;
• gallbladder disease;
• Addison's disease or other adrenal gland disorders;
• enlarged prostate, urination problems;
• mental illness; or
• a history of drug or alcohol addiction.

Hydrocodone may be habit-forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for. Never share hydrocodone with another person, especially someone with a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medication in a place where others cannot get to it.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether chlorpheniramine, hydrocodone, and phenylephrine will harm an unborn baby. Hydrocodone may cause addiction or withdrawal symptoms in a newborn if the mother takes the medication during pregnancy. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using chlorpheniramine, hydrocodone, and phenylephrine.

It is not known whether chlorpheniramine, hydrocodone, and phenylephrine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take chlorpheniramine, hydrocodone, and phenylephrine?

Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

You may take this medication with or without food.

Measure liquid medicine with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Keep track of the amount of medicine used from each new bottle. Hydrocodone is a drug of abuse and you should be aware if anyone is using your medicine improperly or without a prescription.

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