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What should I discuss with my doctor before taking codeine and promethazine (Codeine Phosphate-Promethazine HCl, Promethazine HCl and Codeine Phosphate, Promethazine with Codeine)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to codeine or promethazine, or if you have high blood pressure, a blood vessel disorder, or asthma.

Do not give this medication to a child without medical advice. Always ask a doctor before giving a cough or cold medicine to a child. Death can occur from the misuse of cough and cold medicines in very young children.

To make sure you can safely take codeine and promethazine, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

• epilepsy or other seizure disorder;
• asthma, COPD, sleep apnea, or other breathing disorders;
• glaucoma;
• a stomach ulcer or digestive obstruction;
• a weak immune system;
• Addison's disease;
• enlarged prostate, urination problems;
• high or low blood pressure or heart disease;
• liver or kidney disease;
• underactive thyroid;
• gallbladder disease; or
• a head injury or brain tumor.

Codeine and promethazine may be habit forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for. Never share codeine and promethazine 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 codeine and promethazine will harm an unborn baby. Codeine and promethazine 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 codeine and promethazine.

Codeine can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. The use of codeine by some nursing mothers may lead to life-threatening side effects in the baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take codeine and promethazine (Codeine Phosphate-Promethazine HCl, Promethazine HCl and Codeine Phosphate, Promethazine with Codeine)?

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.

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.

Contact your doctor if your symptoms do not improve within a few days of using codeine and promethazine.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

Keep track of the amount of medicine used from each new bottle. Codeine and promethazine 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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