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What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking codeine, dexchlorpheniramine, and phenylephrine (Vanacof CD)?

Do not take this medication 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 cough or cold medicine before the MAO inhibitor has cleared from your body.

You should not take codeine, dexchlorpheniramine, and phenylephrine if you have ever had an allergic reaction to it, or if you have:

• severe or uncontrolled high blood pressure;
• severe coronary artery disease;
• ischemic heart disease (reduced circulation of blood to the heart);
• glaucoma;
• stomach ulcer; or
• if you are unable to urinate;
• if you are having an asthma attack; or
• if you are breast-feeding a baby.

If you have certain conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take codeine, dexchlorpheniramine, and phenylephrine. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• heart disease or high blood pressure;
• asthma, COPD, sleep apnea, or other breathing disorders;
• diabetes;
• a thyroid disorder; or
• enlarged prostate.

FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby, and could cause addiction or withdrawal symptoms in a newborn. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

This medication may 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 if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Codeine may be habit-forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for. Codeine 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. Codeine is a drug of abuse and you should be aware if any person in the household is using this medicine improperly or without a prescription.

Older adults may be more likely to have side effects from this medication.

How should I take codeine, dexchlorpheniramine, and phenylephrine (Vanacof CD)?

Take this medication exactly as it has been prescribed by your doctor. Do not use the medication in larger amounts, or use it for longer than recommended. Cough or cold medicine is usually taken only for a short time until your symptoms clear up.

Take codeine, dexchlorpheniramine, and phenylephrine with food if it upsets your stomach.

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.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 7 days of treatment, or if you also have a fever, headache, or skin rash.

This medication can cause you to have unusual results with certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using codeine, dexchlorpheniramine, and phenylephrine.

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

Keep track of how much of this medicine been used from each new bottle. Codeine is a drug of abuse and you should be aware if any person in the household is using this medicine improperly or without a prescription.

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