Pholcodine + Promethazine is used to manage dry cough and provide relief from allergy symptoms, nausea, and motion sickness. It belongs to the group of antitussive (cough suppressant) and antihistamine medicines.
Secondary indications include the management of symptoms such as anxiety and agitation.
Drowsiness
Dizziness
Headache
Dry mouth
Nausea
Pholcodine + Promethazine is a combination medicine containing an opioid cough suppressant and a first-generation antihistamine.
Pholcodine acts directly on the cough centre in the brain, reducing its activity and thus suppressing the cough reflex. This essentially means it calms down that part of your brain that triggers coughing.
Promethazine works by blocking histamine, a natural substance in the body that causes allergic symptoms. By competing with histamine for binding at H1-receptor sites, it prevents histamine-induced effects, helping alleviate allergic symptoms like sneezing and itching. Additionally, its anticholinergic action helps reduce motion sickness and nausea while its sedative effect aids in reducing anxiety and promoting sleep.
Doctor of Medicine
BMS, FMC, MD Resident
Pholcodine + Promethazine is available in the form of oral syrup and tablets.
This medicine is primarily meant for adults.
It can be given to children as well, but the dose is typically calculated based on body weight.
Pholcodine + Promethazine should not be used by patients with hypersensitivity to either pholcodine, promethazine or any other ingredients present in the medicine.
The medicine is also contraindicated in individuals with certain medical conditions like respiratory depression, obstructive airway disease, acute asthma attack, liver impairment, closed-angle glaucoma and seizure disorders.
This combination can interact with CNS depressants (such as opioids, sedatives, hypnotics), anticholinergic medicines (such as Atropine, Scopolamine) and MAO inhibitors (like Isocarboxazid).
You must inform your doctor about all the medicines, supplements and herbal products you are currently taking before starting this medication.
In case of an overdose of Pholcodine + Promethazine, symptoms like dizziness, dry mouth, blurred vision and constipation might occur. If you experience these or other unusual symptoms, you need to seek immediate medical attention.
If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double your dose to compensate for the missed one.
Most side effects are temporary and generally harmless and resolve when discontinuing this medicine. However, if you experience any severe side effects or worsening of any of the symptoms, please consult your doctor.
To manage dizziness, try getting up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position.
To manage dry mouth, you may chew gum or suck on hard candy for relief.
Pholcodine + Promethazine can cause drowsiness and sedation which can affect your ability to drive or operate heavy machinery. It is advised to refrain from such activities when on this medication.
The safety of Pholcodine + Promethazine during pregnancy and lactation is not established. It is best to consult your doctor before taking this medicine if you are pregnant or nursing.
Patients with respiratory diseases like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) should use Pholcodine + Promethazine with caution as it may cause respiratory depression.
Also, those with liver or kidney disease, increased intraocular pressure, or prostatic hypertrophy should exercise caution while using Pholcodine + Promethazine.
Maintain good hydration to help manage dry mouth caused by the anticholinergic effect of promethazine.
A balanced diet can help strengthen your immune system, reducing the risk of infections that might lead to coughing.
Regular sleep is important for overall health. Good sleep hygiene includes limiting daytime naps, establishing a regular sleep schedule, creating a sleep-friendly environment, avoiding large meals before bedtime, and engaging in regular physical activity.
Frequently asked questions
No, Pholcodine + Promethazine is not a steroid. It is a combination medicine containing pholcodine, an opioid cough suppressant, and promethazine, a first-generation antihistamine.
Yes, one of the side effects of Pholcodine + Promethazine can be drowsiness or sedation due to the presence of promethazine which has sedative properties.
There is no specific information to suggest that Pholcodine + Promethazine can affect fertility. However, if you are trying for a baby or having fertility problems, you should discuss this with your doctor.
There are no specific diet restrictions while taking Pholcodine + Promethazine, but it is always best to eat a balanced diet when on any medication.
Pholcodine + Promethazine should be taken as directed by your doctor. The duration and frequency of use will depend on your condition and how well you respond to the medication.
The cough suppressant and antihistamine effects of Pholcodine + Promethazine begin within 20 minutes of intake.
Pholcodine + Promethazine can be taken at any time of day, but because it can cause drowsiness, some people prefer to take it in the evening.
Pholcodine + Promethazine in other salts
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