Promethazine+Pholcodiene

Uses	Dry cough, allergy
Therapy	Cough Cold Preparation
Side Effects	Nausea, dizziness, skin rash, drowsiness, vomiting, constipation, excitement, confusion

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Molecule Description

Promethazine+Pholcodiene is used to treat cough. It consists of Pholcodine and Promethazine, which treat dry cough and allergy symptoms. Promethazine works by blocking the function of a chemical messenger that causes cough in allergy sufferers. Pholcodine reduces the activity of the cough centre in the brain.

Uses

As per the CDSCO, the use of Promethazine+Pholcodiene will treat dry cough and allergy.

Contraindications

When should one not use Promethazine+Pholcodiene

If you have Asthma
If you have been diagnosed with a lung condition like Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease(COPD)

Side effects

Common side effects of this drug are:

Nausea
Dizziness
Skin rash
Drowsiness
Vomiting
Constipation
Excitement
Confusion

Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy

Do not consume Promethazine+Pholcodiene during pregnancy unless your doctor suggests it's necessary. Before prescribing the medicine to you, your doctor might consider the advantages and possible hazards.

Breast Feeding

Breastfeeding while using Promethazine+Pholcodiene may be unsafe. You can only use Promethazine+Pholcodiene with your doctor's approval.

Driving

Some people may experience weariness and sleepiness after using Promethazine+Pholcodiene, which can be dangerous.

Alcohol

Do not take alcohol with Promethazine+Pholcodiene since it may cause drowsiness.

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if

You have had a previous liver illness. Depending on the medical condition and response to therapy, your doctor may need to adjust your dosage.
You have chronic kidney disease.
You have heart disease or a history of heart failure.
You have diabetes.
You have a calcium or potassium deficiency.
You have a cold or cough, which can stress the immune system, which increases the likelihood of being ill.
You have drug or alcohol addiction.
You are a child below 18 years of age.

Mode of Action

How Does It Work?

Promethazine+Pholcodiene is a mixture of two medications: Promethazine and Pholcodine. Promethazine is used to treat allergies. It inhibits the function of histamine, a chemical messenger that causes cough in allergic sufferers. Pholcodine is a cough reducing medicine. It reduces the activity of the cough centre in the brain, which suppresses cough.

Interactions

Interactions with other medicines

Promethazine+Pholcodiene may cause serious adverse effects and reduce the medicine's efficiency when taken with some medicines. Hence, avoid taking it with the following medicines:
Antipsychotic medicine such as Haloperidol, Chlorpromazine, Clozapine, Amitriptyline
Painkillers like Pentazocine
Renin-inhibitors including Aliskiren
Any gastroprokinetic agent like Cisapride
Antidepressant such as Citalopram; anti-anxiety medicine such as Alprazolam
Prokinetic agents like Metoclopramide
An antiarrhythmic agent such as Quinidine
Antibiotic including Ciprofloxacin
Promethazine+Pholcodiene may cause an interaction if consumed with any of the medicines mentioned above. The interaction between these two medicines can cause an adverse effect on the body. Additionally, in some cases, these medicines interact with each other decreasing the effectiveness of either.

Interactions with food items

There is no considerable interaction between Promethazine+Pholcodiene and food. However, avoid giving the child fried or spicy foods since it might induce coughing and throat discomfort in children.

Dosage

Overdose

In the instance of an overdose, seek medical help immediately. For example, if the individual has a seizure, has passed out, is having problems breathing, contact emergency services right away. The overdose symptoms include difficulty breathing, slowed or delayed breathing, fainting, lightheadedness, and loss of consciousness.

Missed a Dose

As early as you recall, take the overdue dosage. Skip the missing dose and return to your usual dosing plan if another dosage is approaching. Do not consume a double amount to make up for an absent dosage.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Yes, Promethazine+Pholcodiene may cause drowsiness or sleepiness. Until you know how the medicine impacts you, avoid operating machinery, driving, working at heights, or engaging in potentially risky activities. Inform your doctor priorly if you have a seizure while having this prescription.

Yes, Promethazine+Pholcodiene might make your mouth dry. Drink enough water if you have a dry mouth. Take little sips throughout the day, and have a water bottle by your bedside at night.

No, taking a higher dose than prescribed may not be more effective, instead, it may raise your risk of significant side effects and toxicity. If your symptoms become more severe and are not resolved by the prescribed doses, please see your doctor for a re-evaluation.

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References:

Promethazine: Aphasia and muscle weakness on the right side following promethazine administration through an inadvertently placed peripherally inserted central venous catheter: case report. React Wkly [Internet]. 2017 [cited 2026 Jun 1];1649(1):211–211.

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