Health Library

Codeine/chlorpheniramine (By mouth)

Chlorpheniramine Maleate (klor-fen-IR-a-meen MAL-ee-ate), Codeine Phosphate (KOE-deen FOS-fate)

Relieves cough and other symptoms of allergies or cold. This medicine contains a narcotic and an antihistamine.

Brand Name(s):

Tuxarin ER

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Long Acting Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
• An overdose can be dangerous. Follow directions carefully so you do not get too much medicine at one time.
• This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.
• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose. Do not take more than 2 tablets in 24 hours.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Store the medicine in a safe and secure place. Drop off any unused narcotic medicine at a drug take-back location right away. If you do not have a drug take-back location near you, flush any unused narcotic medicine down the toilet. Check your local drug store and clinics for take-back locations. You can also check the DEA website for locations. Here is the link to the FDA safe disposal of medicines web site: www.fda.gov/drugs/resourcesforyou/consumers/buyingusingmedicinesafely/ensuringsafeuseofmedicine/safedisposalofmedicines/ucm186187.htm

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Do not use this medicine if you are using or have used an MAO inhibitor within the past 14 days.
• Some medicine can affect how codeine/chlorpheniramine works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:
  • Bupropion, carbamazepine, erythromycin, fluoxetine, ketoconazole, paroxetine, phenytoin, quinidine, rifampin, ritonavir
  • Benzodiazepine medicine
  • Diuretic (water pill)
• Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.
• Tell your doctor if you use anything else that makes you sleepy. Some examples are allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, and alcohol. Tell your doctor if you are using buprenorphine, butorphanol, nalbuphine, pentazocine, or a muscle relaxer.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, Addison disease, lung or breathing problems (including COPD), diabetes, pancreas problems, an enlarged prostate, trouble urinating. Tell your doctor if you have head injury, seizures, or a history of drug or alcohol use disorder.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • High risk of overdose, which can lead to death
  • Respiratory depression (serious breathing problem that can be life-threatening)
  • Serotonin syndrome, when used with certain medicines
  • Seizures
  • Low blood pressure
  • Adrenal gland problems
• This medicine may make you dizzy, drowsy, confused, or disoriented. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.
• This medicine can be habit-forming. Do not use more than your prescribed dose. Call your doctor if you think your medicine is not working.
• This medicine may cause constipation, especially with long-term use. Ask your doctor if you should use a laxative to prevent and treat constipation.
• Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.
• Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.
• This medicine could cause infertility. Talk with your doctor before using this medicine if you plan to have children.
• Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments. Call your doctor if your cough does not improve or if it gets worse within 5 days.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Anxiety, restlessness, fever, muscle spasms, twitching, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, seeing or hearing things that are not there
• Changes in skin color, dark freckles, cold feeling, tiredness, weight loss
• Extreme dizziness or weakness, shallow breathing, slow or uneven heartbeat, sweating, cold or clammy skin, seizures
• Lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting
• Severe constipation or stomach pain
• Shaking, trembling, fast or pounding heartbeat, hunger, confusion
• Sleepiness

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Constipation
• Dry mouth
• Headache

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 9/6/2024