Codeine Polistirex/Chlorpheniramine Polistirex (By mouth)

KOE-deen pol-ee-STYE-rex, klor-fen-IR-a-meen pol-ee-STYE-rex

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

Drug classes

Antitussive, Opioid/Antihistamine Combination (About this – PubMed Health)

Uses

Uses of This Medicine

Codeine polistirex and chlorpheniramine polistirex combination is used to treat cough and respiratory symptoms associated with a cold or allergy.

Codeine polistirex is a narcotic cough suppressant. It acts directly on the cough center in the brain to prevent a cough. Chlorpheniramine polistirex is an antihistamine that treats or prevents the symptoms of an allergy.

When codeine polistirex is used for a long time, it may become habit-forming. This could cause mental or physical dependence. Physical dependence may lead to unwanted withdrawal effects if codeine is stopped suddenly. Talk to your doctor if you have questions.

This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.

Other uses (PubMed Health)

How To Use

Long Acting Suspension

Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

Shake the medicine well before you use it.

Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup. Do not use a household teaspoon.

Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

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 doses in 24 hours.

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

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

Some foods and medicines can affect how codeine and chlorpheniramine works. Tell your doctor if you are using the following:

Phenytoin MAO inhibitor (MAOI) within the past 2 weeks

Tell your doctor if you use anything else that makes you sleepy. Some examples are allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, and alcohol. Also tell him if you take medicine for anxiety or depression.

Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

When Not To Use

This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to codeine or chlorpheniramine.

Warnings

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, Addison disease, an enlarged prostate or trouble urinating, lung or breathing problems (including asthma), stomach or bowel problems, or an underactive thyroid. Tell your doctor if you have a history of head injury or drug or alcohol addiction.

This medicine may cause the following problems:

Respiratory depression (severe breathing problems) Risk of overdose, which can lead to death

This medicine may make you confused, dizzy, or drowsy. Do not drive or do anything 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.

Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone. Medicine that contains codeine can cause serious breathing problems and death in children.

Possible side effects

Summary More details

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

Blue lips, fingernails, or skin, trouble breathing

Extreme dizziness or weakness, shallow breathing, slow heartbeat, seizures, and cold, clammy skin

Lightheadedness or fainting

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

Blurred vision

Nausea, vomiting, constipation

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.

More side effects of this drug

Brand names include

Tuzistra XR

There may be other brand names for this medicine.