Pholcodine+phenylephrine Hydrochloride
About Pholcodine+phenylephrine Hydrochloride
Pholcodine+phenylephrine Hydrochloride belongs to a class of medications called ‘respiratory stimulants’ primarily used to relieve dry cough and nasal congestion caused by colds, allergies, and post-nasal drip. A dry cough is a harsh, hacking cough that doesn't produce mucus, often caused by viral infections, allergies, asthma, and irritation from smoke or dust. Nasal congestion, on the other hand, is a stuffy nose that makes it hard to breathe due to inflamed or swollen nasal passages, commonly caused by colds, flu, allergies, sinus infections, and environmental factors such as tobacco smoke and pollution.
Pholcodine+phenylephrine Hydrochloride contains Pholcodine and Phenylephrine Hydrochloride. Pholcodine+phenylephrine Hydrochloride works by combining the effects of Pholcodine and Phenylephrine Hydrochloride. Pholcodine acts as a cough suppressant, relieving dry, irritating coughs by reducing the urge to cough. Phenylephrine hydrochloride, on the other hand, works as a decongestant, reducing nasal congestion by shrinking the blood vessels in the nasal passages, making it easier to breathe. Together, they provide effective relief from dry cough and nasal congestion.
Take Pholcodine+phenylephrine Hydrochloride as prescribed. You are advised to take Pholcodine+phenylephrine Hydrochloride for as long as your doctor has recommended, depending on your medical condition. Some people may experience loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, restlessness, or feeling excited. Most of these side effects of Pholcodine+phenylephrine Hydrochloride do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
Do not take Pholcodine+phenylephrine Hydrochloride if you are allergic to Pholcodine+phenylephrine Hydrochloride or any of its components. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, please inform your doctor before taking Pholcodine+phenylephrine Hydrochloride. Inform your doctor before taking Pholcodine+phenylephrine Hydrochloride if you have diabetes, an enlarged prostate, or an overactive thyroid. Also, notify your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, use monoamine oxidase inhibitors, or have chronic bronchitis, lung disease, bronchiolitis, or enlarged airways. Additionally, disclose if you are at risk of respiratory failure, have liver or kidney problems, consume alcohol or central nervous system depressants, or are elderly with high blood pressure, arteriosclerosis, glaucoma, or heart problems. Furthermore, mention if you use medications like digoxin, thyroid medicines, inhalation anesthetics, alpha-blockers, or beta-blockers. Pholcodine+phenylephrine Hydrochloride is not recommended for children under 2 years old as the safety and efficacy have not been established.
Uses of Pholcodine+phenylephrine Hydrochloride
Medicinal Benefits
Pholcodine+phenylephrine Hydrochloride is a combination medication that contains Pholcodine and Phenylephrine Hydrochloride, two active ingredients that provide several medicinal benefits. Pholcodine is an opioid cough suppressant that helps relieve dry coughs and has a mild sedative effect, which can help with sleep disturbances caused by persistent coughing. It is effective in suppressing unproductive coughs, making it easier to manage respiratory issues. On the other hand, phenylephrine hydrochloride is a decongestant that helps relieve nasal congestion, sinus pressure, and ear symptoms caused by colds, allergies, or flu. It provides temporary relief from stuffy nose, sinus, and ear symptoms, making it easier to breathe and sleep, and decreases swelling in the nose and ears, thereby lessening discomfort and making it easier to breathe.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Pholcodine+phenylephrine Hydrochloride
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Irritability
- Confusion
- Restlessness
- Feeling excited
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Difficulty in sleeping
- Sweating
Drug Warnings
Do not take Pholcodine+phenylephrine Hydrochloride if you are allergic to Pholcodine+phenylephrine Hydrochloride or any of its components. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, please inform your doctor before taking Pholcodine+phenylephrine Hydrochloride. Pholcodine+phenylephrine Hydrochloride is not recommended for children below 2 years of age. Drive only if you are alert after taking Pholcodine+phenylephrine Hydrochloride, as it may make you dizzy. Avoid consumption of alcohol with Pholcodine+phenylephrine Hydrochloride as it may increase dizziness. Inform your doctor before taking Pholcodine+phenylephrine Hydrochloride if you have diabetes, an enlarged prostate, or an overactive thyroid. Also, notify your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, use monoamine oxidase inhibitors, or have chronic bronchitis, lung disease, bronchiolitis, or enlarged airways. Additionally, disclose if you are at risk of respiratory failure, have liver or kidney problems, consume alcohol or central nervous system depressants, or are elderly with high blood pressure, arteriosclerosis, glaucoma, or heart problems. Furthermore, mention if you use medications like digoxin, thyroid medicines, inhalation anesthetics, alpha-blockers, or beta-blockers.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Pholcodine+phenylephrine Hydrochloride may interact with tricyclic antidepressants (amitriptyline, clomipramine, desipramine, doxepin, nortriptyline, trimipramine), antibacterial agents (furazolidone, linezolid), local anesthetics (cocaine), antimigraine agents (ergotamine), antineoplastic agents (procarbazine), and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (selegiline).
Drug-Food Interaction: Avoid alcohol as it may increase sleepiness and dizziness.
Drug-Disease Interaction: If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye), an overactive thyroid gland, or prostate problems, inform your doctor before taking Pholcodine+phenylephrine Hydrochloride.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionAvoid consumption of alcohol with Pholcodine+phenylephrine Hydrochloride as it may increase dizziness. However, if you have any concerns, please discuss them with your doctor.
Pregnancy
cautionConsult your doctor if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant before taking Pholcodine+phenylephrine Hydrochloride, as limited information is available.
Breast Feeding
cautionLimited information is available. Therefore, if you are a breastfeeding mother, please consult your doctor before taking Pholcodine+phenylephrine Hydrochloride.
Driving
cautionPholcodine+phenylephrine Hydrochloride may cause dizziness. Hence, drive only if you are alert after taking Pholcodine+phenylephrine Hydrochloride.
Liver
cautionPlease consult your doctor before taking Pholcodine+phenylephrine Hydrochloride if you have liver impairments or diseases, as limited information is available in such cases.
Kidney
cautionPlease consult your doctor before taking Pholcodine+phenylephrine Hydrochloride if you have kidney impairments or diseases, as limited information is available in such cases.
Children
cautionPholcodine+phenylephrine Hydrochloride should not be taken if your child is under the age of 2 years. Consult your doctor before giving Pholcodine+phenylephrine Hydrochloride to your child. Additionally, inform your child's doctor if they have chronic breathing problems or a history of drowsiness.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Wash your hands with soap and water regularly to prevent the spread of germs.
- Eat plenty of foods rich in good bacteria, like yoghurt, to improve overall health.
- Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.
- Gargle with salt water for relief from sore throat.
- Avoid alcohol consumption with Pholcodine+phenylephrine Hydrochloride as it may cause tiredness, drowsiness or lack of concentration.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Dry cough: It is also known as a non-productive cough and is a type of cough that does not produce mucus or phlegm. It is a persistent and often irritating cough that can be caused by various factors, including viral infections such as the common cold or flu, allergies, irritants like smoke, dust, or pollution, acid reflux, postnasal drip, and certain medications.
Nasal congestion: It is also known as stuffy nose or nasal blockage, is a condition where the nasal passages become blocked or swollen, making it difficult to breathe through the nose. This can be caused by various factors, including cold or flu, allergies, sinus infection, deviated septum, enlarged tonsils or adenoids, and environmental irritants like pollution, dust, or smoke. Symptoms of nasal congestion may include difficulty breathing through the nose, a stuffy or blocked nose, loss of smell, headaches, facial pain or pressure, and difficulty sleeping due to breathing difficulties.
FAQs
Pholcodine+phenylephrine Hydrochloride is used to relieve dry cough and nasal congestion, two common symptoms associated with various respiratory issues. It is primarily used to treat dry cough and nasal congestion caused by colds, allergies, and post-nasal drip. Pholcodine+phenylephrine Hydrochloride helps alleviate cough and congestion that often accompany the common cold, provides relief from cough and nasal congestion triggered by allergic reactions to pollen, dust, or other allergens, and helps to thin and clear excess mucus that drips down the back of the throat, causing cough and discomfort.
Pholcodine+phenylephrine Hydrochloride works by combining the effects of Pholcodine and Phenylephrine Hydrochloride. Pholcodine acts as a cough suppressant, relieving dry, irritating coughs by reducing the urge to cough. Phenylephrine hydrochloride, on the other hand, works as a decongestant, reducing nasal congestion by shrinking the blood vessels in the nasal passages, making it easier to breathe. Together, they provide effective relief from dry cough and nasal congestion.
You are recommended to avoid taking Pholcodine+phenylephrine Hydrochloride if you have diabetes, as it may increase blood sugar levels. Therefore, if you have diabetes, please inform your doctor before taking Pholcodine+phenylephrine Hydrochloride.
You are recommended to use Pholcodine+phenylephrine Hydrochloride for as long as your doctor has prescribed it. However, do not take Pholcodine+phenylephrine Hydrochloride for more than seven days unless advised by your doctor. If the symptoms persist or worsen even after using Pholcodine+phenylephrine Hydrochloride for seven days, please consult your doctor.
While using Pholcodine+phenylephrine Hydrochloride, avoid taking it with certain medicines, such as high blood pressure medications, and use caution if undergoing anesthesia. Also, be careful when driving or operating machines, as it may cause dizziness and sleepiness, and always follow the recommended dosage instructions. Avoid consumption of alcohol with Pholcodine+phenylephrine Hydrochloride as it may increase dizziness. Moreover, do not take Pholcodine+phenylephrine Hydrochloride for more than seven days unless advised by your doctor. If the symptoms persist or worsen even after using Pholcodine+phenylephrine Hydrochloride for seven days, please consult your doctor.
Store Pholcodine+phenylephrine Hydrochloride out of reach of children, at or below 30°C in a cool, dry place, and keep the container well closed. Do not refrigerate. When disposing of unused medicine, return it to your pharmacist and avoid disposing of it in drains, sewerage systems, or toilets.
It is recommended to exercise caution when driving after taking Pholcodine+phenylephrine Hydrochloride, as it may cause dizziness and sleepiness. If you experience these symptoms, it's best to avoid driving or operating heavy machinery.
Pholcodine+phenylephrine Hydrochloride may cause dizziness. Be careful when driving, operating machines, climbing stairs, or engaging in activities that require balance and coordination. If you experience dizziness, sit or lie down until the feeling passes. However, if the dizziness persists, consult your doctor.
You should avoid taking Pholcodine+phenylephrine Hydrochloride if you are allergic to Pholcodine+phenylephrine Hydrochloride or any of its components. Additionally, consult your doctor before taking Pholcodine+phenylephrine Hydrochloride if you have diabetes, an enlarged prostate, an overactive thyroid, pregnancy, or breastfeeding, or if you are using monoamine oxidase inhibitors. You should also consult your doctor if you have chronic bronchitis, lung disease, bronchiolitis, enlarged airways, are at risk of respiratory failure, or have liver or kidney problems. Furthermore, inform your doctor if you consume alcohol or central nervous system depressants or are elderly with high blood pressure, arteriosclerosis, glaucoma, or heart problems.
The common side effects of Pholcodine+phenylephrine Hydrochloride may include loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, restlessness, or feeling excited. Most of these side effects of Pholcodine+phenylephrine Hydrochloride do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
