Diphenhydramine; Hydrocodone; Phenylephrine Oral Suspension

What is this medicine?

DIPHENHYDRAMINE; HYDROCODONE; PHENYLEPHRINE (dye fen HYE dra meen; hye droe KOE done; fen il EF rin) is a combination of an antihistamine, a cough suppressant, and a decongestant. It is used to treat the symptoms of the common cold, and of sinus and other upper respiratory tract infections. This medicine will help with a cough, and congestion in the nose or ears. This medicine will not treat an infection.

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Shake well before using. Use a specially marked spoon or container to measure each dose. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have one. Household spoons are not accurate. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take it more often than directed.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. This medicine is not approved for use in children.

Patients over 65 years old may have a stronger reaction and need a smaller dose.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• breathing problems

• changes in vision

• chest pain, tightness

• fast, irregular heartbeat

• high blood pressure

• nervous, restless

• numbness or tingling in the hands or feet

• seizures

• trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine

• unusually weak or tired

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• constipation

• drowsiness

• dry eyes, mouth

• loss of appetite

• nausea, vomiting

• stomach upset

• difficulty sleeping

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• alcohol

• ergot alkaloids like dihydroergotamine, ergonovine, ergotamine, methylergonovine

• MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate

• stimulant medicines like dextroamphetamine and others

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• antihistamines for allergy, cough and cold

• barbiturates like phenobarbital

• certain medicines for sleep

• digoxin

• furazolidone

• linezolid

• mecamylamine

• medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances

• medicines for urinary problems

• methyldopa

• muscle relaxants

• narcotic medicines (opiates) for pain

• procarbazine

• reserpine

• ritonavir

• some heart medicines like atenolol, propranolol

• some medicines for sleep during surgery

• St. John's Wort

• tramadol

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children. This medicine can be abused. Keep your medicine in a safe place to protect it from theft. Do not share this medicine with anyone. Selling or giving away this medicine is dangerous and against the law.

This medicine may cause accidental overdose and death if taken by other adults, children, or pets. Mix any unused medicine with a substance like cat littler or coffee grounds. Then throw the medicine away in a sealed container like a sealed bag or a coffee can with a lid. Do not use the medicine after the expiration date.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F).

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• asthma

• diabetes

• drug abuse or addiction

• glaucoma

• heart disease

• high blood pressure

• phenylketonuria

• stomach ulcer

• taken an MAOI like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, or Parnate in last 14 days

• thyroid disease

• trouble passing urine

• an unusual or allergic reaction to diphenhydramine, hydrocodone, phenylephrine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

You may develop tolerance to this medicine if you take it for a long time. Tolerance means that you will get less cough relief with time. Tell your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

Do not suddenly stop taking your medicine because you may develop a severe reaction. Your body becomes used to the medicine. This does NOT mean you are addicted. Addiction is a behavior related to getting and using a drug for a non-medical reason. If your doctor wants you to stop the medicine, the dose will be slowly lowered over time to avoid any side effects.

This medicine may cause dry eyes and blurred vision. If you wear contact lenses you may feel some discomfort. Lubricating drops may help. See your eye doctor if the problem does not go away or is severe.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medicine. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

This medicine will cause constipation. Try to have a bowel movement at least every 2 to 3 days. If you do not have a bowel movement for 3 days, call your doctor or health care professional.