What is Promethazine-Codeine: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Promethazine-Codeine overview

BRAND NAMES:

Generic Names:

  • Promethazine-Codeine

Uses:

  • Treats cough and runny or stuffy nose caused by flu, allergies, or the common cold. This medicine contains a narcotic cough suppressant.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Antitussive, Opioid/Antihistamine Combination

Forms:

  • Liquid

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What is Promethazine-Codeine used for?

Promethazine-Codeine is combination drug that contains an antihistamine and opioid cough suppressant that relieves symptoms of cold, flu, allergies. It targets a certain part of the brain to resist the urge to cough. This action relieves watery eyes, runny nose, sore throat, sneezing, and any other symptoms. Promethazine-Codeine should not be consumed by children below 18 as there are risky side effects, such as breathing problems.

What form(s) does Promethazine-Codeine come in

  • Liquid

What are common Promethazine-Codeine doses?

  • Ml Of Oral Solution 6.25mg/10mg/5ml

  • Ml Of Syrup 6.25mg/10mg/5ml

Common Promethazine-Codeine prescriptions

  • Promethazine-Codeine
    118ml of 6.25-10mg/5ml bottle

  • Promethazine-Codeine
    473ml of 6.25-10mg/5ml bottle

  • Promethazine-Codeine
    6.25mg/10mg/5ml ml of oral solution

How to take Promethazine-Codeine

  • 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 web site for locations. Here is the link to the FDA safe disposal of medicines website:www.fda.gov/drugs/resourcesforyou/consumers/buyingusingmedicinesafely/ensuringsafeuseofmedicine/safedisposalofmedicines/ucm186187.htm Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

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

  • Oral liquid: Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.

  • Drink plenty of liquids to help avoid constipation.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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 web site for locations. Here is the link to the FDA safe disposal of medicines website:www.fda.gov/drugs/resourcesforyou/consumers/buyingusingmedicinesafely/ensuringsafeuseofmedicine/safedisposalofmedicines/ucm186187.htm Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • Drink plenty of liquids to help avoid constipation.

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

  • Oral liquid: Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.

  • This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

What to do if you miss a dose of Promethazine-Codeine

  • 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.

  • Oral routeAsk your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Promethazine-Codeine contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to codeine, promethazine or similar medicines, or if you have breathing problems (including asthma). Do not give this medicine to a child younger than 6 years old.

Promethazine-Codeine warnings

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, bone marrow problems, heart or blood vessel disease, lung or breathing problems (such as sleep apnea or asthma), stomach or bowel problems (such as blockage, ulcerative colitis, ulcers), or a history of seizures or allergies. Tell your doctor if you have Addison disease, diabetes, glaucoma, enlarged prostate, trouble urinating, thyroid problems, a recent surgery, or a history of head injury. Tell your doctor if you have been addicted to alcohol or drugs.

  • This medicine may cause the following problems:High risk of overdose, which can lead to deathRespiratory depression (serious breathing problem that can be life-threatening)Neuroleptic malignant syndrome

  • This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you. Sit or lie down if you feel dizzy. Stand up carefully.

  • 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.

  • Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.

  • This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Wear sunscreen. Do not use sunlamps or tanning beds.

  • Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Promethazine-Codeine interactions

  • Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

  • This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you. You may also feel lightheaded when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position, so stand up slowly.

  • 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.

  • Some medicines can affect how promethazine/codeine works. Tell your doctor if you are using medicine to treat depression or anxiety (including MAO inhibitor).

  • Tell your doctor if you use anything else that makes you sleepy. Some examples are allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, and alcohol.

  • This medicine may cause constipation, especially with long-term use. Ask your doctor if you should use a laxative to prevent and treat constipation.

  • Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.

  • This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Wear sunscreen. Do not use sunlamps or tanning beds.

  • Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

Promethazine-Codeine side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Extreme dizziness or weakness, shallow breathing, slow or uneven heartbeat, sweating, cold or clammy skin, seizures

  • Lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting

  • 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 or nails, trouble breathing

  • Fever, confusion, muscle stiffness

  • Trouble breathing, shallow breathing, blue lips or nails

  • Muscle movement you cannot control

  • Fast or pounding heartbeat

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Mild constipation, dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea

  • Mild drowsiness or sleepiness

Subscribe to our savings newsletter

Health education, drug info, wellness & more

By clicking 'Subscribe', I agree to SingleCare's Terms & Conditions.