Codeine Phosphate; Phenylephrine Hydrochloride; Promethazine Hydrochloride (Phenergan VC With Codeine; Phenergan With Codeine)
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For full prescribing information, click here.
Updated Boxed Warning
WARNING: ADDICTION, ABUSE, AND MISUSE; LIFE-THREATENING RESPIRATORY DEPRESSION; ACCIDENTAL INGESTION; ULTRA-RAPID METABOLISM OF CODEINE AND OTHER RISK FACTORS FOR LIFE-THREATENING RESPIRATORY DEPRESSION IN CHILDREN; PROMETHAZINE AND RESPIRATORY DEPRESSION IN CHILDREN; MEDICATION ERRORS; INTERACTIONS WITH DRUGS AFFECTING CYTOCHROME P450 ISOENZYMES; CONCOMITANT USE WITH BENZODIAZEPINES OR OTHER CNS DEPRESSANTS; NEONATAL OPIOID WITHDRAWAL SYNDROME
Addiction, Abuse, and Misuse
Promethazine HCl and Codeine Phosphate Oral Solution and Promethazine HCl, Phenylephrine HCl and Codeine Phosphate Oral Solution expose patients and other users to the risks of opioid addiction, abuse, and misuse, which can lead to overdose and death. Reserve Promethazine HCl and Codeine Phosphate Oral Solution and Promethazine HCl, Phenylephrine HCl and Codeine Phosphate Oral Solution for use in adult patients for whom the benefits of cough suppression are expected to outweigh the risks, and in whom an adequate assessment of the etiology of the cough has been made. Assess each patient's risk prior to prescribing Promethazine HCl and Codeine Phosphate Oral Solution or Promethazine HCl, Phenylephrine HCl and Codeine Phosphate Oral Solution, prescribe Promethazine HCl and Codeine Phosphate Oral Solution or Promethazine HCl, Phenylephrine HCl and Codeine Phosphate Oral Solution for the shortest duration that is consistent with individual patient treatment goals, monitor all patients regularly for the development of addition or abuse, and refill only after reevaluation of the need for continued treatment. [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]
Life-Threatening Respiratory Depression
Serious, life-threatening, or fatal respiratory depression may occur with use of Promethazine HCl and Codeine Phosphate Oral Solution or and Promethazine HCl, Phenylephrine HCl and Codeine Phosphate Oral Solution. Monitor for respiratory depression, especially during initiation of Promethazine HCl and Codeine Phosphate Oral Solution or and Promethazine HCl, Phenylephrine HCl and Codeine Phosphate Oral Solution therapy or when used in patients at higher risk [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].
Accidental Ingestion
Accidental ingestion of even one dose of Promethazine HCl and Codeine Phosphate Oral Solution and Promethazine HCl, Phenylephrine HCl and Codeine Phosphate Oral Solution, especially by children, can result in a fatal overdose of codeine [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].
Ultra-Rapid Metabolism of Codeine and Other Risk Factors for Life-Threatening Respiratory Depression in Children
Life-threatening respiratory depression and death have occurred in children who received codeine; most cases followed tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy, and many of the children had evidence of being an ultra-rapid metabolizer of codeine due to a CYP2D6 polymorphism. (5.3) Promethazine HCl and Codeine Phosphate Oral Solution and Promethazine HCl, Phenylephrine HCl and Codeine Phosphate Oral Solution is contraindicated in children younger than 12 years of age and in children younger than 18 years of age following tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy. (4) Avoid the use of Promethazine HCl and Codeine Phosphate Oral Solution and Promethazine HCl, Phenylephrine HCl and Codeine Phosphate Oral Solution in adolescents 12 to 18 years of age who have other risk factors that may increase their sensitivity to the respiratory depressant effects of codeine.
Promethazine and Respiratory Depression in Children
Postmarketing cases of respiratory depression, including fatalities have been reported with use of promethazine in pediatric patients. Children may be particularly sensitive to the additive respiratory depressant effects when promethazine is combined with other respiratory depressants, including codeine [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)].
Risk of Medication Errors
Ensure accuracy when prescribing, dispensing, and administering Promethazine HCl and Codeine Phosphate Oral Solution or Promethazine HCl, Phenylephrine HCl and Codeine Phosphate Oral Solution. Dosing errors can result in accidental overdose and death. Always use an accurate milliliter measuring device when measuring and administering Promethazine HCl and Codeine Phosphate Oral Solution or Promethazine HCl, Phenylephrine HCl and Codeine Phosphate Oral Solution [see Dosage and Administration (2.1), Warnings and Precautions (5.7)].
Interactions with Drugs Affecting Cytochrome P450 Isoenzymes
The effects of concomitant use or discontinuation of cytochrome P450 3A4 inducers, 3A4 inhibitors, or 2D6 inhibitors with codeine are complex, requiring careful consideration of the effects on the parent drug, codeine, and the active metabolite, morphine. Avoid the use of Promethazine HCl and Codeine Phosphate Oral Solution or Promethazine HCl, Phenylephrine HCl and Codeine Phosphate Oral Solution in patients who are taking a CYP3A4 inhibitor, CYP3A4 inducer, or 2D6 inhibitor [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9), Drug Interactions (7.1, 7.2, 7.3)].
Risks from Concomitant Use with Benzodiazepines or Other CNS Depressants
Concomitant use of opioids with benzodiazepines or other central nervous system (CNS) depressants, including alcohol, may result in profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death. Avoid the use of Promethazine HCl and Codeine Phosphate Oral Solution or Promethazine HCl, Phenylephrine HCl and Codeine Phosphate Oral Solution in patients taking benzodiazepines, other CNS depressants, or alcohol. [see Warnings and Precautions (5.10), Drug Interactions (7.4)]
Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome
Promethazine HCl and Codeine Phosphate Oral Solution or Promethazine HCl, Phenylephrine HCl and Codeine Phosphate Oral Solution is not recommended for use in pregnant women [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1)]. Prolonged use of Promethazine HCl and Codeine Phosphate Oral Solution or Promethazine HCl, Phenylephrine HCl and Codeine Phosphate Oral Solution during pregnancy can result in neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome, which may be life-threatening if not recognized and treated, and requires management according to protocols developed by neonatology experts. If Promethazine HCl and Codeine Phosphate Oral Solution or Promethazine HCl, Phenylephrine HCl and Codeine Phosphate Oral Solution is used for a prolonged period in a pregnant woman, advise the patient of the risk of neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome and ensure that appropriate treatment will be available [see Warnings and Precautions (5.20)].
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Cite this: Drug Safety Warnings and Updates: April-June 2018 - Medscape - Sep 10, 2018.
