Nucofed Side Effects

Generic name: codeine / pseudoephedrine

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Dec 24, 2023.

Note: This document contains side effect information about codeine / pseudoephedrine. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Nucofed.

Applies to codeine / pseudoephedrine: oral capsule, oral liquid, oral syrup.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Like other narcotic medications, codeine can slow your breathing. Death may occur if breathing becomes too weak.

A person caring for you should seek emergency medical attention if you have slow breathing with long pauses, blue colored lips, or if you are hard to wake up.

Stop using codeine and pseudoephedrine and call your doctor at once if you have:

• noisy breathing, sighing, shallow breathing;

• a slow heart rate or weak pulse;

• severe dizziness or drowsiness;

• severe restlessness; or

• severe constipation.

Serious side effects may be more likely in older adults and those who are overweight, malnourished, or debilitated.

Common side effects may include:

• drowsiness;

• blurred vision; or

• constipation.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to codeine / pseudoephedrine: oral capsule, oral liquid, oral syrup.

General

The more commonly reported adverse effects have included nausea, vomiting, and dizziness.^[Ref]

Respiratory

Codeine:

Frequency not reported: Respiratory depression^[Ref]

Respiratory depression has been associated with antitussive use of codeine in young children. Respiratory depression and death have occurred in children who received codeine in the postoperative period following tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy. Further investigation has shown these patients to be ultra-rapid metabolizers of codeine. Children with obstructive sleep apnea who are treated with codeine appear to be particularly sensitive to the respiratory depressant effects of codeine.^[Ref]

Nervous system

Codeine

Frequency not reported: CNS depression, lightheadedness, dizziness, sedation, headache, convulsions, weakness

Pseudoephedrine:

Frequency not reported: Restlessness, dizziness, weakness, headache, drowsiness, tremor^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

Codeine

Frequency not reported: Nausea, vomiting, constipation, biliary tract spasm, increased colonic motility, toxic dilation

Pseudoephedrine:

Frequency not reported: Nausea, vomiting, dry mouth^[Ref]

Patients with chronic ulcerative colitis may experience increased colonic motility, while patients with acute ulcerative colitis have experienced toxic dilation with codeine use.^[Ref]

Psychiatric

Codeine

Frequency not reported: Euphoria, dysphoria, transient hallucination, disorientation

Pseudoephedrine:

Frequency not reported: Hallucinations (particularly in children), anxiety, excitability, insomnia^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

Codeine

Frequency not reported: Tachycardia, bradycardia, palpitation, faintness, syncope, orthostatic hypotension, circulatory depression

Pseudoephedrine:

Frequency not reported: Tachycardia, palpitations, cardiac arrhythmias, hypertension, impaired circulation to the extremities^[Ref]

Dermatologic

Codeine:

Frequency not reported: Rash

Pseudoephedrine:

Frequency not reported: Fixed drug eruption in the form of erythematous nodular patches, rash^[Ref]

Genitourinary

Codeine

Frequency not reported: Oliguria, urinary retention, antidiuretic effect

Pseudoephedrine:

Frequency not reported: Urinary retention^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

Codeine

Frequency not reported: Pruritus, giant urticaria, angioneurotic edema, laryngeal edema^[Ref]

Ocular

Codeine

Frequency not reported: Visual disturbances

Pseudoephedrine:

Frequency not reported: Angle-closure glaucoma^[Ref]

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

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