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Chlorpheniramine / Codeine Dosage

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Oct 16, 2023.

Applies to the following strengths: 2 mg-10 mg/5 mL; 1 mg-3 mg/3 mL; 1 mg-3.5 mg/3.5 mL; 1 mg-4 mg/4 mL; 1 mg-4.5 mg/4.5 mL; 2 mg-5 mg/5 mL; 2 mg-7.5 mg/7.5 mL; 2 mg-10 mg/10 mL; 4 mg-15 mg/15 mL; 2 mg-9 mg/5 mL; 4 mg-10 mg; 4 mg-20 mg; 2 mg-8 mg/5 mL; 2.8 mg-14.7 mg/5 mL; 8 mg-54.3 mg

Usual Adult Dose for Allergic Rhinitis

Immediate-release (suspension, liquid, tablets):
1 dose orally every 4 to 6 hours as needed

Maximum doses should not exceed maximum dose of either of the single ingredient doses

Extended-release suspension: chlorpheniramine polistirex 2.8 mg/codeine polistirex 14.7 mg per 5 mL (equivalent to chlorpheniramine maleate 4 mg/codeine phosphate 20 mg per 5 mL)
10 mL orally every 12 hours
Maximum dose: 20 mL/24 hours

Comments:

Uses: For the temporary relief of cough due to minor throat and bronchial irritations as may occur with the common cold or inhaled irritants; temporarily decreases runny nose and reduces sneezing, itching of the nose or throat, and itchy, watery eyes due to hay fever or other upper respiratory allergies.

Usual Adult Dose for Cough and Nasal Congestion

Immediate-release (suspension, liquid, tablets):
1 dose orally every 4 to 6 hours as needed

Maximum doses should not exceed maximum dose of either of the single ingredient doses

Extended-release suspension: chlorpheniramine polistirex 2.8 mg/codeine polistirex 14.7 mg per 5 mL (equivalent to chlorpheniramine maleate 4 mg/codeine phosphate 20 mg per 5 mL)
10 mL orally every 12 hours
Maximum dose: 20 mL/24 hours

Comments:

Uses: For the temporary relief of cough due to minor throat and bronchial irritations as may occur with the common cold or inhaled irritants; temporarily decreases runny nose and reduces sneezing, itching of the nose or throat, and itchy, watery eyes due to hay fever or other upper respiratory allergies.

Renal Dose Adjustments

Use with caution, especially in patients with severe renal impairment

Liver Dose Adjustments

Use with caution, especially in patients with severe hepatic impairment

Dose Adjustments

Elderly: Use with caution generally starting at the lower end of the dosing range.

Precautions

The US FDA requires a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) for all opioids intended for outpatient use. The new FDA Opioid Analgesic REMS is a designed to assist in communicating the serious risks of opioid pain medications to patients and health care professionals. It includes a medication guide and elements to assure safe use. For additional information: www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/rems/index.cfm

US BOXED WARNINGS: ADDICTION, ABUSE, AND MISUSE; ; RISK EVALUATION AND MITIGATION STRATEGY (REMS); LIFE-THREATENING RESPIRATORY DEPRESSION; ACCIDENTAL INGESTION; ULTRA-RAPID METABOLISM OF CODEINE AND OTHER RISK FACTORS FOR LIFE-THREATENING RESPIRATORY DEPRESSION IN CHILDREN; MEDICATION ERRORS; CYTOCHROME CYP450 (CYP450) 3A4 INTERACTION; RISKS FROM CONCOMITANT USE WITH BENZODIAZEPINES OR OTHER CNS DEPRESSANTS; NEONATAL OPIOID WITHDRAWAL SYNDROME:


The US FDA recommends against use of codeine-containing cough and cold medications in patients less than 18 years because it has been determined that the risks outweigh benefits.

Safety and efficacy of extended-release oral suspension have not been established in patients younger than 18 years.
Safety and efficacy of immediate-release oral suspension have not been established in patients younger than 12 years.

Consult WARNINGS section for additional precautions.

US Controlled Substance: Schedule III (extended-release); Schedule V (immediate-release)

Dialysis

Data not available

Other Comments

Administration advice:


Storage requirements:

General:

Monitoring:

Patient advice:

Further information

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